Countdown To Freedom

I'm feeling hints and whispers at a plan. I'm feeling strong and healthy. I'm feeling as though I might actually get through this purgatory and move into a new phase.

I can't complain. I have a good life. I have been casting about, trying to discover my path, and remaining open to experiences. I have met some wonderful people, and some less than desirable ones. I have come to a place where I realize that I need some balance.

When I was a little girl, my Daddy kept me very busy. I would go to school, come home, go to piano lessons, then to ballet, tap and gymnastics class. Daddy was always pushing me to get into sports, though I readily admit, I was not an athlete. I did adore dance class, though. We would go for walks, attend cultural events (Dad was a journalist, so he was always out), and we were constantly on the go. Later, in school, I was in chorus, drama, cheerleading, then JROTC Drill Team.

Looking back, I realize that was how he kept us busy and out of trouble,…

Sweetened Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir:

1 1/2 cup of cold filtered water
2 tbs of apple or grape juice
2 tbs of raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1/2 tsp of Stevia (powdered) if using liquid you only need a few drops.

There is a slight chill to the air, a hint of future cool weather to come, and I am unprepared. After years in Florida, my wardrobe is primarily sundresses and flip flops. I do have some sweaters and a coat, but not much. With my weight loss, my stock of clothing has been decimated. I hope that I can find some warmer alternatives.

It was a cold February morning when I made the final decision to leave SC, so many years ago. I was sitting at my desk in my house, bundled up in sweats, a fuzzy sweater, and thick socks. The cold air was coming up through my hardwood floors, and the windows felt icy. I had enough. I ran away and never looked back. Now, though, I find myself remembering a long ago fondness.

Yields 4 Ingredients
1 head cauliflower, riced (about 3 cups)
2 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp coconut flour
1 tbsp organic corn meal (not paleo- you can sub almond flour)
2 organic eggs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp Himalayan sea salt
"Everything" Topping
1/2 tsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp dried minced garlic
1 tbsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400
In a food processor, or using a hand grater, pulse/grate cauliflower until rice consistency
In a bowl combine eggs, cauliflower rice, almond flour, coconut flour, corn meal, garlic powder, and salt

In a separate bowl combine "everything" topping ingredients
Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet
Make 4 even sized balls and lay onto parchment paper
Sprinkle "everything" topping and slightly press them into the top
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bread-like consistency (it might be longer depending on the size you make)

Optional: Broil on high for 3-5 minutes a…

Sorry for the brief message this week. I've been traveling. Up to 54lbs lost since April 2017. Enjoy!

Cauliflower (white or purple)
Broccoli (green or purple)
Brussels sprouts
Kale (green or purple)
Bok choy (chinese cabbage or pak choi)
Cabbage (green, red or purple)
Collards greens
Watercress
Radish
Broccoli sprouts
Arugula (rocket)
Kohlrabi (white or purple)
Mustard greens
Turnip
Broccoflower
Daikon

Ingredients
Makes 2 grilled cheese sandwiches
Cauliflower crust “bread” slices 1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets (should yield 3 cups of cauliflower rice)
1 free-range organic egg, lightly beaten
½ cup / 1.7 oz / 50 gr shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Grilled cheese 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
⅓ cup / 3 oz / 85 gr sharp cheddar cheese, grated/shredded, room temperature

1 head cauliflower
olive oil
kosher salt
1 red pepper
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup feta, optional
harissa nacho cheese (recipe follows)
Method: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Separate the cauliflower into florets, taking care not to break them apart too much. Cut each floret into slices, 1/8″ thick. Lay the slices out on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Roast for 20-30 minutes, until browned and crispy.
While the cauliflower is roasting, place the pepper on a baking sheet and place in the oven along with the cauliflower. Roast the pepper until blistered all around, turning every 5 minutes or so.  Remove the pepper from the oven and wrap in foil or place in a ziploc bag to steam for a few minutes. 
Unwrap the pepper and peel back the skin. Discard skin and seeds and slice the pepper into strips. Arrange the cauliflower chips on a platter, top with artichokes, olives and red pepper strips.…

I have had a vision floating through my head for a few days now. I see a fish swimming through a shipwreck. I see the fish gliding in and amongst the watery rooms, flitting over furniture that has been reclaimed by the sea life. I see this fish ducking into coral encrusted crevices, and skirting about in once opulent ballrooms. This fish is me.

