Whole30 Pantry Must Haves - Also Paleo Approved

Whole30 Pantry Must Haves - Great Starter Kit Options 

It’s always hard starting a new program and knowing what to buy or how to be prepared is even harder.  Whole30 is a fantastic program, I have completed 4 rounds and have loved doing each one, my first round was the toughest as I wasn’t really sure what to expect or how much it would have changed my life.  As much as I thought I was prepared I soon realized how much more prepared I should have been.  Before starting Whole30 I always give myself a full week to get my pantry ready, meal planning done and mentally focused for what’s ahead.  When I start my first day I’m fully committed 100% no cheats, no slips or no licks of anything that is not compliant or approved on the Whole30 foods list, it’s that important for me to stay on the path and follow through on my full 30 days of the program as that’s how it’s set.  During my last round I lead a group of 7 people all but one who were new to the group and program and while going over all the materials one of the ladies asked me “What type of items or foods do you use constantly on Whole30?” I had a few staple items I used and loved while doing my previous rounds that I displayed on the table but never really thought about creating a list of my favorite Whole30 pantry must haves.  It was a great question to be asked and a great way for me to compile my list of favorites that I use all the time.  I know there are many approved lists with various products on the web but I wanted to share my favorites for those who follow me and have seen my cooked recipes.  Here are my top 20 favorite pantry items that are must haves when doing Whole30, I’m also including where you can purchase these items since some of them can be bought at more than one store.  

1. Avocado Oil  - Thrive Market
2. Olive Oil - Costco, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Target
3. Red Hot Sauce - Kroger, Whole Foods, Target
4. Ghee - Homemade recipe, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Thrive Market, Sprouts, Kroger
5. Unsweetened Almond Milk Beverage (none cold) - Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sprouts and Kroger
6. Organic Almond Butter - Costco, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, Target
7. Medjool Dates - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Kroger
8. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar - Whole Foods, Thrive Market, Sprouts, Kroger, Target
9. Mayo with Avocado Oil - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts
10. Coconut Aminos - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts
11. Ketchup (True Made Foods) - Sprouts
12. Full Fat Canned Coconut Milk - Whole Foods (The best out of all other brands)
13. Almond Flour - Costco, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts
14. Tessemae’s BBQ Sauce - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts
15. NutPod French Vanilla or Caramel (Coffee creamer) - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts (Better Half can also be used if you don’t like Nutpod)
16. Tapioca Flour - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts
17. Primal Kitchen Balsamic - Thrive Market, Whole Foods
18. Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch Dressing - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Kroger
19. Tessemae’s Creamy Caesar Dressing - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Kroger
20. Organic Spicy Brown Mustard - Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts

For those of you not familiar with Thrive Market, it is an online store that sells top organic brands at wholesale price.  They offer a huge variety of pantry items for Whole30, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Non-GMO and more.  You do have to have a yearly membership with them but once you see the savings you get off their products it’s a no brainer that you will be saving tones of money with them.  I order from them quite a bit and also have a monthly auto-shipment so that I never run out of my favorite pantry items.  Thrive Market is my new favorite place to find healthy, natural products.  Here is a link to Thrive Market https://thrivemarket.com/welcome/quiz to see their products however if you are interested in signing up for an account with them let me know as I have a link for 25% off your first order which I can send through email.

I do have plenty of other favorite food items I use but those can vary depending on the season and what’s in stock at what stores.  I share those products in my facebook group (My Journey Worth Sharing) when I cook and post pictures.  So you can see more of those if you join my Facebook group or follow me on Instagram.

For those starting the Whole30 journey I want to wish you good luck and if you stick with the program you will see amazing results after 30 day’s.  Make the commitment to want to change your life for the better no matter what your reasoning is to start this amazing program. If you have any questions at all or need some support comment below so I can reach out to help.  

