Elderberry-Lemon Gummies And More

It is time to prepare ourselves for the "flu season". I love Autumn, love the colours, the crisp air, candles, apple cider, warm woolly socks etc. but, I really detest the snotty noses, followed by the sinus infections and everything else. I HATE with a passion. I don't take my health for granted, or at least I don't think I do, so please please could we just dodge the crap this year??? Probably not, since we do live in a fallen world with disease and curses, and as much as anyone wants to argue that you can dodge sickness and disease with a well around plant based diet, well you just can't. SO, what exactly am I going to do about it?

I have this grand war plan to be as alert as I can with immunity boosting, cootie fighting strategies - which I will list down soon- but as fallible as I am, I'll probably start strong like a commit, lose my focus in a week or so into it and face-plant into the midst of a slimy snot fest. Just from experience, that's all. 

The 10 (ten seems to be a reasonably stupid number to overwhelm us all) Ways You Can Fight The Slimy Snot Fest:

1. Be the hero of your family, cook a batch of Elderberry-Lemon gummies and convince your family to eat them. My girls and personally I think they taste alright, but my boys are not so sure. I'm working on it! (recipe at the bottom)
   
2. Diffuse doTERRA's OnGuard essential oil around the house. This virus/bug fighting killing machine is feisty! I usually lather up OnGuard with coconut oil the bottom of our feet and massage it on around their lymph nodes too. Today I put OnGuard in a capsule with a few other oils (Oregano, Melaleuca and Ginger) and ingested it. Wowza!
   
   www.mydoterra.com/rosecathy
3. Start your day with a "flu-fighting" smoothie. I use, spinach, avocado, frozen berries, vitamin-C powder, Greek yoghurt, orange juice, probiotics, powdered greens etc. with some extracts and other goodies, whatever I can find! I once blogged about it, http://holytempleunderrenovation.blogspot.ca/2012/04/morning-smoothie.html AND http://holytempleunderrenovation.blogspot.ca/2011/09/update-and-super-healthy-morning.html Notice, the latter is "super healthy" lol
4. Avoid sugar. I can't go into detail.. well I could... but, I'm just too lazy to. Avoid sugar! Trim Healthy Mama Plan has MANY MANY recipes to choose from, and all are sugar-free! Google it! (Affiliated Link) being "pumpkin spice everything-season", I don't want to NOT eat these yummy goodies... I want it all!
5. If you can afford it, get a Meyer's Cocktail done. Meyer's Cocktail is a highly concentrated vitamin and mineral IV administrated by your healthcare practitioner. In my case, this would be my Naturapathic Dr. down the road. *super-excited!*
6. Commit to your high quality supplements. I had my Naturapathic Dr. go through my supplements and point out to the ones I was wasting my time and money on. Thankfully, there weren't too many that were poor quality. She pointed out that my probiotics then, consisted mostly from potato starch and less from the actual probiotics... umm ok! Check them out, and commit to taking them.
7. THM (Trim Healthy Mama) have a few "all day sippers" that are very much so immunity boosting drinks! My favourites are the Good Girl Moonshine, Earth's Milk and Singing Canary. Basically drink plenty of water too! Infused or steeped, drink it.
   
   
8. Make sure you get enough sleep. Maybe a bit more than enough. I'm guessing with the amount of cooties we need to fight off, it wouldn't hurt to ease off from other areas where we put our bodies under so much stress. Lack of sleep is one, diet is another etc.
9. If you're a woman, make love to your husband! You're probably wondering how on earth this would be helpful and whether my husband paid me to write that in here?? Well, no he didn't bribe me and he is probably very ecstatic about "number 9" which he might hold me to every evening...*sigh*... ANYWAY, the reasons are plenty, here's a teaser -
   
   "Love Your Husband Love Yourself -Jennifer Flanders"
10. I would say, hit the gym.... but, with so many cooties floating around, I recommend working-out outdoors. If the weather permits it, go for a run, walk, "freeletics", Pilates outdoors...

WHEW! There's 10 ways to "Kung-Fu" those viruses and bugs. Hope these help!

What do you do to prep for the "flu-season"? Comment below!

