Paleo Chicken Curry with Cauliflower & Sweet Potato with a side of stir-crazy {Whole30}
Thank goodness we’re going back to work today because I am so stir-crazy. Because we can pretty much walk anywhere, we weren’t even that confined by the storm (I would actually go crazy being snowed-in in the suburbs, even if I was going crazy in my great big home with a great big yard). Even during the worst of the storm we bundled up and walked to a friends house to play games and grill in the snow. And yesterday was beautiful! But over the weekend I prioritized homework over playing in the snow, and by Monday I was already stir-crazy and had a bad case of FOMO. Courtney got the sled down from the attic, and we didn’t even use it!
I also did some crafting, finishing a project I started nearly a year ago, and binged through the entire first season plus some of Friday Night Lights. I don’t want to know how many hours that is. Please don’t do the math.
At least I can report that we’ve been eating really well during our period of pseudo-voluntary confinement. Seriously, Whole30 meals are my favorite meals, the food just can’t be beat. However, the social aspect can be tough, and the snowstorm a was major test of my willpower. Well, not really, as you all know, I’m a stubborn little thing. But there were times over the long, snowed-in weekend where I really just wanted to drink a beer (or five) with friends. But between the ‘no alcohol’ rule and the ‘no snacking’ rule, I know I came through the weekend feeling much better about what I put in my body than I would have otherwise. Because contrary to popular belief, blizzard calories count.
When I ask myself “why do I do this?” I remind myself: because it works. For me, Whole30 is an extremely effective way to get back into the shape I like to be in while redeveloping healthy habits like mindful eating, not having dessert after every meal and remembering how to have fun with friends without a drink in hand.
It’s not impossible to make Whole30 work and still spend time with friends, you just have to be willing to get creative. Like having a ‘combined leftovers’ dinner party where you bring your own food. Good friends will understand, and will probably even be excited to try what you bring! So far this round of Whole30 has shown me that the number of laughs has nothing to do with what you’re eating or drinking, a good reminder for all of us.
Paleo Chicken Curry with Cauliflower & Sweet Potato
Inspired by PaleOMG
Ingredients
- 1 (14oz) can light coconut milk
- 1 head of cauliflower, leaves and stem removed, chopped in small florets
- 1 large sweet potato, cubed
- 1-2 cups green beans, cut into 2″ pieces
- 1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast chicken, cubed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less, depending on how much heat you want)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut milk, garlic and spices and let simmer for about 5 minutes. While the spices are simmering, chop your veggies and chicken.
- Place sweet potatoes, cauliflower and green beans in the coconut milk, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Then add chicken, almond butter and raisins, cover again, and let simmer for another 6-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste
Serves 4, generously
