I’m back on whole30 for my 4th attempt and I’m past the 10 day mark! I quit on my third attempt and how much I’m enjoying it this time rounds proves I made the right decision!
I decided to freshen things up a bit; it’s easy to get stuck in a rut cooking the same old recipes over and over again. So I updated my cookbook library and decided to take inspiration from each book on a weekly basis.
First up was Hemsley and Hemsley; The Art of Eating Well.
I didn’t know much about these two sisters and their cookbook, but you’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard of them! Before I picked up the book, I’d already bought one of the spiralizers they had put their name to and so far it’s lived up to expectations. It makes creating vegetable noodles a quick, simple and mess free task.ย
My favourite recipe from Hemsley an Hemsley so far has to be the Lamb Meatballs with Cauliflower Tabouleh. I made the tabouleh the day before to go with something else, then whipped up the meatballs in half an hour ready for my evening meal and leftovers for lunch the following day!
I’m used to making tabouleh with bulgar wheat but this version really was just as satisfying!
Other recipes I tried included steak with mustard leek sauce, cauliflower mash and a Moroccan lamb stew which I just threw in the slow cooker.
The instructions for the recipes were so simple to follow; some didn’t even need measuring – “a generous dash of cinnamon” – I can do that! I never read a recipe before hand, so I hate when I get to a section, and it’s says… marinate for 4 hours… well that’s dinner out the window!
The back of the book also covers some of the basics – like ingredients and methods of cooking. It’s where I learnt about bone broth, although I don’t think I have quite got the hang of it!
What have I taken from the first 10 days?
So you think whole30 is impossible?! Clearly not if I can find recipes in mainstream cookbooks! …and it also cemented how important it is to plan in advance. Food prep has been fun, getting lots done in a short time means when it comes to meal time I just have to decide what to eat!
Breakfast inspiration has not been easy though as recipe books seem to only suggest smoothies as an option! I’ve been sticking to a cooked breakfast mostly and then if I see something I like, I’ve given it a try such as…
…this amazing medley of chorizo, sweet potato, veg and eggs from @thebodycoach on Instagram! I saw his video and knew I had to make it instantly! It didn’t disappoint! It was a very large serving which kept me full till my next meal – something you aim to do on whole30.
The next book I am taking inspiration from is Deliciously Ella…
I had a sit down with the book and browsed all the recipes to pick out what would be compliant. Again, I didn’t know much about the book as I don’t follow the Deliciously Ella blog.
So it was at this point I realised the book was vegetarian. Not a problem though, as I could just use the recipes as accompaniments to any meat / fish that I choose. I planned out my meals for the week, put together a shopping list and everything is now in my fridge ready to take on whole30!ย
Are you considering a whole30? What is holding you back?ย
What’s your favourite whole30 recipe?! Check out my whole30 Pinterest board for inspiration! Beware though, I’m not afraid of a little SWYPO (google it!).
Elle
Simone | Scribbles and Notes says
O cool! I have the Hemsley and Hemsley book too and I also quite love the Green kitchen stories book which – with a few changes here and there – you can make Whole30 compliant. And so good of you to make it to day 20 by now.. ๐ I'm probably gonna start on wednesday so will be back here to check for more inspiration!
Elle Linton says
Hey Simone! Sure am on Day 20 right now! I'm kinda proud of myself for getting this far and looking forward to the next ten days! …I will have to check out the Green Kitchen Stories book! …Just a couple days till you start now! Look forward to following your journey and sharing the inspiration xoxo
Meredith says
So great that you've made it over day 10!! It'll be much better from here on out if a routine is established, and it sounds like you're keeping things interesting with new recipes :)I must be living under a rock because I've never heard of Hemsley and Hemsley–guess I'll have to check their book out because that meatball dish looks delicious.Good luck with the rest of your Whole30. It's SO worth it in the end when feel GREAT And then re-introduce to figure out which foods cause which symptoms. It'll change your life ๐
Elle Linton says
I'm often under that rock too Meredith! lol Thank you! I've had great results in the past so I'm looking forward to successfully completing this one! It pretty much did change my life!