I grew up eating pumpkin bread, you know, the recipethat came off the back of Libby's pumpkin. ;) After years and years of trying to eat healthier and with no refined sugar or wheat, I knew I had to switch it up. We've made this bread for the last 3 years and I officially love it more than the original. A few notes... I use almond meal from Trader Joe's. It's not super fine, so be sure to get the blanched fine almond flour for less crunch and texture. The bread isn't crazy sweet like a dessert, so if you would like it to be simply add more maple syrup. The salt in the recipe is for more of a savory flavor as well, so feel free to do a little less to focus on the sweetness. Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt (I use Himalayan pink salt) 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 3-4 large eggs coconut oil/spray Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. Grease one bread pan with coconut oil or coconut oil spray. 3. Add all dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix until blended. 4. Combine all wet ingredients, including pumpkin purée to a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. 5. Add the mixed dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. 6. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until toothpick entered into the center comes out clean. i hope y'all enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Original recipe from www.draxe.com
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A mom friend and I joke that when you become a mom, you immediately turn into a hippie, or try to. ;) All jokes aside, I do try to steer clear of chemicals especially when Calista was a newborn. Calista was blessed with her mama's super dry skin and we tried everything. Coconut oil, straight shea butter, every lotion/cream under the sun... I even layered them and would seal it with Vaseline or Aquaphor. We even tried the miracle bath of breastmilk. Nothing. I mean really, how hard could it be to take a freshly bathed baby and lock in the moisture? Answer: HARD. That is how we ended up with this homemade body butter that has now replaced my face lotion, body lotion, and pretty much anything we used to use. I still love my Origins Plantscriptions face cream, but this usually goes under it. As for Calista, I still typically put Cerave or Aquaphor on top of this body butter to create a seal. Ingredients: 1/4 cup organic unrefined coconut oil 1/4 cup 100% raw pure shea butter (Got it on Amazon) 1 tbsp Vitamin E oil 10-12 drops lavender essential oil 1 tsp vanilla extract Directions: 1. Usually the shea butter and coconut oil are solid, so I simply warm it up in a jar in hot water or use the microwave. 2. Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix for 5 minutes. When done, pour into container of choice. *Note: I studied all the Pinterest recipes and couldn't make mine look fluffy like lotion. Since I had warm oils it stayed in liquid form and created a slight whipped effect. I tried placing it in an ice bath and continued to whip and it did firm into a nice solid that melts right when I put it on. I think you can skip this step and simply pour into a jar of your choosing and it will solidify on its own. **This is also my anti-itch belly stretch mark lotion even if it's all genetics anyway. ;) I'm going to be honest with you. I'm pregnant, the holidays are fast approaching and I know that somehow someway I have to find a way to not eat the entire house or conveniently "forget" to do my workouts. I will, I totally will. I'm notorious for skipping an entire week of workouts during each holiday. I'm also pretty awesome when it comes to making sure there aren't any leftovers. 😜 So, I decided I would try something new this year and I want to see if you'd like to join me.
Following a strict program is NOT for me during the holidays. Having to be perfect and counting calories definitely NOT how I want to do this. So, I'm starting a little group where we each set our own goals, NOW, for accountability. For instance, I'm going to workout 4 times a week and eat no worse than 70/30 for the entire month of December. If you don't know what that means or where to start, I'll help you set a plan that works for you. But here is the best part, I'm providing this group with 4 FULL workouts from yours truly ($120 value), 8 delicious, healthy recipes for your holiday festivities and a weekly check-in for accountability. The goal is to get us off of social media and being more present with our families, but not to gain the average 10+ lbs Americans gain during the holidays. The group is $25 and that's it. Does that sound good to you? This is totally different than what I normally do. It's so different I even filmed a video or two about it on my this page www.facebook.com/healthystronghappy. This has nothing to do with BB, simply me wanting to help my friends not feel guilty or discouraged this holiday season. Send me a message if you are interested! I'm taking sign-ups through this week. You know that feeling, the one that has you searching, striving, trying so hard? I know that feeling well. I moved across the country searching for fulfillment. I've strived to fit in and be noticed by the world. I've tried so hard to find happiness, the ever elusive happiness. My heart hurts for that past version of me. It really does. When I think of how hard I tried and never felt good enough or how many times I thought I found the answer to only find that it wasn't even close, it breaks my heart. Because this me, I see Jesus. Y'all, He is it. Following Him, seeking Him, that's all you have to do to find it. No amount of chasing a dream, no presidential election, no outfit or hairdo can save you. No one has the power to save you but the one true King. He is the King of all kings and when we choose Him and when we know Him, we know that it's all going to be okay.
His plans may look differently than how we want them to, but know this and hear me, He knows what is best for us and He does use everything for His good. I pray that you turn to Jesus to save you tonight, tomorrow and every day after. I pray that you know that you don't have to search and strive and fight so hard to be accepted or loved. "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4 Y'all the holidays are just NOT the time for me to expect perfection from my meals and workouts. However, I don't want to just throw in the entire year's hard work and gain the average 10-15 lbs with the rest of America. I want to still feel good and healthy and fit, but I also want to savor sweet moments and some special treats. This means I have to find a way to balance it all.
