UPDATE: I completed this goal! Check out the picture post here.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out yesterday’s post, where I share my 8 BIG GOALS for these 43 days.
And be sure to read to the end of this post to check out my exciting giveaway!
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Big Goal #1 will be expounded upon as I go through the month and re-read my highlights from It Starts With Food. In short, we’re doing a Whole30 from now through the end of July. I am so excited!
Big Goal #2 has already been super-fun, and I am so excited to share it with you! Here it is:
In an effort to broaden my Paleo food horizons and experiment with some new styles of cooking, I’ve decided to make each and every recipe from Well Fed during the next 41 days (kinda “Julie and Julia” style, ya know?).
We started our challenge on Tuesday, and our meals have been INSANELY DELICIOUS so far! To be honest, I was starting to get into a little cooking rut – only cooking things that I’ve made a bazillion times (hey, they’re easy and delicious, so why not?). But my sweet husband has hinted around a little lately that maybe we should try some new recipes. That sounded like a challenge!
This kinda goes against one of the “keep it simple” tips in my eBook (Easy Paleo: 21 Practical Ways to Simplify Your Paleo Life, $4.99), but it’s just for a one-month challenge, so I can handle it! Generally, trying to use a recipe every night isn’t the best idea… but this is going to be SO fun!
As I read through my new favorite book of all time, It Starts With Food, I learned that Melissa Joulwan’s Well Fed is completely Whole30-approved and recommended (except for one very desserty recipe at the end). This was really exciting to read! I LOVE Melissa’s work (check out my interview with her here – what a cool chic!). She has an amazing website, and her book is so lovely. I’ve made lots of recipes from her site (including Chocolate Chili), and they have all been delish, so I knew we were in for a treat!
Here’s a look at what we’ve had so far, and a peek at what’s in store for the end of the week!
Monday
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Good grief, this was good! Just looking at the picture makes my mouth water!
First on the list, Salmon a l’Afrique du Nord (Well Fed, p. 103). Wow. That’s basically all I have to say. To be honest, I’ve never cooked salmon on my own before, so this was really a challenge! And to top it off, the recipe has you cook the entire 2-pound filet in one piece… yikes! So when I went to Whole Foods to pick up a few things, I stopped by the meat and fish counter and spotted a beautiful piece of wild-caught Alaskan salmon. The clerk was even able to tell me exactly where in Alaska it was caught (Anchorage), and who the fishermen were… very cool! This was not a cheap piece of fish, so I was a little nervous about botching the recipe!
I followed Melissa’s instructions to the letter (except for the fact that we don’t have a grill… I used my oven broiler instead), and the fish came out beautifully. I’ll tell you how it tasted in a moment.
Next up, we had Cumin-Roasted Carrots (Well Fed, p. 115). Wow again. Who knew that carrots could taste so freakin’ good? The spices blended perfectly with the salmon, and the carrots were juicy and succulent with the tiniest little crunch deep inside. Amazing.
Finally, we added Turkish Chopped Salad (Well Fed, p. 141). This blend of chopped, raw veggies is perfectly spiced, full of flavor, and so good for you! And I loved the excuse to use raw radishes… YUM.
All in all, this was seriously the most gourmet-tasting meal I have ever cooked. My husband and I were saying “wow…” with almost every bite. And the best part? None of it was difficult! The most time-consuming part was probably chopping all the veggies for the salad… but turn on a good podcast, and you’re good to go.
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Tuesday
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On Tuesday, we had another delicious dinner!
First off, Meatza Pie (Well Fed, p. 77). Now, this is what I call a pizza crust… MEAT! This recipe does not look complex, but the flavors are insane. I started off by making Melissa’s blend of Italian Sausage Seasoning (Well Fed, p. 49), and then pressing it into the beef before forming a crust in the bottom of a baking dish. Once that is cooked, you make up the simple sauce recipe, which includes Pizza Seasoning (Well Fed, p. 49), and just toss on whatever veggies you have available. I have ALOT of yellow squash right now, so I used that, some broccoli, some onions, and some bell peppers. This dish was easy, spicy, and delicious!
