A new "diet"

Our bodies are very complex, and sometimes we don't know what it's trying to tell us. :)

I am attempting to stay away from sugars, dairy, corn, and simple carbs, as my Doctor suggested. He says I have adrenal fatigue (related to autoimmune issue; lab results pending).  I feel "normal" most of the time, with just a few annoyances ... no worries! :)

It's a challenge making changes for myself while cooking "normally" for the rest of the family ... so we're going with a "modified" Paleo (and "Mediterranean") as a family.
Right now, it's about 97% for me, and 75% to 85% for everyone else in the house.  I will continue to share a variety of recipes periodically- some Paleo, some "regular".  :)

 

Food (lifestyle) changes don't seem as discouraging with amazing new recipes to try. A big thanks to the many Paleo test kitchens!

I'm presently enjoying the latest edition of "Paleo Magazine- Modern day primal living". 

http://paleomagonline.com/paleo-diet/

That said, the Paleo Pumpkin cookies I made yesterday afternoon tasted awfully "healthy"; I think I should use sweet potatoes next time for more added "sweetness".
The children happily munched the goodies, in spite of  loud opinions. "These cookies need more sugar, mom!"  [the recipe used 4 Tbsp maple syrup].    :) :)

Desserts are my weakness, so I'm on a mission to find recipes similar- as much as possible- to "normal" recipes. Perhaps in time I'll get used to less sweetener.
[yes, my kids still consume more sugar than I do; they aren't deprived]
Here's a Paleo gingerbread recipe that uses Coconut flour & Ginger, and Molasses for the sweetener.
http://thecleanplatechef.com/2012/09/26/gingerbread-cookies/
I am loving Pinterest, by the way. It helps make recipe hunting more enjoyable, knowing you won't lose something in cyberspace.  :)
 

Pork Chops (Crock pot)

Oh Yum!

I normally hate cooking pork chops... because I'm too impatient to stand over skillets and flip chops over at just the right time.

 Me? impatient? When it comes to standing over food cooking, never quite certain if the meat is done- yes! 

I determined to find a pork chop crockpot recipe via Pinterest, since cooking with the crock pot makes life so much easier.... and because I  like browsing recipes. :) 

Here's what I found:

http://www.easycrockpotrecipes.com/recipe/crockpot-pork-chops-recipe.html

These pork chops were the best I've ever tasted!

Best of all ... no need to stand over them watching them cook!  :)  :)

Of course, if your crock pot cooks especially hot like mine, decrease the cooking time to 3 hours on low!

Umm ... I had already dug in before remembering to take a picture of my plate. We had green beans (not shown), mashed potatoes & gravy, and pork chops.  :)

{After cooking and mashing the potatoes, I love mixing in 4oz. cream cheese, and approx. 1/2 cup of sour cream (instead of adding milk).

Sprinkle in garlic powder, a bit of salt, and it's mashed potato heaven! :)

I can't take credit for the gravy - it's Watkins' Gravy.}

I'm excited to have found this pork chop recipe- it's a keeper!!  :)   :)