being well & almond butter

My dear readers, thank you for tuning into the online broadcasting of my thoughts about health and wellness once again. Your taking the time to read my blog posts encourages me to keep on writing. If you would like to I'd love to hear more of your feedback on my weekly posts, which you can post in the comments section below. Just please remember to keep your words and energy positive - let's strive to build each other up!

Over this past weekend, I was all set and ready to attend the women's conference at my church, which ran over the Friday night and all day Saturday. I made it to the Friday night but unfortunately I woke up on the Saturday with a virus slash stomach flu and was sick in bed all day. Sigh. When this happens I know there's a procedure for me to follow so that my recovery back to health is fast-tracked and the payback from the illness doesn't impact on my long-term recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For those of you who aren't aware I choose to live my life smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free. Pill popping just isn't a viable option for me anymore.

This begs the question what do I do instead?! Well, long before I heard this phrase coined from the mouth of David Wolfe a few months ago I'd already been practicing this very simple healing remedy: hide, be quiet, sleep, don't eat. Yes, the best remedy is often the one your body is telling you to do. I cancel my activities, I stay at home, I don't use my energy for long conversations, stalking people on Facebook or digesting copious amounts of food that my body will try to get rid of as fast as possible anyway. I rest, I sleep, I fast. There's a reason you lose your appetite when you are sick. By abstaining from eating, the energy your body would use to digest food can now be diverted to your body's healing process so that your recovery time is quicker and the illness is not drawn out. 

Sounds too simple? I encourage you to try it next time you find yourself sick in bed with no appetite. Honour the message your body is screaming at you and hide, be quiet, sleep, don't eat. Trust me - your body has enough reserves to survive a day or three without food. Just try to drink as much water as you can, and if you like, add some sea salt to a glass of warm water to aid in rehydration. Of course, if your symptoms persist do see a doctor or natural health specialist. However, try to listen to your own body before you listen to the advice of someone else. 

After fasting due to illness, start to eat again once your appetite returns. Eat small portions of fresh fruit and salads with lots of greens, vegetables and non-sweet fruit. Avoid heavy and fatty foods for a week. And as always, drink lots of water!

almond butter

For a healthy alternative to peanut butter - you can read this article to find out why peanut butter is not the healthy "nut" butter option - try this homemade almond butter recipe with a flavour twist of vanilla and cinnamon.

3 cups activated almonds

4 Tbs - 1/4 cup cold-pressed oil (almond, avocado, macadamia, olive, safflower) - optional

1/2 tsp vanilla extract - optional

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon - optional

Add the desired ingredients to a high-powered blender or a food processor. Process all the ingredients on high, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed. Use a tamper for a blender to push the nuts into the blade. Keep processing until the natural oils release and the consistency becomes thick and sticky. Use more oil for a thinner butter consistency. Try not to let the mixture overheat. Store in a lidded glass jar in the fridge. You can swap the almonds for other nuts or seeds.