As a side dish, we had Greek Broccoli (Well Fed, p. 117). What a cool recipe! I would never thing to toss broccoli with tomato paste and a bunch of fabulous spices, but it totally works! We really enjoyed this dinner.
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Wednesday
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Last night’s dinner consisted of Grilled Chicken Thighs (Well Fed, p. 29) over Steam-Sauteed Veggies (Well Fed, p. 33). As I mentioned above, we do not have a grill, so I followed Melissa’s “No Grill?” instructions… very handy! Why in the world have we not been eating more chicken thighs?? They are DELICIOUS! I don’t know why, but we usually spring for boneless, skinless breasts… and now I know that those are far less flavorful! I picked up some organic thighs from Costco, and boy, they were tender and juicy!
As a side dish, we made a big salad with Creamy Italian Dressing (Well Fed, p. 59). Most amazing salad dressing I have ever had. Period.
My salad consisted of mixed greens, baby spinach, raspberries, blueberries, oranges, avocado chunks, slivered almonds, and cucumbers. So, so, so good. The dressing was so amazing that we actually “sopped it up” on our chicken thighs and scarfed it down.
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Thursday
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We didn’t get enough chicken thighs last night (seriously, we both wanted them again!), so I baked this again, but with a different spice mixture: Ras el Hanout (Well Fed, p. 47). What an amazing spice blend! It contains cumin, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cayenne, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Can you smell it already? I can! It is amazing. I sprinkled the seasoning over the chicken before baking, and it gave it a beautiful flavor.
As a base, I also made Creamy Spice Market Kale (Well Fed, p. 111). Have you ever had moist, juicy kale? I hadn’t before tonight… the coconut milk in the recipe truly does make it creamy and wonderful. But be prepared – it is definitely spicy! We loved every bite.
We had a good amount of salad and dressing leftover from last night, so we were thrilled to enjoy that again!
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Friday
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Tomorrow night we are having dinner with some friends, and I’m bringing the food. I’m making Shepherd’s Pie (Well Fed, p. 97), and I am so excited! This will be my first experience with ground lamb, and I can’t think of many things I love more than mashed cauliflower (Well Fed, p. 113), so I’m sure it will be delish!
UPDATE: Check out the picture! This was delicious… My lamb didn’t arrive in time, so I made the “Cottage Pie” variation from the book (ground beef instead of lamb).
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Saturday
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On Saturday, we’re going to visit some Paleo friends who live near our beef farmer, so we’ll pick up an order on the way! Blair and I met through my Facebook page, and we’ve had lunch a few times. We’ve had so much fun, that we decided our hubbies should meet as well! Three cheers for Paleo meet-ups! Blair is cooking for us, and I’m bringing a few side dishes (probably the Cumin-Roasted Carrots and Turkish Chopped Salad recipes that I tried earlier in the week – they are definitely winners!).
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Sunday
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On Sunday, I’m making Waldorf Tuna Salad (Well Fed, p. 67). I have recently fallen in love with tuna, so this is sure to be delicious!
Update: Here’s the picture, and YES – it was amazing!!
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Also, as a snack this week, we enjoyed Carmelized Coconut Chips (Well Fed, p. 153). I cannot believe how much these crispy little goodies taste like popcorn! I will definitely be cooking up a batch before our next movie outing. Fo’ sho.
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Who loves a GIVEAWAY?
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Seriously, people… not only is Melissa Joulwan a culinary genius, she is also such a sweetheart! She emailed me today and offered a SIGNED COPY of Well Fed to one lucky winner… cool, huh?? I’m also throwing in a copy of my eBook, Easy Paleo: 21 Practical Ways to Simplify Your Paleo Life. What a great combo!
Here are the rules:
1. Commit to doing a Whole30 yourself!
2. “Like” the Easy Paleo Facebook Page
3. Either “like” The Clothes Make The Girl on Facebook, OR follow Melissa on Twitter (@melicious)
4. SHARE this giveaway post with your friends on your own FB page (I will be able to see the “shares” under the post).
(The “share” button is directly under the FB post ON FACEBOOK – right beside the “like” button).
5. Comment on this post, letting me know that you’ve done all the steps above, and the dates of your own Whole30.
Easy peasy, huh? Get on it! You NEED both of these books!
