Free-Range Cookies

A bit ago I re-grammed the following imagine on Instagram:

Just because something is a healthier alternative, doesn't mean it's necessarily healthy. Cookies & treats should still be consumed in moderation, and for enjoyment, not in an attempt to extinguish the sugar monster's cravings or as emotional comfort. Even though they are paleo friendly (hence the paleo free-range cookie joke by the husband), they should still be rare treats.

In this past year, I have completed 2 sugar detoxes and 4 Whole30's.

I have learned to analyze my food options based on nutrition; which meal will provide what's best for my body right now? Sometimes that is more proteins, more fats or more carbs, depending on the day and level of exercise.

I also have strengthened my self-control incredibly. I never would have imagined how many times I could turn down sugary, allergen-filled foods. I grew up using the crutch of "having a sweet tooth", and it wasn't until this past year that I called it what it is: lack of self control and intense sugar cravings.

There is a level of hormone issues and nutrition I had to sort out. My body needed to re-adjust to real food and my taste buds needed to learn the true sweetness of non-processed foods! This is where those sugar detoxes and Whole30's came in!

However, my biggest struggle was with self-control. And just like any other muscle, the more I flex it, the stronger it gets.

This past week we had a "snow" day (for all of you northerners, don't laugh. The roads were icey & I don't drive then!). So, I decided to bake to warm up the house. It has been awhile since I've baked, I rarely have time to do so now-a-days.

I baked Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies from The Paleo Kitchen Cookbook and subbed out the eggs to fit our dietary needs. These aren't Autoimmune Paleo since I used almond flour, so I have made an effort to only enjoy a few. And I have succeeded.

I legitimately forgot about them for 2 days. The cookie monster would be ashamed.

So much has changed this year. I should probably freeze these cookies before they mold (this happens more often then naught when baking gluten-free and paleo I've noticed) because we don't eat them fast enough (a good problem to have). I can enjoy one and be satisfied, without cramming my face full or eating multiple throughout the day.

I walk by the sweets at work and choose not to eat them not because I have a better alternative at home (sometimes I do), but because I neither want them nor need them. Sweets aren't a staple in our diet anymore, so I actually enjoy them when I choose to have them, without just eating because it is routine.  

I am grateful for this past year's journey and how my relationship with food has changed. I can enjoy these treats for what they are, treats, and not have any unhealthy feelings of shame or guilt (as long as they agree with my tummy!).

So final verdict: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies were fantastic, even though they weren't chocolate! ;)

I think I'm going to go have one. Just one.

~Rachel

“Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage.” 

-Thucydides

Sorry I'm Not Sorry: My Passion & Meals

Raise your hand if you enjoy discussing gastrointestinal issues. Everyone, take a look around the room. Besides for your grandma, your friend in the medical field & the teenage boy in the corner, there probably aren't too many people raising their hands.

That's because GI issues aren't quite dinner conversations, small talk, or well, fun to talk about. Nobody thinks "I am going to wow this girl/boy/my boss by bringing up my digestion disorders." Nobody says, "I am going to become the most popular person ever by being open about my intestinal distress." Nobody wants to bring these up.

So they aren't discussed. At all.

6.5 years ago I had a unique experience of being diagnosed with crohn's & having 3 feet of my intestines removed. No, couldn't have been a broken bone with a cool cast, sinus issues that everyone can sympathize with, or joint inflammation that just sounds painful. I get the guts problems. I get the butt of the joke. I, a semi preppy, blonde teenage girl, got the one thing nobody really wants to discuss: gas, bloating, and painful bowels.

And I talk about it. Boy do I talk about it!

Not because I enjoy grossing people out (just SOME people), or because there's a certain wow factor in knowing how digestion works. But because the more I have been open about it, the more people have been open with me. The more people confide in me their issues. The more people come out of the woodwork to share their GI problems. The more people come to me for help and direction because they have seen me struggle & recover and THRIVE. And they want in on that (the main diff between them and my grandma-she's just complaining).

As cool as it is, I mean, come on, who wants that kind of popularity? "Yes, PLEASE go on about your bowels."

