Celery Juice

I broke out my juicer today for the first time in years to make celery juice. I’ve been reading about the amazing benefits of this vegetable and its ability to help the body detox naturally, which is just what I need post-surgery.

It helps in immune system function, aids in digestion, is good for gut health, boosts liver & kidney function, reduces inflammation, and so much more!

This is what one bunch of celery looks like juiced. I also added 1 tsp of lemon juice to enhance the flavour and will be playing around with adding other veggies.

Stay tuned for recipes!

Winter Walking

My girl and I sure love our Winter walks in the country!

Studies show that walking in the woods is good for you and has more benefits than walking in an urban or indoor setting.

Not only does it help with weight maintenance, it reduces stress and anxiety, boosts immune function, helps improve mental health, increases mood, and can reduce pain. Just the smell of the trees or living around more trees leads to a healthier overall mental state.

Lolë always has me covered when it comes to keeping me warm while walking in the Winter like with my Emeline Jacket, Just Cardigan and Half Moon leggings worn here.

Pecans, the Perfect Nut!

Having fibromyalgia has forced me to look at my nutrition in a whole new light. I have been known for eating “healthy” since I was a teenager but I’ve come to realize that just because a food is “healthy” doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. There are certain foods that just don’t make me feel my best and learning what these are as well as foods that do make me feel good is very empowering.

For example one of my favourite snacks are nuts but I’ve discovered that almonds upset my stomach and peanuts and cashews are inflammatory. Pecans however are rich in magnesium which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition they contain heart healthy fats and antioxidants, are high in vitamins and minerals that are good for promoting healthy hair and skin, and help boost immunity. They are also easier for me to digest.

Eating pecans can aid in weight loss as well as the healthy fat helps keep you full between meals. Just make sure you measure out your serving size though because they are easy to overdo. I got these cute little 2 oz tins from #amazon which help me measure out the right amount every time. They have a screw on lid too for easy transport. 

Green Smoothie

Tomorrow begins my 4th week of my fibromyalgia elimination diet and I am feeling great!

In addition to cutting out inflammatory foods we have been trying to increase our cruciferous veggie intake. Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts have so many health benefits including balancing hormones, have cancer fighting properties, and help the liver in its ability to detoxify. Not to mention they are packed with so many essential vitamins and nutrients.

While I do enjoy salads they are not something I can eat everyday. Our green kale smoothies have been the easiest way to jam in a ton of nutrients without getting too full. At first they were a little hard to swallow but I actually crave them now!

Here is what I put in mine:

• 2 cups of frozen kale
• 1/2 an avocado
• 1 scoop of Genuine Health Fermented Greens Powder in Acai Mango
• 1 tsp of Incas Gold Yellow Gelatinized Maca powder
• 1/2 tsp of turmeric + pepper (needed to help absorb the turmeric)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of lemon juice
• Water to cover everything. Can also use almond milk for a creamier texture.

Blend on high for 5 min.

Mushroom Coffee

Today marks day 9 with no coffee and guys let me tell you I haven’t felt this much energy in years! I’ll admit the first 3 days were rough, but by day 4 I didn’t even miss it. My mind feels clearer and I have more motivation to just get stuff done, even while being sick for the past few days. My adrenal glands must be thanking me.

I think a huge part of my coffee addiction was the routine of having something warm in the morning. So I’ve replaced my coffee with a few caffeine-free alternatives, one being Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Elixer and Blend. They surprisingly have a sweet coffee taste and so many health benefits. Sorry coffee but I think this might be the end of our relationship. If I feel this good already I can’t imagine what 30 days will bring!

Here’s a few fun facts on some of the ingredients:

• Lion’s main contains brain-supporting benefits that have been studied for centuries. It supports memory, concentration, cognitive function, and the nervous system.
• Meshima, Chaga, Maitake, Agaricus Blazei & Shiitake Mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years for their immune function benefits.
• Rose Hips are rich in vitamin C.
• Reishi Mushrooms are recognized for their stress-supporting properties.
• Cordyceps Mushrooms helps promote energy and endurance.
• Enokitake Mushrooms contain antioxidant properties.

Bye Bye Coffee!

Enjoying my last cup of coffee before my fibromyalgia elimination diet officially starts tomorrow.

It’s funny, I only recently started drinking coffee regularly in the last few years, but I think it’s going to be the hardest thing for me to cut out. I kept it in the last time I did an elimination diet and while I felt better I think keeping coffee in was still causing my body a lot of inflammation. I know I’m going to experience some withdrawals, especially since a big symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue. But I’m ready to take a break from it.

Thankfully I’ve found a few things I’m going to try to hopefully replace it. I’ll be documenting my results so make sure you keep watching my instastories. What about you? Are you a regular coffee drinker?