Drawing will be done on July 1st, 2012.
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Be sure to check out the next post: Natural Skin Care!
You are inspiring me to start the Whole 30. I just got their new book(It Starts with Food) and am in the process of reading it so that I know what is going on. Planning on starting Whole 30 on June 30th or July 1st. Hoping it will make this fight against Candida easier and keep me honest with the food cravings. I have done all the above steps. Thank you for this wonderful offer!
Christine, that’s exciting! By the time you are finished with the book, you will be DYING to start a Whole30… it’s an amazing experience that truly does change your life.
-Jennie
done and shared 🙂 i’ve been following all of the above anyway! dates are june 18 – at least july 15th
the meatza looks so delicious. i have no idea how you have time to make 1+ new recipe every night…i’d be so worn out after 2 days (cooking just stresses me out somehow, haha)
Krista, that’s awesome! Good luck to you!
It was delicious… I wish I had some right now!
New recipes are therapeutic for me… It’s like a treasure hunt to line up all the ingredients, and then SO FUN to see how they taste together! I just love it. But I’ve tried to keep most of our evenings free after 5:00 during these 43 days, so that definitely helps me have more time than usual to cook. 🙂
-Jennie
I have already been liking your Easy Paleo and the Clothes that Make the Girls’ FB pages! Great stuff! And I’ve started a 90 day strict paleo, and I just finished Day 6! I can see every other way to share this giveaway except FB, so I tweeted it and pinned it. Hope that counts!
Awesome! The “share” button is directly under the Facebook post (right next to the “like” button under the actual post). That’s actually where I’ll start when I choose the winner, so be sure to do that part.
-Jennie
I got this notice through my email, not FB. On this page I can’t see any FB options. I just went to your FB page and shared it from there.
am i suppose to comment here, or on facebook? 🙂 oops.
i took a look at the preview 30 pages and you’re so right, i TOTALLY want it! 🙂 i’ve been paleo since november, starting with a whole 30 then and “re-started” in june (the more strict whole 30). fell off the wagon somewhat last week because my in-laws were in town, but i’m back on and am excited to follow along. the recipes will make it so much more fun this time around…. 🙂
Very exciting!! YAY for you!!
-Jennie
Done (x5). Like Marni, I could not find a share on Facebook link either. I also tweeted it and posted it manually on FB. Thanks for another great giveaway! I love all the contests the paleo community runs!
Josh, when is your upcoming Whole30? The “share” button is directly under the Facebook post (right next to the “like” button under the actual post). That’s actually where I’ll start when I choose the winner, so be sure to do that part.
-Jennie
We’re going to take the challenge and begin Whole30 July 6 or 7th. (We have to wait for the next pay day to begin!) Thanks for the info and encouragement. Looking forward to hearing more recipes & looking here for ways to organize and prep for Whole 30.
Fantastic! I’m excited for you!
-Jennie
I am hoping to enter the giveaway as well, but there is no share button for FB.
Posted that too soon on accident!
I have done a Whole30 in the past and can’t wait to do another one. I am pregnant right now and don’t quite feel comfy at the moment completing one.
I like you both on FB!
I plan on sharing as soon as there is a button. 😉 I have read through the posts and see that you say there is one, but there isn’t. There definitely is a “Like” button for the post, but nothing to share it on FB, only to Share on Linked In and pinterest.
The “share” button is directly under the Facebook post (right next to the “like” button under the actual post). That’s actually where I’ll start when I choose the winner, so be sure to do that part. 🙂
-Jennie
There is one “Like” button under the Post Title and date of the Post. Under that there is a very large photo of the Well Fed Cookbook. There is also a Tweet button next to the like and a Share button with a funky symbol (when I click on that I can share in dozens of places, but none of them FB).
It must be different on different computers, because I can already see that many have “shared.” Hmmm… interesting!
-Jennie
Ah-hah!! You mean to go on FACEBOOK and share it? Some posts on blogs have a FB Share button on the blog post, but yours doesn’t. Duh!
