Last night’s supper was phenomenal. Whole30 or not, we are until we about popped. The boyfriend had two full plates, which is the biggest compliment to any dish I make. 

For the ranch chicken burgers, you need: 

• 1 pound ground chicken 
• Dried dill
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder 
• Onion powder 
• Salt 
• Pepper

Combine herbs and spices. Using your hands, mix the seasoning into the ground chicken until well combined. Grill until burgers are done and juices run clear. 

This made five burgers. Smaller parties. 

For the onions:

• 1/2 onion, sliced 
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ghee

Melt ghee in hot pan. Add onions salt and pepper. Turn heat to low and let onions cook slowly until they take on a golden brown color. 

I topped our ranch chicken burgers with guacamole and caramelized onions. I baked some sweet potatoes. And thanks to The Boyfriend’s mom, I have a new favorite summer salad

For the cold cucumber salad, you need:

• Cucumbers, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Basil, julienned 
• Red wine vinegar, to taste
• Homemade dry rub, recipe below

Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until cold. Veggies taste better the longer they sit in the spice and vinegar mixture. 

For the dry rub:

Combine all the following to your taste preference.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried parsley 

Just the right amount of flavor and heat. So good. We’ve been putting this on everything. 

I’m feeling more alert when I wake up in the morning, and that feeling is lasting throughout the day. My skin is looking amazing. Hardly any breakouts. My tummy is still having a little trouble, but it may just be from the sheer volume of food I ate yesterday. 

I am flexing my creativity muscles in the kitchen, and I feel more empowered after making my own breakfast sausage. 

We are going to try to go out to eat this week to have that experience. It’s crazy to think I’ve prepared 39 meals in the last 13 days. I grocery shop 2-3 times per week. Every meal is thoughtfully prepared. Every snack is packed by my own hands. 

I also had a dream about a gigantic cinnamon roll. It was gooey and delicious and I woke up feeling slightly guilty for cheating on Whole30 in my dreams. But apparently that happens. The emotional connection to food is strong. Stronger than you realize until you give up things you never had to. 

If you’ve done Whole30, or any diet or life change, share how you navigated the emotional connections your have to food. I find this to be the most interesting observation in my own journey.