Elderberry-Lemon Gummies

Ingredients:

• 1C dried elderberries
• 8 drops doTERRA Lemon EO
• 4C water
• 6T Gentle sweet or 3T Sweet Blend -taste test and tweak it to your own liking
• 1t cinnamon
• 1/2t cherry extract
• 1/2t vanilla
• 6,000mg vitamin C powder (optional)
• 12T Gelatin

Method:

1. Simmer elderberries, cinnamon, and sweetener  on low heat with 3C water for about 30minutes.
2. Strain the water into another pan and discard the berries (careful you don't do this the other way around!)
3. Add the remaining water (or more) to make 4C of liquid in total. Let cool down.
4. Turn on the heat to medium-low and add the extracts, Lemon essential oil and vitamin-C. Slowly sprinkle in the gelatin as the mixture warms up and whisk until dissolved. 
5. Heat up, but do not to boiling, then pour it into a glass baking dish or molds. 
6. Store in the fridge until set and cut into squares. 

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My Future Trim Healthy Mama Pregnancy And More (For a HG Mom)

This morning I woke up with my first menses since about 28-29 months ago. That's being pregnant and nursing our last child. A month ago or so I stopped night time nursing. I needed my sleep back desperately, and I knew once I stopped it would be only a matter of weeks until I started ovulating again. So here I am!

Fertile. Fertile.

What does this mean to an "HG mom"? (Hyperemesis Gravidarum to those who do not know is Extreme pregnancy sickness) It means that it's time to stop slacking in numerous ways and start putting my armor and arsenal on. It all comes down to health, basically. Nutritious foods, good habits, sleep in the bank, etc.

What are some changes that I need to start like, YESTERDAY? Let me map it out for you, but also I'm mapping this our for myself as a reminder.

Diet

Don't do's

• No sugar. I have to be aware of and avoid hidden sugars. 
• No unsprouted wheat, and very little sprouted ones.
• No white rice or white potatoes.
• No caffeine, coffee, and consume very little home made Skinny Chocolate. I just packed away my "Keurig"... sigh*
• No heated oils. Using the good oils as salad dressings etc.
• No processed foods. No junk!

Do do's (ha ha!)

• Increase fermented foods, sauerkraut, pickles, ACV, probiotics, kefir, kombucha tea, etc
• Increase vegetables, especially leafy greens. Last pregnancy I was able to juice vegetables more than I could eat them, and it helped me a lot. 
• Keep hydrated. I know I love me GGMS', but I need to start loving plain old water as well. I've heard that natural spring water makes a bigger difference than filtered water. I gotta check this claim out.
• Eat according to the Trim Healthy Mama plan. You can find more about it HERE
• Supplementation. I am seeing a Naturapathic Dr, getting tested for everything to see where my body is at, and we will be supplementing on what needs addressing. Exciting times, indeed! I've never been so thoroughly checked!
• We will be investing in organic and ethical foods, when possible. $$$!! I know.

Surroundings

• We need to empty our home from like...everything, basically! This is the time to either give away or box-up most of it. Let's put on our "stage the house" mode, and pretend we need to depersonalize the home for selling. There will be no time to do this while (Lord willing I am not!) under the nausea of HG. 
• Simplify homeschool to nearly a complete self-led study. We will be signing the kids up for mathseeds.com and ixl.com, raz-kids.com, brainpop and brainpopjr.com. Hubby will be prepared to take over some of the schooling, especially in the beginning.
• Now or never is the time to focus on "attitude" with the children. They do their chores, but when I am out of action- they need to do these without being asked. Rewards system, ready-set-go! A wall chart will help them keep their progress and goals visual.
• Getting a pair of "walkie-talkies", check! The best purchase EVER. No more struggled whimper yells. "Purple leader calling for red-leader. Over."
• Cooking 20-30 freezer meals for my family. Stocking up the freezer and pantry with portioned healthy snacks and ready P&J, and cheese&deli sandwiches. I need to get my thinking cap on...menu planning, here I come!
• Letting go of commitments. All the "extras" that my family and I can live without.
• For me, a mini fridge next to my bed is a must. 
• Create  "A Family Binder". Gather all the information of everything you or your family -or babysitter, aunt, friend, should have and put it in a binder. Make it accessible, pretty and simple. Telephone numbers, links, chores and menu list, manuals, recipes, instructions etc. Whatever you feel is important for the possible times that you are out of action.
• Stocking up on good quality protein powder and collagen. 