Yes! YAY!! Glad it worked out. 🙂
-Jennie
I liked and shared as instructed. I hope I win! My Whole 30 started June 21 and like you, I’m extending it out to July 31st. I’m leaving that day for a weeklong conference so I know there will be some off-roading then, but I have plans to keep it pretty clean (just not squeaky!) I made a wonderful meatza last night and will enjoy the leftovers for lunch today. My favorite topping is onions caramelized in bacon grease – it makes me not miss the cheese AT ALL. I also crumble the bacon I made to render the grease on top at the end. Add a few red peppers and I’m good to go. Magic.
Fantastic! And I am LOVING your caramelized onion idea… I will definitely have to steal that! Thank you!
-Jennie
*sigh* I don’t FB or Twitter. Bummer as I am on my first Whole30 (Day 14) and reading ISWF…..Debating that it just might be worth it to FB just to win this!!!! 🙂 Would a blog post be a worthy substitute?
Kimberly, I’ll accept that! Glad you’re here!
-Jennie
🙂 I just did all the steps (I think) on FB. For some reason my Kimberlys Cup name isn’t showing up on your comment part. So I am the anonymous person. Now I remember why I don’t FB.
Thanks Kimberly!
-Jennie
I followed all the steps…my W30 started on Wednesday, June 20 and you have inspired me to continue until July 31…so W42! Here we go!
Liked both FB pages, and I already follow @melicious on Twitter! Also shared the FB page on my wall. I’m planning on doing my Whole30 starting July 8th through August 6th. Thanks for doing this giveaway! I’m trying to be a better cook (my husband does 95% of the cooking) and learn some new Paleo recipes!
Sweet! Good for you!
-Jennie
Hi!! I’ve already like the two pages above on FB and I shared the post on my wall. I started my Whole30 this past Wed (6/20). Yay! So excited to see changes!! 🙂
Awesome!! Keep us posted on your results!
-Jennie
I’ve debated on doing the Whole30 for a couple of months now, but realized a couple of days ago, that I just need to commit to it and DO IT. So this came at the perfect time!! July 1st will be when I start.
I already like both pages on FB!!
And just shared the post too.
Good for you! It will definitely change your life. Enjoy!
-Jennie
Liked and Shared! I just graduated from nursing school and my plan is to adapt the Paleo lifestyle and start the Whole30 on July 1. I’m just now getting a chance to experience life outside of school and want to do so as a healthy “WellFed” person.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing, Michelle!
-Jennie
Liked and shared!
I started my W30 June 19….really looking to get back on track with my Paleo ways as I have veered off the path the last couple of months. Life, stress….it all gets in the way sometimes! Here’s to success!!!! Thank you for your blog. It’s always a delight to read!
Go Karen! That’s exciting!
And thank you so much for the kind words… they mean so much.
-Jennie
I have done all the above requirements. This is my 2nd whole 30.
Jeff
Completed all steps. I tend to follow this sort of way of eating anyways but I’ll go ahead and say I’ll start from July 1 through August 1.
Nice!
Whoo hoo! Thanks for the giveaway. This one was easy since I had previously “liked” both EasyPaleo and ClothesMakeTheGirl. I’m also started my own Whole30 on June 15, so I’m about a week in. (This seems to be the Summer of Whole30 – I have a bunch of friends, teammates, and co-workers all doing them staggered out over the summer. I might even be doing another in August in a show of support for a friend doing her first one!) Also shared on FB!
Fantastic! Good for you!
-Jennie
Done! Thanks for the giveaway! I’ll be starting my Whole 30 on July 1st.
This is such a great resource that was shared On Facebook as instructed and I looked it up. So far it has been a great resource to really kickstart my paleo experience. I previously did a paleo 2week and found it quite challenging. After starting a great workout system, (crossfit) I have been inspired to do a longer cardio. Whole 30 starts on Monday as I M out of town till then!
Shared and pages like as required!
Sami
Fantastic! Good luck to you!
-Jennie
All requirements met!
I just finished a whole 30 about a week ago and am planning on doing another from July 6 to August 5.
I’d love to win a copy of Well Fed, as I kinda felt a bit limited in what I could eat during the whole 30. Melissa’s amazingly creative and I wanna cook her delicious-looking food!
