Paleo Sweet Potato Beef Burger

It's not your typical burger as you need to eat it with a knife and fork, rather than your hands, but it is delicious!

Ingredients

Sweet Potato "Bun"

1 Large Sweet Potato
Salt & Pepper

Method 

Heat a fry pan on a medium heat with some olive oil.  Peel and grate the sweet potato and mix though some salt and pepper.  Form into balls and flatten in the pan (however big you would like your "buns" to be).  Heat on each side for 3-4 minutes.  If they fall apart, heat a little longer until the sweet potato is soft and form the patty again.

Ingredients

Savoury Mince "Burger"

Recipe HERE

For this, I just used the savoury mince recipe I use all the time.  I spread it out over the sweet potato with a little avocado cream, topped it with salad and another sweet potato "bun".  I have used chicken patties as well or just had the fried sweet potato with eggs for breakfast as per the photos below.  

Paleo Sweet Potato Chicken Burger

Paleo Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Paleo Banana Date & Walnut Microwave Cookies

So quick and satisfying

Ingredients

1 Ripe Banana, mashed

5 Pitted Dates, chopped

2 Tablespoons of Shredded Coconut

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil 

1/4 Cup of Almond Flour

Handful of Walnuts, chopped

(Honey can be added for additional sweetness, but I don't think it needs it with the Banana and Coconut). 

Method 

Mash the Banana in a bowl, add in the remaining ingredients and mix. Divide the mixture into four and roll into balls.  Get a microwave safe plate and put one of the cookie balls on the plate and flatten (I put all four in at the same time and they stuck together and cook unevenly).  Bake in the microwave for 60-120 seconds, depending on your microwave.  I have a 1000 watt microwave and it took about 120 seconds on one side and then 60 seconds on the other.  

It's a bit trial and error, but remember that your cookie will keep cooking after it comes out of the microwave.  What you are looking for is a slight change in colour and for them to form a bit of a crust on top.  Less time will be a softer cookie, longer with be a firmer more dry cookie.  I let them cool for about 5 minutes before eating. Enjoy! :)

It's All About That Prep - Weight Loss Journey Week 56 - Day 2

Week: 56
Day 2 - Thursday
19/02/2015

It's All About That Prep

Zucchini "Fritters" *fail*...shhhh don't tell anyone! ;)

Breakfast: Zucchini Fritters with Salsa & Avocado Crema

I think you get to the point with Paleo where you get sick of having eggs for breakfast! It's good in a way because it keeps me thinking of creative ways to have a healthy breakfast without dairy, grains and processed foods.

I tried this recipe here because the almond flour was optional.  I prefer not to use flours and sweeteners where I can.  It flopped.  They didn't stay together for me.  Perhaps I didn't remove enough of the excess water. It was still tasty, but I also think that 1 tsp of salt was way too much, they tasted too salty to me.  First time making this though, so I will play around with it a bit.

I topped it with diced tomato mixed with a little tomato paste and garlic.  I also made an Avocado Crema recipe here.  Maybe I got the ratios wrong, but it tasted a bit heavy on the coconut milk to me, I was wanting more avocado to come through. 

It was still delicious, I will just have to play around with things a little. 

Too Sick To Eat - Weight Loss Journey Week 56 - Day 1

Week: 56
Day 1 - Wednesday
18/02/2015
Too Sick To Eat

Rooibos Tea Shake

Breakfast: Rooibos Tea Shake
(Brewed Rooibos Tea, 1 Banana, 1 tsp Honey, handful of Roasted Almonds & Almond Milk)

I've really been trying to cut down on coffee and eventually phase it out all together.  I don't think that it's necessary, it's more of a habit in the morning.  I've always been sensitive to caffeine, but in the last few months, I've noticed that sometimes my teeth chatter uncontrollably after coffee and I have a heart condition, so I don't think I should push it any further.  I've been having Rooibos or caffeine free Chai lately instead. 

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 55 Weightloss Journey

Week: 55

Weight lost in 4 weeks: 1.7 kg (3.75 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 110 kg (242.50 pounds)

Total weightloss: 38.8 kg (85.54 pounds)

Where have I been?