Hint: nobody is interested in the issues aspect and nobody wants to be in THAT popularity contest-except maybe gastroenterologists trying to bring in business...and personally I'd prefer a Dr. to have theirs under control before they tell me what to do. But that's another blog.

I can't tell you how many family members, friends, acquaintances and strangers with whom I have shared my experience. I have been open on social media (and in real life) about my diet (long term lifestyle change, not short term weightloss rollercoaster fad). The more I share online, the more people talk to me offline.

I post my meals and talk about different food groups on InstaGram in a way to show just how easy it is to live healthy. I share nutrition or health articles on Facebook to show different sides and to get people thinking about changes. After doing this for about 2 years, I can honestly say people are interested in health and can identify that they aren't healthy. My sharing of personal stories and online references get people thinking, talking and analyzing their health.

(Before I say anything more, I will admit it is a bit selfish motive here. It is a sort of therapeutic treatment for myself to use my experience for good by helping others through what I've learned in my own pain. It makes me feel better knowing what I went through has a higher reason.)

I want to help people. I want them to talk about their unhealthy bodies, because that is how you start looking for answers. If you can identify things are not right, and you have the motive (and guts-hehe) to talk to someone else about it, there is a better chance you will make a healthy change for your body.

If you are reading this, you either have heard me talk/read about my journey, have talked to me about your own problems or are my stalker so you've heard me talk and seen others talk to me?

My point is, I'm transparent about my issues because of the people I have helped. (In fact I am too transparent about everything in my life.) I empathize with those having issues, and rejoice with those who have found the light through my sharing of experience and knowledge. It brings me joy to know people are now like me-pain free, enjoying life and not suffering due to foods.

So, this is my public announcement for the day: Sorry I'm not sorry for taking pictures of my meal everyday and bringing up THAT DANG SURGERY, again.

If my sharing frustrates you, unfollow my Instagtam and stop reading this blog. Plenty of people, friends and family members already have blocked me. Sure, it initially confuses me that they have chosen to block me out for sharing one of my greatest passions, but for each person who stops reading, I talk to a handful of more people in person about what steps they should to take to begin their health journey. (No, I'm not a medical prpfessional, but ya don't need a degree to suggest eating vegetables is healthy ;)) And I'm not one to truly care about other's opinions. :)

It brings me joy to help others.

What's that saying? God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

In my case, He qualified me & gave me purpose when that doctor gave me the diagnosis & when I found paleo, Whole30 & Autoimmune Paleo Protocol.

So here I am, sharing my meals, shouting from the rooftops about the light at the end of the tunnel. I will share about the miracle God gifted me & the journey He has set me on until I can no longer speak, type, take pictures, or be.

So if you are holding back questions, don't. If you are afraid or embarrased to ask for help, stop. There are no judgments around my dinner table, so as long as you actually want to make a change (warning: that change will involve not eating what you deem "foods you can't live without"). I would love to share my journey, how I went from a teenage girl curled up in a ball from pain to a mid-20 year old eating my way into autoimmune disease remission drugfree & living life pain free.

Next time you see a crazy health foodie post about their fitness regime or dinner, maybe you will understand they share because that change in their life made a huge difference, and they can't hold it in.

-RR

Prepare for change: cleaning out the pantry

Wanting to change your life by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle? Here are some suggestions on how to rid your house of the "bad for you" foods!

1. Eat it. All.
Okay, this is the worst advice, but tends to be the most popular way people rid their house of food. A bit ironic almost, and exact opposite of what you want to do, eat healthy or lose weight right? Have one cookie, then find another solution for the rest; don't binge on junk food like it's Mardi Gras! This lifestyle change should be a permanent change; make that decision right now & it'll make this whole process easier!

2. Trash them. 

Just chunk it straight into the trash, empty your trash and drive it to the dump, if you must! This was a safer alternative to "burn it" or "shoot it", but I make no judgment nor accept responsibility for any injuries.