I find myself in a place in life, where I truly have the freedom to do whatever the hell I want. I am unbound and free to travel, explore, marry, or not, live wherever I want. With every man I date, I imagine myself in his world. I imagine what it would be like to join his life. I stretch my arms into his life, as though I am pulling on his coat. I immerse myself in it, imaging how it would feel to accept "him" as my one and only. Those that are too stifling, itchy, unpleasant, stingy, cold or judgmental, are quickly discarded. Those that are warm, comforting, safe, amusing, fun, generous and loving are kept while I'm considering…

PREP TIME
10 mins
COOK TIME
40 mins
TOTAL TIME
50 mins

Author: Jo
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
4 cups of riced cauliflower (about 1 large head of cauliflower)
4 eggs
2 cups of mozzarella cheese (I used a Tex Mex blend because that's all I had)
3 tsp oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Prepare 2 pizza dishes or a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make sure your cauliflower is roughly chopped in florets. Add the florets to your food processor and pulse until cauliflower resembles rice.
Place the cauliflower in a microwavable container and cover with lid. Microwave for 10 minutes. Place the microwaved cauliflower in a large bowl and add the 4 eggs, 2 cups of mozzarella, oregano, garlic and salt and pepper. Mix everything together.
Separate the mixture in half and place each half onto the prepared baking sheets and shape into either a pizza crust, or a rectangular shape for th…

Vietnamese Cauli-Fried Rice W/Nước Chấm Sauce (Grain/Rice Free) Paleo, GAPS, SCD

Directions for Nước Chấm Sauce:
1/4 cup water
2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (to taste)
2 tablespoons fish sauce (Get a Paleo friendly brand HERE)
1 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon honey (omit for 21DSD & Whole30)
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or coconut vinegar
Chili flakes optional In a mason jar, combine all the Nước chấm Sauce ingredients. Shake or mix well. Sprinkle as desired onto fried rice, salads or even use a dipping sauce.

The Ketogenic Diet without a Gallbladder

Since the 1920s ketogenic diets have been used as a therapeutic method to treat obesity, epilepsy, diabetes, neurological disorders, cancer and many other pathological diseases (1). This very low carbohydrate diet that combines moderate protein consumption with high amounts of quality fats puts the body into a state of fat or ketone adaptation.

Get The Recipe: Parmesan Egg Chips

Creamy, fudgey and crunchy are just a few words to describe these amazing keto no bake cookies. A perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and get in some valuable macronutrients.

I met a man last night. In the course of our time together, he told me that I was gold selling for copper.

Foodless Friday - The Many Health Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth | I Breathe I'm Hungry

No, we’re not advocating the battle to see how few calories you can consume each day or promoting crash diets in any form or function; however, if you’re a snack-o-holic who can’t stop munching and crunching in between meals, try snacking on one of these negative calorie foods instead of gobbling down a cupcake or big bag of chips. Your body can burn more calories just by chewing and processing the snack than the food contains already. In other words, you’ll be able to keep eating throughout the day without packing on extra pounds.

Ok, I think the title says it all!  These are my favorite fat bombs right now.  They are SO easy, delicious and filling.  The hardest part is not eating them all the moment I make them!  It takes about 15 minutes to prep so there's no excuse not try this recipe out ASAP!

This handy cheat sheet is a good guide for what can be eaten on Keto.

I find myself looking for lizards a lot nowadays, and always being disappointed when I don't see them. In FL, lizards are a daily part of life. Sipping my coffee in the mornings, I would gaze out of my window, and see little anoles running around, showing off their necks, or posturing for territory and romance. Later, when I moved to Key Largo, it was iguanas that would run around all the time. A trip from Key Largo to Key West, was always filled with sunbathing iguanas and iguana road kill. Of all of the things to miss, I find this the most surprising.