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this previously but I have just started seeing a Physiotherapist that specialises in migraines. A few weeks in she asked me if I had jaw problems and it was actually one of the first symptoms I had. 

In the last month after jaw stretches, massage and dry needling I have been in constant pain.  I've been living on pain killers three times a day.  I'm still in pain while writing this, even though I've had pain killers.  I'm sure you can imagine that it is not easy to write a blog in constant pain.  

I'm sure that there is a connection between my jaw and migraines and this pain is only for now.  If it means that I can get rid of daily debilitating migraines, I'm happy to be in constant pain for a while. 

I also underwent an Electrophysiology study (heart study, read more about it here) where they attempted to burn out the extra pathway due to the Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome I have (read about it here).  Unfortunately it wasn't successful and I may need to have the procedure again.  I will need to speak to my cardiologist in a month to see if this is required.  I recovered from the procedure quickly and even though there are risks involved, as far as procedures go, this one isn't too invasive. 

I feel like I'm finally getting some answers in regards to my health and what is really going on. After 2 years, 3 neurologists, 1 neurosurgeon, 2 cardiologists, 1 nutritionist, 1 physiotherapist and 2 great GPs, I think I'm getting closer to a solution! 

I have been told by many that my weight isn't causing my issues because after losing this much weight I would have seen some improvements.  This doesn't mean that I am going to stop losing weight or eating healthy.  This is what I have control over, health wise and it's been the best thing that I have ever done for myself. 

Goals for next week

I have lost weight in the last month but I know that I could have lost more.  I haven't been eating as healthy as I could or should.  Next week I'm going straight back to Paleo and eating healthy.  Keep me in line everyone! ;)

Weigh In Wednesday! - Week 51 Weightloss Journey

Week: 51 - 0.7 kg loss - Total Loss: 37.1 kg

Week: 51

Weight lost this week: 0.7 kg (1.54 pounds)

Starting Weight: 148.8 kg (328 pounds)

Current weight: 111.7 kg (246 pounds)

Total weightloss: 37.1 kg (81.79 pounds)

Thoughts on this week

Wow! I can't believe that I'm 3kgs off a 40kg loss! Crazy! My first big goal is to make it to 100kgs and it's really not that far away either! This week has been tough due to my health.  I've been pretty unwell most of the week but I'm slowly getting more and more tests done and slowly getting to the bottom of it.  Due to this, it has been really challenging to get in exercise.  I just have to be patient and push on my good days.

I haven't been counting calories since I've been on Paleo and it seems to be working for me.  I just make sure I eat when I'm hungry and drink enough water. 

Goals for next week

I really want to balance out my meals more.  I need to read up more on Paleo as I haven't really.  I know what isn't allowed but I need to ensure that I'm getting enough protein, fats, carbs (from veggies) in each meal.

Paleo Ice Cream - Weight Loss Journey Week 51 - Day 5 - 7

Week 51
Day 5 - Sunday
11/01/2015

No more smoothies

Breakfast: Smoothie
(Mixed Berries, Banana, Kale, Almond Milk and Chia Seeds)

I really think that I should stay clear from smoothies unless I need something quick on the busy days.  I just don't think that this is enough to keep me going for the day.

What is wrong with me? 

Lunch: Egg Baked in Tomato with Kale, Egg Baked in Avocado, Sweet Potato Fries & Roasted Pumpkin

I know that you probably think I am crazy for having a hot lunch on a really freaking hot day and you would be right.  But I just didn't want salad today and I wanted to have dinner prepared as much as possible. 

The eggs baked in tomatoes are great, but please don't try the egg baked in avocado! Disgusting! Don't waste your avocado and have it fresh, trust me!

Paleo preppin

This is where I like to cook as many vegetables/meat as possible as I know that when dinner comes around I usually can't be stuffed!

Mmmm...it's no peanut butter but it's close

Afternoon Snack: Apple & Almond Butter

Dinner is so easy when you're prepared

Dinner: Steak, Roasted Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Chips, Eggs & Kale baked in Tomato & Avocado

All I had to do tonight was cook some steak and heat up the veggies left from lunch and dinner was done!

