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Sometimes I am a bit too ambitious and take on more than I can handle.  For example, I have been posting on two different blogs (come on April, who needs 2 blogs?!).  I am a bit spontaneous and sometimes don’t think before I jump in, especially when I am passionate about something.

I have decided to consolidate my two blogs into one.  Now you can find health, nutrition, fitness, Lyme and body image awareness all in one place.  I want to thank you all for following me here but hope that you will read my other blog from now on.  Thank you so much for your support!

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Lyme Disease Symptoms (from the Faces of Lyme)

Tomorrow marks the end of Lyme Disease Awareness Month and what an amazing month it has been!  The best part about having this disease is the inspirational and strong Lyme warriors themselves.  We have a vast community and I was lucky enough to get to know some of them even better this month.  In addition, I had the pleasure of working with some Lymies on this video.

The video includes some of the Faces of Lyme and their symptoms.  They were asked for their top three symptoms, from an illness that includes many.  Every individual had a different story and a different list of symptoms.

I hope that you enjoy the video and please share it to spread the awareness!

Asparagus with a twist

IMG_2472I don’t know about you all but as much as I love vegetables, sometimes I can get a bit bored with the same ol’ meals.  Here is a slight twist on asparagus and it only takes 3 ingredients (okay, five if you count salt and pepper)!! 🙂

Ingredients:

-half bunch of asparagus

-bread crumbs (I used gluten free)

-Vegenaise (or other vegan mayonnaise)

-salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

  1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Wash and dry asparagus. Cut the ends off.
  3. Take a spoonful of Vegenaise and spread it on a flat surface (plate, cutting board, etc.)
  4. Pour some bread crumbs on a different plate or paper towel.
  5. Roll each asparagus in the Vegenaise, followed by the bread crumbs.  Be sure to cover the entire surface.
  6. Place the asparagus on a greased baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper (if desired).
  7. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy!!!

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Cold Quinoa Salad

With a few more foods eliminated this week as part of the Lyme treatment protocol, Layla and I had to get creative 🙂  Here is a quick recipe that will be great for those summer events!

Ingredients:

-White quinoa

-Carrots (I prefer the rainbow baby carrots)

-Cucumber

-Mint

-Feta cheese

-Capers

-Black olives

*feel free to add any other desired vegetables.

Directions:

  1. Cook quinoa (add two cups of water to every one cup of quinoa.  Bring to a boil.  Turn down heat and simmer until water has evaporated).
  2. Place quinoa in a bowl and allow to cool.
  3. Cut vegetables, olives and mint.
  4. Add vegetables, capers, olives and feta to the quinoa.
  5. Season with caper juice, salt and pepper.  (you could also use lemon or balsamic vinegar…but they are on my eliminated list 🙂 )
  6. Mix everything together and enjoy!

 

Three Things that TOTALLY SUCK about having Lyme Disease

I normally try to stay extremely positive about Lyme Disease but last week was just one of those weeks!  It helped me realize some of the struggles that we go through aside from our symptoms and physical pain.

Here are the three things that (I think) totally suck about having Lyme Disease…or any chronic illness for that matter.  Let me know if you agree.

Sharing my Story is Part of Healing

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and the Lyme community is out in full force!!!

The one amazing thing about having Lyme is meeting all of the phenomenal and inspiring people who are going through the same thing.  Just recently I stumbled upon a blog called Body Mind Lyme and met a woman who is extremely similar to me: a former dancer, a dog lover and oh yeah, she has Lyme!

Just recently I did an interview for her blog and I hope that you will take a moment to read it.  I find that part of the healing process is to share your story.  Although you have read some of my story here, this interview comes from a different perspective.

Also, take some time to go through her blog.  She has some great information on there.

Click here to read my interview.

Most Common GYM MISTAKE!

There is one thing that I see people do at the gym every day that drives me nuts….not because I am judging them but because I am worried about them getting injured.  However, I have to admit that I have been guilty of making this mistake as well (eek!).

Check out my video to see what it is.  Maybe correcting this mistake will help you have a better workout as well as increasing your longevity 🙂

What I learned during my 34th year!

Last week was my birthday and I have had some time to reflect on what I should take away from my 34th year on this planet.  I am hoping that even if you are not 34 years old, you can take something away from these life lessons.  They are applicable to everyone, no matter your age 🙂

*GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND

When I was in elementary school, one of my mom’s friends told me that as an adult “you will be lucky if you have a handful of good friends.”  As a once popular kid in school, I couldn’t believe that this would be true.

I have found that through success, illness, differences or simply growing apart, friends come and go.  However, the good ones stick by your side with unconditional love.  Those may be hard to find but I am so lucky to have a handful of them.  You know who you are and I love you.

*I should note that I am blessed to have family members who also fit in this category 🙂

*THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

Our bodies are incredible machines. Our heart beats without us telling it to, our eyes blink, and our lungs breathe.  And if we listen closely enough, our bodies tell us when something is wrong.  In the past, I probably would have ignored the signals that my body was sending me.  This year, I learned to listen and to fight for my body. Thank God that I did!!

*I AM STRONGER THAN I EVER KNEW I COULD BE

Being diagnosed with Lyme Disease was one of the most difficult things that I have had to deal with-both physically and mentally.  During the first few weeks of research I was terrified by all of the life changing stories on the Internet and found myself crying myself to sleep on more than one occasion.  It’s amazing what this disease can do to a person; however, if I can get through this, my strength can get me through anything!

*LOVING MY BODY

In the past I have dealt with body image extremes: from bouts of such body hating where I wanted to hide in bed to orthorexia and unhealthy workout addictions.  Although it is still a struggle, age 34 was about embracing my body for (not despite of!) its imperfections.

Creamy avocado-potato salad

This is by far one of my all time favorite recipes!!  I love the simplicity of it; yet, it is extremely delicious and comforting.  It can be a side dish or add some protein for a full entree.

**I cannot take credit for this recipe.  It is from the phenomenal, and highly recommended, cookbook Oh She Glows.

Serves 3, prep time: 25 minutes, cook time: 30-35 minutes.

Ingredients:

-1 1/2 to 2 pounds yellow potatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes

-3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

-1/2 teaspoon fine-grain seat salt

-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

-1 bunch asparagus, woody ends broken off, stalks chopped into 1-inch pieces

-1/2 cup chopped green onions

For the dressing:

-1/2 cup avocado

-2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

-4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

-1 green onion, roughly chopped

-1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt, or to taste, plus more for serving

-Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Spread the potatoes in an even layer on one of the prepared baking sheets and drizzle them with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil.  Season with salt and pepper. Spread the asparagus on the second baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil.  Season with the remaining salt and pepper.

3.  Roast the potatoes for 15 minutes, flip them, and roast for 15 to 20 minutes more, until golden and fork tender.  During the last 15 minutes of roasting the potatoes, place the asparagus in the oven and roast for 9 to 12 minutes, until tender.  Transfer the roasted potatoes and asparagus to a large bowl and stir in the green onions.

4.  Make the Dressing: In a mini food processor, combine the avocado, dill, lemon juice, green onion, salt, pepper, to taste, and 1/4 cup water and process until smooth.

5.  Add the dressing to the bowl with the potatoes and asparagus and stir until combined.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately. The salad is also good chilled and will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.