Resolved: Firmly Determining to Do Something

Another year, another promise, another hope for a different outcome loom before us in a couple of days. New Year’s plans come in strong, and we find ourselves resolved to do something. The resolve may look different for you and me, but at the heart of it is the desire, and determination, to change.

This new desire may be so strong we write it down and place it somewhere close to refer to time and again. It’s like the wellness vision tool I encourage my clients to think through and develop. Writing down strong statements affirming their strengths, abilities, skills, and support systems helps them visualize the healthy person they want to be.

The client then develops an overarching statement emphasizing those attributes. If you are interested in formulating yours, I have a free download for you when you subscribe to my site. I’ll be happy to share it with you!

Resolved–Formulating a Plan

Now, back to the hope of a new day and a new year.

How do you see yourself taking steps towards your new resolve? Maybe you need a priority list of things you’d like to accomplish. Perhaps it would help to write down all your thoughts then prioritize them in number of urgency or importance.

The hope may be to spend more time with family, stress less, care more about people, eat less sugar, be more active, read more books, pray more, be involved with the community or study more.

Whatever your dreams are for the coming year, God is here for you. He wants you to live the abundant life His son died for you to live. Guilt free, shame free, and hoping for an honorable walk with Him.

If you’re like me and need a little reassurance, please take a moment to read Daniel’s thoughts about resolve in Daniel chapter 1.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore, he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 

Daniel 1:10-11

Daniel resolved to not eat the luxurious food and wine from the king’s table. He also found favor with the chief eunuch who granted his request of vegetables and water. Daniel’s resolve comes from his dedication to the One true God.

Although not clear in the text, it is inferred that the food was used in pagan worship and did not contain was the Mosaic law described as “clean”. Regardless of the state of the food, Daniel’s resolve came from his desire to continually honor God.

Despite his captivity, being stripped of his identity, and placed in a palace to learn a new religion, language, and way of life, he remained true to God.

His prayer life, kindness, respectful attitude, and ability to maintain his faith in a culture of depravity gives me hope to carry through my challenges too! I hope it does for you as well!

After all, staying the course on our new hopes and dreams is so much more than a New Year’s resolution! Because truthfully, we don’t always approach them with the planning and seriousness they deserve.

Sometimes we just jump in and tackle the monstrous goal with all of our newfound drive, then fizzle out in a frazzled, defeated mess. All the previously failed attempts come rushing forth and we berate ourselves once again.

But what if we take a different view and implement the baby steps necessary for success?

Resolutions are weak and wear out if we don’t determine our true need and plan accordingly.

The allure soon fades when we don’t see the results we want. Or we get caught up with the same daily grind and fall back into our familiar habits of comfort food, mindless eating, sitting for long periods of time, and fault finding.

Given his circumstances, what do you think Daniel would say to that mindset?

He resolved (determined in his mind) to do something different than the world around him for the purpose of honoring God with his mind and body.

What does being resolved look like for you today and how can I pray for you?

I am only a discovery call away if you need extra help, too. You can book your appointment here and find recipes and encouragement too. I look forward to serving you!

Mysty

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Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies

My favorite no-sugar cookie is hands down, coconut cherry almond! When I say no-sugar, I mean zero unrefined processed sugar and lightly sweetened with a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup.

So, yes, you and I will get some carbs and fat in this delicious cookie for the holiday season, but we will also load up on fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants. That’s why when I do our traditional cookie day, I make this low sugar coconut cherry almond cookie for my personal enjoyment.

Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies

Being careful to indulge and not binge is the key to staying on track with healthy eating. One way to do that is to think about the upcoming holiday parties and plan meals and treats accordingly.

Asking ourselves a few questions keeps us aware and intentional about what we are eating.

How many parties am I attending this week and what can I do between them to offset indulging?

What treats at work, school, or home are tempting me between meals that I can choose to set aside and savor after my salad for lunch? Enjoying the small treat after feeding my cells will help me feel satisfied and full. Also, by eating it this way, I am not spiking my insulin or blood sugar between meals.

