Oh my aching back !!! Is this detox ?!!

Well I thought things were moving along pretty well but then a day or two ago I started to experience body pain again, this time a lot of back and hip pain. I actually think this is a result of detoxing off wheat, corn, sugar , caffeine and dairy!

I keep drinking tons of water to flush out toxins - I am managing but it isn't fun.  Makes doing much of anything physical a challenge.  Keep telling myself "this too shall pass".  I tried to get in for a massage but my masseuse was all booked up. Phase 3 of this plan asks that one day a week you get a massage if possible. Sounds good to me and boy, I think I need it !!

Resetting My Metabolism

Took me several few months to get back here but here I am folks !!  Let me give you a rundown of what has been happening with me.

After sticking to low carb I was pretty successful then hit a major plateau.  Nothing I did kick started my weight loss.  But on top of that I started to feel really crappy.  Not incredible nasty or anything but far from feeling great. Bloating, on and off body pain, mild headaches, lethargy... my RA was getting bad.  My skin was dry. My hair was dry. My nails were brittle.  I looked old.  And as such I decided this wasn't worth it. And to be truthful, I had grown to hate the entire way of eating.

Without a great deal of thought but rather a gut reaction to put an end to my discomfort, I started to add grains back into my diet - so far so good. Or so I thought.   A starch here, a starch there and the weight started to creep back on. BUT I was ok with that cause I was starting to feel better. Again, or so I thought.

All hell broke loose.

Some changes in the works !

Just some updates to share.  I have increased my cardio to incorporate 1/2 hr of rebounding each and every day.  Still sticking with clean-eating and keeping my starchy carbs at a minimum though I do enjoy 1/2 cup of brown rice every now and then.  I am faithfully on gluten-free.  I slipped up recently and wowza, the stomach pain and bloat was unbearable.  I have to say, the pain is a welcome reminder that gluten doesn't jive with me at all. Listen to your body everyone because it is talking to you all the time!

Gluten-Free Banana Muffins

I stumbled upon this gorgeous muffin recipe while surfing foodgawker the other day.  The photo lured me in and once I saw the ingredients list I was hooked.  Clean eating at its best!

Now, as is the norm for me, I switched things up a bit - adding some extra spices and going with my all-time fave Agave Nectar as sweetener but feel free to use raw honey if you prefer.

These muffins are light, moist and taste just like banana bread.  Consider tossing in some mini dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts too. They would make great additions to this yummy baked treat.

Adios Wheat

I have MANY updates to share with you all including my questioning the name of this blog!

Where to begin... well to start off,  my professional life has been very crazy. The 9-5 day job is keeping me hopping. I am in the midst of a learning curve right now after taking on some new responsibilities and though interesting and challenging, it can tire out one's little brain! I have also been working to set up a new website dedicated to the parents, caregivers, siblings of Autistic children.   A brand-spanking new logo has now been created but the site itself won't launch til fall.  My intention was a spring 2012 launch but I truly need to find more time in life to sit down and give it the design attention it deserves. Lastly, Lemon Drop has been motoring along. I am hosting a great Easter Giveaway too and all followers worldwide can participate so head over there and check it out!

Now on to my personal life. I have been really tightening up on both diet and exercise. So why the question of changing the blog name? Because low carb (as in the Atkins or Dukan Diet variety) really isn't cutting it anymore.  Let me explain...

Roasted Chicken Breasts

If you are like me you are always on the lookout for high quality, tasty and clean protein that is easy to prepare.  There are many days I simply don't have time or energy to stand over a grill flipping chicken breasts or steaks. Yes, the slow cooker is my best friend most days of the week but I am not a big fan of how it cooks chicken. I like my chicken roasted or grilled not poached or cooked in the slow cooker. I want richer flavor and crispy edges.

I have always avoided the oven when it comes to meats. I have a tendency, or did in the past, to roast things into charred oblivion.  Well those days are over.   A simple roasting recipe, 2 chicken breasts, some oil and seasoning.   That's it - foolproof.  Even I can't screw this up!

Low Carb Almond Milk

Low carb, sugar, gluten and dairy free - how perfect is that?  Sure you can buy store bought almond milk but if you are like me and use it to make protein shakes or smoothies at least once a day the cost can add up quickly.

Why not make your own at home?

This recipe makes 4 cups of almond milk and it is rather simple and straight forward.