• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Cookbook
my new book!
Display Search Bar

The Paleo Running Momma

Run Fast, Eat Clean, Live Messy!

  • Browse Recipes
  • By Course
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Dips, Dressings and Sauces
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Sweet Treats
    • Veggies & Sides
  • By Dessert
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Brownies & Bars
    • Cakes & Cupcakes
    • Chocolate
    • Cookies
    • Crisps, Cobblers, & Crumbles
    • Fruit
    • No-Bake
    • Pies & Tarts
  • By Special Diets
    • Egg Free
    • No Added Sugar
    • Nut Free
    • Vegan
    • Whole30
  • By Ingredient
  • By Holiday/Season
    • Birthday
    • Christmas/Winter
    • Easter/Spring
    • Summer/BBQ
    • Thanksgiving/Fall
  • View the Full Recipe Index

1.12.17

Recent Whole30 Favorites (w/”Mini Recipes”!) and Updates

Sharing is caring!

Whole 30

Hi everyone!  This week has been totally busy but also good on all fronts – coming from me – this is saying a lot!  We’ll be chatting mostly about the Whole30 today for Thinking Out Loud, but first a couple of life updates from the week.

We’ve been doing basement renovations for what seems like 6 months (I think it’s been 3), and now that it’s basically done, we’re getting it furnished a little, plus attempting to clean up 10 years worth of toys, I’m starting to feel like it’s all been worth it.  Plus we now have 2 full usable bathrooms in the house which is helpful for a family of 5.

It also happens to be “parent week” at my kids’ dance school, which means I’m watching approximately 2 hours of dance practice Mon-Thurs this week.  All 3 of them take classes – Diana takes 4, Emily 3, and Drew 1.  I’m looking forward to getting a break from dance classes all of next week.

This also means that 3 days this week I have to make dinner before the kids even get home from school.  I have to say, this happens to be a pretty good excuse/motivation to make recipes for the blog, since I need to cook during the day anyway 🙂

But moving on – today is day 11 of my (and maybe your) Whole30!  I figured with more than a week completed, it was a good time to share some of my go-to Whole30 favorites – meals, side dishes, and even a “dessert”.  A few of these are “coming soon” to the blog, and others I will simply give you the run-down right here.

Recent Whole30 Favorites (+ mini recipes)

My number one favorite Whole30 recipe is the “random hash.”  True – I have many hash recipes on the blog already – and SURPRISE!  The stove-top only ones all follow the same basic method.  I love the hash because you can put anything at all in it – meat, starchy veggies, green veggies, leftovers – and top it with eggs, homemade ranch, avocado, etc.  PLUS, they take no more than 15 minutes to make.

Shown above is what I had for lunch today (and I ate it right out of that skillet 2 minutes later): sugar-free pork bacon and sugar-free breakfast sausage – both from U.S. Wellness Meats, chopped parsnips,  a few leftover roasted sweet potatoes and collard greens.  This is the order/method I use for cooking something like this:

Cooking fat first (if bacon is included I cook that at least halfway first so I can use the fat), starchy veggies (chopped small), salt and pepper, ground meat (once the starchy veggies are 3/4 of the way done), and lastly, green veggies, also chopped relatively small for quick cooking.

I always wait until the previous ingredient is nearly cooked before adding the next, and cook everything around medium heat, lowering it near the end to avoid burning anything.  If I’m adding eggs on top, I sometimes cook them in a separate pan, and sometimes just crack them right over the hash, add salt, and cover the top of the pan until the whites cook.

Roasted veggies also happen every single day at my house – Whole30 or not!  I think most people have mastered roasting green veggies, but starchy root veggies and squash can be trickier, especially if you’re looking to get them crispy!

No matter what “shape” my veggies are cut into, the method is basically the same (top photo is Japanese sweet potato, above is a mixture of beets, orange and white sweet potatoes, parsnips and onions.)

I set my oven at 425 and line large baking sheets with parchment paper.  I get my oven racks as close to the center as possible!  I made sure the veggies can BREATHE.  I always say this, but it really does get them crispy in less time.  The top photo of the sweet potatoes shows my typical spacing pretty well.

