I'm officially half way through my Whole30 journey.
So today I'm sharing with you something I've NEVER tried before...
and I want to try these right now...like today. *wink*

Zoodles

 aka "noodles made from fresh zucchini"

photo source: She Cooks He Cleans

Since one of J's biggest cravings during our last 15 days of the Whole30 eating plan has been spaghetti...

I really want to surprise him with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs - Whole30 compliant - of course.

I keep hearing how wonderful these are as a replacement for regular noodles - so why not try them?

I just ordered this Julienne Peeler which apparently allows you to whip up

some zoodles in no time flat - and is a super affordable kitchen gadget. (around $10-$15).

Once I've got my new julienne peeler, I'll be trying out this delightful dish too...

Zucchini Noodle Salad

photo source: Souvlaki for the Soul

Eliminate the feta to keep it Whole30 compliant...otherwise everything else is a go.

Click HERE for the recipe from Souvlaki for the Soul

If you've got a favorite recipe using zoodles - please share!

And if you've experienced Whole30 - let me know how you did.

What were your personal results?

I can tell you I've had some really frustrating days.

I haven't seen results like J has already been seeing.

But the one thing I HAVE noticed?

No more REAL cravings anymore.

I'm not saying I completely ignored the cookies at Jason's Deli with my mom this weekend.

I actually honed in on them and thought, "Wow! Those are big, delicious-looking cookies".

But, there wasn't my normal feeling of "I've absolutely got to devour those this instant".

And I may have even glanced longingly at the beautiful bread on the Pastrami sandwich my mom ordered.

But...

those moments of longing were fleeting.

I got the salad bar, ordered a side of grilled chicken (whole30 approved) and felt perfectly satisfied at the end of my meal. 

I didn't feel cheated or deprived - or bloated and gross.

So I'm very proud of myself.

I was also surrounded by chips and dips and lots of other temptations at the poolside barbecue we went to yesterday.

But J and I were perfectly satisfied with the steaks we brought for grilling...

and the steamed cauliflower and fresh veggies we showed up with to accommodate our protein source.

It's getting easier...

and I take it day by day!

Thank you Cooley family for having us over yesterday - we had a great time!!

I hope you are enjoying the last two Recipe Radar posts!

They are most certainly a change from my sugary sweet desserts I typically post...

but I think the Kale Blueberry Ice Cream from last week...

and today's Zoodles are both a reFRESHing choice to add to your menu - which makes them perfect for Spring!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I've got lots of craft ideas I've been prepping to share with you...

Hopefully the workload in the design shoppe will slow down a bit so I can actually photograph things and get them posted for you.

EMPOWER | Self-Intervention

It's time for a SELF-INTERVENTION...

source: Home Grown Hospitality

I'm gearing up to start TWO very powerful 30-day challenges next week...
related specifically to properly fueling my body and changing some bad habits I've developed.
And because the two challenges compliment each other...
I'm starting them the same day - Monday, April 1st.

Click the "Read More" button below to find out what I'll be doing...

GOOD THiNGS | Bananas over bananas

Over the Summer...
something happened.

In my search to reach for healthier snack alternatives...
I became obsessed with bananas.
I thought I'd share with you what I refer to as...
My "Banana Evolution"...

It all began with these...

Green Smoothies

After including  lots of green smoothies for my breakfast or lunch...

I started noticing my thirteen year old daughter snacking on something interesting...

The frozen banana halves I had stocked in the freezer for my smoothies.

She just wrapped some plastic around the cold, frozen banana and ate it like a popsicle.

She swore they tasted just like ice cream so I had to try it. YUM!

Which then inspired these...

Banana Popsicles

I decided to add a stick to fresh cut bananas and then freeze them...making them an official popsicle.

Shown here using rods from The Pastry Pedestal™

Which led to the ultimate treat

Soft Serve Banana Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Food Processor = Banana Ice Cream

Variations of this ultimate treat quickly evolved...

Soft Serve Banana Nut Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Blender  topped off with Honey + Walnuts = Banana Nut Ice Cream

(see how the blender creates more of a creamy outcome vs. the firmer version from the food processor).

Soft Serve Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Frozen Bananas + Blender + Peanut Butter = Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

Topped off with a super simple homemade raw chocolate syrup:

2 TBSP Agave Nectar + 1 TBSP cocoa powder

Can it get any better than that?

A whole food, simply made yummier by freezing it.

I love it.

SUPPLIES NEEDED (Makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings)

• 2-3 frozen bananas (sliced or cut into chunks prior to freezing)

• Food processor or blender

Optional: Toppings 

INSTRUCTIONS

Using a blender or food processor, add 2-3 frozen bananas.

Blend for a few seconds until bananas reach a creamy, "soft serve" ice cream consistency.

Sprinkle with nuts, fruits or raw syrups to keep things nice & healthy. *wink*

Serve immediately.

TiPS:

Using a Blender - you may want to put the bananas in the blender and let them thaw for a few minutes prior to blending.

                                 Your results will be more creamy than "soft serve". Still delicious.

Using a Food Processor - I prefer the consistency of the ice cream I got using my super mini food processor.

                                               It's more of a true soft-serve ice cream. 

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to discover such a simple, healthy,  FUN snack alternative.

I hope you'll be inspired to try it out yourself.

I'm working on perfecting a "fall" flavored version.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

Make it a great week, friends!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

The Peanut Butter + Banana version is my absolute favorite.

But then again...we all know I have a weakness for peanut butter. *wink*

Lots of fun things coming up...

Including a FUN giveaway announcement!!