I Don't Belong

"I don't belong" I've been feeling this more lately. I feel like I was meant for another time, one before all the political restrictions, consumerism and the technology takeover....I feel like I was meant to live a simpler, self sufficient life. I feel suffocated by modern life....I don't expect a whole lot of people to understand....and that's okay.

Xo, 

Nancy

Today I feel

like I don't fit in with the norms of society. *sigh*

xo,
Nancy

Super Easy Butternut Squash Soup

I am not a huge fan of fall/winter/cold weather; however these seasons do have their perks....squashes are in season!!!! I found them for less than $2ea at BJs this past weekend! :) I am a HUGE fan of butternut squash soup...and below is how I make it! 

Butternut Squash Soup

garlic & onion powder to taste
1 T olive oil
salt, pepper, crushed red peppers & sage to taste
1 medium size butternut squash soup
3 cups of water (yes! To cut calories & sodium, I just use water!)
parm cheese for garnish

I before I start, I peel & chop my squash & then run it through my juicer (most recipes have you doing this after it's cooked & in the blender while it's hot...well, I know me & this probably wouldn't end pretty!). 

I then saute garlic & onion (I use the powder bc I don't always have the actual items on hand) in the oil for about 3 mins. I then add the rest of the ingredients (except for the cheese). At this point, I combine both the squash juice & the pulp in the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover & simmer for 20 mins.

Garnish with parm cheese & more sage if desired. This recipe made enough for me to last 3 meals!

Below you'll find the nutritional value of the 1/3 of this recipe. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 394 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  140 Calories from Fat  63

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  7.0g 11%

Saturated Fat  2.1g 10%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  7mg 2%

Sodium  294mg 12%

Potassium  524mg 15%

Total Carbohydrates  18.1g 6%

Dietary Fiber  3.2g 13%

Sugars  3.4g

Protein  4.7g

Vitamin A 304% • Vitamin C 50% Calcium 16% • Iron 7%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in cholesterol
• High in calcium
• High in phosphorus
• High in potassium
• Very high in vitamin A
• Very high in vitamin C

xo,
Nancy

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Deliciousness

Attempting to save for a house, I have been trying to make as much as I can at home (because of the obvious savings & healthier options!) While at Aldi this past week, my husband went to grab a box of peanut butter chocolate granola bars & then put it back on the shelf. Why?! He remembered that they didn't taste all that great. "No worries! I'll make you some!" I said...and that I did!!!

So, I did find a recipe (here) & I modified it a bit. After they were done, I managed to make 12 bars & individually wrapped them in aluminium! Best of all, husband said they tasted BETTER than the Aldi ones!!!! 

Ingredients:

1/2 c honey (or similar)

1 c peanut butter (or similar)

2 1/2 c rolled oats

1 c dark chocolate chips

Warm up honey & peanut butter over the stove until smooth, add the oats & mix until coated. Take an 8x8 pan (mine was a 7.5x7.5) dish & line with foil or wax paper. Push the mixture in the pan & spread evenly (I took an extra sheet of wax paper, put on top & pushed down) & refrigerate for a bit. 

Then, melt chocolate & spread evenly on top & put back in the fridge until cool. 

Enjoy!

xo,

Nancy

Juicing Journey Testimony

Ever since I finally committed to a healthier lifestyle, I knew that I was going to use foods to help heal any current & future health problems I may have. To me, a good portion of our health care system is a joke; attempting to put a band-aid over the problem with medication. 

In January, I noticed a change in my bowel movements (I know, not the best topic, but listen! lol). I was very regular & then it just got sporadic. At this time, I will admit, although still following a healthy diet, I still felt like I could have done a lot better. Reluctantly, I went to the Dr. in March who told me to add more fiber to my diet. I though, "Okay...she's not trying to fix this with mediation, that's a good start" 

I went, for the next month, upped my fiber & had blood tests done as well (just for routine). My movements were okay. I was still missing days, but whatever, I read that happens. I reported back with better news with my Dr. at my follow up visit in April.

After reviewing my blood work, I was officially diagnosed with anemia (which I could have told her that). With that said, she wanted me to see a gastro (this is going to be fun!) to see if he can determine what's going on (her theory was I was losing blood through my stool; however never really ran tests for that). Whatever, I humored her & I took the info for the gastro.

Before my gastro appt, I had made an appt with a nutritionist, just to make sure I was on point. This entire journey & I never talked with a Dr. before starting. Amazingly, the nutritionist thought I was doing well & even was currently eating a lot of foods she had on display. She gave me a handful of recipes & I was happy with myself.

