It looks like gluten-free/dairy free/refined sugar free can now add a 4th. I will now be going fully grain free as well. It was a goal I had set, but today my doctor let me know I have to do so to help some of the health stuff going on lately with my gut. So, I guess that's that. haha. I adore eating healthy, I really do. I love inspiring those around me to make good choices, but sometimes its hard to let go of something that I once thought was alright as long as it was organic brown rice, or rice protein used in different foods that gave me a larger array of things to eat. But, alas. we believe I still have some candida issues going on so what do you do? 

I can decide what to do with this. And I decide that I will get more creative in the kitchen. That I will embrace the foods that heal, and I will provide my body with nourishment and nurturing love. I will once again clean out the pantry, pray to God for guidance, and hold on to Mr. Charming's hand as he guides me towards my veggies when I'm having a grain or sugar craving that makes me go looking for a hidden stash of dark chocolate or a rice bowl. 

I'm only human.

So, I will be slowly pulling the grain recipes from the recipe pages, and incorporating more raw and veggie based recipes that are still super yummy. Because this foodie is still striving to find variety and flavor in all the dishes she shares with you! I thank you all for going on this health journey with me. I'm much healthier than I was two years ago, but still have a ways to go. It's been scary, and inspiring, fun and challenging. Hard and healthier all at the same time. 

There is a reason for this season and I'm going to embrace it as I sit by my decorated Christmas tree, with my mug of dairy-free cocoa and cinnamon roasted nuts and toast to this blessed life I get to call my own.

Have a happy Thanksgiving you all. For the next two days I will be sharing some yummy ideas for your Gluten, Dairy and Grain-Free table. I hope you enjoy! 

Stormy weekends always call for time at home. I'm always so focused on feeding me and my family healthy, yet sometimes in the hustle and bustle of juggling two, sometimes three careers, a blog, and classes I don't do my best to take care of my home and my soul. The days that I get to connect with my husband spending time making our home, a true home, and connecting with friends and family, my soul smiles. I find His peace and contentment and it recharges me for all the tasks I have throughout the week, big and small. Tonight we had some friends over and just played Wii. I haven't played like that with friends in months and I hadn't worked out yet today so we popped in Just Dance and danced out all the frustration and pressures of the week. It was followed by an amazing talk about scripture and God with a good friend of ours. A good night to ensure great sleep. 

Anxiety. fatigue. constipation. anxiety. anxiety. For those on the outside looking in, we are seen as the ones who have the picky diet. The one that is almost annoying to invite to dinner. The one who always brings her lunch, the one who is too tired to hang out sometimes. The one who is too anxious to drive over. The one who seems to have a lot of stress bogging her down when she has so much good. For those who have the issues that we have, and for us, ourselves. It's a process. A whole frustratingly, sometimes hopeless process. Of balancing food that our body won't attack. Balancing hormones, balancing vitamins and minerals that our body is so severely depleted of. And as a lady, who loves her God more than anything. Tries to do so with grace. With a smile on her face, knowing that she has His hope, His peace, and His light with which to guide this sometimes rocky, unstable and frightening path.

Luckily I have an amazing doctor. The ability to get the food and minerals I need. But somedays it's hard. Really hard. And you get knocked down. Scared. Take two steps back. And you look around and you say thank you to those who support you. 

It's days like this where I am glad I started Nosh & Nurture. So I could release some of my thoughts. So I could connect to others who HAVE to cut out gluten or you get sick, or mentally disrupted by it. Those who know it's not a trend or a fad. Connect to those who understand the gut & psychological syndrome. (which I will be touching on a lot more now that I am starting to share my story more..)

God has put me on this path for a reason, and it's OK. As long as He is holding on strong and not letting go, I shall trust this path and do what I can to keep my body, mind and spirit as healthy as possible.