Habits etc

• Start taking daily epsom salt baths.
• Praying as a couple for my womb and for my pregnancy.
• Meditate on scripture and prayer.
• Going to bed on time. If I get into bed by 9 p.m, it gives my thoughts and body time to settle into sleep mode. I can spend my time in bed reading or making love to my husband. Both which affect sleep in a positive way. 
• Habits include diet.
• Taking care of my appearance and more. A healthy well-kept body is a "strength" to any level of nausea. It made a big difference in my last pregnancy. So what does this mean exactly? For me, it is about getting groomed (waxed, haircut, eyebrows plucked, pedicure etc), visiting a pelvic floor physio -getting my core and pelvic floor into where it should be, working on my cardio and muscle strength at home or at the gym, and over all complexion.  
• I will be budgeting for a cleaner weekly, if possible. 
• Same goes for a regular babysitter. Some may think of this as a waste of money, but this is paying for services that I need and will make our lives that little bit manageable/easier. We don't need to go out of the house for a "date" when we hire a babysitter. Doing simply nothing, is bliss. 
• Going over remedies that worked for me in my previous pregnancies and accumulating doTERRA essential oils that will be on my "go to" cupboard. More information on doTERRA HERE
• This one is pricey- but if possible, I will be going to regular high dose vitamin and mineral IV treatments given by my Naturapathic Dr. I can only see this being a positive impact on my future (lord willing) pregnancy. More information HERE

My dear "blogger friend" is pretty much going through what I am as we speak, preparing for a possible future HG pregnancy. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes down to this all, and it was through her blog that I got most of my knowledge and support through my horrifically sick pregnancies. You can find her blog HERE

So what else can I share? I have my last pregnancy's blog still up there and running. I will most likely continue writing in it, when and if we're blessed with another "peanut". I'm quite excited to find out! You can have a look and read all about how I coped with our previous pregnancy HERE. 

Irish Soda Bread -Crossover (Trim Healthy Mama)

This week I have been teaching the kids about St. Patrick and Ireland. Irish Soda Bread is kind of like a must have, I guess LOL. I probably could have made it into an "S" meal, but I decided not to bother but still make a recipe that was compliant to the plan. 

So here it is! Our very first, GLUTEN FREE Irish Soda Bread -THM Crossover... *drum rolling*...

Ta-daa!!!!

It was so yummy, especially smothered in butter! :)

Ingredients:

• 2C Baking Blend
• 1 1/2t Baking Powder
• 1t Baking Soda
• 1t Salt
• 2t Xantham Gum
• 1 stick/ 1/2C Butter (room temperature)
• 2 Eggs
• 3/4C Almond Milk (unsweetened)
• 1t Lemon juice
• 2T Raw Honey
• 1C Currants or Cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F degrees.
2. Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and then combine and beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined. Do not over mix.
3. Dump the dough onto a baking stone. Shape it and cut an X across it.
4. Bake for 30-40 Minutes until a knife comes out clean. 

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My trim Healthy Mama SCALE Victory So Far.

SO, I've posted about my NSV's (non scale victories) quite a bit. The reason I have not posted about my SCALE victories is because I have had the hardest time finding any before photos of myself at my heaviest. I look at the pictures from last year and it seems that any picture that I'm in, I'm either hiding behind something or someone and my camera angle is deceiving. Understandably, I'm guessing! I didn't want to be "seen".

These "before" pictures are not from when I was my heaviest, but they're "up" there, so they'll have to do.

My starting weight was around 245 lb 2015

My current weight is 192 lb

(Do note: I'm 5'8/ 171cm tall)

These photos were taken late August 2015

And now the photos from today...

Sorry for the extremely dirty mirror. Oh what joy is it to have little sticky hands, a.k.a CHILDREN!

I have a long way to go, but I'm midpoint! Another 20 to 50 lb, I'll take whatever :)

My top 10 THM products that I can't live without.

The link below is my affiliate link. If you choose to order through it, thank you a million! If you do not, no worries! However, I do encourage you to try the Trim Healthy Mama plan out, regardless of whether you can purchase the brand name products or not. There are many other brands at your local health food/Walmart even, that sell them.

