This week I participated in another fuel cycle. For those of you new to Trim Healthy Mama, a fuel cycle is an occasional week or two within the plan with strict guidelines, that is used to boost your metabolism when you’ve hit a plateau.
One my last Deep S day of the fuel cycle, my family wanted meatballs for dinner, which they typically like with marinara sauce. I try my very hardest not to be a short order cook. I’d like most if not all of the meal I cook to be compliant with all of our food restrictions and allergies.
Since I was on a DS day, I couldn’t have tomatoes. I really wanted some Smarty Pants Stroganoff from the book, but the DS days of the fuel cycle also prohibits dairy so I couldn’t use sour cream. Sour cream is one of my very favorite foods. Unfortunately it is dairy and high in fat. That’s not to say that there isn’t a time and place for sour cream, but there are definitely times when I can’t use it. Now keep in mind that normal meals not on the special fuel cycle do not restrict your consumption of tomatoes or dairy.
I decided to do a little experimenting. I came up with these yummy meatballs that fit right into the THM fuel cycle restrictions. I am so excited to add another meal to my list for the next fuel cycle I do, but I’m hoping I won’t need another one any time soon.
Meatballs and Gravy – Trim Healthy Mama Deep S Fuel Cycle
2 lbs lean ground beef
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1-2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp glucommanan
1 tbsp heavy cream
Mix beef with seasonings and then roll beef into meatballs. Line raw meatballs into crockpot, stacking gently if you run out of room. Carefully pour chicken broth over meatballs. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. Remove meatballs from broth and set aside. Whisk in glucomman. Then whisk in heavy cream. Add meatballs and stir to coat them. Serve meatballs over Not-So-Naughty Konjac Noodles, zucchini noodles, or other non-starchy vegetables.
These meatballs were a huge hit with my family! I can’t wait to see how my metabolism has changed at the end of the week, and I’m so thankful to have discovered another meal I can eat during the fuel cycle. Enjoy!!