I know, I know…I haven’t posted in a couple weeks, but let me tell you! It is hard to find a quiet moment to get my thoughts in order when everyone is home all day long. LOL Don’t get me wrong, I have MOSTLY enjoyed everyone being home, and there are parts of it I am going to miss when they all go back. Like, lunch on the back deck with David. Knowing where everyone is and that they are safe…. I hated to not post, but one of the things I have tried to learn, is to enjoy life…enjoy NOW. And If NOW means a post has to wait…this will be over before we know it and I don’t want to look back on this time with a lot of regrets.
That being said. I actually am home alone at the moment and taking full advantage of it. I do have a couple thoughts/things to share with you today.
It’s really not as hard as it seems. When I first heard the best bone broth was homemade, I thought, “ugh…overwhelming…something else to do.” But after the first time I tried it…it’s pretty much my go to. I usually keep it on hand. I did find this one at Costco that I keep on hand for emergencies, but I try to keep a homemade supply in stock.
I know me…and I also know that when things are busy, it is much easier to just grab something to eat. If you have to clean/prepare it first…probably not happening. Enter…Food Prep.
I do not usually do this the same day I go to the grocery. It’s usually just too much for one day. Normally it is the day after. I clean and prep ALL my fresh produce, boil eggs for the week, and my husband always fries my turkey bacon for the week for me. (I hate frying bacon, it takes…forever…He, however, loves it! Says it is relaxing for him. Far be it from me to hinder his relaxing time! LOL)
I had my yearly physical that my husband’s insurance requires, last week. Our awesome family Dr. ordered a slew of labs for me. Which I actually appreciate. It helps give me an idea of where I am and how I am doing. He has so far supported my decision for the way I am dealing with my health. In fact, at this visit, he said, “I am so proud of you! You are doing a great job!” Woo hoo!
As I said, he ordered a slew of labs. And guys! I was so excited! While I was interested in several of them, there were 2 in particular that I was anxious to see. My CRP (which tells you if there is inflammation in your body), and my Vitamin D levels. Well, ALL but 2 of my labs were NORMAL! NORMAL! This was the first time in 2 years my CRP was normal. And My vitamin D was the highest it has been in 2 years as well…and that is in the middle of winter and can’t get outside!
I think the question I get the most is, where in the world do you find recipes?! Of course there are different places.
- I modify my own recipes, of which I do and will share with you. 🙂
- Cookbooks
Today I am going to talk about number 3. Cookbooks. My absolute favorite cookbook author is Danielle Walker, over at Against All Grain. I have all 4 of her books. I have not made anything of hers yet, that I or my family did not like. I am going to list each of her books, and mention a few of my favorites from each book. I am going to list them in the order that I received them…just because. 🙂
Grocery shopping has ALWAYS been one of my least favorite “chores” as a mom/wife. Seems like such a waste of time and money! But everyone in this household anyway, think they need to eat…every.single.day. LOL
Stress is the #1 trigger for flare ups for autoimmune diseases. The first fewe months every grocery shopping weekend was a rough weekend for me. So, in trying to figure out ways to make it a little less stressful, we have found a few alternatives. Now mind you…eating healthy, for some crazy reason, is more expensive. So the alternatives still need to be worth it. Here are my tips as of now. I will keep you updated on things as I find stress reducing tactics.
You remember 10+ years ago when the “Shamrock Shake” from McD’s tasted good? It has been a few years since I have had one of theirs, but the last time I did, I remember thinking, “what happened to this? This is nasty!” But it is one of my memories I have of my mom. Her and I always looked forward to March for Shamrock Shakes. Then I discovered Arby’s Mint Milkshake…OH.MY.WORD! It is the bomb milkshake! Saturday my family was traveling, and stopped at an Arby’s for a couple of them to use the facilities…LOL I seen the big poster on the window and oh how I wanted that milkshake! I resisted. It really wasn’t hard. I know what will happen to me if I eat/drink that, and it’s so not worth it. But it does stir up the emotions, and the memories.
Yesterday afternoon, I came home and attempted to make my own! Let me say here, before I give you all the recipe. Not all of these things are 100% compliant on Wahls Protocol. They are all paleo, but you are going to take in more sugar than is allowed on WP. Also, I consider things like this a treat and only RARELY indulge in them. Also keep in mind, I have been on this Lifestyle change for over a year. The first few months I did not allow myself any of these indulges. If you want to call them “cheats” you may. I however, do not say I’m “cheating”. Because I do not allow myself ingredients I have banned. I do have ingredients I “watch” and “extremely limit”. To me…feeling good is worth way more than how anything tastes. All that aside…Here is what I used:
