Go BALListic

Get excited people. Like really, really excited. I have some treats for youuuu! Behold my awesome, delicious protein balls! Quick to make, endless flavor combinations, and great for a snack. I've been making these balls for the past couple of months now, and they are GOOD. Here are 2 recipes to get you started (starting with my favorite).

Banana Nut Balls:

-5 dates

-1 cup banana chips (TJ's has the best in my opinion)

-1 scoop cake batter protein powder (Muscle Milk)

-1 cup almonds/wanuts*

-2 tbsp coconut oil (melt by microwaving it for 10-15 sec)

-1/4 cup raisins (optional)

-3 tbsp agave-1/2 tsp cinnamon

-sprinkle of nutmeg

-1/4 tsp vanilla extract

*If nuts are unsalted, then add some salt.

Add dates, protein powder, banana chips, and nuts to a food processor. Pulse until everything gets broken down. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until mixture comes together. If the mixture is too dry, then add more agave or oil to help it stick. Form into small balls and snack away. These can be stored at room temp, in the fridge, or freezer. Personally, I like them straight out of the freezer.

Consistency of the mixture you're looking for: Store in plastic container

I realize these aren't the prettiest pictures, and it's very....beige. But I promise they taste like little nuggets of heaven. That is not at all an exaggeration :)

Carrot Cake Balls:

-1 cup carrots

-1 scoop cake batter protein powder (Muscle Milk)

-1/3 cup raisins

-3/4 cup walnuts/almonds*

-1/2 tsp cinnamon

-sprinkle of nutmeg

-1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

-1 tsp agave (optional)

-1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Follow the same steps as above, or do what I do. Put all ingredients into a blender that is the beast of all blenders, aka a Blendtec. Pulse until mixture comes together. Form into balls and enjoy! Refrigerate or freeze these because the carrot makes these more susceptible to spoiling.

Meet Alfred, my Blendtec

Alfred doing a job well done. Note that this was after just 4 pulses.

These are just 2 recipes, but realize that you can make anything you can think up. Other ideas are chocolate-pb (or almond butter), blueberry-almond-vanilla, pistachio-blueberry, chocolate-coconut, strawberry-mango. Be creative. Have fun!

I'd be happy to post up recipes for other flavors (chocolate, blueberry, strawberry bases), so feel free to give me a shout. Let me know if any of you tries making these. I'd love to see how it goes for you!

Fruit sucks!

Question:
Dear Manni. Why can't I have fruit? I like fruit. 
Since I cannot eat cookies, I should be able to eat fruit, right? 
Answer:
Precisely... wait, I mean no, but yes, but not really.
The problem, my dear friends is C12H22O11.
Don't know what that is, pumpkin? It is Sugar - and fruit packs it a plenty. 

I find that a lot of people like to overindulge on fruit when they go Paleo. Complex carbs that are found in breads, grains, pastas, etc are broken down into sugar and then stored as fat. At this time, your body is accustomed to these type of eats. Since Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose (too name a few) are molecularly similar, your body will take it (as a "fix") if that is all that is available. Fruit is basically being used as your Methadone. Therefore, some people will begin to eat too much fruit at the cost of calories and vegetables. 
So, oh studly one, will I need a multivitamin?
No you do not, sunshine. You want to know why?
Because there are no nutrients in fruits that cannot be found in vegetables. Go ahead, name a nutrient... better yet, click here. There is a quick link to nutrient information of a variety of vegetables. All that a healthy body needs. 


Wrapping it up:
If you need fruit to survive the Paleo Challenge, by all means - go for it. The purpose of the limited fruit at the beginning of the challenge is more my own doing/design than anything else (albeit reasonable). 
I can give you how's and why's until the cows come home, but instead I will leave it to your own will. If you would like more info, find me at the box.


Go eat some veggies, bitches!


-El Comando Negro




ps - fruit doesn't suck, it is pretty awesome!

Look at my fridge!

Middle shelf: Almond milk, cabbage,
food containers ready to take to work,
coco-water, seltzer water, and other drinks.

 

What up my Paleo peoples?

I am prepped for my Paleo Challenge!

I went out and bought a variety of proteins, veggies, and fruits. I am committed to staying as close to true Paleo as possible. Check out how pimp my fridge is. I stocked up on some paleo-baller food! 

You should know that as you continue paleo, you will find yourself spending more time at the supermarket. These extra trips should be for quick perishables such as veggies. Remember to stick to the walls of the market, there are very few reasons to go into the aisles. I buy in bulk (Costco) when I get the chance, like when I need meats. To save time, I marinate meats and then vacuum seal them - as illustrated at the bottom.   

In these containers: Rotisserie Chicken,
Spinach Salad (w/many other veggies)
Ribs on the bottom.

My non-paleo eats will (hopefully) be limited to Protein Bars and Muscle Milk shakes - both will be consumed within an hour of a WOD only. If I don't WOD, I won't have them. If you need a quick snack, why not hard boil some eggs - If you look at my fridge, there are several cartons there - go ahead and boil a dozen and keep them handy. 

Stay tuned for more tips to Paleo success!

How is your day #2 going thus far?

Keep it G,

-M

Top drawer: Cucumbers, avocado,
Bottom left: mixed greens, kale, carrots
Right drawer: 2 big ass pork loins

Right side (fridge door) is mostly off limits  -
w/the exception of mustards, and some salsas

 

Frozen veggies, chicken,
chicken sausages, fish, and steak
(I marinated and vacuum sealed some) 

Lamb in the left corner.
Veggies, meats, frozen fruit for smoothies. 

is coconut milk paleo?

Its easy to get but comes in a can; not sure if canned coconut milk is considered paleo or not?