 

Weekly Food Menu 6.24.19 to 6.30.19

Monday
Meal 1: Butternut, Apple and Chicken Sausage Hash (Paleo, Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftover Shredded BBQ Chicken and Paleo Potato Salad
Meal 3: Crispy Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing (Paleo, Whole30 option)

Tuesday
Meal 1: Leftover Butternut, Apple and Chicken Sausage Hash
Meal 2: Leftover Crispy Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Meal 3: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Parsnips and Potatoes (Whole30) Cookbook

Wednesday
Meal 1: Leftover Butternut, Apple and Chicken Sausage Hash
Meal 2: Leftover IP Chicken Things with Parsnips and Potatoes
Meal 3: Hawaiian Fried Cauliflower Rice (Paleo, Whole30)

Thursday
Meal 1: Leftover Butternut, Apple and Chicken Sausage Hash
Meal 2: Leftover Hawaiian Fried Cauliflower Rice
Meal 3: Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Vegetables (Paleo, Whole30) Cookbook

Friday
Meal 1: Leftover Butternut, Apple and Chicken Sausage Hash
Meal 2: Leftover Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Veggies
Meal 3: Pepperoni Pizza Sweet Potato Skillet (Paleo)

Saturday
Meal 1: Maple Pecan Banana Breakfast Bake (Paleo)
Meal 2: Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sweet Potato Skillet
Meal 3: Loaded Chicken Taco Dip with veggies and any other leftovers (Paleo, Whole30)

Sunday
Meal 1: Leftovers from the week
Meal 2: Leftovers from the week
Meal 3: Leftovers from the week or Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Sweet Treat of the week: Paleo Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese Frosting..yum!

Here is are links for some of the recipes listed above:
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/butternut-apple-chicken-sausage-hash-paleo/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/banana-breakfast-bake-paleo-vegan/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/crispy-chicken-salad-honey-mustard-dressing/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/hawaiian-cauliflower-fried-rice-paleo-whole30/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/pepperoni-pizza-sweet-potato-skillet-paleo/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/loaded-paleo-chicken-taco-dip-whole30-keto/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/baked-buffalo-chicken-wings-paleo-whole30/
https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-fruit-pizza-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

Weekly Food Menu 6.17.19 to 6.23.19

Monday
Meal 1: Southwestern Scramble (Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftovers from the weekend
Meal 3: Cauliflower Sauce over zoodles with grilled chicken (Whole30)
Snack: Tropical Berry Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Tuesday
Meal 1: Leftover Southwestern Scramble (Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: Honey Balsamic Chicken with Cauliflower rice (Paleo)
Snack: Berry Green Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Wednesday
Meal 1: Leftover Southwestern Scramble (Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: Asian Turkey Carrot-Noodle Bowls (Whole30)
Snack: Sunrise Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Thursday
Meal 1: Leftover Southwestern Scramble (Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: Lemon Garlic Chicken with steamed mix veggies (Whole30)
Snacks: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Friday
Meal 1: Leftover Southwestern Scramble (Whole30)
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: BBQ Chicken with Potato Salad (Paleo)
Snack: tropical Green Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Saturday
Meal 1: Eggs with chicken sausage and avocado
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: Creamy Buffalo Chicken Legs with Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Mash (Whole30)
Snacks: Nut Butter Cup Smoothie with Protein (Post-workout)

Sunday
Meal 1: Leftover breakfast or dinners from the week
Meal 2: Leftover dinner
Meal 3: Leftovers from the week or go out for dinner

This week I’m mixing it up with Whole30 and Paleo dishes, most of them are Instant Pot recipes which will make my week much easier.  I will post food pictures of my meals in our group on facebook “My Journey Worth Sharing” and if anyone is interested in the recipes just let me know and I can post a copy of it to share with everyone.  Hope everyone has a happy and healthy upcoming week! Stay cool as as the temperatures are finally rising here in Texas, it will be a pool kind of week for us.

