I had to design this because I love how this post relates with the title of my blog!
I experienced a major turning point in my life (besides becoming a Christian, getting married and giving birth). It happened six months ago, and I consider it both a blessing in disguise and (at times) a hindrance all at once. I really have been trying my best to stay positive, although I do still have my moments where I wish I wasn't Alexis Nicole Perron. Not because I don't like who I am, but because I am on one of the most strict diets EVER! {If you don't know me well, I am an extreme lover of food. It sounds bad saying it that way, but eating is one of my top-10 favorite things to do.} I've become gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free {including fruit}, soy-free, corn-free, legume-free, coconut-free {excluding oil}, caffeine-free, and...hmm...I know there's something else...Oh yes! vegetables-that-contain-natural-sugars-free. If I discover a new category I must eliminate, I shall add it to this beautiful list :)
No, I'm not on this diet for fun. And, no, I don't hate it!
I've earnestly come to learn how this diet change has altered my life in positive ways. I will mention these amazing aspects when I get a chance. Due to this diet alteration, I have had 0% chance to blog. {Tonight is an exception as both my Andrews are fast asleep, and I am waiting for my sunflower seeds to dry and my yogurt to get done in the crockpot.}
What I can consume: vegetables {no carrots, peas, potatoes or any other sweet or starchy vegetables}, fermented foods {like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut}, water, unsweetened coconut and almond milk, eggs, nuts {excluding cashews and pistachios}, seeds {excluding quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth}, meat, fish, and poultry. All preferrable organic/raw/grass-fed/ocean-caught/free-range as I've learned the truths behind the absolutely terrible "food" our culture regularly consumes on a day-to-day basis. I have tried and learned to like various new foods I never knew existed or that I already "knew" I didn't like.
I'm very thankful I can use herbs, spices and natural sweeteners {excluding types like honey and maple syrup}; what an amazing creation they are! The colors, scents and tastes surely make cooking/baking and experimenting an adventure. And they help brighten my day :)
I spend at least 80% of each {normal} day in the kitchen as I've taken on several new tasks: soaking/sprouting seeds and grains {this was before I gave up grains}; making my own almond butter and almond flour; making yogurt, kefir, and coconut milk, making homemade cleaning products; salad dressings, condiments, minced/powdered onion and garlic, fermented vegetables. I love to learn how to do all of this at home! And then there's washing/cutting/storing vegetables, making breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks, and preparing for days when I know I won't be home. I must always have food prepared before I go anywhere--and that's fine. It's still taking some adjusting though.
I could go on and on about this subject, but I don't want to bore you {sorry if I already have!}, so I should tell of another major event that happened at the end of this summer.............My camera broke! It finally gave up on me after all the adventures I'd taken it on for the past five years. We had so much fun together :(
BUT! I am trusting that God has a plan for me. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." {Jeremiah 29:11}
As for now, my time must be devoted to healing my body. Need better sleep, need better food, need better mentality. My desire to become healthy grows as I continue to learn and grow in God's word and take in bits and pieces of health- and cooking-related information each and every day. I mean it. I'm going to gather all the information I learn and turn it into my own personal book of information that I can refer to. {This will become my new type of organizing in this new season. The bedroom dresser and closets can wait!}
I've grown an interest in cooking and baking. It is an art! I love finding inspiration and creating my own recipes that best adapt to my diet. I am amazed at how many different ways you can use food to produce interesting creations. Cauliflower oatmeal! Zucchini noodles! Chicken zucchini burgers! I plan to post any of my favorite and created recipes in the future because, as for now, my creative outlet is in the kitchen :)
I love this new season!