My usual monthly Fit Camps are awesome, but asking myself and others to workout 4-7 times a week and follow a specific meal plan during the holiday season, well, it just isn't practical. Plus, I'm all about each of us understanding that our health isn't something that comes and goes. It's something that is possible to maintain through an entire year and through different seasons. That means there are times to be on point and there are times to relax and enjoy a little. I choose December as my relax and enjoy. :) My plan:
Want to join me? Here is what you can expect:
I am always talking to moms about how to get our toddlers to eat. It seems like a universal issue and everyday is a completely different battlefield. I am so grateful that I came across this recipe from The Nourished Seedling. Up until this point, Calista wouldn't eat pasta. We run out of carb options quickly in this household. Reminder: this is the kid who can eat 7 of my "Baby Pancakes" in one sitting, with a banana and as many scrambled eggs as I eat. 😳 My concerns for her food are usually in finding ways to get spinach into her (hello iron), healthy fats (babies neeeeeeeed these), and carbs and protein at every meal. No pressure. Enter Spinach Avocado Pesto Pasta. Ingredients: 10 ounces pasta (I used whole wheat rotini for her, but also have done it with zoodles for Tim and I) 1 cup raw spinach (I use organic from Costco) 1 medium Avocado, ripe 1 cup shredded parmesan 1/4 cup raw cashews (unsalted, I get the pieces from Trader Joe's) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon water 1 clove roasted garlic (takes the bite out) 3/4 tsp salt (Himalayan pink salt) 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice Directions: 1. Bring water to boil for pasta. Cook pasta according to directions. 2. Quickly sautée the garlic in tbsp of olive oil just long enough to mellow the flavor. 3. Place all other ingredients, including garlic, into a food processor and pulse until smooth. 4. Add to pasta and mix. This makes 4 adult size portions. So far, in less than one week, we have had this twice and every time Calista ends up eating a full serving. Happy mama!
The Bible used to intimidate me. I would open it up and start reading and feel like I wasn't smart enough or didn't understand what was happening. I was expecting to read it and have all my problems fixed and be told exactly what to do. Honestly, I read it like it was a horoscope and wanted it to just explain my life to me. I tried so many different "read the Bible in a year" or random devotions, but none of them stuck. So inevitably, I stopped reading the Bible. I just didn't get it. I did this for YEARS. Then someone mentioned that we should read the Bible to learn about God's character, not our own. It took me awhile to understand. If we approach the Bible as a way to learn about God, to get to know Him, to read His story, everything changes. We begin to see the beautiful story He's woven since the beginning of time. We get to see his constancy, His faithfulness, His love. It's pretty awesome.
I didn't really know how to start so about 2 years ago, I joined a bible study at Johnson Ferry Baptist here in Atlanta. I'll be honest and just say that I was terrified. I didn't feel comfortable and knowledgeable enough to go and talk to others about it, but I just knew that I had to th something other than what wasn't working. I picked one titled "What Love Is" by Kelly Minter. It focused on 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. I had for sure never read those. It had assignments for 5 days each week and then we met once a week, went over the homework and watched a short video. I stayed pretty quiet those first weeks. I listened, did my homework, was confused, kept trying, and slowly but surely I started understanding what John was saying about Jesus. I started to get a picture of who He is. I loved it so much! I also was truly blessed by the women in the group. I had imagined a bunch of 20s-30s mom's. I thought it would be great since I was just into my 2nd trimester with the baby that would be Calista. Instead, God gave me women who could be my mentors. Women who had already walked through parenting and were now grandparents and I could write a whole blog on how much they blessed me. God knows what we need even when we don't. :) I tell you this because I want to encourage you to keep going where He is calling you, even when it's scary, doesn't look at all like what you expected, and doesn't make sense to you now. After that I did another study and another and another. As of now, I've done... Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer Seamless by Angie Smith Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin Hosea by Jenn Rothschild When God's Spirit Moves by Jim Cymbala Ive also read numerous devotions and articles and have fallen in love with all things Bible. Some of my faves are... Famous in Heaven and at Home by Michelle Myers The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst .You see though, I needed help approaching God's word. I needed others to remind me that this is about Him and my fears and insecurities approaching Him are the enemy keeping me away from God. The Bible has taught me that I don't need to be smart enough or good enough or worthy enough. God want me. He calls me chosen. He removes my shame, my insecurities, my fears. He redeems me. All I have to do is show up, believe, and ask for forgiveness. Just like that, I am His. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Now, 2 years into studying I still miss days or don't do my homework, but I have learned so much about God and He has shown me so much about my life through His goodness. I am never going to be a Bible expert. I will never know it all, but I can continue to earnestly seek Him through His word and prayer. I'm so grateful I found an approach that worked for me and I want to encourage you to keep trying to find one that works for you. I'd love to chat with you more about it if you have questions, so send me a message or an email, nataliedonnereskew@gmail.com. Do you see it? I certainly do. Baby #2 shows so much faster. I don't know how I would have kept it a secret if we were tried to wait until the 2nd trimester.