Glasses of water: 8

Week 51
Day 6 - Monday
12/01/2015

Yum!

Breakfast: Poached Eggs with Kale, Onion, Tomato, Zucchini, Mushroom & Avocado

This was so delicious and so much better than having just a smoothie.

Kunara Organic Marketplace - Coffee with Almond Milk

I visited the Kunara Organic Marketplace today (website here). This place is HUGE! It's basically an organic supermarket and it even has an organic butcher and cafe.  

Why can't I just have a sandwich?

Lunch: Honey Mustard Beef Stir-Fry

I was feeling slack for lunch today so I just cooked up some steak and some pre-cut stir-fry veggies I bought from the markets.  I just mixed through some mustard, honey and olive oil.  I love eating healthy and I do feel better for it, but sometimes I wish I could just have a freaking sandwich! So much easier! 

YOYO COYO! :)

Afternoon Snack: Coyo - Acai & Blueberry 

Ingredients: coconut milk, tapioca, pectin, coconut nectar, stevia, acai berry, blueberry.

I picked up some Coyo (website here) coconut ice cream at Kunara.  It is Paleo friendly and it is nice to be able to have a treat every now and then.  I have had the Vanilla and Nutmeg version, which was delicious, but they were sold out :(  So I decided to pick up the Acai & Blueberry and Chocolate (Cacao).  

The Acai & Blueberry was good, but the coconut flavour was too strong in this one.  The consistency is really creamy. 

Spicy!

Dinner: Salsa Chicken & Avocado Pancakes

I really like the flavour of this chicken dish and it's really easy to make.  I will post a recipe up for this soon and the avocado pancakes.  Basically the pancakes are half a large avocado and two eggs. 

Glasses of water: 8

Week 51
Day 7 - Tuesday
13/01/2015

So yummy!

Breakfast: Banana, Date & Nut Porridge

Sometimes you get sick of eggs or a smoothie for breakfast and I can't remember the last time I had cereal!  I decided to make this for breakfast and I'm so glad I did, it's delicious and really simple.  I will post a recipe for this one too, I promise.  It's just banana, date, almonds, honey and almond meal.

I can't be effed to make lunch, lunch

Lunch: Scrambled Eggs & Avocado

(Zucchini, Carrot, Onion, Capsicum, Kale, Garlic & Tomato)

You don't have eggs for breakfast, so you have them for lunch.  I haven't been feeling too well lately, so my enthusiasm for cooking is at an all time low.  This was really quick, simple and tasty.

YUM!

Afternoon Snack: Apple, Carrot, Almond Butter with Sultanas & Coconut

I think I have found my new favourite snack today.  Carrot, almond butter, sultanas and coconut.  Yep, sounds strange but it's delicious! Trust me on this one :)

I didn't have to cook = WINNING! 

Dinner: Gluten Free Pizza with Marinated Olives, Capsicum, Sweet Potato, Bacon, Spinach, Tomato Paste & a tiny bit of Cheese

Remember how I was saying that my enthusiasm for cooking is at an all time low? Even though this isn't Paleo, I wasn't passing up the offer of someone else cooking dinner for me!  

This was made on a gluten free pizza base, so it doesn't contain grain, however, it's still full of processed ingredients which is definitely not Paleo.  But if I eat something that isn't Paleo, I don't worry.  I'm trying to eat the healthiest I can and if sometimes I have to eat pizza, then I have to eat pizza. ;) 

Glasses of water: 8

Yay for ice cream! :)

Desert: Coyo - Cacao Ice Cream

Ingredients: coconut cream , cococnut nectar , tapioca ,organic agave ,organic cocao. 

This was the other version of Coyo I picked up from Kunara.  I liked this one better than the Acai & Blueberry, but there still wasn't enough chocolate.  I think the one I like the most is the Vanilla & Nutmeg.  I would definitely recommend the Coyo ice cream it to my fellow Paleo eaters. :)