Happy Thanksgiving!
After such a challenging year, I am truly grateful for the people in my life who have supported me. From overwhelmingly dark days to starting my new venture, there are those who have provided unwavering support, guidance, and love. Thank you! COVID has really affected so much of our daily lives, and I am thankful that I have been able to gain some perspective on what is important.
People, specifically family, are the most important part of our lives. Whether that family is the one you were born into or the one you choose to surround yourself with, family is a blessing. I am also grateful that this year has taught me the value in self-care, setting boundaries, and reducing the stress in my life. I am far from perfect and make mistakes, but the important thing is to keep trying. Keep learning. Keep doing. Every day provides a new opportunity to make different choices than the day before and discover new ideas.
I was also grateful to discover the genetic dysfunction in my MTHFR gene, this year. Being armed with this knowledge, I can work with my body to keep myself healthy. I can provide the right supplements that my body needs. I can avoid medications that will not work with my body and only cause side effects. This year has been challenging, but also very rewarding. I am very excited to learn more about pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics (how our genes determine how well our bodies work with certain medications) in 2022. That is the new challenge I am presenting to myself on my journey to wellness.
Part of the journey this year for my family was discovering the foods that nourish our bodies. It has been eye-opening to discover my specific food sensitivities and work to eliminate them from my diet. I feel healthier now than when I was in my twenties. I am looking forward to enjoying a Thanksgiving meal with my family and eating nourishing foods to keep my body performing at its best. Again, I am far from perfect, and we are all a work in progress. However, this year has brought discoveries about health and wellness and true healing: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
As we gather with family, this Thanksgiving, remember to include the rainbow of healthy vegetables on your plate. Here is a delicious recipe from Michelle Hoover on www.unboundwellness.com that has amazing colorful root vegetables and bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon?
author: MICHELLE | total time: 1 HOUR 5 MINUTES | yield: 4-5 SERVINGS 1X
INGREDIENTS
2 slices of bacon
1 large sweet potato, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium rutabaga, chopped
2 cups brussels sprouts, halved
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tsp sage
2 tsp rosemary (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the bacon slices on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is just cooked. Be sure not to over crisp it as it will be re-crisped in the oven. Chop the bacon and set it aside. Reserve the fat in the pan.
Add all of the vegetables to the baking sheet with the herbs and salt and toss in the baking fat to evenly coat.
Bake the vegetables in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until crisp. Cook time will vary depending on sizes. Add the chopped bacon to the vegetable mix for the final 2-3 minutes to re-crisp and heat.
Remove the vegetable hash from the oven and top with additional herbs for garnish and salt to taste.
Find it online: https://unboundwellness.com/harvest-vegetable-hash/
Whole, healthy fruits and vegetables are so important to healing your body. Look for ways to reduce the processed foods and incorporate real food back into your diet. Do what you can! Take small steps. I know it is hard, especially around the holidays. But every day is a new opportunity to make new choices for your health and wellness!
Look into companies like Misfits Market! (I don't get paid to endorse them...I just love their produce)! They have wonderful produce that I order each week. They have a minimum order of $30 to ship, which can get you a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables to help you eat the rainbow. I find it is less expensive than the grocery store, reduces food waste, and is delivered right to my door. My family has tried new rainbow vegetables like Golden Beets, Romanesco, and Swiss Chard. I also find that using Misfits, I am cooking seasonally and making food based on the ingredients I already have (which, again, reduces waste). Having fresh products delivered also saves me time from going to the grocery store. Time that I can use to spend time with my family, to slow down and be in the moment.
So, as we gather with family this Thanksgiving, pay attention to the little things. Notice the smells, tastes, and sights. Be present in the moments, big or small. Allow gratitude to frame your perspective and give thanks for the joys and blessings in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!
