Have you ever begun a health plan with the best intentions only to find it making you miserable? That was my experience last week.
I started a yeast-elimination plan on Saturday and by Tuesday I felt wiped out, stressed, guilty, and constantly craving foods I’d been avoiding. Having struggled with an unhealthy relationship with food in the past, I know how dangerous that mental place can be.
It’s taken me years of forgiveness, perseverance, attentive listening to my body, and letting go of fears about foods like animal proteins, fruits, oils, nuts, and seeds to rebuild a healthy, positive relationship with food. Strict plans that remove favorite foods, enforce rigid portions, and add pressure do not work for me.
So I abandoned the old regimen and replaced it with a simple statement rather than a strict plan. Statements help me set intention without adding stress.
I will support my body and health by choosing foods and supplements that nourish my digestive system.
In other words: baby steps. I might live with these “yeasty beasties” a little longer, but I’ll be in a healthier, more balanced place when I deal with them. That’s what matters most — and along the way I’ll enjoy nourishing treats that keep me satisfied.
- 3/4 cup raw unsalted cashews or 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 3/4 cup dried fruit (see notes)
- 1/4 cup fruit-juice–sweetened raspberry jam (see notes)
- 1/4 cup ground chia seed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons quinoa flakes or uncontaminated quick oats
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- zest from 1 lemon
- Place cashews and coconut oil in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, about 6–8 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Meanwhile, combine the dried fruit, chia seed, coconut, and quinoa flakes in a large bowl.
- When the cashew butter is ready, add the raspberry jam, vanilla, and lemon zest and pulse to combine.
- Pour the cashew mixture into the dried fruit mixture and stir until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into large muffin liners or a muffin tin, pressing down firmly and flattening each one.
- Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
View Nutritional Information (once on page scroll down)
Have you ever had to step back, check in with yourself, and readjust your goals? How did it make you feel?
How do you keep a positive connection with food? Is it something you think about?
If you made these granola cakes, what dried fruit would you put in them?