What I’m sharing today – I think just about anyone can relate to. I mean, especially this year…..2020 – like what the…. Am I Right?!

We are planners but didn’t see this coming…

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a bit of a planner- so is my husband, probably even more so than me. I didn’t know there was a profession other than registered dietitians that could get more “type A,” but then I married a pharmacist…… I also feel like I have to “do it all.” I’m not sure if it’s my competitive nature or high energy levels, but I really have a hard time resting, slowing down, and taking it all in.

One month out planning birthday parties – check. Menu Plan for the week – even if it’s not written down – check—the timeline to pay off student loans, car & mortgage – check. We’ve even started doing a weekly calendar to help organize all the busyness kids, work, and activities throw at us each week. While working 30 hours a week, seeing private clients, growing a business, and taking care of my family, I felt like I couldn’t stop. But what is that saying – “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.”

Um, yeah – that couldn’t be more true here the past 5 months, as we found out we were pregnant with twins. Yes, that is two babies. These two amazing miracles, and gifts from God, that we were not really planning on- and honestly didn’t even dream of happening came to. Our future plans for our careers and family had to be reevaluated, and honestly, I didn’t know if I was going to be strong enough to do it all. Then I realized I didn’t have to right now; I need to take a step back and rest and focus.

Why I’m telling you all of this is to let you know that is where I have been the past few months. Healing my body- from all the horrible morning sickness – thanks to a great doctor and with the help from my husband, family, and friends, and focusing on our family’s “new plan” for the future. 😉

What I learned on my break…

Since taking this break, I’ve come to realize two things. One – you don’t have to do it all. (Duh, but why, even after all the craziness of 2020, do we feel like we have to?!) And two – healthful habits established years before I faced this new life challenge have helped.

What are those? Journalling regularly and devotionals, eating foods that nourish my body and my soul, and implementing mindfulness strategies that help improve clarity and decrease stress.

During this break, I thought of things I can do to help others and get through this even more demanding season coming up soon – the holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays – but they are stressful – and they can even be more stressful if you have a poor relationship with food and your body.

You don’t have to do the binge-restrict-repeat cycle this holiday.

Do you plan to start the crash dieting come January, after binging on sugar cookies all through November and December- only to feel horrible about yourself after it all?  Trust me, I’ve been there too.  Let’s not do that again!

So as a way to help stop this binge-restrict-repeat cycle AND in the spirit of “not doing it all” (because you will get much more benefit from not just listening to me all the time), I teamed up with a mindful eating yoga instructor!  We will be launching our group class starting October 29th until December 31st, including eight live sessions, handouts, and group dynamics to help you not only survive but thrive this holiday season.

To learn more and join, click here.

What makes this pudding green?

What makes this pudding the beautiful green color, you may ask?  Well TBH, it’s cyanobacteria.  Yeah, that’s right, Spirulina, to be exact.  This cyanobacterium is a type of algae that has been used throughout history for its health properties.  One tablespoon is an excellent source of protein, vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and minerals like copper and iron.

Spirulina can be used as an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis (inflammation in your nasal passageways) and can help reduce the symptoms of nasal discharge, congestion, and sneezing.

The antitoxic properties of Spirulina can help in counteracting common pollutants in the body like – arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and mercury.

It has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by improving your blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as boasts anti-cancer properties.

It may also help improve your gut health.  Animal studies indicate Spirulina can help support a healthy gut microbiome as you age.  And with the added fiber with from the Chia Seeds, it’s safe to say this is a pro-gut health dessert!

It is crucial to purchase a high-quality, organic version of Spirulina for maximum health benefits and to research the company that produces the Spirulina to make sure there aren’t any contaminants.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats and mild in flavor, which makes them a great ingredient to use for pudding.  You can use them blenderized or in natural form for this recipe.  It will only change the smoothness and texture, but they will still solidify and make a pudding-like consistency.  It’s amazing how versatile this little seed is.

Health benefits of copper

Copper is a very OVERLOOKED mineral -in my opinion, and just 17g of spirulina (or 1 TBS) can meet your daily RDA need. Here are just a FEW of the things that copper helps your body do:
1. Copper helps your body eliminate excess histamine: Histamine intolerance can be mistakenly diagnosed and is more common than you think. Histamine intolerance has been linked to symptoms like acid reflux, poor digestion, and anxiety. Copper helps your body eliminate histamine and could help prevent or treat its harmful symptoms.
2. Copper Helps strengthen collagen: Collagen is essential for bone and skin health. Copper works with Vitamin C to help strengthen bones and improve your skin. Copper and Vitamin C also work together to promote thyroid and adrenal health.
3. Copper helps us make platelets (vital for blood clotting and immune health) and allows our bodies to use iron efficiently.
4. Copper can help with mental health by helping our bodies regulate serotonin and help us produce dopamine.
Given all the health properties and benefits of this pudding – and that it also tastes delicious – this recipe is worth a try!

Let me know what you think?!

Ingredients

1  tsp of organic Spirulina powder

3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds

1 tsp Vanilla

2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup

12 oz Dairy-Free Milk (my favorite brand here)

Optional toppings: white or dark chocolate chips (my favorite brand here)

Source: Chris Masterjohn, PHD: Vitamins & Minerals 101

Green Chia Pudding - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

June 19, 2020

Servings: 6 servings

Difficulty: Easy

Print This

By: Jenny Kling, RD

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Spirulinia
• 3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds
• 12 oz Milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla
• 2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup

Directions

• Step 1 Combine all ingredients into a food process or blender.
• Step 2 Add chia seeds last to mixture for better processing.
• Step 3 Blenderize on med/high until all ingredients are well combined.
• Step 4 Transfer to a bowl or dish and refridgerate for aprox 2 – 4 hours to set.
• Step 5 Serve chilled. Garnish with with white or dark chocolate.