Ranch Tree Huggers

These came out really yummy, and again, the kids love the exciting presentation. Hope you enjoy!

Ranch Tree Huggers
1 lb Ground Bison (beef would work well)
1 lb Ground Turkey
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Dried Thyme
3 Tbsp Onion Powder
3 Tbsp Dried Parsley
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Garlic Powder
10-12 Asparagus Spears
Avocado Oil to drizzle

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all ingredients, except asparagus and avocado oil in a food processor or a large bowl.

 Process to combine, or use your hands. Wash and trim asparagus spears.

Take the meat mixture in about 3 oz pieces.

 Flatten in your hands, place asparagus spear over the meat and form it around the spear. Squeeze to keep it tight around the spear and place on a baking sheet. (Sorry, couldn't get a picture because my hands were all gooey while making these.)

  Drizzle avocado oil over spears.

 Place in preheated oven for 20 minutes.  Following baking, broil them on low for 5 minutes.

Remove and enjoy!

Cinnamon-Cashew Butter and MORE

I've posted a couple snack/lunch ideas on the Facebook page lately, but wanted to take the time to share them on here for those of you who may not see them there. These are a couple of our favorite snacks, or tips, that have helped my family maintain good nutrition, and maybe they will help you as well. I would also love to hear your ideas when it comes to getting the whole family eating healthy.

But first, I will share my super yummy, crazy simple, recipe for Cinnamon-Cashew Butter, mmmm! This stuff is delicious, and you will never want to purchase the store bought stuff again!

Buffalo-Ranch Pulled Chicken

This recipe turned out really good. It had the perfect balance of spice and flavor with the combination I used. It was super easy to throw in the slow-cooker between my morning and afternoon activities, and when we all got home this evening we were able to fill our tummies quickly before my husband ran back out the door. My husband told me this was definitely one to do again! I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!

Note: I can't always afford all Grass-Fed meats, so chicken is where I generally skimp. Because the fat is where the majority of the pesticides and toxins reside, I choose to purchase boneless/skinless chicken breast and add in healthy fats (butter, coconut oil, etc) into the meal in other places. This allows me to keep a lower budget and still get the nutrition my family needs.

Buffalo-Ranch Pulled Chicken
5 Frozen B/S Chicken Breasts
1/2 Tbsp Dried Parsley
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 tsp Salt
1 C Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Place frozen chicken breasts into the slow cooker.

Forgot the Thyme in this picture

 Mix together all remaining ingredients in a bowl.

Pour sauce over frozen chicken breasts and turn to low.

Cook for about 5 hours.

 Using two forks or tongs, shred chicken.

Enjoy!

Inspiration...

I've wanted to share a story with you guys for a while now, but in the craziness that is life I haven't got around to it, till now. This blog is primarily focused on the food that goes with the Paleo Lifestyle, but an additional factor that is so important is the exercise and movements incorporated. For me, the program of choice is Crossfit. I LOVE everything about it. I am constantly encouraged by a community to do my best, improve, and reach for more in my workouts. I never get bored with my workouts and I will say there are very few times that I don't want to go to the Box. This is my happy place!

I have received a lot of questions and remarks from family and friends about this 'extreme' fitness program, Crossfit. No one seems to get that the 'Fire-Breathers' you see or hear about are not who make up the majority of the Crossfit community. Now mind you, it can get extreme, if you want it to, but it is not just for super athletes.  There are more of us tailoring the WODs (workout of the day) each day to our skill and ability level than those performing the workout prescribed. We have participants in our Box from 14 to their 60's, and we all get a great workout at our ability level. ANYONE can do this!!

This is me when I could only Snatch 45lbs. I can now do 95lbs!

My friend and fellow Rain City Crossfitter, Tovah shared her experience with Crossfit in her blog recently and I was so inspired that I asked her if I could share it with you guys as well. Tovah isn't a crazy athletic person, though I must say these guns are looking more and more intimidating by the day!

She is a normal person, not wanting to loose a ton of weight, or gain crazy muscle mass, but rather just improve herself, which she has done! She is an encouragement in the gym, a great cheerer in the brutal-est of WODs, and someone I have come to really enjoy not just working out with, but becoming friends with. I hope you all enjoy her writing as much as I did!
Here is an excerpt from Tovah's Blog. Head over and check out the rest of the story and the pictures she shares. It really is a great inspiration!

I have come to value my time at Rain City crossfit, not only because I’m stronger and my clothes fit better but because it is something that Clark and I can share. In fact when I think about the benefits of doing crossfit there are so many.  I have accomplished physical feats that I would have never thought I could and that makes me proud of myself. My coaches are so encouraging and I love hearing that I am doing well and performing the skills correctly. As an adult I know there aren’t many places where I receive praise for my efforts–a lot of things at work or at home are expected of me and so even if I do a good job it is just part of the routine. Sometimes I think the greatest motivator for me to go work out is just to hear my coaches and the other crossfitters cheer me on and tell me I’m doing well. I love hearing Clark tell me how proud he is of my efforts. Crossfit is also great at making me feel like I am part of a group–we all work out and suffer together. But in a good way. I’m sounding like quite the fan of Crossfit, and I am. Anything that lets me eat cookies guilt free is an awesome thing.

I know sometimes it is discouraging to see other people who are more genetically gifted/athletic pick up crossfit skills more easily and so when I feel like that I like to look back at pictures and see how far I’ve come. I think everyone should take a “before” picture because sometimes it is hard to see the progress that happens bit by bit. And I think sometimes Clark forgets how far he has come too. He has always been tall and slender as an adult but he wasn’t nearly as healthy or as strong as he is today. What do you say, want to see some before and after pictures? Oh yeah you do. Let’s start with Clark! And maybe just skip over me? no? Okay to be fair my before and “progress” photos will be shown too.