I typically check the veggies 25 minutes into roasting, at which point I try to turn over as many as I can for even browning.  After another 10-15 minutes they’re usually perfect!  If I have time, I’ll turn the oven off when they still have a bit more time to go, and just let them sit there.  They seem to get extra crispy that way (just check to make sure nothing’s burning, even if the oven’s off!)

Another favorite of ours lately are these chicken cutlets!  The recipe for these is coming probably next week – they are VERY kid friendly and go so well with potatoes and veggies, or even over a salad topped with ranch or avocado – or the dressing below.

Even though Whole30 friendly Paleo mayo is pretty readily available now, I still love making my own and turning it into all kinds of dressings, dips, and sauces.  The Chipotle Ranch dip shown above is coming this weekend 🙂

And there it is again, on one of my easy hash recipes.  And by the way, we’ll all be double dipping this weekend, because on Sunday I’ll be sharing my recipe for tostones and avocado ranch!  Can you tell I like ranch?  I really, really like ranch 🙂

Ahhhh…dessert.  I don’t really want to call this “dessert” since Whole30 is not into the idea of dessert per se, BUT, I do need sweeter snacks sometimes and sautéing fruit in coconut oil and topping with coconut butter has become a favorite, Whole30 compliant snack.   Even though this tastes amazing, it doesn’t get me craving sugar the way having a cookie or piece of fudge would.

I suppose if I/you were sneakily attempting to create some sort of fruit pie with this approach, it might be considered SWYPO, but as for me, I typically don’t eat apple pie for dessert – I go for chocolate.  Since this is definitely not chocolate, it gets a Whole30 thumbs up for me 🙂  This simple recipe is also coming soon!

Whole30 Updates (how I feel)

I honestly feel pretty good and I’m not missing chocolate or any of my usual Paleo treats right now.  Since Adam and I are both doing this Whole30 round, it’s probably doubling portions for a lot of my cooking that’s the biggest shock for me.  If only I had another stovetop and oven, maybe things would be easier!

In terms of my digestion, it feels better than it ever has, AND I’m even eating my share of high FODMAP foods, so that’s an indication that my gut has healed so much over the past few years.

I have to say that the most notable change in how I feel is in my sleep.  I’ve been sleeping a solid 1-2 hours more each night since starting this Whole30!  That is HUGE for me!  What do I attribute it to?  I think it’s both physical and mental.

First, less sugar and caffeine before bed is an obvious explanation.  In fact, less sugar in general might be 70% responsible.  Second, my mind seems to relax when I’m doing a Whole30, possibly because I feel like I’m doing “enough” – which is an issue for me, admittedly.

I typically struggle with taking care of myself and often feel overwhelmed and anxious.  Somehow Whole30 resets my mind and instead of feeling deprived, I feel very satiated in all ways. I’m not sure why!  Regardless of the reason, it definitely seems to create a pleasant cycle of rest/feel good/rest more/feel good again.  I’ll take it!

Tell Me!

What are your favorites lately? 

Do you use your stovetop or oven more often?  Or equally?

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Paleo Running Momma!

You Might Also Like...

  • Whole30 Challenges and Updates for the Week
  • 20 Easy Whole30 + Paleo Lunch Recipes
  • Whole30 Paleo Easy Homemade Mayo
Previous Post
Next Post

About Michele

More than a little into running and paleo recipes (yoga now too!) but I'm not here to rain on your grains (or anything else) so come along for the ride! I do a little too much of everything (except cleaning), and I enjoy laughing at myself. As long as I'm the one making the jokes, that is. Just kidding. So bring me your angst, your appetite and your frying pan and climb aboard!

Reader Interactions

Reader Reviews & Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    January 12, 2017 at 5:44 am

    I would say I use my stovetop and over pretty equally. I actually use my double oven alot more than I expected to. Its really convenient if I am meal prepping and have foods that cook at different temperatures or lots of things to go in at once.
    Rob and I were talking about the Whole30 last night and he was reminding me of all the exciting meals I made…I don’t know how I had the time or energy to do it! I think if I ever did it again I would have to keep things much simpler.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:58 am

      A double oven would be a dream for me, lol! I think first time around with Whole30 you sort of have to make fancy meals to get a sense of how to cook everything, what works, what you like. Once you get it though there’s no need for that kind of work every day 🙂

      Reply
  2. meredith (The Cookie ChRUNicles) says

    January 12, 2017 at 6:50 am

    i haven’t sautéed fruit in a long time. I really should sautee some apples to start eating them again! I have been totally off my daily apple habit for a while now and I should probably bring it back!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:56 am

      Yes! Especially over the winter when everything is better cooked 🙂 Adam’s been eating it with almond butter, so funny to see him eating almond butter lol

      Reply
  3. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    January 12, 2017 at 7:27 am

    Definitely use my stovetop more. I am so happy that you are feeling so much better! THat is awesome, and definitely a reason to do a Whole 30.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Susie 🙂 I’ll take sleep however I can get it!

