Keep it simple

This week I've been pretending it's summer outside, when in fact it's been cold and rainy.  I've realized that I've been making paleo eating really complicated by trying to pretend I enjoy putting together complex recipes and trying to pretend I enjoy cooking.

I'll be honest, I don't enjoy cooking.  My kitchen turns in to a DISASTER, I'm known for adding things here and there with no way of ever repeating a recipe and in the end I get overwhelmed at finding the perfect recipe to make each night.  So the other day, not wanting to really cook anything I asked Matt, what do you think about BBQing some steaks?  Best idea I've had in a long time.  First of all, although the BBQ is indeed an aspect of cooking, it doesn't feel like it because it's outside.  Second, grilling veggies on the BBQ makes them taster WONDERFUL and is super easy.  Third, there is no thinking about steaks, you can literally put them directly on the heated BBQ and let them cook.  Sure you can get fancy, but with a good cut of meat there is no need.  Same with burgers, chicken, sausages etc.

While the meat is cooking I open a bag of pre-mixed/pre-washed lettuce, cut up some veggies and toss it all together with some olive oil and whatever vinegar I feel like.  SO EASY!  Also, there is something about eating a huge homemade salad that makes me feel really good and healthy!  Best part is that leftovers are equally as easy, not that doubling a recipe isn't easy, I mean with the math and all :)

To me, nothing is simpler than BBQing and it has helped me get back to eating clean and healthy more often than not.  With the recipes I find myself adding things that maybe I don't really need or want because it's trying to mimic a non-paleo dish.  What is more paleo than a big piece of meat, cooked perfectly on a BBQ accompanied by veggies in all forms?!  So the lesson learned, keep it simple.  Rather than stressing about what recipe to make each night, rememeber that the BBQ is a great fall back!  Also, you can use your oven in place of the BBQ, but to me the flavor just isn't the same.

Oh also, I do have a huge umbrella that covers out patio which is up right now so I can stay dry while BBQing!

I mentioned my weight was creeping back up.  Well in 3 days I'm down 2.5 lbs, that weight that crept back is almost gone.  I've been eating paleo 90/10 rather than 80/20.  My only cheat each night is a cup of hot chocolate with light whip cream.  I am a before bed snacker and I refuse to give that up.  Hot chocolate fills me up more than eating dark chocolate and is sweet enough to curb any cravings I have to binge on something bad for me.

So seriously, rememeber to just keep it simple. If you don't like BBQ steaks/burgers/chicken then don't force yourself to eat it, but if you do, it's a great way to quickly eat paleo and not have to follow any recipes!