Whole30: Let's Talk Food (and Recipes)

I am a self-proclaimed picky eater. I always have been, and probably always will be in some form. I have gotten better over the years (trying new things like guacamole can change your life), but I'm still that person who can take one look at something and turn her nose up.

That's why I thought doing the Whole30 would be a challenge for me since I like my basics--bread, potatoes, milk, and of course, sugar. But I was resolved to do it, regardless of what I thought I would or wouldn't like. I just decided to look at it as more than a challenge to eat right, but also a challenge to invent new recipes or put my own spin on old ones, and find good food I would like.

If you look back over my past Whole30-related posts, you'll see that I've been sharing some different recipes. I, the picky eater, approve them all, as does my sidekick (and fiance), Nick. Some recipes have also been approved by non-Whole30ers, so they have to be good, right?

This week we've been recycling a lot of our previous recipes, just because we liked them so much. We made deconstructed taco burgers for dinner last night and had leftovers for lunch today. We also delved into the realm of pork chops, seasoning them with fresh garlic, onions, salt and pepper, wrapping them in bacon, and pairing them with garlic-roasted fresh green beans and a side salad topped with homemade avocado dressing. (Side note: It's a good idea to buy the book, It Starts with Food, which will tell you everything about the Whole30, including how to make your own mayo and dressings.)

So if you're wondering if you'll actually like any of the food you're going to be eating during the Whole30, take it from me, you will. Don't be afraid to get creative with spices, garlic (which is awesome on practically everything) and switching up a dish you might make on a regular basis.

Baked eggs in bacon baskets; can also be made scrambled.

That said, tonight we had steak. Nick made his own dry rub and I tried out a recipe for baked eggs in bacon baskets, found here and pictured above. It was delicious, so I've included the steak rub recipe below. We also had sugar snap peas boiled in lightly salted water with one chopped scallion.

The baskets were really good, though the bacon wasn't so amazing. We found a kind we could have (without sugar), so I'm sure "regular" bacon would taste better. These would also make a great breakfast item, obviously, kind of like a bacon egg muffin. Similarly, I'm interested in putting my own spin on this egg muffin recipe.

Nick's Steak Dry Rub with a Kick
(Covers at least four 5-oz. steaks)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 3/4 tsp. paprika
- 3/4 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
Mix spices in a small cup, then massage mixture into meat on both sides. Nick prepared our steaks by browning two chopped garlic cloves and two sliced scallions in about 1 tbs. clarified butter in a skillet, then cooking steaks in the skillet until done.

Have a Whole30 recipe or recommendation? I'd love to hear your suggestions and try something new!