Around February of this year, I saw a facebook ad for a workout program called Mommy Trainer. I’d sadly reached a point in my wardrobe where my maternity clothes started to become a much more comfortable option again except, I was not pregnant. Almost exactly one year before, I’d attempted the free 15 day challenge, but unfortunately, working out really affected my milk supply. At the time, producing that liquid gold was more important to me. My son and I were now nearing the end of our nursing journey, and after nearly talking myself into buying a wardrobe consisting only of yoga pants and loose t-shirts, I thought maybe I’d give it another try.
The program quickly grew on me. It was refreshing to be a part of something that understood this new world I was in: what it meant to be a busy, working mom with very limited personal time. I didn’t have time for hour long workouts, or even to going to the gym so the at home workouts were PERFECT and I could get them done in 30 min or less. Soon, I started to feel like the old me a little, except a better version. A new energized, multitasking, “I can conquer the world” mommy version. After 5 rounds, Mommy Trainer released a 6 week challenge. Not wanting to lose momentum, I jumped on board immediately! This program was awesome and even has a customized meal plan where you can mix and interchange all of the meals any time of the day. Pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yes, please! Carbs, fruit and CHOCOLATE allowed? Sign me up!
Working out in this forum has not only helped me turn around my bad habits into healthy ones, but I have met some of the most amazingly supportive women in the FMC group. We are on this road together and they have quickly become my #workoutfamily (we have a thing for hashtags lol). This program also helped light a fire in the passionate areas of my life again, which happened to be my love of creating healthy recipes. While the challenges are amazing, I knew that it was only a matter of time before I got bored eating the same recipes, so I started creating some macro friendly meals that are not only delicious, but don’t take 5 million hours to prep and prepare while my toddler screams “Up” and tries to climb my leg as I juggle a kitchen in full motion. I love my little lovebug, but his hangry toddler tantrums can make even the simplest meal prep become a daunting task REAL quick….
Enter Crockpot Carnitas, a busy mama’s new BFF. The slow cooking aroma instantly brings a smile to your face when you walk in the door, knowing a) you don’t have to cook dinner and b) it’s going to be incredible! A quick toss in a non-stick pan, like my fav the Slip Stone Non Stick Pan (with a space saving folding handle!) to sear the pork, topped with a slightly sweet, yet tart homemade pickled red onion, goat cheese and cilantro on a warm corn tortilla and dinner is done. #boom
And this recipe makes quite a few servings so you can enjoy leftovers for a day or two. #doubleboom #mealprep #winning
Street tacos aint got nothin on these bad boys.
One of the coolest things I learned while making this dish was that pickled onions can be made at home and they are SO stinking easy (ha, pun intended)! I always thought it was a long process, but in a pinch, you can have them prepped and ready to eat in 20 min. Red onions are such a great source of flavenoids which help to protect the heart. They have been shown to help lower the blood cholesterol and may help protect the body against certain types of cancer such as colorectal, laryngeal and ovarian. 1 cup contains 15% of your RDI for fiber and is packed with trace minerals and vitamins such as biotin, manganese, copper, B1, B6, Vit C, phosphorus, potassium, and folate. Pretty cool for such a strong smelling little tear jerker!
As I write this post, I am sad to announce that Nicole Wilder is stepping down from role as Mommy Trainer. She has been an amazing coach and inspiration to so many, including myself. I want to wish her the best of luck in her new journey. Without her, I would not be sitting behind this computer again, writing my stories and creating recipes to share with the world. So here’s a virtual hug and big giant THANK YOU to Nicole, the Mommy Trainer who helped remind me that sometimes the road is hard, but to keep pushing through and you will see those results.
Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Ingredients
- Crockpot prep
- 3 pound pork roast
- 1/2 cup orange juice or juice of one orange
- 1 tbsp salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp ground oregano
- Pickled Onions
- 1 large red onion sliced and divided in half
- juice of one lime
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- For serving
- 3 corn tortillas per serving
- Toppings
- goat cheese
- pickled onions
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
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To make tacos: Place pork in a crock pot and rub with, salt, garlic clove, cumin, and oregano. Top with orange juice and half red onion (reserve the remainder for pickled onions). Cook for 8 to 10 hours on low. When pork is done and shreds apart easily with a fork, place on cutting board, reserving liquid. Remove fat, shred and pan sear in a nonstick skillet (or cast iron) until crispy. When edges of meat begin to brown, add juice from 2 limes, 1 cup juice from crock pot and fresh cilantro. This is best done in batches for crispier pork, or a large skillet. For 3 tacos, use 4oz pork (approx 1/2 cup) and top with pickled onions, fresh cilantro and a light sprinling of goat cheese
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To make pickled onions: After placing pork in crock pot, mix remaining half of sliced onion, lime juice, vinegar and salt in a leakproof container. Shake well and refrigerate until use. Can be used 20 min after making (shake a few extra times if needing to use faster), but is best after 1 day in the fridge.
Source (s): The World’s Healthiest Foods: Onions
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