Pork Chops and apple sauce-kind of

Pork Loin Stuffed with Apples

Day 11-NO GRAINS

As the no grain challenge almost comes to an end, the So Cal CrossFit Regionals are quickly approaching. In fact, it's about 4 weeks away and I'll be competing with some pretty amazing athletes. I'm nervous but excited to be competing. Since the sectionals I've been working on bodyweight movements like pull ups, dips, handstand push ups and GHD sit ups. These are the "chinks in my armor" and all the work is helping. (as it should) Yesterday we had a 20min AMRAP workout with 7 handstand push ups per round, I did all but the last 9 HSPU strict to one ab-mat. The last 9 I did with a kip (to move a little more quickly)-which I didn't know how to kip when competing at sectionals. This workout felt pretty good and it's great to see the extra work I've been putting in is paying off!

Speaking of extra work it might be take a bit more planning with the no grain challenge, but your body appreciates it. Your taste buds are probably changing and getting used to this no grain lifestyle. Eating less processed food is easier for your body to digest and once you get in the habit, you might just want to stick with it. I have heard it takes 21 days to develop a habit, so feel free to extend the no grain challenge for another 7 days :), we will keep posting tasty recipes that you can whip up easily. After all this you might find that the sandwich and other grains might not be calling you anymore.

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Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

I had purchased a pork tenderloin last week and was still deciding what to do with it. I was talking to some people at the gym and one suggested stuffing it with apples.....so here is what I did.

What you need:

1/4 cup golden raisins
3/4 cup Riesling (or Gewürztraminer)
1 1/2 apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes,
Pinch of cinnamon
2 lb center-cut boneless pork loin (ask butcher to make a 1-inch incision in the center all the way through)
Sea salt
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
1 medium onion, diced large
1 carrot, diced large
1 celery stalk, diced large
4 stems fresh rosemary

• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Soak raisins in cup wine for 10 minutes.
• Combine raisins (including wine not absorbed), apples and cinnamon in a bowl. Fill pork-loin cavity with apple-raisin mixture.
• Season pork with sea salt and pepper; set aside 15 minutes at room temperature. (If loin splits, tie with kitchen twine.) Meanwhile, coat a roasting pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
• Sear pork on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes total, turning frequently so it doesn't stick. Place onion, carrot, celery, rosemary and apple peels and cores in pan; place pork on top.
• Cook 25 minutes or until pork reaches 150°.
• Remove pork from pan; let rest 10 minutes. Slice pork and divide among plates.

You can prepare a vinegar reduction sauce to put on pork-which would be quite tasty.