      Reply
  4. Lesq says

    January 12, 2017 at 7:46 am

    Hey Michele, you are definitely proof that food can be a healer. I guess your gut feeling(no pun intended) was spot on about gluten and dairy being your enemy. I have a question, do you eat a large variety of veggies–Brussels sprouts, asparagus, stringbeans, etc because you usu just show greens. I was curious how you worked other veggies into your week?

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:55 am

      We’ve been eating a lot of brussels sprouts and broccoli sautéed or roasted, collards, spinach and kale. Adam liked roasted peppers but I don’t love them and this week we’ve also done parsnips, carrots, and beets. So I’d say Whole30 has helped a bit with variety 🙂

      Reply
  5. Emily says

    January 12, 2017 at 8:21 am

    I know what you mean Michele by struggling with feeling anxious. That is such a blessing that whole 30 really helps you reset. <3 And this week sounds like it's been intense!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:53 am

      Oh my it HAS been intense! Looking forward to a 3 day weekend!

      Reply
  6. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    January 12, 2017 at 8:34 am

    i loveeeeee making hashes too! They are so darn easy and delicious! I also gotta try that sautéed fruit to feed my sweet tooth in a non-sugary way haha 🙂

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:53 am

      Even Adam who ate maybe one apple a year has been loving it during Whole30! And without the hash I might not survive 😉

      Reply
  7. Rosie says

    January 12, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Hi Michelle! I recently stumbled upon your blog via a Well+Good post and I am really enjoying what I am reading/seeing. I am doing a modified Whole 30/Paleo but honestly eat that way most days/weeks/months of the year-regardless. I am in the middle of marathon training and past experience tells me that I need not be so restrictive.
    I use my oven/stove pretty equally. It’s been so cold and rainy here (Northern California) that some days I look for reasons to turn the oven on just to warm up the kitchen!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 10:50 am

      Hi! Glad you found me 🙂 I hear you with marathon training – I always felt like I was eating a ton of basically the same foods when I stuck to Whole30 style eating! I also know exactly what you mean by wanting to warm up with the oven on, we’re actually having a “heat wave” right now with temps in the 50’s but on Monday it was only 5 degrees, lol!

      Reply
  8. Lori-Ann says

    January 12, 2017 at 11:41 am

    Love reading your blog! My husband is also doing the Whole 30 with me. At the beginning I always feel like I am scatter brained, but then it starts to clear!!!! My stomach is feeling better every day too! Holidays I ate wayyyyyy too much sugar and gluten!

    Anyway, we use both equally and love our double oven too! Can’t wait to get those two recipes you stated for this weekend. I have 4 granny smith apples on the counter and have been trying to think of something to do with them!

    Thanks again! 🙂

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      That’s great he’s on board with you! I WISH I had a double oven, that would make things easier for the huge batches I usually want to roast.

      Reply
  9. Jennifer @ Fit Nana says

    January 12, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I was doing Whole 30 too and suddenly, I’m all about using my oven. Roasting veggies and potatoes is my new superpower. Haha! And I, too, kinda needed a dessert and my herbal tea wasn’t cutting it. So, I roasted a banana filled with almond butter a couple of times. So good!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Ha! Yes, I totally relate to that. Both things, actually 🙂

      Reply
  10. tara says

    January 12, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    hmmm i would say i use stove and oven equal unless its summer i try to use the oven a bit less. i am so happy for you that your digestion seems better ! it must be such a relief.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 12, 2017 at 8:17 pm

      I’m with you on the oven in the summer. In the winter it’s nice to have the extra heat source 🙂

      Reply
  11. Lauren @ Lauren Runs says

    January 13, 2017 at 12:23 am

    That chipotle ranch dip looks incredibly good! I’ll have to try that recipe out 🙂 Glad you’re enjoying the Whole 30!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 13, 2017 at 10:51 pm

      Such a yummy dip, recipe coming tomorrow!

