I’m really excited to be starting a wellness series on my blog! This is something I’ve had the idea of doing for a while, but just haven’t pulled the trigger because its a bit out of my comfort zone. I try to live a mostly healthy life, but I am by no means super fit or know a ton about food. I’ve just learned my limits and how to indulge in moderation! I do my best to live a well balanced life, so I thought maybe I could help some of you who are trying to do the same!
I’ve been into Whole 30 for the past few years. My first round was absolutely life changing. I truly had never felt better in my life than I did when I finished those 30 days. While I don’t live a Whole 30 life, I do try to stick to the plan at least a few days out of the week. If you’re curious about what Whole 30 is you can check out this post, but here’s the basic rundown. On Whole 30, you eat only whole foods for 30 days. No grains, dairy, legumes, added sugar, etc etc. It’s rough, but so incredibly worth it. The days I eat Whole 30, I just feel better, so I wanted to share a few of my favorite recipes that I make all the time! Whether you are trying to do Whole 30 or just incorporate a few healthy meals into your meal rotation, you won’t even feel like you’re being restrictive with these dinners! Lets get to it. Oh and FYI – all of these recipes are fiancé approved!
Creamy Tomato Artichoke Chicken
You will see a lot of meals from 40 Aprons in this post, because all of her recipes are amazing. I haven’t made one that we haven’t liked! This creamy tomato artichoke chicken is one of my favorite because of how easy it is. You cook it all in one skillet! It doesn’t even taste like it should be healthy. I was really freaked out by canned coconut milk my first round of Whole 30 because I’m not a fan of coconut flavor, but you can barely taste it when you cook with it and now I swear by it and only use it when making any cream sauce! Give this recipe a chance if this isn’t something you would normally make. I also highly recommend fresh basil on top. It’s so good! It also heats up wonderfully for leftovers!
Chimichurri Meatballs
Guys, I didn’t even know what chimichurri was before this recipe, but I am so glad I went in blindly and tried it! Out of all the things I have cooked my fiance, this is his favorite. like ever. He requests this every single week. It does take a bit of prep work, but the result is the yummiest meatballs and chimichurri you’ve ever had in your life. The sauce doesn’t sound that appetizing because its basically just a bunch of blended plants but….you wouldn’t believe how good the flavor is! I usually boil some non-whole 30 angel hair pasta to eat with this.
Carnitas Bowl
Dare I say it? Better than Chipotle. Seriously! Her recipe for carnitas is so. darn. good. The best part is that it cooks in the crockpot all day and then all you have to do is assemble your bowl when you get home! These are super filling and you’ll have a ton of leftovers to take to work!
Zuppa Toscana
This is another one of those recipes where I’m like “How is this Whole 30?!?!” This soup is so good that you think it can’t possibly be guilt free, but it is! I love making a big pot of this over the weekend and taking it for leftovers all week. It’s so yummy and the ultimate comfort food! and yes, it’s better than Olive Garden.
Slow Cook Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Another home run in my book because you can cook this buffalo chicken all day long, and make your homemade ranch ahead of time! If you’ve never been graced with the flavors of buffalo, ranch, + sweet potato in your mouth at one time, it feels so indulgent that you’ll be going back for seconds, I guarantee it! Nathan isn’t a fan of sweet potatoes but even he liked this because the buffalo and ranch combo with it was so good!
While none of these meals are exactly quick + easy to make, the time you spend cooking whole good-for-you meals is worth the extra steps. Trust me! You’ll experience less bloat, stay fuller longer, and have much more energy!
Have you tried any of these recipes?
xo, Rach
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