Some Benefits of Coconut Almonds and Cherries

Since saturated fat has been ostracized for decades, it may be a little difficult embracing its beneficial properties. However, they are still there! For instance, coconut oil has been shown to help with weight loss and Alzheimer’s. It also has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. (1)

As with any high fat, high calorie food, we want to be wise in how we combine it with other foods. When Pacific Islanders ate their native coconuts with all the fiber present, they were at low risk for metabolic disease. Once they began incorporating highly processed (refined white flour, refined white sugar, etc.) foods to their high saturated fat diets, they too became susceptible to increasing risks of cardiovascular disease.

Almonds are also rich in monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium, nutrients essential to heart health. (2) Throw in some anti-inflammatory cherries, some fresh milled soft white wheat with all its B vitamins, and overall, you have a decently healthier cookie. As I always say, “What God puts in the garden is good!”

We can enjoy a few treats with our family and friends while keeping the fruit of self-control firmly in our hearts this Christmas season. I pray you are filled to overflowing with the love of God and His plan for restoration for one and all.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

2 Peter 3:9

I savor the hope, joy, peace of Advent too, but there is something about the love that tops it off and stirs my heart in a way nothing else does. It’s so nice to rest in the love of God, and not worry so much about feeling unloved by others.

I talk more about God’s love in The Gift of Love blog post, check it out if you have time.

In the meantime, I hope this low sugar coconut cherry almond cookie becomes one of your favorite treats for the holidays as much as it is mine!

Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies


Coconut Cherry Almond Cookies

  • 1 Cup Oats
  • 1/2 Cup Flour ((Your choice, almond/gluten free/fresh-milled))
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (melted)
  • 1 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Almond Extract
  • 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 Cup Cherries (Fresh/Frozen/or Rehydrated)
  • 1/2 Cup Coconut (Flakes/Unsweetened)
  1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

  2. Combine melted coconut oil, egg, and maple syrup in a mixing bowl.

  3. Add the oats, flour, coconut, cinnamon, and almonds, then fold in the cherries.

  4. Form into rounds and flatten into disc, bake for 18-20 minutes, let cool, and enjoy!


I hope you enjoy this easy cookie recipe and share it with your family and friends! I look forward to offering more recipes and health tips on this blog without annoying advertising.

You can always contact me for coaching if you need further assistance in making healthier choices. I look forward to serving you!

Merry Christmas!

Mysty

References In Order of Use:

  1. Sekhar S, Makaram Ravinarayan S, Kashmer D Yu A, Kilic F, Dhawan R, Sidhu R, Elazrag SE, Bijoora M, Mohammed L. Are We Nuts Over Coconuts? Studying the Effects of Coconut Oil on Low-Density Lipoprotein and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Apr 17;14(4):e24212. doi: 10.7759/cureus.24212. PMID: 35637823; PMCID: PMC9132222.
  2. Kalita S, Khandelwal S, Madan J, Pandya H, Sesikeran B, Krishnaswamy K. Almonds and Cardiovascular Health: A Review. Nutrients. 2018 Apr 11;10(4):468. doi: 10.3390/nu10040468. PMID: 29641440; PMCID: PMC5946253.



Determined December-Snacking

Hello friend! I’m calling this month, determined December because you and I’ve worked hard all year to feel better and function with clarity and purpose, so we don’t want to blow this healthy streak we’ve got going, right?

The joyful season of Christ’s birth is fun to celebrate, but if we have a sugar addiction it can derail us completely!

Since we don’t want brain fog, high insulin, low energy, chronic pain, and stiffness creeping back in either, we need encouragement to stay the course. So, how do we stay determined?

For me, it’s easier to focus on the good, enjoy the people and places, and remember why I started this journey in the first place.

However, I’d love to know how you stay in the groove of healthy eating, sleeping, and activity during the holidays. Maybe you keep your wellness vision statement handy, so you don’t forget why you started. Or maybe you just feel so much better without all the sugar and heavy carbohydrates, you can see past the pretty packaging.

Whatever the reason, I am here with you, and making the best of every situation. One of those situations is the habit of snacking. I mean that is exactly what it is for me, a habit.

