Well several weeks have gone by and I am still on the Paleo Diet. Yay! It really hasn’t been too bad. I’m enjoying the structured eating throughout the week. It keeps me from consuming garbage like the tray of generic sugar cookies sitting in the office kitchen. Something I would have previously snacked on throughout the day while taking a break from my computer. Even though I am able to cheat over the weekends, I still eat 75% Paleo on Saturdays and Sundays. Not including the glorious mound of carne asada nachos I had this past weekend. But enough about me. Let’s talk food. I’ve got three Paleo recipes for you below: Open-Faced Frittata, Banana Smoothie with Nuts and Seeds, and Date and Almond Balls (*giggle*). Continue reading for more details.
Actually, before we get to the food, I need to apologize. In my first Paleo article, I completely neglected to mention my friend Lauren (aka Sous Chef Pryor), and the fact that she inspired me to start this diet. Lauren and her boyfriend started the Paleo Diet several weeks before I did. Lauren continues to be an amazing source of motivation, and she’s got some pretty darn tasty recipe ideas too. So… I’m sorry Lauren!! Thanks for being a great friend 🙂 I’ll be sharing Lauren and Jansen’s Cilantro and Lime Vinaigrette in the weeks to come.
My first Paleo recipe this week is an Open-Faced Fritatta. Tender eggs laced with slivered green onion are topped with oven dried tomatoes, garlic confit, shaved bacon, fresh thyme and cracked black pepper. This is one of the most satisfying ways to start your day. I cook this frittata-for-one in a small frying pan (no oven time needed), then scatter various precooked goodies on top. Feel free to get creative here. Sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, baby spinach, picked parsley leaves, braised kale and sliced green garlic are all delicious options. Get the recipe for Open-Faced Frittata here.
Next up is my Banana Smoothie with Nuts and Seeds. No joke, I make this smoothie every. single. day. It’s not quite substantial enough to be a stand-alone breakfast meal, but it’s perfect as a mid-morning snack. I drink this smoothie at 10am and it keeps me full and satisfied right up to lunch. Almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds are blended with almond milk, bananas, honey, vanilla, almond butter and ground turmeric. The smoothie is then finished with a dusting of fresh nutmeg. It’s incredibly healthy. And incredibly tasty. Check out the recipe here.
I’m not going to lie… I miss my sweet treats. I love eating a bite of something sweet after lunch and dinner. It signals to my brain that the meal is now over. Without that bite, my thoughts get consumed by visions of chocolate, cookies, cakes and ice cream. To satisfy these cravings during the week, I pop one of these Date and Almond Balls. Held together with smooth almond butter, these glossy bites are made with ground almond, dates, vanilla and cinnamon. Date and Almond Balls come together in a matter of moments and don’t require any actual cooking. They’re also quite filling, so it’s hard to go overboard. Get the recipe for Date & Almond Balls here.
That’s it for this week! I’m down a total of 7 pounds now, and feeling great 🙂
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J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says
Do you think Paleo is a sustainable diet as a a permanent lifestyle diet or just for a couple weeks/months with weight loss in mind? Speaking as someone who tries to eat healthy but loves food (and especially sweets…urgh) I try to eat more lean protein/veggies while reducing horriblyfattythings/carbs but don’t know that I could permanently banish them. Although I imagine being able to indulge on the weekends might help…
Brandon Matzek says
Hi Joyce, I think this is totally sustainable. And from what I’ve been reading, eventually you can work certain things back into your diet (like butter, hard cheeses, dark chocolate). The weekend cheat meals definitely help. I can enjoy a scone or a burrito without feeling guilty. My progress might not be as rapid as someone doing 100% paleo, but this method works for my lifestyle.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I think it’s amazing that you’re sticking to the paleo diet for the most part, most of the time. I love making banana-based smoothies; I make a huge batch at the beginning of the week, pour them into cups and have a dozen cups waiting for us to just nuke for 30 secs when we’re ready. Saves time and blender cleanout!
And those little balls…delish! I love seed/nut/date balls. Dates are as close to candy as you can find in nature!
Brandon Matzek says
Aww thanks Averie! I’m a little surprised at myself too. I’m usually not a diet person, but I can live with this one!
And thanks for the smoothie tip. I’ve definitely become a pro at cleaning my Vitamix. Would be nice to skip it a few days a week though 😛
Amanda says
Congratulations Brandon!! That Open-Faced Fritatta looks AMAZING!! 🙂 And I could definitely drink that Banana Smoothie everyday. Looks perfect!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Amanda :)!!
Mark Barilla says
So I’m intrigued – how much have you lost so far? Do you have a goal? Because the thing that keeps me scoffing at paleo is thinking of all the amazing foods I’d miss eating – gluten being the main one. But these recipes look so distractingly good that I don’t think I’d be too busy eating to be reminded what I’m missing. Stick with it and I see a cookbook in your future!
Mark Barilla says
Doh, I see your answer above. Congrats! So you miss sweets most? What about bread?
Brandon Matzek says
I’m fine without bread. However, sometimes I think to myself, “Man, I wish I could have a taco or burrito right now.” It’s a San Diego thing 😉
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Mark! Yeah, I’ve lost 8 pounds so far. No goals set so far. I’m just going to continue eating this way for a while and see where it takes me! I’ve built in two non-paleo days so I can enjoy things like bread, cheese, ice cream and carne asada nachos 😛 Surprisingly I have yet to go overboard.
I’ve really enjoyed coming up with Paleo recipes for the week. My method works for me though. Probably won’t work for everyone!
Anne @The Cooking Campaign says
I have a sister-in-law that loves this diet. I’m intrigued but not sure I’m quite ready for it. Can’t wait to read more to see how it goes!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks for reading Anne! I’ll have another update next week 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I admire your devotion to paleo diet. I need to try it soon! Just can’t seem to part with my love — fish 😀
Love the nut smoothie and that date ball recipe!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Kiran! You can still eat fish on the Paleo diet 🙂 Just not the Swedish variety. Let me know if you get started!