5 lbs ago...

Well here I am start of week 3 of really working out of some form...running, walking, elliptical, weights something! I'm still feeling really good too! Which normally by now I just want to go back to my old ways, I think knowing my race is within two months is helping me stay on track! I feel like I'm at a point that I've never wanted anything more right now! I've ran for over a hour and a half twice now and I felt great both times. Very encouraging! This week according to the running schedule this week I have 30 min run days but I'm gonna do 45 mins. That way I make sure I burn the calories and since I had over a month off from surgery wanna get back on track! On my non run days I atleast walk and then do a little weights. It's also been the only me time I have been getting so I'm making the most of it. Matt will be leaving in a little under a month and will be gone until the end of October so I've been working on my plan of what to do workout wise while he is gone....I am fixing to invest in a slow cooker too. Maddison is getting better about trying things so this will help her and myself. Molly eats whatever I make LOL :) Things are becoming easier for me which makes me so excited! I love the feeling I have when I accomplish something. Stepping on the scale each week and seeing weight loss even if it it is one or two pounds keeps me going as well. 5 lbs down in 2 weeks of working works for me! Slow and steady wins the race right? I want to lose in a way it stays off! I have also been realizing that I am very, VERY hard on myself and the words I use about me. Matt gets so upset at me because I'm so mean about myself. Mean as in I call myself fat all the time, I say I'm nasty looking, I can't stand to see myself naked...I just have no confidence at all. But I will get there. I will love me again! Well I do love me I just don't love my look right now :) 5 lbs I was a little bloated, clothes were tighter, I was sluggish, I was tired, I didn't want to do anything but that has changed! I hope it continues to change and I stay motivated and I stay working out! Each day I try to tell myself running is not a chore and make it something I look forward too. I tend to not be as stressed! Eating better is getting much easier also and today I wanted to share my new favorite recipe!

“Spaghetti” and Meatballs Paleo style (Yum!)

So I’ve got another yummy recipe to share! “Spaghetti” and meatballs Paleo style… need I say more? Seriously, if you are getting that craving to devour an entire plate of pasta (yep – I get those cravings a little too often!), you are gonna love this recipe. My kiddos also enjoyed it – which is definitely an added bonus, as they don’t always like my Paleo creations.

“Spaghetti” and Meatballs Paleo style

Ingredients

For the “Spaghetti”:
1 spaghetti Squash (and you really can use any veggie you please to be the substitute for the “noodles”. I’ve had success with both zucchini and butternut squash… but what’s nice about Spaghetti Squash is that you don’t need any sort of kitchen gadget to create the noodles and honestly I think spaghetti squash by far makes the best tasting noodles!)

For the Meatballs:
2 pounds ground turkey (this is what I used, however, you can use beef and/or pork)
1/3 cup almond flour
2 eggs
3 cloves of minced garlic
A handful of fresh chopped basil (or about 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for an added kick!)

For the homemade tomato sauce (or use any sauce you please):
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (Yes, I love garlic and my wonderful breathe! )
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
A handful of fresh chopped basil (or 1 tablespoon of dried basil)
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon or more crushed red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and discard the seeds. Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and let cool.

While the squash is baking, you can start making the meatballs. Just throw all of the meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix with your hands until everything is incorporated. Form into balls and place the meatballs on a baking sheet with parchment paper (if you have it), as this will help make for easy clean up when the fat cooks off while baking. I opted to do without since I didn’t have any parchment paper on hand. Put pan in 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes (should already be preheated from the squash).

Now make the sauce or make it easy by using pasta sauce you already have on hand. For the homemade sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Lower to medium heat and throw in the chopped onion. Saute for about 8 minutes, then add in garlic and saute for 30 seconds more. Lower heat a little and add in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer until meatballs are done, then throw them in the sauce and let simmer for another 30 minutes or so. Now you have a killer sauce to go on your “spaghetti”!

Take a large spoon to scoop the “angel hair” pulp from the squash, and place in a bowl.

Finally throw some squash on a plate and top with the meatballs and sauce. If you haven’t completely taken dairy out of your diet, you can also sprinkle some Romano or Parmesan cheese over your masterpiece. I love me some Romano cheese!!

This is definitely one of my favorite Paleo Friendly meals I have made thus far!

I hope you try this! I know you will love it! My 4 year old does!!!! How are you doing on your mission or reaching your goals whatever they may be? Blessings!