At times, it is just part of our culture and something we do, but most of the time we are not even hungry. Where does that term come from anyway, is it a marketing term pounced on by the food companies to sell more products and make more money?

determined

Determined Not to Snack

Well, after a little research, I found out that snack comes from an old Dutch work, “snak” which means to bite or snap. The original term is similar to the sound of a dog’s teeth snapping when they are trying to steal a morsel of food. It then became associated with small bites or meals. So, here we are today with the term firmly ingrained into our daily lives.

I can think of several reasons snacking is not the same today as it once was. I’ll share a few with you today and let you decide on how you want to proceed with those intermittent small meals. If we’re not homesteaders, preppers, or farmers, generally speaking:

  1. We are not dependent on the land for our meals and food is not scarce
  2. We don’t have to walk far or climb a tree or do much work to gather our food
  3. Most meals are obtained from our grocery store or local fast food restaurant
  4. The meals we partake of are large in comparison to what people ate a hundred years ago
  5. The ingredients in the snacks are not whole food.

When we understand we are moving less as a whole population, and eating more, then we get an idea of how snacking is no longer necessary. In fact, it simply keeps insulin high in the blood and puts us in that fat storage mode instead of fat burning mode.

Plus, it’s not real food! Like say an apple, or nuts. It’s ultra-processed, cheap material combined to make a product without significant nutritional value.

determined

Check out my Facebook class in the client support group to see how to evaluate 100 calorie snacks!

Reading labels is really nice for helping us stay determined this December! The Bible reminds us to do everything with wisdom and discernment, and I believe eating real food is key to functioning well and completing our purpose.

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.

Philippians 1 ESV – Greeting – Paul and Timothy, servants – Bible Gateway

Summary of Determined December

Thinking about all the good reasons we started our health journey and focusing on the true meaning of the season may help you and I stay determined this December. Maybe the wisest thing we can do is still enjoy our sweets but remember the portion sizes. Keeping the tasty morsels for dessert after our main course and not over-stimulating insulin with snacking between meals, keeps us on our healthier way of living.

I am here for you if you need me! Book and appointment here and look for healthier Christmas treats here!




Letting Go of Useless Thoughts

Ephesians 4:17

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Futility of their thinking is defined as useless thoughts. Therefore, spiritual and emotional health starts by letting Christ take every thought captive. He wants you and I free from futile thinking because it is purposeless and unfruitful for us and our children.

So, how do we follow the apostle Paul’s advice and no longer live in futility of thinking?

Or as I like to say, “What does letting go of useless thoughts look like in the Christian life?”

I don’t think it’s easy by any means, but I’m hoping with more time in prayer, and quickly recognizing when I’m susceptible, God will guide me through it. Especially if I take a biblical approach to those useless thoughts.

With that in mind, my plan is to dive a little deeper into Ephesians with you today and define futile thoughts. We will then identify them in our lives and the lives of our children and learn how to biblically create new thoughts to replace them. The best part is we all have the ability to do this!

It’s called neuroplasticity. The brain’s ability to adapt to changes in the environment, learning, recuperating from an injury, and experiences. (1) If you want an in-depth way to learn about creating new thought patterns check out Dr. Carline Leaf’s blog.

My friend, I believe building ourselves and our children up in times of great evil depend on our ability to biblically adapt our brains to this environment.

Shall we get started?

How the Gentiles (Non-Jews) Are Futile in Their Thinking

When the bible talks about Gentiles, we know the writers are referring to non-Jews. In today’s culture believers of Christ may consider non-Christians in a similar light.

 The one of the primary themes in this powerful book is how experiencing Christ’s grace gives us a heart for others, a persona of general peace, and a loving nature.

Now, I understand we don’t get there overnight.

But as Christ continues to transform our hearts into his image, we long to be rid of the ways of the world alongside futile thinking. Paul, the author of Ephesians, gives us four distinct descriptions of useless thoughts the Gentiles practice and what we may even see in ourselves at times.

“They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:18)

  1. Darkened in their Understanding
  2. Separated from the life of God
  3. Ignorant
  4. Hard Hearts

Four Ways Useless Thoughts Affect Christians

First, we Christians can be darkened in our understanding, just like non-believers. We see this when morality and spiritual issues arise. Lack of knowing and reading God’s Word can affect how we respond, think, and feel.

