Daaaaaayyyyyyyy 1: Week One Shopping List and Meal Prep

Good Morning Bloggers,

First, I want to state that it was my intention to get a post up on this yesterday.  However, we woke up with no power... which meant no internet... which meant no shopping list :(  But better late then never right?  Anyways below you will find my shopping list for Week 1 of my whole 30 challenge.  You will also find my meal list and schedule as well as the links for the recipes.  Finally, at the bottom you'll be able to read some of my ramblings if that's your style.  As always, if you have any questions let me know :)

Week 1 Whole 30 Shopping List

This week I wanted to keep the shopping list manageable.  I was also told my several 30 day challenge veterans to stick with the "traditional" recipes the first week, and save some of the more exciting and exotic ones for week 3 when the newness factor of the challenge has worn off.  So without further ado:


Produce

• Asparagus
• Sweet Potatoes
• Jalapeños
• Lemon Juice
• Lime Juice
• Pico De Gallo
• Onions (red)
• Kale
• Mixed Berries
• Mushrooms
• Lettuce Wraps
• Spinach
• Salad Mix
• Avocados
• Grapes
• Oranges  

Meats and Protein

• Chicken
• Shrimp
• Canned Salmon
• Eggs (2 dozen)
• Pork Chops
• Pork Burgers

Spices and Other Ingredients

• Tomato Sauce
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil (Extra light tasting NOT Extra Virgin)
• Applesauce (unsweetened and organic)
• Coconut Milk
• Pickles
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Parsley (fresh)
• Dill (fresh)
• Unsalted Butter (to make clarified butter)

Obviously, with the plan specifications you want to by as simple ingredient items as possible.  Check to make sure there are no added sugars.  If you are like my husband and I, on a budget, then you don't have to buy all organic products.  Focus on your meats first (buy the highest quality you can afford avoiding added hormones and overly processed) then your produce.  For your produce, if you have to peel it to eat it, it's less important that you get organic or chemical free.  But if it's something where you eat the skin you may want to look into an organic option. 

The meal schedule and plan is below.  If you would like to see the recipe you can find the links below the schedule. 

Meal Plan/Schedule

Recipe Information

Avocado Egg Salad: recipe here (I added pico, onions, jalapenos, bell peppers)
Grilled Chipotle Chicken: No recipe I just rubbed a Cajun spice run (check for no sugars for chemicals) on the tenderloins then pan fried in clarified butter with garlic. 
Olive Oil Mayo (Base for tarter and avocado lime dressing): recipe here (note: let egg and oil sit for 30 min to room temperature first)
Tarter Sauce: 1/2 cup of Olive Oil Mayo + 1 Tbsp minced dill pickles + 2 Tbsp fresh parsley + 2 Tbsp minced chives (fresh) + 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice + 1tsp pickle juice / mix all ingredients with a spatula in a bowl until blended, 30 min chilled before serving
Avocado Lime Dressing: 1/2 large avocado + 1 Tbsp lime juice + 1/4 cup olive oil mayo + 1 small garlic clove + 1/2 Tbsp jalapeno rings + 1 Tbsp of cilantro + 2 Tbsp of water / place all ingredients in blender and blend
BBQ Sauce:  recipe here


Chelsea's Ramblings

I think coming off of a complete lack of sleep last night, this morning I woke up feeling wholly unprepared and ready for this challenge.  Even though all day yesterday I was pretty psyched and excited, feeling more that prepared - somehow with the day arrived I felt inadequately prepared.  In reflecting, I think this is usual for me.  No matter how much time, knowledge, preparation, etc. that I have a little voice reminds me that I am not going to be good enough.  Well not today little voice!

I woke up this morning and had my avocado egg salad.  It was pretty tasty but I'll admit I was missing my overly sweetened coffee and toast.  I just accept that there will be some time needed for my taste buds to adjust.  Energy wise, I am noticing that all the veggies and fruits give me more clarity at work for longer periods of time.  Usually, by 10am I am hungry and reaching for some quick snack.  I still feel full and energized with the breakfast I had.  

I am going to try (round 2) of clarified butter tonight.  The first batch I made I think I had the initial heat too high and also used salted butter.  The foam on top was brown and not easily separated, so tonight I am trying again :)  Overall, feeling energized and excited for the challenge ahead.

As always thanks for reading and leave me a comment if you have questions. :)