Growing Pains

A lot is changing around here. I feel like I'm moving in slow motion, in a desperate attempt to keep up with a stream of due dates and commitments. Lately my sleeve is subject to snot and tears. Gross, I know. It's an unusual sadness that hits me like a wave and grabs me by the ankles. An emotional undertow.

So, what to do? I embrace it and walk with it for a while. I get to know myself during a time of change.

I plant a mini herb garden with my new roommate. Thyme, basil, mint, and parsley to the rescue. 

Growing some baby herbs for my growing pains.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs

Life is still good. Life is great, even during temporary moments of sadness. 

Thankful {plus spinach omelette muffins]

Last weekend my beloved Canadian friends and family celebrated Thanksgiving, complete with roasted turkey and red wine. All the way from Aussie land, I could smell my Moms signature sweet potatoes, roasted with cinnamon and fresh rosemary. Sometimes it's hard not being able to head home for a long weekend, overnight bag in tot. The distance is far, but sometimes I feel lightyears away.

This time last year was pumpkin chai tea, burgundy autumn leaves, and homemade apple pie. This time last year I left an unhappy job and embarked on a new chapter. A lot has changed since then. I'm more than half way done my Masters, I work at lululemon athletica and love my job, and happily live on the other side of the world. The momentum ain't slowing down. I feel as though it's just beginning.

From the food on my plate to the laughter in my belly, I'm incredibly thankful. Miles away from home, on a turkey-less sans long weekends, this year was no exception. Ironic, because I would have enjoyed turkey for the first time in three years.

Shoulda coulda woulda, I enjoyed mini omelette muffins for breaky instead. Boom. Delicious.

Ingredients:

• 6 organic free-range eggs
• 1/2 red pepper (capsicum) 
• large handful spinach, chopped
• small handful cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp oregano 
• pepper to taste
• 1 tsp coconut or avocado oil, to grease muffin tin

Method: Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Grease muffin tin with coconut oil and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until fluffy and well combined. Whisk in chopped spinach, cilantro, diced pepper, and spices. Spoon approximately two tbsp of mixture into muffin tin (about 1/4 way full). Bake for 16-18 minutes, until light and fluffy. Enjoy with sliced tomato, avocado, or on their own. Yummers.

These babies serve as a quick breakfast and afternoon snack. 

I plan to make a variety for when my family visits this Christmas, then they'll be the thankful ones ;) 

Toronto, home

Melbourne, home away from home

Home is where the heart is, so I'm thankful Melbourne is my home away from home. 

The Everything But Granola, Granola (GF, DF, SF & Paleo Friendly)

As most of you know, the paleo diet has inspired my journey as a holistic health addict. Grass-fed meat, eggs, veggies, some nuts and little fruit is really working for me right now. Because I avoid grains, dairy, and sugar, breakfast can be tricky (especially if I'm all egg-ed out). Alas, have no fear, the everything but granola, granola, is here ;) Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and paleo friendly this granola is both satisfying and allergy-free. Double win.

It's October 9th and I'm already flat out for the entire month. My day planner is busting with post-it notes, ink scribbled grocery items, back-to-back appointments, and due dates. So many due dates. Somewhere between essay planning, weight training, and lululemon I'm meal-planning like a maniac. I've had fun experimenting with new recipes, this oat-less and paleo friendly granola included.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened jumbo coconut flakes
• 1 cup almond flakes
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup walnuts 
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted 
• 1 organic free-range egg 
• 1 tbsp pure apple sauce (or make your own)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg 

Method: Preheat your oven to 170°. Line a tray with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients, coconut flakes, nuts. seeds, and spices. In a small bowl, whisk egg, coconut oil, and apple sauce together. Add wet to dry and mix with a large spoon until evenly distributed. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once half way through. 

Enjoy with berries, coconut milk, apple sauce, or on its own. Golden, crunchy, healthy, and highly delicious. This granola is a quick and easy breakfast solution, or mid-afternoon snack, without the sugar rush crash.

I can't wait to make a second batch! ...I'll find a little time ;) 

To all my Canadian friends and family, I'm wishing you a safe, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving Long Weekend. I'm there in spirit, eating turkey and sweet potato mash.

When life gets busy, ensure to always stop, eat, and enjoy the moment. Happy Thanksgiving and cheers to real delicious food.

Paleo Inspired Eating (meals at a glance)

I'm not big on labels or ridged diets. I'm just a girl crazy passionate for food, exercise, yoga, natural beauty, and all things holistic. My goal is optimum health, which means listening and making changes when necessary. I recently celebrated change as I reintroduced animal products back into my diet. "You're kidding!" I kid not. And in less than six weeks, I've improved my overall gut health, sleep quality, workout recovery and gained 800 grams of pure muscle to boot. Hallelujah!

How did I do this? In short, paleo inspired eating. "Paleo whaa?" I'll get there, I promise.

I eased myself off a vegetarian/vegan diet and began eating real, high-quality, nutrient-dense food - meat, seafood, eggs, veggies, nuts/seeds, and some fruit. In essence, anything that can be hunted or gathered. Kinda like a cavewoman.

Whole9 provides a clear and easy 'elevator pitch' explanation of the paleo diet:

I eat “real” food – fresh, natural food like meat, vegetables and fruit.  I choose foods that are nutrient dense, with lots of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals, over foods that have more calories but less nutrition.  And food quality is important – I’m careful about where my meat comes from, and buy produce locally and organically as often as possible.

It’s not a low calorie “diet” – I eat as much as I need to maintain strength, energy and a healthy weight.  In fact, my diet is probably much higher in fat than you’d imagine.  Fat isn’t the enemy – it’s a great energy source when it comes from high quality foods like avocado, coconut and nuts. And I’m not trying to do a “low carb” thing, but since I’m eating vegetables and fruits instead of bread, cereal and pasta, it just happens to work out that way.

Eating like this is good for maintaining a healthy metabolism, and reducing inflammation within the body.  It’s been doing great things for my energy levels, body composition and performance in the gym.  It also helps to minimize my risk for a whole host of lifestyle diseases and conditions, like diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

"Wait, no heart-healthy grains? Fibrous legumes? So you're a crazy cavewoman" Maybe, but don't close this window just yet. I resisted the concept of paleo for quite some time. My initial thought was "ew, all that meat will just rot in your stomach". I was wrong. I read heaps of books, including The China Study, but never actually paused to dissect the science behind it. Science hurts my head. Lucky for me, someone else took care of the science bit. 

After struggling to sustain a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, I couldn't ignore that I wasn't thriving at my best. I was snacking between meals, often reaching for 'natural sugar' such as fruit and dates. Most grains, especially gluten, left me feeling bloated, while certain legumes didn't sit right. My muscle quality was low, even with consistent weight training. I wanted to know why and how to eat and feel great 99.9% of the time. 


Everyone is different, with unique goals and human makeup. I could never say that paleo is the ultimate answer for everyone, but I'm pretty excited to have found a working-template for me. I say template because I'm open to change and flexibility. Fresh, real, local, and delicious food, whilst listening to my body.


If you're still scratching your head on the whole paleo thing, I encourage you to read Rob Wolf's Paleo Solution and or check out FitBomb's humorous and resourceful explanation here. 


And now for the good stuff, here are a few of my new-favourite meals: 

I heart avocado with all my heart.

Have you ever cooked mussels? If not, stop, drop, and do it now! I was a little intimated, then laughed at how easy they are.

Organic grass-fed chicken breast, cooked in organic coconut flour and coconut flakes. 

Seriously, no sugar. And it was delicious. Recipe to come ;)

Change is good and in this case extra tasty.

xo,