It can also leave us open to false teaching. But what happens to people like you and me who read the Bible every day and still struggle with areas of darkened understanding?

We are easily frustrated, fall into a defeated mindset when we mess up, and berate ourselves and others when we don’t get our way. Before we know it, we are falling back into our old patterns of coping.

Binging on food, television, our drink of choice, or ranting verbally to anyone who will listen is something I’ve been guilty of more than I care to admit. Even worse, is withdrawing into myself and believing the worst about myself and how the other person feels about me.

They are lies from the enemy, I am too eager to believe because he is so good at convincing me it’s true. And I forget who I am in Christ.

 I know Jesus came and died to free me of that way of life and that way of thinking. However, living out victory takes intentional thought-grabbing moments and laying them at his feet.

I don’t mind admitting, I need help doing this more often. It’s also something my heart longs to do better in my closet relationships. Maybe you do too.

After all, understanding is a gift (Daniel 2:21) to be prayed for (Psalm 119:24). It has cognitive, moral, and spiritual implications. (1) When you and I are darkened in our understanding, there may be an area of our sin nature we are reluctant to surrender to Christ.

This can be an area of pride, fear, or anger. Or it may be lustful desires for material things, desire for attention, success, or food. Paul is urging us to see with new eyes and grasp with new thoughts, the power of Christ’s grace and generosity.

He knows how hard it is to put off the old self and what we’ve been taught to believe our entire lives. However, we’ve been given the special gift of a renewed spirt.  With the Spirit comes a heart willing to bow to Christ and love anyway. It’s a heart who yearns to let go of the old life and its corrupting ways.

Second, useless thoughts separate us from the life of God.

When you and I heard about the good news of Jesus we were taught the truth that is in Him. (Eph. 4:21) The sinful life entangling us and separating us from God has been bought and paid for by Christ.

Ideally, we can come before Him and commune with Him, whereas before, we could not fully do so. No longer darkened in our understanding of who God is and what he has done to repair and restore relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus, we desire to walk with Him in holiness and righteousness.

Useless Thoughts

Although this new relationship does not take away the sins naturally falling from our human nature, it does change our hearts to please God, seek Him, and get to know Him better.

The thing I notice the most is when I give in to selfish, useless thoughts, I feel distant from God. Do you ever feel that way?

 Sometimes I still choose to do things my way, and not His. Then I have the nerve to complain, “Where is God? Why isn’t He doing something about_____?”

Thirdly, ignorance can be at the root of useless thoughts.

The context of ignorance in this verse seems to be willful and intentional. God has said from the beginning if we love Him, we will find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts. (Jeremiah 29:13)

The question may be, “Where are we searching for answers?” When old wounds, hurtful comments, or difficult situations take place in our lives we have a choice.

We can stop and identify the emotion triggered with the experience. Before letting our thoughts get carried away, we can ask, “Is this true?” 

Sometimes we associate and insert thoughts that progress us towards a negative direction when they are not even true! Instead, we can memorize a familiar scripture to plant the seeds of God’s truth in its place and counteract untruth.

I’m not talking about denial I’m talking about confronting negative thoughts, determine the root, and determine if it’s true.

Or we can hang on to our old patterns of thinking. In my life it may look something like this:

My Family: “Why did you leave the door open to the garage and let all the cold air in?”

 My Thoughts: “Great job being careless and leaving the door open.”

My Words: “I don’t know, I guess I forgot to close it.”

Maybe ignorance, in this case, is willfully choosing to continue a negative cycle of thinking with others because of a history of criticism, distrust, or fear. Were my thoughts above true?

No. They were not true. However, the emotion evoked was shame and guilt, which from previous experience with the person asking the question made me feel careless.

Controlling Useless Thoughts Biblically

Lastly, a hard heart dwells on the interaction repeatedly and holds a grudge.

Jesus taught us to forgive offenses as often as they happen. We tend to think, well, he was God in the flesh, He can do that. For you and me, it’s not so easy.

The idea Paul inspires is putting off the old self corrupted by its deceitful desires and be made knew in the attitude of our minds. (Eph. 4:22b, 23) God loves us so much we can be filled to overflowing with His love.