We just got back from a trip to Louisiana for my best friend's wedding and it was amazing. However, I only worked out once and totally gave in to the Louisiana food goodies. This week I am tracking my food and my goal is 5 workouts. I just know I have to get on top of it or I will have serious guilt. A long time ago, I realized that as long as I control the controllable as far as eating healthy (80/20) and working out 4-5 times a week, well, then I'm okay mentally. It protects me from freaking out over every little thing in the mirror and it for sure helped me through my 49 lbs weight gain with Calista. I mean, imagine if I only put stock in the number on the scale... I would have lost my mind and felt horrible about myself. Instead, I focused on eating as well as I could, minimizing my pregnant treats, and being as active as my pregnancy would allow. That's all I can control anyway and for me this is a safe plan. So, this week is about tracking my food, making sure I'm eating enough calories (I'm still nursing), and getting my body moving and stretching. I am having some pretty intense hip pain, but it's not as bad as it was with Calista. I'm also really feeling the stretching pains of my uterus. Other than that, there is of course fatigue, but I actually feel pretty decent and I am NOT taking that for granted. :) We had a 10 week doctor's visit that was basic lab panels and everything was awesome. We also attempted to hear the heartbeat via Doppler which is iffy at best at 10 weeks and this little nugget (I'm calling girl) was unbelievably easy to find. Instantly, we heard her little heartbeat thump thumping away and it was the most reassuring sound. Our next appt isn't until 15 weeks, so we can do a quick ultrasound to find out gender. 5 weeks is a long time, but it's good for me because it makes me rely on prayer. This baby makes her presence known in growing pains, nausea, and this belly and I'm totally okay with that. So, mark your calendars (lol), November 16th is gender day. We probably won't do anything fancy for a reveal because we are impatient and Calista is too young to care. ;) Until then, what's your gender guess? Getting back on track today after a carb and cheese fun-filled weekend. your body is used to pretty clean foods, it means the sooner you get back on track the better. I tried this one-pan balsamic chicken to get in as many veggies as possible. My hubs and I both loved it and I think it's a great option for those of you who struggle to get veggies in. So many people tell me that they don't just want to eat boring chicken and veggies to lose weight, and I totally understand. The recipe is proof that you chicken and veggies doesn't have to be boring or take a ton of time in the kitchen. 😘
The original recipe calls for asparagus and tomatoes, but I'm still restocking my fridge so we had carrots and zucchini. Ingredients: 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into tenders 2-3 cups of veggies, your choices 1-2 tbsp EVOO salt and pepper to taste Sauce: 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp Italian dressing 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 1/2 tbsp honey 1/8 tsp red chili flakes 1. Cook chicken in a large skillet, medium high heat with salt, pepper, and olive oil. About 5 minutes each side or until done. 2. While chicken is cooking, mix up your sauce and prep your veggies. 3. When chicken is cooked through, add half the sauce to pan and coat chicken. Promptly remove and set aside, leaving sauce in the pan. 4. Add veggies, coat in sauce and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy tender. 5. Add remainder of sauce and chicken back to pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes. 6. Serve and enjoy!!! Let me tell you a little story... 😘 A long time ago, I struggled with anxiety and depression. My doctor recommended working out to help with my seratonin levels. Years of ups and downs in weight, consistency, knee surgery, and carb addiction (it's a real thing right!?!) and I still struggled to find time to take care of myself. What I really kept saying is that I wasn't a priority. About 5 years ago, my husband and I were living in Los Angeles and I was really low, like the kind of low that you just know something HAS to change. So, I became a certified personal trainer. Then, I got ambitious and wanted to help everyone, so I also became a Beachbody coach. Stay with me here. God had other plans. Little did I know that God would seriously change my heart. I started noticing that He was chasing after me HARD. He tore down my walls. He made me stop living for the world's definition of success, but to live for the only thing that matters... His glory. He used my darkest moments and made them a ministry. A ministry where I get to love on people. Maybe I'm not the most successful coach or personal trainer by the world's standards, but I do know that God uses me to LOVE on people and love on them hard. All those years ago, I never would have imagined serving His kingdom over my dreams and my goals, and I'm so grateful God chased me down and reminded me that I'm HIS. I don't know where you are in your journey tonight, but I do know this. It's never too late to seek Him, to make a change, and to grow in faith and strength. If you want, I'll love on you right beside God. It would be my honor. And if you feel like loving on people right beside me and God, well, why don't you join my ministry that serves others through fitness. It's brought more to my life than I could ever imagine. God, strong Christ-centered women, my health, overcoming of anxiety and depression, and a faith that is bigger than I could have ever imagined. Send me a message and let me know how I can pray for you. Thanks for staying with me the whole long post. You deserve a prize! 🙌🏻😘
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