New Year's Resolutions or an Alternative Plan

Happy Day One!

Ah, yes... it's that time of year... NEW YEAR's RESOLUTIONS... to resolute or not to resolute!

According to Psychology Today,  an estimated 88-92 percent of new year's resolutions fail!  That's pretty striking when most new year's resolutions are usually a decision to stick with something we should be doing anyway... like eating healthy and exercising, growing intellectually or spiritually, paying off our debt, etc.

But I've heard rumblings of alternate plans for New Year's Resolutions so a failure isn't an option. I've also heard rumblings of flat out refusal to commit to a change for the better during the upcoming year.

I'm in full support of what you decide but can I try to encourage you in the direction of appreciating your worth and taking some steps toward positive change and growth?  Go ahead and stop right here, if you are satisfied with a life of simply converting oxygen to carbon dioxide.

Below are some alternate plans I presented for 2019.  Plans to help us know our value and live our lives to our fullest potential for ourselves and those around us. 

Seriously, no one likes hanging around O2 converters.  Just sayin'.

1.  Plan some positive goals but in smaller chunks of time this year.  Like for every season, there's a new goal or a new goal for each new month... Here's a seasonal example.

• Winter:  Start a gratitude journal
• Spring:  Start expressing your gratitude for others actually to them!
• Summer:  Start a photo journal of fun times with your family and friends.  I know we have busy schedules and this might be limited to a funny joke on the way to cheer camp, but do it anyway.
• Fall:  Go outside as much as possible.  If you have allergies, take your zyrtec and go play.  Chances are you are suffering inside, so you might as well enjoy the outside too!

Get creative with some goals related to how you want to change, ways to be creative, or just making time for you!  Self care is highly under utilized.

2. Focus on those you really value or find joy in being around and love on them intentionally this year.  We've all got those folks in our lives that have just been there forever... but you've outgrown them or interests have changed.  No longer are they an investment in your growth and life.  They are just making withdrawals that you cannot afford.  Make a list of those worth your valuable time investment.  Then find ways to spend time with them.  This doesn't need to be a huge investment of time to show your appreciation to these folks. (this includes your family)

• A monthly dinner outing (not the quick drive thru or fast meal before a game or church)  A time to celebrate each other and share a casual and delicious meal.  This doesn't have to be at a fancy place either.  Honey and I have great breakfast dates at the Huddle House!  
• A coffee or a lunch date (an hour of your life once a quarter or once a month)
• Taking a walk at break time with work friend.   

3.  Think about things you used to do and DO THEM this year!

•  Did you used to be really into art or photography?  Take a community class.  You can find help with the kids, if you have them and offer to help in return so your helper can take classes too.  Encourage them to do things they love!  
• Did you used to ballroom dance?  Go find a ballroom club and waltz away some extra stress and/or pounds
• Did you used to love to lift weights or jazzercise?  Join a gym!  A lot of clubs let you sign up for $1 in January for maybe a 3 month commitment after that.  Go for it!

4.  Focus on your health and wellness this year

Don't let your health (physical and mental) go.  You've only got one body to live in and you have loved ones that truly want to enjoy a long and full life with you.  

• See your doctor regularly so they can monitor changes to your baseline health.   
• take quality supplements
• eat whole, clean, and monitor your portions.
• cut out sugar and drive thru food as much as possible 
• drink lots of water
• MOVE! (I don't mean move to a new city {unless that is needed for your better health})
• Minimize stress and find ways to manage and cope with stress
• eliminate bad habits (excess drinking, smoking, laziness, complaining)
• Pray and/or meditate.  Make time to be still and quiet and really listen.  

These are just a few ideas to set yourself up for rocking 2020! 

Feel free to share some of your New Year's resolutions or alternative plans for 2020 in the comments.  

I'd love to cheer you on!