When I worked in a hospital as a registered nurse, I resisted getting too close to my patients. I purposefully hardened my heart, so I would not get hurt. It was a practice I had learned early in life when my father chose to live far away and my mom had trouble showing love.

But, like he does so many times in life, God had other plans.

I married into a wonderful family who did show love in big ways and often. And despite their many and varied illnesses, my patients and their families showed massive love to one another and those of us who cared for them, too.

Slowly and gently God chipped away at this hard heart. The power of his love builds resilience and replaces useless thoughts with those that restore and heal broken and hard hearts. Slowly, as we learn to trust Him more, He renews our minds, too.

Summary of Letting Go of Useless Thoughts

Maybe we can close in a prayer today using scripture to speak to our hearts and opens our eyes to God’s better plan.

Father in heaven, you see our hearts, you know we struggle at times with futile (useless) thoughts. The enemy can easily attack us through the words of those we love because of the way we show our emotions. Thank you so much for enough grace to build our faith so we are not tossed about by careless words, human cunning, or deceitful schemes of the devil. Praise you for your glorious renewal of our spirit each day, Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a wonderful day, my friend. May your heart be light as you place your spiritual and emotional health in the hands of the Lord!

If you need coaching help be sure to let me know here! I look forward to hearing from you!

References:

Elwell, Walter A. “Entry for ‘Understanding'”. “Evangelical Dictionary of Theology”. . 1997. Biblestudytools.com

Gulyaeva NV. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity: An Expanding Universe. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2017 Mar;82(3):237-242. doi: 10.1134/S0006297917030014. PMID: 28320264.




Savory Kale & Mushroom Soup

A savory kale & mushroom soup is a delicious way to jump start your anti-inflammatory eating style. After all, it’s daily lifestyle choices that matter, right?

You and I want flavor, full nutritional impact, and value for our money, don’t we! When we prepare this simple soup for the week, we make eating healthy a little less complicated.

You can use fresh or frozen kale and a few other ingredients in your cabinet and have this soup on the table in no time. It can also be used for a 7 Day Detox Way of eating! What does that mean to the average person?

Well, we have to look at what is a given: A diet full of preservatives, dyes, coloring, and flavorings that we have difficulty pronouncing is pervading American eating habits and making people sick.

kale & mushroom soup

When these items, which contain minimal nutrients to feed the cells and give us energy is promoted as “food” it’s a shame. Since the majority of ingredients are chemicals, it makes sense to “detox” from chemicals and focus on real food from the garden to restore and repair cells. (1)

Recipe for Savory Kale & Mushroom Soup


Savory Kale & Mushroom Soup

  • 6 Button Mushrooms (Chopped)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tsp Coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 Cups Broccoli
  • 2 Cups Kale (Chopped)
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp Real Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Pepper
  • 1 15 oz can Chick Peas (Rinsed and drained)
  • 1 Can Coconut Milk
  • 4 Cups Water
  1. Place oil in a small soup pot and add minced garlic, then add the chopped mushrooms. Sauté until tender.

  2. Add the remaining vegetables and spices and cook until just tender. About 10 mintues

  3. Add the chickpeas (you can add a little water and puree for a creamier texture or leave them whole).

  4. Add the water and coconut milk and bring to a simmer 15-20 minutes until warm. Store in a sealed glass container and refrigerate leftovers.


As always, I hope you enjoy this soup and if you do give it a rating! If you feel led, share it with a friend or on your Pinterest page. I have more recipes for soup here on the blog if you want to check them out!

I look forward to serving you!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way

References:

Hyman M, Bradley E. Food, Medicine, and Function: Food is Medicine Part 2. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2022 Aug;33(3):571-586. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.04.002. Epub 2022 Jun 25. PMID: 35989052.




Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa

Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa is a great lunch after a hard workout or if you are looking for an easy take to work lunch! It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants too! But the best part for me, aside from the yummy flavor, is the fullness that lasts all afternoon!

Maybe you’re looking for something to make your body feel good and full, too.

Your cells will be happy with the healthy omega 3 fats this salad packs, plus the 15 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber! Rounding out the goodness is 63mg of Vitamin C, over 6000 IU’s of vitamin A, and 70mg of calcium.