Fast forward to my gastro appt. I knew this wasn't going to end well. I met with the Dr for 5 minutes who quickly determined he wanted to preform a colonoscopy & endoscopy (ea procedure $10K!!!!) on the same day the following week. Oddly enough, the same day of the appt, I had started my juicing regime (now currently on Day 11). 

I made the appt & ordered the prep kit. Appt was on a Monday & I was on the phone with the gastro Dr Wednesday morning cancelling it. It didn't feel right. So far, it was the best decision I've made. 

I had made the decision Tuesday night laying in bed. I realized that since juicing (and at this point, it had only been 2 full days), I had gone to the bathroom 4 times (and continue to do so til today). The low iron feeling that I normally get (I literally can sense it!) gone! I was able to donate plasma just yesterday with my hematocrit being on point at a 38! It has also been over a week since I took myself off Naproxen (which was for my knee)

Real food will heal you, you just have to allow it to do so! I have more energy & I feel more relaxed in the evenings. I sleep a lot better & I get the "you're glowing" compliments. I have juiced before in the past, but I think this time was def eye opening because I feel like I have totally dodged a bullet with this one.

Let's do this!

Nancy
xo

Meal Prep - Stir Fry

I realized yesterday, as I wandered aimlessly in Aldi, that I over-shop for groceries. I hesitate to spend $50 on myself for hair/mani/pedi/clothes, but won't blink on eye for groceries. In fact, I got teased by my husband last weekend about this! (Still unsure how I feel about that! lol) but since the beginning of my journey, I have realized that clean eating is a top priority for me (mani/pedis, although nice, not a top priority). However, overspending can hurt you! :( So, after being on this journey for 3 1/2 yrs, for the first time EVER I will plan my meals, use what I have, only going to the store once a week, double up on recipes. Here goes nothing! I guess you can say I started today with my stir fried dinner, where I made a double batch & have leftovers (and left over rice) for lunch & rice for whatevs. Below is the recipe I used! This will make approx 7 c of food! :)

Ingredients

3 c of cooked brown rice (I made 4 c, only used 3 & now I have 1 c ready for another meal!)

2 medium carrots, grated, shredded (I tossed mine in my Ninja)

1 can of sweet peas

4 eggs, scrambled 

2 T of soy sauce

I have a huge pan, so I was able to cook the veggies on one end & the eggs on the other. Once eggs are cooked, I combined them with the veggies, added the rice & soy sauce. I cooked for a little bit longer & viola! Done!

Below is the nutritional information based on 1 cup of this deliciousness!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 189 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  390 Calories from Fat  44

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  4.9g 8%

Saturated Fat  1.3g 6%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  94mg 31%

Sodium  311mg 13%

Potassium  466mg 13%

Total Carbohydrates  73.1g 24%

Dietary Fiber  6.3g 25%

Sugars  4.6g

Protein  13.0g

Vitamin A 70% • Vitamin C 42% Calcium 6% • Iron 16%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in saturated fat
• Very high in manganese
• High in vitamin A
• High in vitamin C

Enjoy!

Nancy,

xo

Homemade Granola - 103 calories per serving

I wanted to take a shot at making granola since I wanted to use granola for my Greek yogurt (but refused to pay the store price for it). This is what I came up with after browsing a hand full of recipes & doing my own "thing" This recipe makes a quart (or 16-1/4 c servings)

 Ingredients:

2 1/2 c rolled oats
1/2 T cinnamon
1/2 c nuts (I used almonds I ran through my Ninja)
1/4 c dried fruit (I used raisins)
3 T sweetener (I used agave)
1/2 t vanilla
1/4 c unsweetened coconut flakes
2 T hemp seeds
1 T chia seeds

Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Mix all the ingredients together until fully incorporated. I lined a cake dish with parchment paper & spread the mixture evenly. I toasted it for 30 minutes, mixing it up every 10 minutes. 

Below you'll find the nutritional information based on one 1/4 c serving...which is the perfect amount of topping for your Greek yogurt! :)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 26 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  103 Calories from Fat  35

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  3.9g 6%

Saturated Fat  1.2g 6%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  0mg 0%

Sodium  2mg 0%

Potassium  98mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates  14.9g 5%

Dietary Fiber  2.3g 9%

Sugars  4.7g

Protein  2.9g

Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0% Calcium 2% • Iron 5%

Nutrition Grade C+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• No cholesterol
• Very low in sodium
• Very high in manganese

Bad points

• High in sugar
• Contains alcohol

Soooo yummy!

Enjoy!

Nancy,

xo