The Whole30 Returns + A Recipe

It's been a while since I wrote about the diet cleanse Nick and I tried in January, the Whole30. If you missed those posts, here's some of the back story. Since completing the Whole30, we've been sold on its ability to work wonders on our bodies and encouraged anyone we know to try it. It can be difficult in the beginning, but is well worth the effort as it can improve anything from acid reflux (as experienced by Nick) to hair texture and growth (as experienced by me).

Most recently, we encouraged a new friend of ours, Julie, to try the Whole30. She's in the middle of it and last night we had a Whole30-safe dinner together of salmon and broccoli (recipes can be found here). Sometimes finding dishes that are yummy and Whole30-approved can be difficult, which is why Nick and I branched out to make or modify our own, the salmon being one such recipe. Dinner was delish and we discussed other meal options, including my mom's chili recipe which I modified for the Whole30. I realized that I've never shared this recipe on the blog, so I'm sharing it today. I'm also including non-Whole30 options for those who aren't doing the diet and are interested in the original recipe. (A note for Whole30ers, make sure to always check the ingredients on any canned/bottled items you buy from the store to ensure non-Whole30 ingredients, like sugars, haven't been added.)

Suzie's Hearty [Whole30-safe] Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (non-Whole30ers can do 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb Italian sausage)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed (pushed through garlic press is best)
- 1 or 2 16 oz. cans of whole tomatoes (depends on personal preference)
- 2 to 3 16 oz. cans of tomato sauce
- Non-Whole30ers can add 1 15 oz. can of red kidney beans, drained; 1 tsp. sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. basil
- 1 tblsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Cook and stir beef (Italian sausage), onion and garlic in a large saucepan until meat is light brown, drain, place in large pot. Stir in tomato sauce, tomatoes (with liquid), oregano, basil, chili powder, black pepper (kidney beans, sugar). You may want to slowly add chili powder to personal preference. Bring ingredients to a boil, turn down and let simmer for a few minutes, then enjoy!

On the Whole30, we enjoy pairing this with all natural apple sauce and TERRA Original Veggie Chips. For non-Whole30ers, this goes great with cornbread topped with honey.

We're planning on doing another round of the Whole30, and hopefully we'll be coming up with some new recipes to share in the future! In the mean time, please share your Whole30-safe recipes in the comments.