30 Day Paleo Challenge...Starts today!I Emeals Kid-friendly Paleo Country Fried Steak with Carrot-Cauliflower Mash

A little over a year ago I started my initial 30 Day Strict paleo Challenge and Crossfit Seymour.  I was only committed to 30 days of both and had plans on not continuing with Crossfit and adding dairy back into the Paleo lifestyle.  I stuck it out...not cheating even once!

That first month was tough!  I missed my fizzy soda.  I could barely stay up until 8:30 p.m. I started working out at 5:30 a.m. and could barely move after most of my workouts.  I was out of sorts in so many ways!
Fast forward a year later and oh my how my life has changed!  I have a love/hate relationship with Crossfit.  I no longer miss soda.  I can usually make it until 10 p.m. despite my 5:05 a.m. alarm clock.  I am still sore but not the "oh my goodness, I am going to fall down the stairs" sore.

I am however taking another 30 Day Strict Paleo Challenge.  It's time to refocus.  I have been 90% Paleo for a full year.  This summer with the opening of one of my favorite local ice cream shops I've been having too much dairy!  Plus Mr. and I have added popcorn popped in coconut oil back in for a snack as well.  It's time for me to stop the nonsense and buckle down.  No Cheats...30 days.  I've got this.  My favorite part about this particular challenge is that it is a Partner Challenge.  I've been paired with another person from my box.  I'm excited to learn and share along side her while kicking everyone's butt that we are paired against.  It's only day 1 but I know this is going to be a great challenge with fantastic results!

So this morning I started my workout with "Helen."  3 Rounds of 400 Meter run, 35 lb kettlebell swing x 21, 12 pull ups (banded).  I've never done Helen before but felt pretty good about my results this a.m.

After my morning workout, I came home and Mr. had cooked this:

I ate this and took my vitamins which I've also slacked off on taking: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B Complex, and a Multivitamin.  Drank 4 cups of coffee this a.m. and 2 Liters of water.

I headed out the door with this for a snack:

For lunch heated up these leftovers:

And ate this for an afternoon snack:

For Dinner:

Emeals Country Fried Steak with Carrot Cauliflower Mash

Emeals Paleo Recipe Share

Country Fried Steak

Ingredients: 6 beef cubed steak, 1 Tbsp Montreal Steak Seasoning, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1 large onion, thinly sliced, 1 (16 oz) package sliced mushrooms, 1 (14.5 oz) can organic beef broth, 1 Tbsp Arrowroot

Directions: Sprinkle steaks with steak seasoning and salt.  Heat 2 Tbsp coconut oil in a large deep dish skillet over medium high heat.  Brown steak, in batches 2-3 min. per side; remove from skillet and keep warm.  Add remaining 2 Tbsp oil to skillet; add sliced onion and mushrooms.  Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until onions are tender and mushrooms are browned; return cubed steaks to skillet.  Combine broth and arrowroot, stirring until smooth and blended; add to skillet.  Bring to a boil; cook for 3 minutes or until sauce is thickened.

Carrot-Cauliflower Mash

Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Coconut oil, 3 large carrots, sliced, 1 (12 oz) bag cauliflower florets, 1 large onion chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 cup organic chicken broth, 3/4 cup coconut milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper.

Directions: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add carrots, cauliflower, onion and garlic and cook 5 min. or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally.  Add broth.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes or until carrots are tender.  Remove from heat.  Mash carrot mixture with a potato masher until blended.  Stir in coconut milk, salt and pepper.

Mr. and I along with our kids thoroughly enjoyed dinner tonight.  In fact, Mr. and I both are excited for our leftovers tomorrow for lunch!  

Tonight I'm headed out for a night jog with Mr.  I'm officially signed up for my first 5K at the end of the month!  Remember...eat healthy and real food because Food is a Drug #Paleo!