3. Give food away
Can't waste "perfectly good" food? Give it away to your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors! For us, food sensitivities played a huge role in getting rid of foods, so some friends were open to accepting the foods we couldn't eat.
My surefire way to make food disappear: Just leave it in the break room, and it'll disappear eventually. ESPECIALLY if you use those goods to make other dishes (cookies, etc)

4. Arts & crafts

Hellllo cheap art supplies. Anyone else remember the macaroni noodle decorated photo frame? Rice filled heating pad? Peppermint decorated balls? Gingerbread houses? I mean, your options are only limited by your creativity and/or Pinterest capability! No need to chunk everything if you have young kids who can use the items! Or maybe a church preschool who could take the donation for art projects?

5. Donate it.
You could donate the food to a local food pantry if it's unopened (say boxes or cans)!

Find your local food bank!

Whatever you do, get the food OUT of your house and DO NOT buy more if you want to be successful. Stop shopping in the inner aisles of the stores and only buy what is on your grocery list!

Do it now, don't try to wait to start your lifestyle change until after you finish that bag of chips or gallon of ice cream.

And don't think you can just keep some junk food in the back of the pantry; you will eat it sooner or later.

We are all cheering for ya!

~RR

Disclaimer: none of these pictures are mine

Solomon's Wisdom

Solomon was 12 years old when he became King after David's passing. We read in 1 Kings 3:5-15 the Lord came to him and told him He would grant him anything. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people. At 12 years old. How many of us would have or are asking for these types of things now? Let alone at 12?

I have been reading the Bible from cover to cover this past year. During this time, I have read and been reminded of the full story behind so many popular scriptures we all have memorized. I have always loved the context of scriptures and it is good to read the context of the chapter and book! This being said, my reading yesterday brought me to:
Luke 11:9-10: “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

We all know the scripture, but it was the rest of Luke 11 that reminded me WHY the door is opened. It is not because we keep asking or because we even ask in the first place. But it is because of the good Lord having compassion:

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-14)

Here's the deal, since the first time I read of Solomon's story, I began asking for wisdom. Since then, the Spirit has certainly helped me discern, it has helped me distinguish right and wrong, it has shown me insight. But to what avail is wisdom if we do not share? I do not have a country to lead, I do not have a podium or a tree stump. I have this blog, I have family and friends. I have shared the times God has opened my heart and given me metaphors. I have shared because if it helps me, it could help others.

But I have been sinning lately. I have held onto some enlightments and not shared.

Matt Chandler is currently doing a sermon series in which he has listed the main two sin hurdles for men and women.

Men: passivity and selfish aggression

Women: comparison/competition and perfectionism

(Watch the sermons here: http://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/sermons/ )

In my selfish desire to write the PERFECT blog with correct punctuation, formatting and hey why not pictures?, I have delayed sharing wisdom given to you. Sure, I am not saying it is a matter of life or death or that it is earth shattering wisdom, but I cannot count how many thoughts and drafts I have started but not completed simply because it is not perfect yet. Will it ever be perfect, though?

Probably not. Not by my will alone. Perfection can only be attained through Christ's work on the cross, because He is perfect. A thought from the sermon: how can you ever be at peace if everything has to be perfect? STOP carrying the burden of perfection.

This is my apology and committment to share more openly and with less of an attitude of needing to be perfect. If He is speaking through me, the ears He has opened will hear it as it is intended; I could never perfectly articulate everything for everyone (mainly due to my run-on sentences :P).

So back to Solomon and the excerpt from Luke I leave you with the question, what gifts are you asking for and why? Why aren't we asking for more gifts of the Spirit? Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongue, interpretation of tongues.

Continually growing & learning,
Rachel

Hauling Around Expired Condiments

This week I threw away our last bottle of Olive Garden Salad Dressing (expiration date 2013) and Parmesan cheese (expiration date Aug 2014). Before you are concerned for our health, no we haven't used either since, well, 2012 most likely. These bottles were sitting on the bottom shelf of our fridge door, and I only noticed them because Roc' took it upon himself to lick the cheese container (gross).

It was then when I realized, how many times has the fridge been stocked full and we've rearranged to squeeze in the last bit food? So many times we could have better used the space being held captive by these expired, toxic (read: full of allergens) items! It's as though I got used to them being there that I never truly SAW them. One just expects those items to hang out in the fridge, ya know? I think it was earlier this year when I went through all of the condiments and realized they were expired, too, because we just don't use them since going allergy-free. (side note: WHY did I miss these 2 condiments the first time around? Did I really just miss them, or did I not want to part with them yet, like maybe I'd actually use them in the future?!)