1. Collagen. Integral Collagen is a pure protein powder for health and beauty as well as yummy food creations. From the grasslands of Argentina and Brazil, 
   bovine Integral Collagen is pork free and processed with integrity. It dissolves easily in liquid with no blending required and is completely tasteless. This makes it the perfect choice to swirl into Greek yogurt or pour into your hot tea for a nutritional overhaul.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's)
3. Gentle Sweet. Having trouble adjusting to the taste of Stevia? Sweeten those “hard to get right” treats with Gentle Sweet and you can bank on the “yum!”  word passing your lips. The Trim Healthy Mama community fell in love with our pure Stevia extract and Super Sweet Blend, but some of you kept begging us for a sweetener that popped like pure sugar itself. Gentle Sweet blend has a cotton candy taste but won’t mess with your blood sugar.
4. MCT Oil. This is the ultimate “trimmifying” oil, with 100% Medium Chain 
   Trglycerides that boost your metabolism life rocket fuel. MCT Oil has 
   become the delicious and multi-talented dietary BFF of Trim Healthy 
   Mamas all over the globe. Its succulent silky texture and neutral taste 
   make it perfect to whip into your morning coffees that we call 
   “Trimmies” and to drizzle over large leafy salads topped with protein. 
   It delivers a very fatty mouth feel but provides the fewest calories of 
   any oil!
5. Miracle Noodles. Not-Naughty-Noodles contains 6g fiber, which is known to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels as a part of a healthy diet. They are made from Japanese Konjac Root which is one of the most alkalizing foods found in nature (even higher than green super foods). Konjac Root fiber is known as Glucomannan and is both a powerful colon cleanser and detox aid. Glucomannan is a healthy alternative to processed flours. Unlike other noodles that explode the fat cells, Not-Naughty-Noodles make fat scram. So twirl them on your fork and indulge heartily.
6. Oolong Tea. Oolong tea is 100% natural, fat-free, calorie-free, gluten-free, sugar-free and preservative-free. So feel free to sip your way to increased vitality and better health. Keep on sipping for all the many benefits it offers. But above all… drink it because it’s delicious. Either in The Shrinker or just as an iced or hot tea. It harmonizes beautifully with a Doonk of Trim Healthy Mama Stevia Extract.
7. Sunflower Lecithin. Lecithin is not a weird defangled man made substance. It is a powerful 
   brain food. Did you know that approximately 1/3 of your brain is made 
   from lecithin? When you include lecithin in your diet, you are 
   nourishing your brain and helping to support your nervous system. 
   Lecithin is a historical superfood that is making a comeback from the 
   source of sunflower seeds. Trim Healthy Mama Sunflower Lecithin is pure,
   soy-free and does not contain any GMO’s.
8. Nutritional Yeast.
9. Baking Blend. You can totally make this from scratch, like I do, but when I can afford it, I buy it. Finally a gluten-free, low glycemic baking mix that isn’t excessively loaded with fuel. Our blend also contains disease-fighting lignans and satisfies any hungry tummy with large amounts of insoluble fiber.
10. Troodle, Noodle Maker. What on earth is a Troodle? It’s a magic little gadget that makes your 
    noodles trimming! Yup, this Mama toy can twist out trimming noodles in a
    couple of minutes. Waist whittling pasta can be twisted on your fork 
    tonight for dinner. Try it… it turns kitchen work into play. Say goodbye
    to fattening noodles and welcome Troodles into your life.

To order yours, go to Cathy's Affiliate Link.

Eating Trim Health Mama Way, Ethically. Possible?

The Trim Healthy Mama Plan is amazing! It's biblical, it caters for all individuals. It works. It's been a blessing to me for the past 6 months. I've had about 20 victories with the THM plan and I can't hype about it enough HERE and HERE. I love THM!

At first our dishes were loaded with dairy products. The THM book recommends to eat the "full fat cream" and "butter" and enjoy the "cheese" for they are approved foods. The book even quoted "Abraham's encounter with the angels: He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

" and other scripture where it clearly reads that dairy was consumed etc. 

So, my conscience has been bugging me about the grain fed, GMO fed, caged and mistreated animals, which lead me onto a mission to buy more organic and trust that making these healthy egological changes, god would provide us the means. It happened, we've managed to buy organic grass fed beef, homestead organic eggs, and organic cheese etc. Great, right!? Well there is more. Sadly.