Holiday Stress and the Little Drummer Boy

Holiday Stress and the Little Drummer Boy

Self-care can totally take a backseat during the holiday season.  There are many reasons why stress levels can be at a particular high this time of year:

·         Socializing more at holiday gatherings.
·         Eating off of the healthy nutrition plan during holiday gatherings and due to yummy cookie gifts.
·         Spending more money for food and gifts.
·         Sleeping less.
·         Being too tired to make exercise a priority.
·         Being even more obligated on an already tight schedule.
·         Being far away from family and friends during the holidays
·         Ministry events
·         Not spending quality time with the Lord

Have I struck a chord yet? 

I’m not going to suggest that we not celebrate the season.  I’m suggesting that we focus on His presence and to be corny… the “reason for the season”.  Try not to lose your discipline and routine in the hustle and bustle.  Here’s what I planned this holiday season:
·         Continue to spend time with the Lord and fill up on His love.
·         Not skip the exercise routine.
·         Stick to the healthy nutrition plan to avoid drinking straight from the chocolate fountain.
·         Know personal limits on time and not over commit.
·         Get to bed on time.

In the past, I would just kill myself over the holidays and I found I wasn’t really enjoying them at all.  What a huge loss that is!  I didn’t want that to happen this year.  Life happens but not being joyful is not an option for me nor is not celebrating this joyous season.  This season is hard for me with continued grief, weight struggles, injuries, exhaustion, other people’s stress and moods, on top of feeling guilty of not doing enough for others.  But I’m doing my BEST.  I’m doing my BEST to be grateful, set boundaries, and honor Him. 

At our staff Christmas party yesterday, our Coordinator reminded us that we have so many reasons to be filled with joy and to do our best for him.  He shared about the song “Little Drummer Boy” (and everyone’s love/hate relationship with the song).  I love it but it’s hard to listen to because it makes me cry.  I’m crying now thinking of it.  I can’t even watch the classic Claymation Christmas show about it.  I cry like a baby!  That boy was a poor boy too, his finest gift to bring was playing his drum, Mary nodded, he played his BEST for him, and Jesus smiled at him. 

Merry Christmas to you and remember to do your BEST to rest in the joy of the season and His glorious presence. 

Sometimes It Is Okay, To NOT Be Okay!

If you know me or have read most of my posts, follow me on social media, etc... you know that encouragement and positivity are my jams!  But let's keep it real folks.  Sometimes, even the most positive and happy person can get down.  Life can be rough sometimes.  What seems like not a big deal to others, is a big deal to the one it's happening to.  I think the world would be a much better place if we'd step out of ourselves and just be a bit more compassionate to our friends and loved ones PERIOD.  They may be facing struggles that we are not aware of.

This quote!!!

This quote was such an encouragement to me.  I was fearful that if I was honest about a recent (and TEMPORARY) dip in my spirits, that I would be a poor witness or seem like a negative Nancy.  I never got to the point of  "story of my life" dramatics... but I hit my wall!

Honest Confession:

I'm still struggling to overcome whatever made me sick earlier in 2018.  I still drive a long commute, like many folks, that just gets longer as time goes on and traffic increases.  In addition to the exhaustion from this mystery illness and drive; work on additional jobs and trying to keep the home running had taken its additional toll.  I showed up, put on the bravest face possible, and did my best to do my work in excellence.  

With continued "set backs" I felt like the avalanche, that had been trickling down for months and months, finally buried me.  It was not a good place to be.  And while it was happening to me, I was fully aware, that these were not major catastrophes but pile upon pile finally got to me.  

I can't really talk to anyone about it.  I might seem faithless or complainy and again my "piles" would be minuscule in another's opinion.  So what was I supposed to do?  

How I have been "handling" it:

Of course, I go to the Lord, but honestly, this may not always happen first.  The battle really starts in my head.  But after I get a grip, I pray, I let myself cry a bit, then if needed, I will share with a trusted friend and counselor.  I need the non judgement to share what is going on.   Here are a few scriptures that were shared with me to encourage me.  