Where am I going?

How much crap do we all carry around in our lives because we just expect it to be there and don't truly notice it anymore? Like condiments in a fridge (mayo, mustard, ranch dressing), we just expect to see them and get used to their presence, whether or not we actively engage them. Negative thoughts about ourselves or others have taken occupancy and rob us of filling that space with healthy, positive thoughts. We haul around critics and harmful relationships, carry others' burdens and stresses, self-doubts and worries about our futures; there are mistakes, failures, times of shame or embarrassment, others' judgement of us (or maybe our own judgments of others) we just can't shake. We fill our life fridge with junk, expired junk. And times have changed but we hold onto these views, because they are comforting? Because we are just used to them being there? Because we know they hurt to confront them, so we've stopped looking at that part of our life.

It's time. It's time to confront these negative attitudes, thoughts, relationships. Purge or change them. Make room for happiness, new memories, and love. Take a look in the mirror and see the masterpiece, a masterpiece without expired, toxins. YOU.

Also, consider this a PSA to check all expiration dates on your condiments, especially the ones you don't currently use...

-RR

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

- Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV

By Faith...

Sometimes when I am running with my 80lb black lab, we approach a foreign object: a fire hydrant, an electrical box, a plastic flag for marking power lines, etc. These extremely dangerous objects cause Ol' Roc' to slow down his pace and stick suuuuper close by my side. By the time we actually pass these objects, he is at a slow walk hiding behind me with his head down and ears back. Watch out ladies and gents, he's a ferocious one!  The next time we run by this object he only slightly slows down, and the times after that, he is not even phased. In our most common route, he has no fear when approaching these objects, but will occasionally return to his cautious stance on routes we rarely take (it's like he forgets we've conquered that feat).

Roc' trusts me to not lead him to danger and that I will protect him. Eventually, he either knows to not fear the situation, or he has full confidence being by my side. (It's hard to tell which since he is a dog and I cannot ask him, but since he no longer hides behind me I can assume one of these explanations).

I couldn't help but see the resemblance in how we should be in our walk with God when approaching difficult times. We see a difficult situation ahead and we cling to God's word and promises. Our prayer life is off the charts during the obstacle when we just hope we can make it out alive. The next few times we find ourselves in similar scenarios, we slow our pace and cling to God, but with less doubt. We can trust in Him based on previous experiences where He has led us through "the valley of shadow and death".

This year I had a New Year's goal to strengthen my faith, as I think that should be a valid goal for everyone. I had no ides how to do this though. How does one strengthen faith? I can't do it at the gym, I can't order it online, I can't even just absorb it at church. Truth is even if I read the Bible, study His words, listen to people's testimonies and spend more time in prayer, I can't necessarily just build faith. (Hey maybe some people can but honestly, I'm a learn-by-doing kind of person.) In fact, I don't think it has to do with ANYTHING I can personally do.

Faith is described In Hebrews 11:
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

I have just recently began to appreciate fully the rest of the chapter, too, that explains how it is "By Faith" many believers trusted in God's promises. They had confidence in Him, even before they knew the immediate outcome or even though they wouldn't see all of His promises fulfilled. They knew enough about Him that in times of struggle, they relied on Him. They had more faith than doubt.

This year my father had back surgery. Which on the skin is ironic since he is a chiropractor (in fact chiropractic is what helped postone this surgery by a decade or so, but that's another story). Anywho, the thought of surgery was odd, as we were raised a natural lifestyle and back surgery almost seemed taboo, like he was giving into the thought of just 'doing what was easier'. I felt like my father having this surgery was a direct stab to his own teachings; he was a traitor!

During this time I searched myself and realized I was in no means the victim (bad selfish Rachel). This was a serious matter that was postponed as long as possible and lessened due to chiropractic, but yes, modern medicine was developed for times exactly like this-necessary operations to alleviate pain. (Fyi he had a disc removed that was putting pressure on nerves; he was slowly losing feeling in his legs.)