After stumbling across a short clip of how dairy cows are impregnated and separated from their babies right after birth, over and over again, just for our dairy "needs"?

This picture got to me. I have a baby. I know that we differ from the animals, and have been given "stewardship" over them, but I do not believe in exploiting them. 

What else did I come across?

This... the milk, that have the "cow growth hormone" is not allowed for her, but taken -for us.

and...

this. Is this ethical?

I ended up doing my own research and contacting a few local organic farms to find the "ethical farm" that would not do such an inhumane thing as separating a baby calf from it's mother immediately after birth... surely?? 

Unfortunately, I have yet to find one :( 

What I did find, I am struggling with. It made me question my family's diet and where we buy our foods from. I have gone back and forth with scripture... "He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree"... what about the exploitation of dairy cows..what am I supposed to do.. now that I know. But now I know. Now, I know. How do I move forward with the information, conviction, guilt and trust the Word??

Just to dissect the scripture a little the lay man way, before I talk about my ideal way of raising dairy cows -

He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, -stop here! He brought these to ANGELS. Not, billy and Jane next door, but to divine angels. Angels! Did the cow just give birth to a calf that didn't make it? Was this an unfortunate birth that ended sadly, and nothing was wasted? Was the cow milked and the milk made into butter. Was this a special treat, a special "angelic treat"? I wonder if back then, dairy and cheese and butter was such a special food, that only happened once in a while? Was it reserved for guests of honour, weddings or such? It makes me think. Okay let's move on, .."and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree". He obviously didn't eat it himself. Interesting...? Any thoughts?


So what is my ideal dairy cow farming? I am not sure, I guess I am still thinking through it, but let's dream a little. :) (I know farm life, so I won't go into all the details of water expense, the labour etc) Firstly, I don't think we ought to be consuming so much dairy in the first place. (Then the second part, seems to be more realistic) Secondly, I think a neighborhood should share a cow. "Cowshare". Let's pretend I have a homestead, mostly "plant based" homestead. I got myself a dairy cow, her name is Bessie. Bessie is a sweet cow, she grazes all day and fertilizes the ground for the next years crop. She is expecting:) (naturally) yay! Our kids are super stoked to "baby" Bessie's calf. She is so adorable. She is nursing well and is playful. It's so lovely to see them bond! There is our window to milk Bessie in between her feeds with her baby. We get enough milk for homemade cheese and perhaps some fresh milk. Maybe we can make clotted cream for our homemade scones, and any other special dairy treat that we've been craving for :) buttermilk, kefir, etc? Lovely! Bessie's babe is growing well, everything is well at the homestead. It's just like "Little House On The Prairie" where these special foods are not taken for granted. they feed our tummies and our souls, oh how do we appreciate Bessie's dairy! One day, unfortunately Bessie for one or another reason has to be put down. She served us well, we appreciate her, we love her and "wish her well". Her meat nourishes us for quite some time, her bones are made into broth, her blood nourishes the land and her hide is put to good use. She is not wasted, and her beautiful creation, "baby Bessie" takes her place on our homestead. SO the cycle starts all over again.

Yes I know, that sounded like a fairy tale and that there is so much "more" to having a dairy cow... I know. But this is MY daydream. This dream is the "ethical" that is missing in my "organic". 

SO, how am I going to keep on following the THM plan according to my convictions?

• I am going to have to give up or eat very little dairy. I will have to hunt for dairy free options and be on a mission to eventually find my "ethical farm". I am sure He will provide. Until then, I hear great things about "goat's milk" and their "baby breaks". maybe I'll develop a taste for goat's yoghurt and cheese? (we haven't drank dairy milk in 7 years anyway)
• Increase protein and calcium rich plant based food in our diets.
• Keep moving forward with buying more organic vegetables, eggs and meat. (I have my "dealers" I know where my eggs and beef come from)
• Eat less meat.
• Grow our own urban vegetable garden, and teach my kids how to also.
• Keep doing the THM plan like normal. I mean, it's possible, there are a lot of people out there allergic to dairy! It can be done.

So, for those who also struggle with this, put it out there, God knows where you're at, He will meet you THERE. He loves to provide. LOVES. There is nothing wrong with going "ethical", but there is something wrong with going against YOUR convictions. Pray about it, ask Him to take them away if they're not from Him, or to give you options if they are.