New Recipe - Cauliflower Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli (Paleo)

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli 

Ingredients:
2 - 12oz Pkg Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
4 tbsp Olive oil
1 lb Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage - pork casing removed
1 sweet onion - sliced
2 tsp minced garlic
1 - 12oz pkg chopped Broccoli
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 to 2 tsp Nutritional yeast - optional
Garlic salt, salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and both packages of gnocchi along with 1/4 cup of water.  Place the lid on the pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, then remove the cover and cook for a few minutes longer until they are crispy on the outside or to your liking.  Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl until later.
2. Add the other 2 tbsp olive oil to the pan and the chicken sausage breaking it up so it will cook faster.  Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until it’s almost cooked through, then add the onions and garlic to the pan stir everything together and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. 
3. Add the broccoli and chicken broth to the pan, mix well and place the lid back on and cook for about 8 minutes or until the Broccoli is almost cooked.  
4. Remove lid and continue cooking until most of the liquid is gone and add the sauteed gnocchi, season with garlic salt and/or salt and pepper this is also when I added the nutritional yeast by sprinkling 1 tsp on top and mixing it in right before serving it.  You can also add Parmesan cheese if you eat dairy. Enjoy!!!

New Recipe - Paleo Gluten-Free Almond Brownies (Paleo)

Paleo Gluten-Free Almond Brownies

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Ghee - softened (Clarified Butter)

1/2 cup Coconut Palm Sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 cup Almond Flour

1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/8 tsp sea salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips + 1/4 cup for topping the brownies after cooked

Directions:

1. Heat over to 350 degrees. 
2. Cream together butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Blend in eg. Blend in almond milk and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, sea salt and baking powder. Add to butter mixture and blend just until mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Coat an 8” x 8” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle the other 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips on top and allow to melt.  Once melted spread with a spoon or knife to make it even.  Allow to cool and enjoy!

New Recipe - Vanilla Coconut Milk Creamer (Paleo and Vegan)

Vanilla Coconut Milk Creamer

Ingredients: 

1 can Organic Full Fat Coconut Milk (365 Brand Whole Foods works the best)

2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup 

2 tsp Organic Pure Vanilla Extract 

Directions:

1. Place everything in a blender/bullet and mix on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute.  It can be used right away or placed in a glass gar and put in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.
2. It may be thick once it gets chilled just shake it up and/or re-blend before using.  Enjoy!

New Recipe - Chicken Stir-Fry with Carrot Noodles (Whole30, Paleo)

Chicken Stir-Fry with Carrot Noodles 

Ingredients:

12oz Trader Joe’s Frozen Carrot Spirals

1 pkg Trader Joe’s Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables 

1.5 lb Chicken strips or tenders (cut in cubes)

1/8 tsp Five Chinese Spice Blend 

1 to 2 tbsp sesame oil

Marinade 

1/3 cup coconut aminos

2 tsp Trader Joe’s minced garlic

2 tsp ginger paste

2 tbsp Tapioca flour and 4 tbsp water 

Directions:

1. Mix all the marinate ingredients expect for the tapioca flour and water in a zip lock bag or bowl, then add the cubed chicken and stir until all the chicken is coated well.  Place the container covered or bag in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or shallow pan, when oil is hot add the marinated chicken and sauce to the pan, cook for 4 to 5 mintiest or until chicken is almost cooked through.
3. Add the frozen stir-fry vegetables and Five Chinese Spice, cook for another 4-5 minutes.  While that is cooking take the frozen carrot spirals place those in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes.  Once done drain them in a strainer and put it aside until ready to use.
4. Once the chicken and veggies have cooked and look done add the spiral carrots and cook for another few minutes until everything is headed through.
5. Mix the tapioca flour and water together, then add to the pan with everything.  Cook for another few minutes until the sauce is nice and thick to your liking.  Serve Immediately.  It can be eaten just like this or over Cauliflower rice or white/brown rice.