Sweet Potato Pad Thai (whole 30)

Jeremy and I tried doing a Whole 30 in March and only lasted 15 days. Then we tried again and only lasted 11 days. But we learned a lot. We learned that we are both lactose sensitive. We also learned that eating Whole 30 approved things actually does make you feel better. We both lost over ten pounds even in just the first 15 days. We did have more energy and we were less sleepy throughout the day. We also learned that enjoying time with people is much more important than sticking to a diet. We knew this before but it definitely hit harder once we tried to be strict about it. We love spending time with people and we love enjoying yummy food. We never wanted to be the people who came to someone's house and didn't eat what they offered us just because we chose not to. If you're actually allergic to something that's different, but neither of us are. So we tried our best to make wise decisions with the options we were given. Also, I love to bake things and be experimental (obviously) and it was hard baking things for other people and not being able to try them and not knowing if it really came out the way I was hoping. So basically balance is key. We want to continue to meal plan and eat Whole 30 at home, but when we're invited somewhere we'll be all there and enjoy the hospitality we're shown. We won't be gluttonous or pig out just because we can though, we'll do our best to practice self-control. Also, I'm definitely going to continue to bake and experiment, but we'll only eat a small bit of whatever it is and then give the rest to neighbors or his co workers. The last thing I'm hoping to take away from this is: encouragement. I feel like I always see both extremes. Either someone is restricting themselves from all things decadent and shaming others who don't OR they're giving into all their cravings and rolling their eyes at anyone who's trying to eat healthier (that was me). You can have both. And you should. Also we should't try to get our friends to quit their "diets" or get them to cave. If we actually love them we should encourage them as they try to take care of themselves. Most people have the whole "self-care" thing wrong. They think self care is giving yourself whatever you want whenever you want it. But really the best way to care for yourself is to actually take good care of it. So, when your  friends are trying to do that, help them, encourage them, take care of yourself with them! You might actually enjoy it. Healthy doesn't mean gross. Most of the things we ate while on Whole 30 were surprisingly delicious. Which brings us to this recipe.

This is the best thing that came out of doing/attempting Whole 30. I never would have tried a recipe like this before. But HOLY CRAP. It's honestly the best thing I've eaten since I ate hand pulled noodles in Indonesia. I thought I was following a recipe I found on Pinterest, but by the time I was done I had subbed so many things it wasn't even the same recipe anymore. Even if you hate eating healthy, you should make this and eat it. I've made it four times already. The first time we ate it, we instantly knew this was gonna be a new go-to. So really. Do yourself a favor and make this super yum Pad Thai. I really really recommend it. Even if you're not into sweet potatoes and very into noodles (hello I love pasta) DON'T skip the sweet potato noodles. They really make this dish. Let's make Pad Thai together...

Place 1/2 cup cashews in a blender cup

Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over the cashews and set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

You'll need 3 sweet potatoes

Peel them

Use the large side of a box grater and grate them all long ways so you'll have longer strips. (if you have a spiralizer, feel free to use that)

Keep it in a bowl while we continue prepping

Get two chicken breasts and slice them thinly and cut into bite sized pieces.

roughly chop 1/4 cup cashews

chop one shallot and mince 3 cloves of garlic

Heat a T sesame oil in a pan over med-high heat

Once it's hot, cook your sweet potatoes for 3 minutes stirring throughout.

When the potatoes are done, they should still be slightly crunchy, we don't want soggy potatoes, set them aside in a bowl.

In the same pan, add the shallot and garlic

also add the chicken

Put the lid on and let it cook for about six minutes.

While the chicken is cooking lets finish the sauce. Add 1/4 cup coconut aminos

1 T white wine vinegar

Juice one whole lime in 

next 1/4 t / 1/2 t cayenne depending on your spice tolerance

Blend until smooth

after the chicken is cooked scoot it to the sides and pour two lightly beaten eggs in the center

scramble them into the chicken

Dump your noodles on 

also pour your sauce on

Stir it all up until it's evenly heated through

Top with chopped cashews and dried chives.

serve hot

​Let me know if you make this recipe by taking a photo and tagging me @MartinezMade_ on Instagram or use the Hashtag #MartinezMade. Or comment here and let me know what you think! It'll make my day