In the Kitchen with 11 Magnolia Lane: Sesame Grilled Pork Chops with Green Apple Slaw

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It has been four months since I have changed my eating habits (and began work on this meal plan series!) and I have noticed some serious changes.  The biggest change I’ve made in my diet is to give up bread, pasta, flour, crackers, pretzels and as much processed food as possible.   I still indulge here and there, but it usually leaves me feeling terrible.   That result really has helped me curb my cravings for sugar and processed foods.  Why eat something if the end result makes you feel terrible?  Now, don’t get me wrong– I still drink wine (and even the occasional cosmopolitan 🙂  ).   I will definitely enjoy  a homemade dessert once in a while without any hesitation.  I am just trying to ensure that I am aware of what I eat, when I eat it and why I am eating it (is it to benefit my health or did I have a bad day and feel I need chocolate?).

Among the physical changes I have experienced are weight loss and inches off my waist line.  That was never my personal goal but it sure is a nice bonus:). My goal was simply to feel  more energized.   I felt like I was walking around in a fog and I grew tired of that low energy feeling.  Managing the sugar (breads, pasta, rice…) has reduced my body from spiking insulin and therefore I am no longer crashing through out the day.  My energy is back which has allowed me to give more of time to my kids, my home, my nutrition, the gym and of course, this blog.

One of the best things I have learned from this journey is that no two bodies are alike so people really need individualized meal plans to feel great.  I am not advocating a low carbohydrate meal plan for everyone but this is how I cook and it works well for me and my family (and lots of my friends too).  The second thing I have learned is that you have to continually educate & advocate for yourself.  We live in this low fat/chemical word and now science is proving that philosophy wrong.  You have to be your own advocate and I hope that some of the meals I provide inspire you to take action in your own the kitchen and your own personal health.

Here is another yummy recipe option to add to your own personal recipe book and here is the spring shopping week 2.

Sesame Grilled Pork Chops and Green Apple Slaw

INGREDIENTS:

• 4-6 pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
• 1 bottle of your favorite sesame marinade
• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 1 carrot
• 2 tart green apples
• Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinade pork chops 30 minutes prior to cooking.
2. Grill pork chops for approx. 5-6 minutes the first side and 3-4 minutes on the opposite side.  Let stand 5 minutes after you remove them from the grill.
3. For the slaw, shred the cabbage, onion and carrot into large bowl.   Thinly slice the apple, match-stick style.
4. Combine the mayo. sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper in a mason jar and shake well until combined.
5. Pour over the slaw and let sit for a few hours to ensure the flavors come together.
6. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by~