Let me know what your thoughts are??

**I am not looking to debate, any negative comments will not be published**

Granola (Trim Healthy Mama Approved)

I have often cringed while my kids pour themselves a bowl full of cheerios in the mornings. My kids love cheerios and granola. Surely there is a THM approved granola recipe somewhere?? Well, good news! There is a great recipe, right here! Keep on scrolling :)

Turn on the oven to 300*F 

 Ingredients

• 10 C old fashioned oats, or any oats... I had 3 different types of oats, in they all went!
• 1 C wheat germ or psyllium husks
• 1/2 C golden flax seeds, ground
• 1 C shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 C seeds, sunflower, pumpkin etc (or a mix)
• 2 C organic sprouted whole wheat flour
• 2 t himalayan/grey salt
• 1/2 xylitol

• 1 1/2 C coconut oil
• 1 C honey * (if this is for you and you're looking to lose weight, omit the honey!)
• 2 T coconut/vanilla (or both) extract

• 1-2 C dates, chopped
• 1-2 C raisins/sultanas/cranberries/dried fruits

1.  First mix all the "dry" ingredients
2. Then in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the "wet" ingredients
3. Combine the two, and mix well
4. Spread the granola onto baking pans, about 1" thick, and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so.
5. After the granola has cooled down, add the dried berries/fruit.

Makes about 21-22 Cups :) That's about 28-32 servings! (well, at least in my house)

(serve over almond milk, helps bring down the greenhouse gas emissions...more on that later.)

* what does Trim Healthy Mama say about honey? Click here! 

To support my family by ordering your THM products through my blog, click HERE

My THM (Trim Healthy Mama) Non Scale Victories 2

I listed 15 NSV's HERE, and here are a few more... How exciting, this never gets old!!!

(pulled Chicken, spinach, Nando's hot sauce on Wonder Wraps and cilantro)

1) Yearly check up at the dentist. Zero cavities. Nada. Zip. Wow. That saves money, now doesn't it?? I'm wondering if all that ACV did the trick? Any thoughts?

(GGMS)

2) Feeling really good about the "bedroom" and hubby :) As another fellow THM buddy puts it "BOW CHICKA WOW WOW!" He he 

(Ezekiel Sandwiches)

3) My skin, especially on my heels are not dry, or cracked. This time of year... -weird! 

(My E-day breakfast: Collagen loaded creamy oats, GGMS and a stirred MCT oil collagen coffee)

4) I can think more clearly, and prepping and planning are running a lot smoother than before. Homeschooling has come up from its "lul" and we're on the way up again. Thankfully, I am motivated and inspired again. I think more clearly and not overwhelmed with 4 kids, homeschool, house work, me time, hubby and me time, outdoors time, and every other errand that you can think of. I feel like I have it "under control". This is BIG for me. I'm sure that my brain is being fed good omegas, proper nutrition, the lot. I am happy.

(fuel cycle week 2)

5) More energy than before. I have been working out at home during the days, and feeling energized and positive. I am currently doing the 12 week MUTUSystem online. It's so so so worth it. I am hyped up about it :)

(Chicken-Avocado on "troodles")

6) Lost 7 lb last week. Oh yeah. Fuel cycle week 1 took me down 7 lb. I am 6 days away from finishing week 2. I am wondering if I will enter the 180's. Last week I went down from 201 to 194. My over all starting weight was 245/250, for those who do not know. My desire would be 140-150 lb. But who knows what I'll end up weighing. I am just enjoying all these NSV's along the way :) So motivating and inspiring! 

(Fuel Pull-day lunch: Wonder Wrap Tacos)

I found an ethical grass fed, beef farm that delivers, and a local organic, free range egg dealer lol YAY! I will be making a grass fed, cheese order next payday. I can't wait!!I have been very much convicted of the way our meat and animal products are raised and produced. I believe with all my heart that if we move towards ethical and organic produce, that God WILL provide. He loves to provide. We were called to be good stewards of everything He has given us. Let's not turn a blind eye to how the meat industry is treating our animals and what chemicals are being sprayed onto our produce. I know that the THM plan approves all foods, but I am convicted not to let ill-treated foods hit my plate, or my family's plate. Anyone else feel this way??