      Reply
  12. Jen says

    January 13, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    Oh wow- that dessert looks incredible! I will definitely have to try that out!!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      January 13, 2017 at 10:48 pm

      You’ll love it 🙂

      Reply
  13. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    January 14, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    There is so much wonderful potato love in this post, plus all the delicious hashes. I’m glad you’re feeling great; good sleep really makes a world of difference.

    Reply
  14. apple computer sale says

    February 11, 2017 at 6:42 am

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch due to the fact that I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your web site.

    Reply
  15. Emily Manley says

    April 29, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Hi Michele,
    I may have not looked too far into your past blogs but I am wondering what you do for your children while on the whole 30 or in life in general when you eat differently? I am always trying to find balance with this and though I am definitely getting better I love to hear from fellow mom’s with the same interests as myself
    So much love,
    Em

    Reply
    • Michele says

      April 29, 2018 at 4:47 pm

      Hi! The kids always eat the dinners I make but they’ve never done the Whole30 with me. I try to compromise by making things everyone likes and subbing in regular rice or corn tortillas/GF bread sometimes for them when it makes sense. It takes some experimenting to figure out what can work for everyone 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Sautéed Apples & Pears with Coconut Butter {Paleo, Vegan, Whole30} says:
    January 18, 2017 at 5:00 am

    […] yes – I’m totally biased since I’m smack in the middle of my January Whole30, and, to be quite honest, even raw almonds taste sweet to me right now.   Heck, even plain water […]

    Reply
  2. Whole30 Challenges and Update | Paleo Running Momma says:
    January 19, 2017 at 5:00 am

    […] last week when I couldn’t say enough about how wonderful I felt?  Well, obviously I jinxed myself […]

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi! I’m so happy you stopped by! My name is Michele and I’m a Paleo eater and recipe creator, runner, mom of 3, and the gal behind Paleo Running Momma! Over here you’ll find real-food, clean eating family favorites that you’ll be excited to share with your loved ones. I hope you stay awhile, eat, savor, and enjoy!

Read More

Free Recipes

Subscribe to email updates for new recipes delivered to your inbox!

Footer

Weeknight Ideas

M
Get the Recipe
One-Skillet Teriyaki Meatballs {Paleo, Whole30}
These easy one-skillet teriyaki meatballs are perfect for weeknights.
T
Get the Recipe
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken {Paleo, Whole30}
Packed with flavor and perfect over a sweet potato or greens!
W
Get the Recipe
Glazed Sheet Pan Chicken with Butternut Squash and Apples {Paleo, Whole30}
The perfect no-fuss, one-pan paleo and Whole30 dinner.
TH
Get the Recipe
Crispy “Breaded” Paleo Chicken Cutlets {Whole30}
Quick, simple, and perfect to make ahead of time!
F
Get the Recipe
Loaded Taco Sweet Potato Sliders {Paleo, Whole30}
Packed with flavor and perfect over a sweet potato or greens!

New Recipes

Delivered to your inbox!