Background photo by Tracy Hilbun. 

Created on Fontee app by Tracy Hilbun

The scriptures can put my heart at great ease. But seeking the Lord always puts me at peace.  

What's going on now:  

Since then, I moved forward and let my very small inner circle know I was struggling a bit,  I pretended I was fine for those that had struggles and needed me to be their friend.  I went through my house again and did some spiritual house cleaning as we do have visitors periodically and began to shake off that heaviness I was carrying.  I also began to take inventory. I'm in the process of downsizing.  Downsizing stuff in the house, all the jobs (side businesses don't bring me joy so why am I doing them?), my body (I've lost 14lbs since 10/1/19!), just anything that burdens me.  

I quit beating myself up.  It's okay to NOT be okay.  It's NOT okay to live there and not want to grow and move forward.  That's not healthy and I surely wouldn't be pleasant to be around if all I did was complain about my problems or share doom and dread.  

Things will never be perfect, but I see God's goodness and presence in ways that are personal to me.  I  had felt alone and like He even left me, but I knew better.  My emotions were getting the better of me.  For the truth is, He will never leave me nor forsake me.  

Encouragement:

Be encouraged friends.  Be YOU (the authentic you) but endeavor to be better.  Seek help if needed whether it's God, your mom, daughter, or sister, a trusted friend (not everyone around you or via social media), or your counselor and talk it out.  Find your growth areas and realize you may have been planted rather than buried.  Take care of yourself too.  Simple things like a proper healthy diet, clean water, and daily exercise, make a huge difference in your outlook.  

Have you recently been in a place where you felt buried and it took a while to understand you've been planted?  

What was your biggest encouragement to help you move forward?  A scripture? A quote? Talking to a friend?  Writing in your journal?  Please share below!  

  

My Honest Review of Beachbody Clean Week

My Honest Review of Beachbody Clean Week!

Raise your hand if you have been approached "randomly" by anyone promoting their week long accountability group for health and nutrition?

via GIPHY

Okay... so we've all been PM'd.  BUT let me make a recommendation.  If you have a friend that is a Beachbody Coach or you have built an engaging relationship with one on social media, do yourself a favor and take them up on the offer.

That's right, JUST DO IT!


via GIPHY

In all seriousness though, I have been approached by numerous new followers that have randomly invited me into their accountability groups.  I really enjoy watching their journeys and their encouragement.  Right up my alley!.  When I have been invited to a challenge group or boot camp, I try to briefly explain that I have had complications from a mystery virus that has left me with lingering chronic fatigue (more than just a little tired) and periodic swollen glands and that a 7 day in a row fitness group is not an option, I sound like I'm making excuses even to myself.    Ha ha!

In Apirl of 2019, I noticed my swollen glands and fatigue levels were improving.  I was still doing at home exercising but had increased from 3 days a week to 4 or 5.  However; I wasn't really feeling any progress other that the workouts I was doing were feeling easier (I was getting a bit stronger).  But I knew I needed something else.

Perfect timing, my co-worker's beautiful wife Kelly posted on Facebook that she was going to do a 5 day accountability group for fitness and nutrition.  I knew she was a Beachbody coach and despite my pre-judgements, I clicked like and said "me!".

After sending that comment to join her group, I had regrets already.  "What am I thinking?"  "I can't do this!"  "I'm 50 and out of shape, trying, but out of shape." "Everyone will think I'm a joke!".

So here comes Clean Week.  I unfortunately didn't get off to a great start.  I was accidentally put in the wrong group so I didn't get the menu in advance so when I grocery shopped, I purchased the best I could gather we'd eat.  Basically what I normally make for meals.  Monday rolled around and I was not getting notifications or anything so I got up and did my usual workout and planned my healthy eating day as normal.  My coach was awesome and got me in the correct group and it was loaded with all sorts of awesome information, tips, encouragement and the dreaded check ins with sweaty selfies!!!!