Don’t you love when you can do 5 minutes of work and get tons of flavor and nutrition? Spring mix greens are like a smorgasbord of flavor that never gets old!

Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa

Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa


Tuna & Red Pepper Salad with Quinoa

  • 2 Cups Spring Mix
  • 2 Stalks Celery
  • 1 Carrot (Shredded)
  • 1/2 Cucumber
  • 1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Quinoa
  • 1 Small Red Pepper (Sliced)
  • 3 ounces Tuna

Oregano Olive Oil Dressing

  • 1 Tbsp. oregano tincture (oregano leaves soaked in apple cider vinegar 5 days) or 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp. Onion Powder


If you really like the idea of getting a load of vitamin C and omegas in your meals, check out this Stuffed Red Pepper with Tuna idea, too!

You know what God puts in the Garden is good!

He even designated feast days for you and me to celebrate His goodness and provision. We have so many blessings from our local grocery store we can enjoy the work of our hands each day!

The Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.

Deuteronomy 16:14-16 ESV – You shall rejoice in your feast, you – Bible Gateway




Almond Chia Crackers

Almond chia crackers are easy to make and hard to resist. The good news is you don’t have to resist them, you can enjoy a few with hummus and veggies. Or maybe place them alongside your anti-inflammatory Mushroom Soup or Black Bean & Bok Choy Soup.

These almond and chia crackers are a part of a 7 Day Detox plan to reduce inflammation and nourish the cells. The best part is they are delicious and simple to prepare!

There are many varieties of this cracker at the grocery store and even some recipes on the internet. I like to read the labels in the store and come up with my own healthier version at home.

Benefits

I think the best benefit of these crackers is they can be easily incorporated into a low carbohydrate eating plan. Evidence is mounting across the healthcare spectrum, and in science, that lower carbohydrate eating alongside intermittent fasting (not eating between meals or after dinner) helps lower chronic disease.

According to one PubMed article, this eating pattern is helping many people lose weight and reduce insulin resistance. (1)

I like to explain it to my clients this way: Insulin resistance is when the muscle cells are not receptive to insulin moving glucose through the cell wall to be stored for energy. It’s connected to weight gain and prediabetes, among other chronic conditions.

Almond & Chia Crackers

Almond Chia Cracker Recipe


Almond & Chia Crackers

  • 1 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 Cup Water
  • 1/2 Tsp. Salt
  1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.

  2. Combine the flour and salt. Set it aside, and combine the chia seeds and water, let it set 10 minutes until gelled.

  3. Combine the chia water with the flour and mix well. It will be sticky. Let it set a few minutes to soak up all the water.

  4. Place between parchment paper and roll out into thin dough, less than 1/8th inch.

  5. Remove the top layer of parchment paper and cut the dough into small squares.

  6. Take the bottom parchment paper and place it on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flip over and bake another 20 minutes.


I hope you enjoy this low carbohydrate chia cracker recipe! It can be a part any anti-inflammatory eating plan. If you like it give it a rating and share it with a friend!

Take care and remember, what God puts in the garden is good!

Mysty

References:

Arbour MW, Stec M, Walker KC, Wika JC. Clinical Implications for Women of a Low-Carbohydrate or Ketogenic Diet With Intermittent Fasting. Nurs Womens Health. 2021 Apr;25(2):139-151. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2021.01.009. PMID: 33838849.




Coconut Pecan Prune Bars

I like to make coconut pecan prune bars when I’m doing a fasting mimicking plan of eating. It’s a clean, healthy breakfast I use as a “go to” for satisfying hunger. After all, keeping hunger at bay, and finding ways to feel confident and secure in maintaining a lifestyle pattern is important!

The best part is these coconut pecan prune bars are simple to prepare for a busy week! They store easily in the fridge and pack easily for lunches or snacks, too.

The recipe makes 16 bars and each one offers 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 34 mg calcium, a little magnesium, and healthy monosaturated fats. The calorie count for each bar runs about 149.

pecan benefits

You can read more about anti-inflammatory foods and a simple Seven Day Detox Plan here on the blog, if you want more ideas on how to clean up eating habits. It’s like most of the recipes on my blog which emphasize the whole food way of eating.

