I’m a bit on the annoyed side today. I’m not one to get mad or angry or even sad about what people say about me or my blog (I’m weird, I know that) but I do get annoyed. And even sometimes offended. But the more I grow and the more people that come across my website and Facebook page, the more people feel as though they should state their opinion. And I get that. We all like to be heard and be the center of attention sometimes. Why the hell do you think I write my blog? Duh. I’m an only child, I scream for attention daily.
BUT there are some things that need to be remembered in this blogosphere. I just made that word up. I write this blog FOR FREE. Everything that goes into this website is FREE to anyone that reads it. If you don’t know what free means, it means you don’t pay to read this blog. I post recipes 4-5 days out of the week because I love it and I want people to have the opportunity to cook good food within the paleo spectrum. I want to show people that it’s not hard and that anyone can do it. I do not charge for my recipes because I want to make paleo easy for people.
That being said, I have never once said that you HAVE to try a recipe or that my recipes are perfect for your diet. Nor do I act like I’m any good at photography. Or perfect when it comes to eating paleo. I just post the recipes of the things I cook because I enjoy those meals and I hope others do too. But no one body is the same. No taste bud is the same. That’s why I say everyone creates their own meaning of paleo.
The jist of it is, stop being rude people. Like jeeez. I’m posting recipes for free and telling stories about my life. I’m not telling you to make my recipes, I’m not telling you how to live your life, and I’m not telling you to even look at my website. I’m just telling you that I really like to consume chocolate covered walnuts, CrossFit, and think about men constantly. And now that I don’t eat nuts, I only have 2 things to really talk about. Crap. My b.
OMG, sh*t just got real serious there. Let’s lighten the mood. GUESS WHAT?! I made it onto CrossFit.com today!! I worked with my good friends Ian and Patrick with Again Faster to create some cooking videos for the CrossFit Journal and I’m so happy to see that they published one! They even have the zone blocks within the recipes in case you follow the zone diet!
Creamy Avocado and Spinach Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
- 2 avocados, pits removed
- 6 cups of fresh spinach (or more, if you’d like)
- 1lb chicken, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, stems removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise, and remove the excess seeds and strings.
- Place open side down on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes or until spaghetti squash is soft when you push the skin or the threads easily come out when you take a fork to it.
- While your spaghetti squash cooks, place a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add two minced garlic cloves to your hot pan and then toss in your spinach. Let your spinach wilt down, then add it to your food processor.
- In the same pan, add your diced chicken and onion to cook down.
- Then add 1/2 tablespoon of parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper to the pan and mix well.
- While your chicken cooks down, add 2 avocados to your food processor along with your lemon, fresh basil, 1/2 tablespoon of parsley, thyme, and garlic powder and a bit of salt and pepper, to taste. Puree until smooth, then add your 2 tablespoons of your leftover olive oil.
- Once your spaghetti squash is done cooking and cooled, dethread your spaghetti squash and place threads in a large bowl.
- Then add your chicken that has cooked completely through and top off with your spinach and avocado sauce.
- Mix thoroughly and top with a bit of basil.
- Eat it like you mean it!
Ugh! Why oh why do people think it is OK to bash people providing FREE cooking, recipe information I DON’T GET IT!!!! Your blog rocks, your stories rock and your recipe’s are out of this world! I know it is hard but PLEASE don’t let this get to you! These people must have a really sh*ty life if they need to pick on a food blogger. I’m guessing they are seriously jealous:) Your blog hands down is my favorite, I drink my coffee while reading your blog, it’s the first one I read everyday. Love you…in the love your blog sort of way, not the internet stocking kind of way:)
Not that you need a pat on the back from me but there are like 7 people in my circle that are chomping at the bit to try YOUR recipes…there will be a recipe swap thingy at my house…all centering around your recipes! I have cooked the Sweet Potato Brownies & we have all decided (even my manly man meat & potatoes eating boyfriend who ate quite a large chunk while they were still warm!) that bar none it is the best brownies we have eaten, Paleo or no. I attempted the Blueberry Honey Coconut cups…yours were white w blue bits, mine were purple! Not your fault, tasted pretty darn good even if they looked like I mascacred Barney & poured him into muffin cups (Barney is a woose anyway…who would miss the goofy dancing purple carpet?) I feel like I could write a blog based on your blog & recipes…Hmmmm, Juli & Brandy (vs Julie & Julia…) Keep em coming chickie!
WORD! The sweet potato brownies are a favorite among my friends–paleo/crossfitters/and all of the above.
I”m new to your site, Paleo and Cross Fit. I love what you write, keeping it light and funny. Your recipes rock and inspire me! AND you dance!
Keep up the great work and poop on the people who say anything negative. They s*uck!
F*ck the haters, you’re rad!
It seems like the love is pouring through the roof now, so I’ll keep this brief!
You’ve made both paleo and CFB incredibly accessible and fun for me, and this seems like a great time to just say thanks. You push me to push myself and have got me cooking more than I have ever cooked in my life (culinary school drop out? I think so!). When I look in the mirror and like what I see, I have three amazing trainers to thank…you, Jake, and Jason. When I’m in my kitchen loving what I’m eating/destroying, I can only thank you (and sometime the civilzed caveman, haha). Keep it up, Juli! Haters arent worth anyone’s time. Trust.
I think people are mean because they’re jealous that other people exist who are doing fun, cool things with their lives (i.e., YOU!) Have you seen this article? (http://www.care2.com/causes/british-weightlifter-shoots-back-at-sexist-critics.html) Different topic, same “criticism” theme. “What do you want us to do?” she asks. Stop being ourselves? That’s ridiculous. What you do is fantastic. THANK YOU for sharing recipes and bits of your life. It is very much appreciated! 🙂
Just delete ’em and block ’em! Who needs that negative energy. I think you’re fantastic and read your blog everyday. Keep it up!
People love to hate on things, especially if they relate to food or fitness. I love when people hate on my blog, means I’m writing compelling stuff. Keep posting your recipes – this is my favorite online cookbook!
I am new to PALEO and you are an awesome resource. I love your blog and love your recipes!! Keep it up and don’t let haters have the power to get you down!!
Juli – Thank you for sharing your life and cooking experiences with us. I read your blog everyday and appreciate your humor. Your recipes ROCK! They are easy to follow and usually use ingredients that I can find easily. I think I am addicted to your Smoky Bacon Chili recipe because I make it at least twice per month, even in the summer! Thank you for providing a realistic (and FREE) paleo resource for recipes and insight. You inspire and encourage me to stay on track!