Have you ever considered tying a Paleo or Whole30 diet? These Whole30 pork chops with spiced pear would be a perfect recipe to have on a weekly menu for a Paleo plan too. They are easy to make and delicious! I love them with a grilled asparagus on the side. Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of both Paleo and Whole30 diet plans.
As you know, there is know magic pill to encourage healthier eating. It needs to be a lifestyle choice. What I love about the Whole30 plan is that it lasts only 30 days. From there, you can decide if eating that way is right for you.
Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any new diet plan.
What is the Whole30 plan?
The Whole30 plan is a 30-day plan designed to help you change your overall health by helping you to reset your eating habits. The plan means cutting out many foods including dairy, grains, soy, legumes, added sugar or sweeteners. It’s definitely a plan where you need to make a solid commitment. There is no cheating or you are supposed to reset at Day 1. Two of my sister-in-laws have completed the plan. I’ll admit that it’s still on my bucket list, but I’m not quite there yet. That said, some experts think the plan eliminates too much from a healthy diet. That’s why I like that it’s only 30 days. While it does not promise weight loss, most of my friends and relatives that have tried it, lost between 5-15 pounds.
Gina from TheKitchn.com says:
One thing that I noticed happening was a marked difference in my tastebuds. After not eating any sweeteners for a few weeks, it’s really amazing how sweet fruit tastes. I became one of those weird people you’d like to smack who thought an apple was dessert.
Overall, my results were really positive. I felt lighter, happier, and had some extra energy to burn. All very welcome things!
What is a Paleo Diet?
Basically, the paleo diet focuses on foods that primitive humans ate millions of years ago. It emphasizes eating lots of fruits and vegetables and eliminating high-fat and processed foods. Similar to the Whole30 plan, you’ll also need to cut out all grains, legumes, and most dairy. Lean cuts of meat like pork, poultry and beef are allowed. Preferably organic, free-range and/or grass fed options. Eggs are allowed in moderation, fish is also fine.
Allison Berry from Women’s Health Magazine tried the Paleo diet for 30 days. She says:
I don’t think that Paleo is an easy fix for losing weight or a lifestyle change that anyone can make quickly. It helped me discover that I can easily change my eating habits and that it is possible for my tastes to change, I would consider going Paleo again. But I’m not sure this is a realistic way for me to eat every meal. Instead, I’m going to keep up my meal prepping habits so I’ll always have healthy options on hand.
How to Make These Whole30 Pork Chops
This is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! First, you’ll saute some pears in olive oil with cinnamon and nutmeg. You’ll cook ’em until they’re nice and soft and perfect for topping your meat.
Then, you’ll combine some seasonings to create a rub for your pork, and cook your pork in a skillet on the stove top. Top it with that sweet, aromatic pear sauce – and you’ve got a delicious protein option for your dinner plate.
Super simple, right?
I hope you love this recipe – be sure to rate it in the comments if you get a chance to try it!
Paleo Whole30 Pork Chops with Spiced Pear
These Whole30 pork chops with spiced pear are a perfect recipe to have on a weekly menu for a Paleo plan too. Easy to make and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon (divided into 1/2 tsp and 1/4 tsp)
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Substitute 100% vanilla bean powder in place of vanilla extract. Use it in a 1:1 ratio in recipes.)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless center cut pork chops (1/2-inch thick)
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add pears, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and the nutmeg.
- Cook, stirring and mashing the pears continuously, until thick and pears are tender, about 7-9 minutes.
- Remove pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Set aside while you cook the pork.
- Combine the remaining cinnamon, salt, paprika and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the pork.
- Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork and cook until well browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side.
- Top with sauce and serve.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition facts will vary based on size of the pork chops.
Nutrition analysis (per serving, assumes 6 servings of smaller pork chops):
215 calories, 9 g fat, 2.5 g sat fat, 9.5 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 23.5 g protein, Vitamin A: 2%, Vitamin C: 6%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 6%