After all, whole food from the garden is how God designed us to eat. Our bodies like it and function much better than with man-made food. We are able to decrease inflammation and heal our bodies at the cellular level.

I love when my clients report how getting away from ultra-processed food helps them and their families live healthier lives. They become confident using wisdom and discernment in everyday decisions when choosing things to eat, the same way they are making spiritual decisions.

God gave us His word to feed our souls and His garden to feed our bodies! A perfect plan for our good, in which we have absolute freedom to accept or deny.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:4-6 ESV – And let steadfastness have its full – Bible Gateway

Coconut Pecan Prune Bars –Recipe


Coconut Pecan Prune Bars

  • 1 1/2 Cups Coconut Flakes (Sugar free)
  • 1 Cup Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Pecans (Ground)
  • 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Seeds (Chopped fine)
  • 1 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 6 Prunes (Soaked in 1/4 Cup warm water)
  • 2 tsps. Cinnamon
  • 1 Large Egg
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Put the 6 prunes in a 1/2 cup warm water and let soak 5 minutes.

  3. Combine the almond flour, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and ground nuts and pumpkin seeds in a bowl and mix well.

  4. Puree the prunes in a blender and add the egg and honey.

  5. Incorporate the we ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.

  6. Very lightly grease a 9×13 pan with olive or coconut oil.

  7. Pour the batter into the baking dish and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown. Cut into bars when cooled and store in a glass container in the fridge.


Let me know how you like the Coconut Pecan Prune Bars!

If you like the recipe, give it a rating and share it with a friend!

I look forward to reading your comments and serving you as a RN Health and Wellness Coach! You can reach me here for a consultation.

Have a blessed day!

Mysty

Simplifying Health God’s Way




Red Relish & Cherry Salad

Red Relish & Cherry Salad will now be one of my favorites! I use the shredded red cabbage/beet/red onion relish I make to top this bowl of spring greens!

It has the crunchiness and protein of cashews, plus the sweetness of cherries. Moreover, it’s so easy to make and delicious!

Follow my Mysty Pfeffer Wellness Coaching page on Facebook for weekly updates, encouragement, health topics, and more! Check out more salad ideas here on this site!

Enjoy!

Red Relish & Cherry Salad


Red Relish & Cherry Salad

  • 2 Cups Spring Mix
  • 2 Stalks Celery chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Cashews
  • 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Red Cabbage Relish
  • 1 Tbsp. Dried organic Cherries


Saturday Salads

I try to share a salad recipe on my Facebook page each week. Follow me there to get updates on new events, speaking engagements, and classes!

Green Goodness Salad

I hope you enjoy this salad!




Chicken Salsa & Tortilla Soup

Chicken Salsa & Tortilla Soup is easy and delicious!

No surprises here! I made my first chicken salsa soup 20 years ago watching the Food Network. It’s been a favorite ever since! I’ve changed it up several times and it still tastes amazing. When I made this for a cousin last week, I wanted to use mostly frozen vegetables so it would be easier for her to replicate.

It turned out pretty good!


Chicken Salsa & Tortilla Soup

  • 2 Chicken Breast
  • 1 8 oz. Jar Salsa
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Cup Corn
  • 1-2 Cups Chopped Yellow Squash
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 2 Tsp. Paprika
  • 2 Tsp. Coriander
  • 2 Tsp. Onion Powder
  • 2 Sprigs Fresh Oregano
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 12 ounce Bag Three Pepper & Onion blend (red/green/yellow)
  1. Season the chicken with spices and chop; place it in a saucepot with 1/2 cup of the broth, minced garlic and chopped onions. Saute until just tender, then add the corn, squash, peppers, tomatoes, salsa, and oregano. Add the chicken broth and simmer about 30 minutes.

    Top with fresh tortillas!


What God puts in the garden is good!

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:4-6 ESV – lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed – Bible Gateway

Check out the blog for more soup recipes! Or if you need help with lifestyle change and coaching for better health and would like a National Board-Certified Health Coach, who is also an RN, I am accepting appointments here!