Ugh, I hate selfies, let alone ones where I look worse than normal.  Ha ha.

Day 1 was a bust other than on nutrition and water.  But, at my haphazard check in, I was encouraged nonetheless by the group leaders and participants.

My awesome coach helped this Beachbody website challenged girl, find the Clean Week Program on Beachbody on Demand (BOD) so that I could do the workouts everyone else was doing.

Here's a preview:  Clean Week Overview

Being the bad rule follower that I am, I worked out of order on the workouts.  (insert snicker here).  I only cheat myself here guys.  Because my workouts mainly consisted of 20 minutes of pilates, callenetics for 30 minutes, the treadmill and elliptical once a week, I started with the Active Flex workout!  It was tough but good!  Just what I needed.

Day 2 check in was a bit more encouraging to myself!

Day 3 I did the Core Function Workout and although worked mostly on the modifications and took breaks, it was tough but good as well.  I felt good about my check in.

Day 4  OH MY GOODNESS, I could hardly move.  All I could say was, "lunges, squats, and sumo squats are evil!".  So I went off the wagon and went back to my easy pilates workout but could hardly do it.  But I was in an accountability group and had to do something!

Day 5  Thank goodness this is the last day!  I did the Strength workout (barely).  I was still pretty sore from the Core Function.  Check in was on target.

Day 5 I was surprised to find out the program was 7 days and we still had access to it on Beachbody  on Demand.  I took the time to do the Active Flex again as well as the Strength again (I never braved the Cardio workout).  I also reviewed the actual nutrition guide and saw that how I normally eat was pretty on target but I got lots of ideas for future meals and snacks.

Day 6 results?  Well, I just turned 50 this year and I have struggled with my weight since I was a kid so I didn't expect much.  I had been exercising regularly but not as much as I need to due to the virus junk so I realized how bad of condition I was in but I was totally inspired and motivated to move on and get stronger.  My goals are really improved health and strength.  If I can get into smaller pants later on, I'll be thrilled but if I begin to get stronger and feel better, that is success to me.  So tangible results:  I only measured my waist and weighed myself.  I gained 2 pounds BUT lost 1 inch on my waist!  My weight gain was mostly due to inflammation from the sore muscles and I started my period.

Day 7, I invested in myself and purchased BOD!

7 weeks later, the scale still hasn't moved but I've lost 2 inches in my waist, an inch in my hips, my hiney is still huge but it sits a little higher, and my arms lost 1/4 inch each.  I also lost that much on my thighs.  I can  also do Core Function without being unable to walk for 3 days.  I am just a bit sore the next day, so with the scatterings of workouts that I'm doing I am definitely getting stronger and my short attention span loves the variety of workouts that I have access to.  I believe my weight not changing is due to muscle gain and I hope that will soon turn into fat loss as I progress.  I'm up to 6 days a week of working out and joined a full time accountability group that continues to offer the check ins with sweaty selfies, tips, and encouragement.  I love it.  I'm actually enjoying exercise.  I also can't believe I just said that.

An additional note to follow up on my regrets: I am thinking now, "I want to continue to get stronger regardless of my age!"  "I did do this and continue to do this!"  "Everyone has encouraged me and it's been wonderful."

My honest review recap... Get started with a Clean Week or with a Beachbody coach right away!  Need a coach? Email here

For your entertainment, here a few of my sweaty selfies.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This is a keeper recipe per hubby, so I'll give this the labels of super easy and hubby approved!

This was made a bit easier this go as I had 2 already leftover baked chicken breasts in the freezer.  They had been seasoned with garlic and rosemary but I think if you want to add chicken, you can decide how you want to do this.  Or... you can go vegetarian and leave off the meat or add roasted chickpeas.  I bet they would be awesome on this salad!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
Cooled Cooked Pasta (I used bowtie)
Chopped Romaine Lettuce
2 Cubed Chicken breasts
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Caesar Dressing of Choice
Seasonings of choice for Pasta (water is usually salted for boiling so I choose unsalted seasonings like garlic and pepper)
EVOO
croutons (optional) I served hubby's with 1/2 pita. 


