5 years ago I would’ve been making a dairy free gluten free version of a grilled cheese (my friends always made fun of me for this like WHAT tf is a grilled cheese without dairy and gluten hahaha). Today I am making a grilled cheese made with homemade sourdough bread, raw mozzarella cheese and raw butter, can you guess what’s better? This is to say what I thought was once a healthier lifestyle for me was actually the opposite. Instead of going back to basics (REAL food), I sought out alternatives that ended up having adverse affects on my health.
Everyone is in different stages of their health and healing journeys. I have always been fascinated with health but I learn more every single day and I shift my lifestyle as so. Something that made me feel good a year ago may not anymore, and vice versa. High quality meat, dairy and gluten were things I wouldn’t touch a couple years ago, and now they are included in my every day. I used to do intense hiit workouts almost daily, now I walk and do pilates or yoga twice a week. Raw milk has replaced almond milk. Grass fed beef has replaced tofu.
On a daily basis I am getting to know myself more and figuring out what works for me. THIS is so important. Just because a video online says they did xyz and now feel incredible, does not mean xyz will make you feel incredible or will make you look like that person. We are all incredibly unique with different makeups. We spend more time comparing ourselves or trying to copy other lifestyles instead of taking that time to look inward, get to know your body, your mind, your feelings. Getting inspired by someone is a wonderful thing, but it is a fine line to walk between inspiration and comparison. Trust me, I get caught up in that every day.
My intention this week is to tune into my body. Ask myself questions. Most of the answers are right inside me. Your own mind and body knows why you are feeling certain symptoms more than a google search does. A good practice for this is starting to take mental (or physical) note of your emotions. When you feel a certain way (mentally or physically) be curious about that. Ask questions: why do I feel this way? What just happened to make me feel this?
In the physical sense: you feel exhausted with a stomach ache. Was there an event that drained you? A person? Did you eat or drink something to cause this?
In the mental sense: you feel anxious and stressed. What were you doing that led up to feeling this way? Was there a moment that caused this emotion? Do you have control over the moment or outcome, is there anything you can do to change it? (typically the answer is no…and if you can’t control it, why stress? I know it is much easier said than done)
Practicing asking yourself questions is SO integral to healing. Understanding the way your body and mind works and tuning in. Starting to mentally categorize energy givers and energy drainers, and intentionally work to crowd out those drainers with givers. Connecting with those gut feelings ;) the brain x gut connection is real and so powerful.
With the month of July coming to a close, it is the perfect time to do some reflection. I like to spend a couple hours just thinking about the month prior, how I feel, what I want less/more of, goals I want to achieve the following month. I encourage you to join me in doing the same. Virtual vision boarding anyone?
New month also means new seasonal produce!!
August Seasonal Produce
The farmers market during summertime is my FAVORITE place to be. If you don’t have a farmers market near you - I highly recommend looking up a CSA in your area. CSA is a Community Supported Agriculture.
CSA’s are incredible programs that help to keep local family farms supported & running. It is an amazing way to better connect the community to the source of food that they are eating and eat fresh local seasonal produce.
Most CSA farms are small family farms with sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to a healthy environment and biodiversity. Most CSAs practice biodynamic & organic farming practices even when not USDA certified organic.
Support your local farmers, help the environment, eat seasonally & save money - sayyy lessss. To find a CSA for you, talk to farmers at your local farmers market or search up CSA + your area.
And of course before heading to the market you need to come with a grocery list in hand. Whenever I go with absolutely no plan I either feel very lost and buy a super random assortment or thing or I overbuy everything because I am hungry - rookie mistake to grocery shop while hungry. If you do not have the time do not fret, because I have the perfect grocery list for you and meal ideas of what to make throughout the week with all of the beautiful ingredients.
Along with the photo I have linked the grocery list so you can print it out and take it with you.
And look out for the special exclusive seasonal recipe coming out on Wednesday!