That’s great, Joi!
And yes… her food is SO delicious!
-Jennie
For the life of me, I cannot find a share button on my facebook (on iPad)! I did all of the others, though! I plan to start on July 1.
DONE…Whole 30 starting July 1st!
SWEET!
I liked the facebook pages and i shared your giveaway post! I usually never purchase books because they are expensive and unfortunately my local library doesnt carry too many “paleo” books. So, thankyou for hosting such a great giveaway!
I liked the facebook pages and shared the post. I’m so excited! I’ve been thinking about really committing to a Whole30 for a while now, and now is the time!
Nice! Great to hear!
-Jennie
I liked everything and shared this giveaway on my blog’s facebook page. I’m currently on day 23 of my first whole 30! Started June 7, done July 7! The best way to describe how Whole 30 is making me feel: like a rock star! Thanks for this giveaway!
That’s awesome, Cassie! Congrats on great results!
-Jennie
Done! I’ll start Whole30 today. The only things I have to give up are yogurt and Altoids. I think I’ve been eating about 20 grams of sugar from those without even thinking. It’s always fun to start something new and examine new perspectives to keep things interesting.
BTW, I followed your Whole30 affiliate link and ClickBank says the product has been disabled. You might want to check on that.
Thanks!
jd
Awesome, JD!
Yes, Whole9 has discontinued their affiliate program for now, but I have kept the ad up just to send people to them. Thanks for the tip, though. 🙂
-Jennie
I’ve done the steps above. Started the Whole 30 a few weeks ago and feel fantastic! The only things I’m interested in adding back into my diet are cheese, yogurt and peanutbutter (although I’m loving the other butters). The recipes sound (and look) incredible.
So glad you’re feeling good! As you may already know, be sure to add stuff back in gradually, and document your results to note how these foods affect you. Thanks for your comment!
-Jennie
I shared your latest post about this contest on FB (I sure hope that counts!!). And I already like Easy Paleo and The Clothes Make the Girl on FB. We (our whole family of 4) are doing the GAPS diet, and we plan to re-do the Intro (which looks to be similar and even more strict than Whole30). I don’t know if that counts?? We plan to do it after I have finished all my dental work (which involves a fair amount of travel). We are strict with our diet even when we travel, but I do make coconut bread to take with us, as it’s just so much easier to make sandwiches than to cook in a hotel room. I’m not quite sure when this will all be done, but it will likely be late summer/early fall that we re-start Intro.
Thanks Christie! That definitely counts. 🙂
-Jennie
Cool!! This cookbook looks great! We’ve definitely enjoyed the recipes we’ve tried from her blog.
I was already a fan of both your pages on FB, but I did share the link! 🙂
I actually just started a 2nd W30 yesterday, and will continue through the end of July. My family and I did my first W30 in January, and we’ve been Paleo ever since.
BTW-I live in the Triangle, so not too far from you!
Very cool! I grew up in the Triangle, and go back often to visit my family. The Raleigh Farmer’s Market is so great!
Good luck on your Whole30!
-Jennie
I usually plan meals from one cookbook to make it easier to plan. I just finished 2weeks with Everday Paleo. I have Well Fed too…have made a few recipes out of it and have been well-pleased. Love your idea and pictures. I’m going to do this one next. Thanks for posting!
Hi Jennie,
I already like both the websites and I just shared the link on FB. I started my Whole 30 on July 8th. I have read ISWF and have never turned back. I am so pleased with the results. I gave the book to my next door neighbor to read. When she returned the book, she told me that her and her husband started the Whole30. I am so excited that my support is right next door. Last night, I almost fell off the Whole30 wagon. Shweee…I had to get out of the house. I took the dog for a mile walk and I was fine when I got home. Yikes! That was a close one. I have also started taking magnesium and a probiotic. I was alrady taking Cod Liver Oil. About two months ago, I started Crossfit in my city. Everything is coming together. I have been inspired by Balanced Bites, Whole 30, Mark Sissons, Everyday Paleo, Make It Paleo and you. Thank you for what you do.
How exciting, Debbie! That’s awesome!
Keep doing what you’re doing, and enjoy your excellent health…
-Jennie