Cook Pasta and drain.  Put pasta back in pan and toss a little EVOO, garlic, pepper, and parsley for flavor.  Let cool. 

If you need to cook your chicken breasts.  Bake or pan fry as preferred.  Do this along with the pasta so both can set aside to cool a bit.  When cool, cube chicken breasts.

While everything is cooking, you can begin chopping your lettuce. 

Now that everything is done... it's time to plate!

I put a pasta fork full of pasta on the plate first.

Then I topped with a ton of Romaine

Then I added about a handful (I have small hands) of chicken.

Top with the shredded parmesan

Drizzle with your Caesar dressing

Enjoy!

I made my pasta ahead of time so it had time to cool a lot so my lettuce didn't get soggy.  It was also helpful having the chicken only warm rather than hot for the same reason.  I'm guessing this dinner, from "scratch" wouldn't take but 30 minutes to prepare (depending on your chicken and pasta cooking times and allowing to cool a bit. 

I had enough left to make a 3rd salad for lunch the next day. 

Upcoming Posts Preview! Recipes, A Travel Post, and Exciting News

Hey y'all!  I've lost count on my days being sick!  I'm now in the waiting period of blood work results and making an appointment with an ENT possibly.  I actually developed sinus symptoms over the past month, but a 2nd round of antibiotics has done nothing to heal me.  I still have an elevated temp, painful swollen glands, and the extreme fatigue.

BUT, we are trying to still enjoy life as we can. We still have a trip coming up that we scheduled before I got sick.  I never dreamed I'd still feel ill by the time the trip rolled around.  At any rate, I'm excited to go and scheduled a day off from work, after we return, so that I can take a full rest day.

I'm trying to resume decent cooking again and have started the adventure of vegetarian cooking.  We are finding that we eat a lot of Latin inspired meals lately.  We are not full out vegetarian but we are discovering it to be agreeable to eat that way most days.

We've resumed getting out in the world a little.  The weather has warmed up here and there to enjoy sitting on our deck (which brings me great joy).  We started to slowly catch up on calendar items that have been put off since February, however; we are cautious as to how we spend my "tired" time and are avoiding emotionally and mentally draining situations. 

As you may know, over the past few years, it has been my goal to get us to better health (how ironic considering my current situation).  My biggest goals were to help my husband feel better from arthritis pain and sleep better with the restless legs.  Of course he needs to want to and do his own work to feel better and be healthy, but I try to give him the best tools that I can in the form of supplements and healthy meals.  I will share exciting news soon regarding something we decided to try for him that is HELPING!  Sleep is good my friends, especially when it's accompanied by less pain and comes from nature and not a chemical!

Stay tuned!  

Your Turn!  I'd love to hear what your favorite posts are.  I want to work harder to provide posts that you enjoy for find valuable. 

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Veggie Enchilada Lasagna Recipe

Veggie Enchilada Lasagna

Say that 3 times fast!

You know I'm always on this better health journey!  I've made better overall health a lifestyle.  We have cheat moments, as we are not perfect.  But I am pleased that 95% or more of my diet is healthful.

Before I got sick with the flu, I made this dish.  This was after seeing a documentary on a plant based diet and I got a "bug up my butt" about trying to eat more plant based.  Not vegan and I will partake in the occasional burger  or steak because they taste amazing to me (no judgement zone, okay?).