So instead of worrying, I put all effort into praying; into giving my fears to God. Prayers for healing, direction, comfort. Praying because that was better than stressing more.

And then it hit me while on a run with Roc', actually. That same run I previously described. There are times when events in our life just don't seem fair, they are difficult and we really would prefer them not happening. They scare us, and during those times when life doesn't make sense, all we can do is slow down, cling onto our Faith in God and make it through the times.

I might never fully understand why this had to occur. 

It did, however:
1. Reinforce the belief that yes, healings can occur multiple ways.
2. Remind me of my own experience and how the Lord taught me so much through it about situations we don't understand.
3. Strengthen my faith for the above reason. Everytime we are put in a difficult situation, choosing to lay down our doubts and stresses and just trust in God is an opportunity to strengthen our faith.
Teachings, readings, experiences all were backup for my acknowledge of His superiority of the matter. During those arduous times, it's okay to slow down your pace in life and cling on. The more often these times occur, the easier it is to not be as scared and have confidence in the unseen.

What's that story about footprints in the sand?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

-RR

The Best Tex-Mex Salsa!!

The best salsa recipe,
BUT FIRST: an update on my tomato plants

This year my tomato plants went CRAZY. They grew like a weed; a very tasty, fruitful weed that we actually want to grow therefore NOT a weed.

In part I would like to give credit to my own efforts in growing these tomatoes. I researched the best way to plant the tomatoes, which involved sideways planting and filling the hole with nutritional items for better growing.

I also have spent the last few months pruning suckers off these plants to enable a more focused growth on the fruit. The suckers behave like stems and will create a more tangled web of a tomato plant if you let them all go!

I'd like to make a plug about a little gardening insight here. The hardest part about gardening is pruning. A master gardener knows good and bad growth; he/she knows when a limb, branch or even fruit could cause more harm than good. In a sense, I see this in God's intervention in my life. He knows the best way to guide and prune me. Even if at times I don't understand because I feel like I had potential to grow fruit; He knows what is best for me, His little plant in His garden.

Just recently I started rooting these suckers to plant as their own plant. We'll see how this goes; a bit late in the season so this experiment might have to be postponed until next spring! 

 

 

One of my suckers is even putting out fruit, how fun!

Well, meanwhile in the #RosenbaumGarden my tomato plants are GINORMOUS!
Even Ol' Roc' can't believe his eyes!

They tower over me!

But more importantly, these plants are loaded with fruit!

And my grape tomato plant is also going nuts!

Unfortunately I have to pick the tomatoes off the vine as soon as they blush.
This is normal windowsill decor, right?

I'm having a bit of a critter issue; if I don't remove them right when they blush they are pretty much goners. :(

Here's to hoping I can keep these critters away. Though I'm pretty sure I'm dealing with a variety of pests. I think expecting a portion of the crop to be sacrificed back to nature is the best way to not be as disappointed when it does happen. I am growing an organic garden; I have to expect other visitors to my garden!

Okay enough about the plants, let's talk SALSA!

Once 10-12 nicely sized tomatoes have ripened, it's time to make some good ol' Tex-Mex Salsa! Use closer to 12 tomatoes if the tomatoes are smaller, 10 if they are larger.

Gather your ingredients.

 Then it's time to core the tomatoes.

 


Time for our #1 Tip for the BEST SALSA EVER. Here in Texas we like salsa like we like our summers...HOT! Salsa hotness can be achieved by adjusting the amount of jalapenos, whole or cored. However, we've found the best smoky flavor comes from GRILLING the tomatoes and peppers for about 15 minutes! Yum!!

 

After [my wonderful Grillmaster of a husband is done] grilling, I use a blender to process and combine all ingredients. 

This recipe fills an entire blender and lasts about a week in my house! What can I say, we basically drink salsa out of a straw here; it's a household staple.

My next experiment will be learning to can so we can save some of this homegrown & homemade salsa for the winter, or maybe Christmas gifts! Canning tips anyone?

Here's the official recipe!

Good luck in your tomato growing and salsa making!!

~RR

"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate-- bringing forth food from the earth..." -Palms 104:14