(I still can't get over this)

7) Besides my skin looking amazing, besides one little pimple -my body is changing shape, my hair is shiny and my mood is a lot better. Here's to 2016, "the year of change" in all ways possible!

(My favourite breakfast these days)

Let me know what your NSV's are, if you're on the THM plan? I would love to hear more! 

Follow me on Facebook! Everyday, I post about all the THM buddies around the world and their victories. Click HERE -remember to like my page! :) Thanks!!!!

To support my family please consider purchasing your THM products through my affiliate link HERE. It's much needed and appreciated :)!

Follow my meals and weightloss on instagram @trimhealthycathy :) see you there!

The Struggle Is Real (Part 2)

In my previous post HERE, I went over some issues that are bothering me in my home, that I believe are hindering us as a family to live a "happy" home life. On this post, I am going to point out a few factors that I think may be the "culprits", the hindering factors.

• We get upset with our kids when they create a tornado in every room they pass through. "Pick that up, see you left this, that...do you have to touch everything?!" In some ways, I believe that we as parents are to blame. First of all, if we didn't have "all of that stuff" in the home in the first place, then our curious little children would not be leaving a trail of stuff while they lived in our home. If we had less stuff, working on chores and keeping up with bits wouldn't be so overwhelming to them, and we would yell less. Did that make any sense at all?? We are the ones who bring endless stuff -games, toys and books, crafts, clothes, and bits and bobs into our homes, the kids don't. We do. We allow the kids to. Who's in charge? It's only the natural curious nature of our kids who explore everything and anything around them. What is our home supposed to be like for us, and for them? Secondly, accumulation of things and stuff isn't coded in us, it's learnt. Tell me if I'm wrong (I know, genetics...)? Does accumulation happen through social pressure, in the society we live in? "Everything must be tried, and experienced!", "Taste THIS, craft THAT, sleep on THIS!" We must do EVERYTHING. We become secret hoarders. Always wanting more, because it is an endless sea of possibilities and upgrades. One thing I read somewhere that hit home was this, "You can do ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING" If only, we could apply it to everything in our lives. We cannot keep up. 
• (This may be a small factor of stuff in your home, but it's still a factor) I have a cupboard full of supplements. What could be wrong with that? It's healthy! Oh yes, yes they are, BUT! Firstly, what if we spent that $$$ on organic nutrient dense foods instead, -or at least half of it? It's starting to make sense to me. I have bottles upon bottles of pills, that are very much good for me, yet I would sometimes second guess on purchasing organic eggs, vegetables, and beef! Yet I would still spend $$ on vitamins. We wouldn't need supplementation if I was focusing on nutrient dense foods.  Secondly, I carry stress over remembering to eat my pills, so I can be healthy, I'll be doomed if I don't. Right? "So many pills to swallow, at these times of the day, with these meals. After my workout" "Oh shoot! I shouldn't take these now, they'll keep me up all night!" 

It's not meant to be a prison of anxiety of healthy living. Healthy living should be liberating, not the opposite wherein we become so fixated on what goes into our body. I tend to lean towards stressing more about my physical health than I do about my spiritual well being, unfortunately. You see? This is only one example of the things around us, in our homes that we imprison ourselves with. Let me list a few things that imprison me. 

• Family "heirlooms".
• Unfinished craft projects, albums.
• Potential craft projects. (Good ones!)
• Books.
• Potential school books. (Where do I find the time, to teach it all?!)
• Games, puzzles etc. (The fun family fun nights, coming up?!)
• China. (Other kitchen stuff that I can't seem to choose what to part with)
• Baby related blankets, linen. 
• Stuffies. (Every stuffy has a story, to each child, how can I get rid of?)
• Furniture. (What if we need these pieces later?)

My list goes on and on and on.

The truth is, I will never have enough time to enjoy them all as frequently as they should be, in my mind. Are they worth the space? Are they worth the visual noise, the guilt ("I still haven't played that game with my kids", "One day, bla bla bla with these"), the reminder that you are incapable of delivering? Incapable of making things happen, incapable of following through with regimes, unwritten rules, potential hobbies and then the images you've created in your mind with all of the stuff that's in your home. No, this has to stop. We can do ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING. Now is the time to figure out what that "anything" is, and what the rest are that can be let go of. Are you following what I'm trying to put into words?