At any rate, I look at my diet.  I ate a small handful of M & M's yesterday.  I am pretty sure I eat sugar or chocolate 3 times a year max!  I hardly eat carbs and when I do, it's whole wheat or whole grain of some sort.  I eat lean chicken but I will admit, if bacon is on the table, I'll eat it.  I don't eat much fish as it sometimes makes me feel puny, but I love a good shrimp cocktail now and then.  I try to eat lots of veggies and hardly any fruit b/c I'm afraid of sugar.  I also have a texture thing and struggle to get a banana down sometimes but I love strawberries.

I got a treadmill in mid November and prior to getting sick, I have been on that thing or my mini elliptical 5 or 6 days a week!

So there's my boring diet.  I lost 16lbs last year with supplementation and trying to improve my health but I'm still pre-diabetic and my cholesterol is creeping up.  All of this making me high risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  NO!

Long story short (too late!)... there's not much else to eliminate from my diet or add to with the time available that I have.  It never occurred to me to try a vegetarian or mostly vegetarian diet.

We're in the experimentation stage.  Translated, that means I need to come up with some yummy ways to disguise veggies so hubby will eat them and make sure the meals are satisfying and filling for him so later snacks aren't "needed".  I love veggies.  Almost all of them.

Here was the first trial run.  It was delicious, filling, and not disturbing to our tummies as veggies sometimes can be.  This was fairly easy.  The most time consuming was the veggie chopping, but once everything was mixed together, assembly took no time.

This made 8 servings.  It's fairly low in calories but it is not low carb (but not all carbs are created equal).  On a plus side it has a decent amount of protein and fiber!  I will alter this recipe on the next go.  I will use more like 6 tortillas and no salt.  There's plenty of salt in the cheese and salsa.

So here you go!

Veggie Enchilada Lasagna
Printable version

Ingredients
1 Red Pepper - chopped
1 medium sweet onion - chopped
1 can no salt added black beans - rinsed and drained
1 cup of additional veggie of choice ( I would have liked to have added chopped sweet potato but hubby doesn't like them so I chopped up some very lightly steamed fresh cauliflower.  I also added fresh spinach to my portion)
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt ( I used pink salt but if I make this dish again, I will not use salt)
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (optional)
2 16 oz jars of salsa (per choice).  We didn't have salsa but a large jar of picante sauce (same thing?)
about 15 corn tortillas

Chop your red pepper, onion, and additional veggie(s) and place in a medium or large mixing bowl.  Add the black beans, seasonings, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.  

Mix them together.

Begin lasagna assembly

Add about 1 cup of salsa to the bottom of a 9x13 glass baking dish and spread a thin layer on the bottom.

cut your tortillas in half and line the pan on top of the salsa.  ( I had about 5 rows)

Scoop about 1/3 of a cup of the veggie mixture on top of each row of tortillas, then spread it around more evenly.

add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese

add another layer of tortillas and then add salsa on top of the tortillas

add the remainder of the veggie mixture on top (this is where I put spinach on my 1/3 of the lasagna)

add 1 more layer of tortillas and then more salsa on top of the tortillas

Bake on 400 degrees for 20 minutes (tent foil over the top while baking)

After 20 minutes, add your last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and put back in the oven, uncovered, for 10 more minutes.

after 20 minutes

cheese added and ready for 10 more minutes

Enjoy!

cheesy out of the oven

my piece with spinach

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Just Say Cheese! Cheese Cracker Recipe Pinterest Fail vs. THM Success

We are still on our regain our health journey.  We are slow starters, but we're making progress!

I was looking for a low carb "cracker" idea as honey loves crackers.  I found a recipe made with cheese!  Just cheese!  Super easy too!

Here was the first try
Cheddar Crackers
Ingredients:
Sargento Cheddar Thins


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Cut the cheese slices in quarters.

Bake 10 minutes


Ummmm after 5 minutes... this was the result.

Slide the parchment paper from the cookie sheet to a wire rack to cool.  While cooling, dab the crackers, with paper towel, to remove some of the oil.  When they are cool, move them to a paper towel to absorb some oil from the bottoms.

