This was so good I just HAD to share!

Curry creamed kale with chickpeas and brown rice

1 tbsp coconut oil
1 bunch kale, chopped without stems
1 tbsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, curry powder
1/4 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed
1 can coconut milk (full or low fat)
1/2 - 1 container yellow cherry tomatoes
1 cup cooked brown rice

Heat coconut oil in a large pan on medium high heat. When hot add kale and toss to cover. When kale is covered and starts to wilt add spices up to red pepper flakes. Toss then add coconut milk. Cover with a lid and cook until kale is soft, about 20-30 minutes. When kale is soft add chickpeas and tomatoes, add water if needed. Cook until tomatoes burst then add rice.

Serves 4-5.

We served this with seasoned chicken breasts. And it is SO yummy and satisfying!

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was inspired by these cookies from Kelsey Nixon who was on the Racheal Ray show on January 14, 2015. The only thing was all the sugar! I love cookies but don't want to end up with sugar overload and spend days recovering. So I made some adjustments and they still turned out amazing! 

Quinoa Chocolate chip cookies

• 1 tbsp, Spices - Cinnamon, ground
• 1/2 tsp(s), Spices - Salt, table
• 1 tsp, Baking Powder

• 1 cup dry, Quick Oats-dry
• 1 tsp, Baking soda
• 1 cup dry, Gluten Free Whole Grain Flour
• 2 extra small (less than 6" long), Bananas - Raw
• 1 cup, Quinoa, uncooked
• 1 can full fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp liquid Stevia, almond flavor
• 1/3 cup, chopped, Nuts - Walnuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Cook quinoa in coconut milk for 15-20 minutes until done, set aside. 

Add dry ingredients together in a stand mixer bowl, mix until combined.

Mix liquid ingredients, including 1 cup cooked quinoa together until well blended.

Add liquid ingredients to dry. When well combined add walnuts and chocolate chips; mix well. 

Spray cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Use a tablespoon to measure out cookies. (FYI they don't spread out like some cookies, they stay in a delicious chocolatey mound!)

Cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly then remove with a spatula and cool on a cooling rack.

Makes about 24 cookies, 2 each serving. 

Nutrition facts from adding the recipe to myfitnesspal.com

NUTRITION FACTS
Servings 14.0, 2 cookies each
Amount Per Serving
calories 129
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5 g	8 %
Saturated Fat 2 g	9 %
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0 %
Sodium 363 mg	15 %
Potassium 108 mg	3 %
Total Carbohydrate 19 g	6 %
Dietary Fiber 3 g	11 %
Sugars 5 g
Protein 3 g	6 %
Vitamin A	0 %
Vitamin C	2 %
Calcium	2 %
Iron	9 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

What you have control of when making lifestyle changes

Have you been wondering what you have control over when making lifestyle changes? So did I.

Losing weight, new routines and learning to cook fast healthy dishes can be tricky, especially when they are something completely new. How did I learn to make these part of my life? I worked on them day after day until they became part of my life. I learned to cook by consulting Dr. Google. I searched for my favorite recipes by adding the word "healthy". For example I love biscuits and gravy. So I put in the search bar "healthy biscuits and gravy". I also love Alfredo sauce. So I did the same thing: "healthy Alfredo sauce' in the search bar. 

When I couldn't have gluten and dairy anymore I had to learn to cook all over again. So I turned to Dr. Google again. I learned to search for gluten free dairy free recipes, usually turning to paleo recipes, blogs and websites. This was quite the adjustment and took diligence, everyday. 

What does this have to do with the title of this blog post? Everything!! What do you have control over when things seem out of your control? You try and keep trying everyday while loving yourself (or learning to love yourself). 

Here's a couple things I have come to embrace. 

1. I remind myself I am a human living in a human world. There are temptations everywhere! Cold stone ice cream, Starbucks, you name it. All you can do is your best and your best is ok as long as you keep trying.

2. It's ok to be angry. There have been so many moments, even entire days, when I have felt so angry at my situation. Questions like: "Why do I have to be allergic to gluten and not have my favorite pizza or Subway sandwich anymore?" Or thoughts like: 'I feel so inconvenient'....and 'Ugh this is so expensive, is it really worth it?'

The answer is YES! Because I feel better, I sleep better, overall I'm happier and healthier. 

Lifestyle changes are hard, but SO worth it. How did I do it? A strong support network and spiritual belief was crucial. My support network consisted of my wonderful husband, trustworthy friends, and relationship in God. I have learned I am special despite my weaknesses. I have learned God loves me and I have something special to offer. 

I know you can be successful in making lifestyle changes that will support you to be the healthiest you can be! Never give up and keep on trying, every day.

Hope, love and light,

Rachel