First, I must tell you that last night, I heard Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet book, speak at my gym, CrossFit Verve, last night. He is the grandfather of the Paleo Diet. His book was my introduction to the concept of optimally fueling our bodies by eating foods we thrived on for millions of years. I was excited to hear him talk and took lots of notes I am eager to share. It’ll take me a few days to get them organized, but look for my recap next week
Anyhow, on to today’s post…
If you notice I seem a little more relaxed next week, here’s why: Matt and I will be on vacation.
We are spending the first half of the week with my sisters in a rental house on the Gulf Coast of Florida – then visiting Matt’s mom, who lives a bit north of Orlando. She’s turning 70! Seven decades is a lot of living so we are heading down to make sure the occasion is properly celebrated.
We are excited to see the rest of the family and hopefully an alligator. (I get a kick every time we see one of these giant reptiles just hanging out by the lake. It’s like I am in a children’s story book, “Good day to you, Mr. Alligator!” Except today, a co-worker warned me today that they can pop out of lakes and eat people, so I need to say hello from at least 30 yards away. )
As I have written about in other posts, eating healthy while getting from point A to point B is hard. I really try to prepare.
For in flight sustenance, I am going to bring a new dish that I am excited to test. If it works out, I’ll be sure to post the recipe.
Given that we have six hours of flying followed by a three hour drive once we arrive, we are going to need more calories. Now, Central Florida may have some paleo hotspots I am not aware of, but I am not going to count on it.
I am also planning to pack a homemade treat that is like my version of a Lara Bar, but with only the most delicious ingredients – macadamia nuts, almonds and mango and some dates to hold it together. They make a great snack for travel or any other time you want a little sweetness.
I have a few ideas for fun recipes to try while I am away. I also have visions of making my first cooking video. So far, I’m having a hard time finding anyone who wants to star in it. To be honest, I don’t actually want to be in it either. I was hoping to take a background role and coach someone through a recipe.
My first choice for a leading role in the production, my handsome and very funny brother-in-law, Brian, would only agree to participate under certain conditions related to his preferred costume wardrobe for the shoot. I can’t even explain it. You’ll really have to ask him for details. So, without a star, the video may not happen.
But keep your fingers crossed for me. And look forward to updates from poolside.
Mango Travel Treats
Macadamia nuts, 1 cup
Almonds, ½ cup
Dried mango, 1 cup
Dates, 8-10
Coconut flakes, dried and unsweetened, about 1/3 cup
- Put nuts into food processor and grind.
- Add mango and blend some more, until mango is in smaller chunks.
- Add dates and blend until the whole mixture is sort of gooey and sticks together well.
- Form into bite sized bars. I get about 16 bars with this recipe.
- Roll each bar in coconut to coat.
Pack them away so you don’t eat them all before you get to airport.