Tasted great, sort of a fail (my failure).  Kinda cool looking.  I wonder what would have happened if I had left them in 10 minutes!  I should have used thicker sliced cheese!  My bad.

Enjoy!

Here's the second try
Thinnies by Trim Healthy Mamas (E)
I highly recommend getting their book and cookbook!! 
Ingredients:
Sargento Cheddar Thins

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Cut the cheese slices into quarters.

Bake for 35 minutes per the Trim Healthy Mama Thinnies recipe.  These looked like perfection to me after 30 minutes.

Slide the parchment paper from the cookie sheet to a wire rack to cool.  While cooling, dab the crackers, with paper towel, to remove some of the oil.  When they are cool, move them to a paper towel to absorb some oil from the bottoms.

They tasted great!

Enjoy!!

Pave a New Road - How To Simply Begin Making Positive Life Changes

How to "pave a new road"
A simple and light hearted approach to start making positive life changes.  

Stage 1:  Planning

• Do you need building upon? (What needs to change?)
• What are the real issues? (Procrastination, worrying, thriving on drama)
• Who will be affected by your project? (family, friends, co-workers)
• How will you begin your project? (jump right in, get a planner)
• How can your project be an asset to those around you? (Will your positive life changes improve your marriage, friendships, career)

Stage 2:  Design

• Location (situation),
• Soil (health),
• Possible future development,
• Effects on your surroundings (family, home, friends, co-workers, etc.)

Stage 3:  Earth (work)

• First, find a contractor (mentor, encourager, coach, physician).
• Next, bulldoze the dirt. (start detox from unhealthy habits, relationships, friendships, this may hurt, etc.)
• The "dirt" is sprayed with water and compacted to its maximum density (ouch).
• All of this work must pass strict inspections before the project can continue (how are you feeling?  what is improving? what's not working? you are your own gauge).
• Keep on working (exercise, supplements, journaling, podcasts, networking with like minded individuals, continue education)

Stage 4:  Paving

• The cost of continuing your project and maintaining the progress (exercise, organic food, counseling, time management, work/life balance)

The final steps are:

• Listen for positive reinforcement (compliments, encouragement)
• Landscaping around the road (dress up your progress and show it off),
• apply the permanent lane markings (make this your new lifestyle).

Loosely based on DOT instructions on how to pave a road but inspired by Dolly!  Thank you for the inspiration and now to get on to paving a new road!

Easy Yummy Almond Meal Bread

photo by Tracy Hilbun

Humble Beginnings to my new attempts at bread making.  

Of course, all of my food and supplements adventures have been triggered mainly by my quest to alleviate the pain that my husband suffers.  Chronic pain from arthritis in his back and hips along with restless leg syndrome with periodic limb movement.  So in an attempt to fight inflammation, we are making small starts.  My additional quest is for us to be in better health.  

This recipe was fairly easy and baked in the oven.  It wasn't a super messy clean up either.  

Easy and Yummy Almond Meal/Flour Bread

Wet Ingredients:

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon honey (local)

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups Almond Meal/Flour ( I used Bob's Red Mill )

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I use pink)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Mix wet ingredients in a small bowl and then mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.   Combine the wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and mix well but gently.  

Generously grease a loaf pan.  (I used spray olive oil and a disposable loaf pan)

Pour bread batter in pan and put in 300 degree oven on the bottom rack.

Bake for 45-55 minutes.  A knife came out of my loaf, clean, after 45 minutes.

Cool on cooling rack

Remove from pan and ENJOY!

This is not a sandwich loaf, but has a fabulous nutty taste.  It was yummy with butter (Irish grass fed butter) and All Fruit strawberry jam.  It would also compliment your soup and chili well.  Actually I think it would make a lovely dinner bread for any meal. Our first serving was while it was fairly fresh from the oven.  This morning I re-warmed a slice on a cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes, turning once.   

photo by Tracy Hilbun