Hello again and happy mid-November already!!
I cannot believe how fast time flies , and I know that’s something we all say, but I feel like the last year has been on fast forward. That must mean I’m having fun right??!
The truth is I am having a great year of fun and learning. There have been some downs, I try and turn them into an opportunity for growth (sometimes I have to REALLY try;), and a lot of ups! I have been in a wonderful supportive relationship for just over a year now with someone I have known since high school (thank you Tugo), as well as going back to school to fulfill another dream of mine, to become a Personal Trainer. YAY.
On the topic of learning I have also been researching more nutrition and going back to dig deeper into the info from my schooling in that area. I have been working to fine tune what really works for me right now, what I can do for my clients and what I want to do for people when I am finished adding the physical aspect to my credentials 🙂 One thing that has 
shaped this part of my journey is learning that I have Osteoarthritis in my hands…WHAT?!! I’m only in my early 30’s!!!! It is not normally a younger person’s ailment, however, I have been working in the beauty industry as a trades person doing nails, waxing etc for 15 years and have put a lot of repetitive stress on the joints and tendons in my rather small hands/wrists. This has been a hard pill to swallow as I love being part of this industry and it has supported me well for my adult life so far. Not to mention a new reality living with painful flair ups and restrictions on hobbies I enjoy.
Enter my schooling in wellness!! I am so grateful that I started following my passion for fitness and nutrition in the last 5 years and it is really helping me to find the best natural ways to heal myself and share those with others. So far I have been able to keep most of my pain and inflammation down with exercise, physio, TURMERIC (love) and other anti inflammatory foods as well as recently adopting a more Ketogenic/Paleo way of eating with little to no grains/sugar in it. The emphasis is on fueling your body with healthy fats and having low carbohydrates (turn into inflammation causing sugars) and moderate protein.
So far I am loving the results, and I am having a lot less issues with swelling in my joints as well as in my stomach. I also like that the protein is moderate, as I tend to have digestive difficulties when I overload on protein as I have experienced in the past like so many others do when trying to be lean and build muscle. The fats keep me full and happy and are really helping me balance out my hormones :):):)
I am a firm believer in individuality when it comes to nutrition. Not every way of eating is right for everyone so do your research and if you don’t feel healthy when eating a certain way..look at changing it. As well, I don’t put red tape on any foods (unless intolerant) 100% of the time, I allow myself freedom to enjoy family dinners that are “off my plan” once in awhile because I think some variety is good for you and stressing out about RULES isn’t 😉 80/20% I say!
Lastly, I personally feel I need to make a statement that this way of eating in my opinion should involve consciousness about sustainability and humane practices when choosing what animal products to eat, so I have linked two articles on these topics from Paleo Leap.
Links:
These Fat Bombs are full of healthy fats, energy, and can be hormone balancing (maca root) …they are great on the go, or for a healthy treat and are grain and sugar free!
Energy Boosting Almond Butter Cups
Recipe adapted from Pinterest…No link to the original ?
Ingredients:
- 1/2 C Crunchy or smooth almond butter
- 1/2 C Coconut oil
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter ( I go for grass-fed organic when I use dairy or meat) or cacao butter for a dairy free option
- 1 Tbsp Organic cacao powder
- 2 tsp Gelatinized maca root powder ( gelatinized maca is more bioavailable and is easier on the stomach) Caution with maca if high blood pressure or pregnant/breastfeeding
- Organic liquid stevia to taste ( I use 4 drops)
- Pinch of Himalayan or Grey sea salt if you have thyroid issues and are concerned about possible fluoride traces in Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Melt butter and coconut oil in a double boiler (or fill the bottom of a pot and put another pot inside it to create your own double boiler), let cool slightly by removing from heat as soon as its melted. Add in almond butter stir until blended, then the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.Pour mixture into molds or lined muffin tin and freeze at least 15-20 mins …devour one before it melts in your hand! MMmm.
Notes:
Keep these cold or they will melt!
This made me 9 in the muffin tin …depends on how much you pour into each …they are rich and I found they were plenty satisfying at that size 😉
XO Dalyce YOUR Holistic Lifestylist