Sign Me Up!
Who’s up for one-bowl paleo breadsticks this wee Who’s up for one-bowl paleo breadsticks this weekend? These easy Italian breadsticks are loaded with flavor, Italian herbs and garlic, and have the perfect chewy texture.
They’re great when you’re craving bread but want to keep things clean!  Gluten-free, grain free, dairy free and perfect for dipping 🍕link to the recipe is in my bio 😄https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-breadsticks-one-bowl-gluten-free-dairy-free/
#paleobaking #healthybaking #paleobread
Happy Valentine’s Day 💕🍫aka an excuse to h Happy Valentine’s Day 💕🍫aka an excuse to have chocolate all month long and not mad about it!I present you with the best paleo chocolate cake with chocolate “buttercream” frosting!  A reader favorite and the only blog recipe that also made it to my cookbook - Paleo Baking at Home.  Link to the recipe is in my bio so go make this ASAP (or save for a needed chocolate fix 🍫) P.S. if you haven’t preordered my book yet (releasing March 10!) the link is also in my bio or just search on amazon!
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-chocolate-cake-chocolate-buttercream/
#paleobaking #paleobakingathome #chocolatecake #paleotreats
Counting down to Valentine’s Day with more choco Counting down to Valentine’s Day with more chocolate 🍫 and we’re making donuts today!  Double chocolate frosted paleo donuts that also happen to be nut free 💕and can be made in a muffin pan too 😄 gluten free, dairy free, kid approved and so fun! Link to the recipe is in my bio ❤️ https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-donuts-gf-paleo/
#donuts #chocolate #paleotreats #chocolatedonuts #paleobaking #healthybaking
Brand new on the blog today - chocolate covered ch Brand new on the blog today - chocolate covered cherry fudge brownies 🍫💕 I made these egg free, vegan and paleo and DANG did they rock my world last week. Planning to make them again for Valentine’s Day because hello chocolate heaven magic!  Chocolate covered cherries were my favorite as a kid and the fudgy brownies speak for themselves. Link to the recipe is in my bio 😍https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-covered-cherry-fudge-brownies-paleo-vegan/#paleobaking #chocolate #vegan #veganrecipes #vegandesserts
Totally guilty of chocolate AND cheesecake spammin Totally guilty of chocolate AND cheesecake spamming you this week 💕 for Valentine’s Day 💕 and today it’s a paleo + vegan espresso chocolate chip cheesecake!This creamy rich cheesecake has a chocolate cookie crust topped with a cashew based espresso chocolate chip cheesecake layer.  Dairy-free, gluten-free, egg free, refined sugar free. Link to the recipe is in my bio ☕️🍫 https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/espresso-chocolate-chip-cheesecake-paleo-vegan/
#vegandesserts #vegancheesecake #veganrecipes #veganbaking
Every time I make vegan cheesecake I’m amazed th Every time I make vegan cheesecake I’m amazed that it’s possible to make “cheesecake” so legit without any dairy!  Today’s chocolate raspberry mini cheesecakes are no exception - soooo good!These mini vegan cheesecakes have a chewy chocolate layer topped with a super creamy sweet raspberry cashew cheesecake layer.  Top them with a chocolate drizzle and you’re good to go for Valentine’s Day!  Gluten free, no bake, dairy free, egg free, vegan.  Link to the recipe is in my profile 💕🍫 https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/chocolate-raspberry-mini-vegan-cheesecakes-no-bake/#vegancheesecake #vegandesserts #paleovegan #paleotreats #chocolate
Happy Monday!! I have a new IG-only recipe for you Happy Monday!! I have a new IG-only recipe for you today that couldn’t be more perfect for a Monday morning (especially to kick off Valentine’s Day week 💕💕) a yummy Paleo Mocha Latte! ☕️🍫 #ADI added some @ancientnutrition collagen for more protein too. I used the plain version but you can go double-chocolate with their chocolate flavored collagen!I add their collagen protein to my coffee daily for the bonus skin and joint benefits plus extra protein 👍Here’s the recipe for the best paleo mocha latte!
Makes 2 servings
10 oz strong brewed coffee, hot (or espresso, if preferred)
1 cup almond milk, or nut pods creamer, heated in the microwave or a saucepan
2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
2 Tbsp maple sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 scoops Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein (use the chocolate flavor for double chocolate!)
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract optional
Extra cacao powder or shaved dark chocolate for garnishAdd the prepared coffee or espresso, the milk or creamer, cacao powder, maple sugar, collagen, and vanilla to a blender and blend until all is dissolved, then continue to blend until frothy.  Divide between 2 cups and garnish with extra cacao powder or shaved chocolate if desired.  Enjoy!
New today!! These double chocolate muffins are inf New today!! These double chocolate muffins are infused with lots of orange flavor, drizzled with an orange glaze and of course loaded with tons of rich dark chocolate!
Made with almond flour, they have a texture like traditional wheat flour muffins but are totally grain free, dairy-free, and paleo friendly.  Great for snacks, breakfast and brunch!  Link to the recipe is in my profile 😄https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/double-chocolate-orange-muffins-paleo/
#paleobaking #chocolate #paleotreats
Follow on Instagram
Back To Top
© 2021 The Paleo Running Momma
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Policies
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design. Developed by Once Coupled.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest