New Way of Life

Well, there has been a good reason that I have been MIA from the blogging world.  I have been lost.  Very very lost, and very very confused.  I have found myself in a dark and unhealthy place.  I won't bore you with all of the details,(in this post at least!) but basically, after months of self destructive behavior, less than desirable numbers on the scale, and a laundry list of bad health issues, I decided to seek help from a Naturopath.  I have seen him a few times, run some tests and journaled food and the results are in...adrenal fatigue, gluten/soy/dairy sensitivities and basic bad food choices.  I knew in my heart he was going to take me off of gluten.  After following my food journal I just had a feeling that I was gluten intolerant. But actually facing a diet without soy, dairy AND gluten put me into a head on collision with an overwhelming sense of doom. Since my daughter was born in December 2011, I have suffered from some pretty debilitating anxiety, but NOTHING like what I have felt this last week due to this dietary upheaval.  It took a couple of days, and a LOT of research for the panic to subside.  Turns out, this lifestyle is HOT right now and there are a TON of resources for recipes and support groups on the world wide web.  So, yesterday, I put on my big girl panties, packed up my kids and spent a good 2 hours shopping at Costco and Huckleberry's Natural Market(not impressed with Huckleberry's we will talk about that later).  Came home last night, made a killer dinner and for the first time in days, felt like I could actually do this. 

I have also, thanks to a dear friend from high school, found a great resource in a book titled, "It Starts With Food."  There is SOOO much valuable info in this book that I almost feel like I need to read each chapter twice just to absorb it all.  I will admit, it is not easy to read some of this wonderful info...for a person like me who uses food as a drug, some of it even made me feel defensive.  But, in my heart, I know these changes have to be made.  I am doing my best to only eat whole foods.  I am following the plan in the book about 90% the only thing I ate yesterday that was not on their plan was PurePea protein powder.  Other than that, the only foods that crossed these lips were whole foods! You can check out the Whole9 community on facebook and actually get their Whole30 program for FREE off of their website HERE! 

So, without further adieu, here is the AMAZING recipe I created last night using guidelines from the book!  I hope you enjoy this, actually, I KNOW you will enjoy this! 

Chili Lime Chicken with Avocado

FOR THE CHICKEN:

All natural chicken breast( I get the Kirkland brand from Costco)

Mrs. Dash Chili Lime Salt free seasoning

1 T Coconut Oil

pinch of Salt 

1 lime wedge

2-3 slices of avocado

Warm up your coconut oil in a frying pan.  Season each side of your chicken breast with Mrs. Dash and a pinch of salt. 

Cook until juices run clear, depending on the thickness of the chicken, about 5 mins each side.

While chicken is cooking, slice avocado, and prepare a green salad.  I made mine with organic Spring Mix from Costco, carrots, celery, mini cucumbers and black olives. 

FOR SALAD DRESSING:

(1 serving)

1/2 T Olive Oil (either EVOO or light olive oil)

1/2 T Balsamic Vinegar 

1 Lime wedge

Put all ingredients in a small bowl and stir!  They won't really come together, but I promise, on your salad, it is divine! 

After your chicken is cooked all the way through, squeeze your lime wedge over the top and finish it off with your slices of avocado.  I added about 1/2 C of fresh kiwi from Costco to my plate and squeezed a bit of lime over those too!  This dinner was so so yummy and very filling.  

ENJOY!