Do you remember the days when you use to ride your pedal bike out to the local convenience store, pull out couch change from your pockets and go to town on Sour Keys, Fun Dip, Ring Pops, Big Foot – and a giant Freezie if you had enough coin?!?!
If I had to draw “Jen’s Food Plate” (from age 4 to 24), I’m certain 50% of that plate consisted of candy. No doubt about it, I was hooked on the white crystals.
Going back to my little Jen days, I remember Halloween (and the months following) being a VERY stressful time of the year for me. I turned into a top secret agent trying to hide my hard earned candy from my three sugar hungry brothers!
I’d hide out under tables and in closets munching on Mars bars and Skittles, hoping that no one would see me or the killer hiding spots I had for my sack of gold (aka. plastic grocery bag of sugar). AND if my brothers managed to find and tap into my stash, little Jen grew mean and Sour Ball green!
My days of popping Cherry Blasters should have ended in my teens, BUT instead, University was the peak of my sugar addiction! I remember late night candy runs to the 7 Eleven down the street from my dorm. My roommates and I would load up on bags of candy to get us through our late night study sessions.
Then check out this brilliant move I made … during my last years of school, I moved into a condo that had a Tutti Frutti candy store attached to it! Let’s just say, things spiraled down at that point – and it didn’t look as pretty as the spiral on a Lollipop.
You might be wondering what happened after my University days? Well, the muffin top growing out of my jeans was enough for me to kick my 20 + years of sugar addiction. “Jen’s Food Plate” from age 25 onward changed drastically – and so did my health because of it.
Knowing what I know now, I realize that all the refined sugar I was consuming (in combination with other low-quality foods) had a lot to do with issues I was dealing with like acne, psoriasis, messed up and painful periods, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, and IBS.
I was able to correct many of these issues by cleaning up my diet and steering clear of “foods” that contained refined sugars. I never want to go down the path of sugar addiction again so I do my best to avoid foods that may be a trigger for me.
FAQ ..
Q: Do you miss candy? A: Um, ya! Who wouldn’t?! ?
Q: Was it hard to kick your sugar cravings? A: Yes, but only for the first 2-weeks or so, then I was able to re-engage with society. ?
Q: What do you eat now when you crave candy while binge watching Game of Thrones with your BF? A: SmartSweets!!! ?
That’s right, I eat candy again – and I’m proud of it!
I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be munching on a bag of Gummy Bears or Sweet Fish (my personal favourite) and not feel guilty or shitty for it.
SmartSweets are brilliant – and I highly recommend them if you’re looking for a healthy, sugar free candy to satisfy your sweet tooth.
FRUITY GUMMY BEARS: Soluble fibre from tapioca, gelatin, chicory root fibre, citric acid, malic acid, fruit and vegetable juice (for colour), natural fruit flavour, coconut oil, stevia leaf extract, carnauba wax. GET IT HERE!
SOUR GUMMY BEARS: Soluble fibre from tapioca, chicory root fiber, gelatin, lactic acid, citric acid, rice flour, malic acid, fumaric acid, natural fruit flavor, fruit and vegetable juice (for color), coconut oil, stevia, carnauba wax. GET IT HERE!
SWEET FISH: Soluble fibre from tapioca, pectin, natural fruit flavor, citric acid, malic acid, carrageenan, fruity and vegetable juice (for color), coconut oil, stevia leaf extract, carnauba wax. GET IT HERE!
SOUR BLAST BUDDIES: Soluble fibre from tapioca, lactic acid, pectin, chicory root fiber, rice flour, fumaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, fruity and vegetable juice (for color), natural fruit flavor, coconut oil, carrageenan, spirulina extract (for color), stevia leaf extract, carnauba wax. GET IT HERE!
This refreshing Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie is the perfect summer time drink for when you’re chilling on the porch or kickin’ it poolside! It’s not only delicious, but packed with antioxidants and vitamins–and sweetened with Mother Nature’s candy. Only 3 simple ingredients needed to make this AIP, paleo and plant-based friendly cold drink!
DID YOU KNOW? Pineapples contain a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain.
Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes which work together to help your digestive system break down and absorb proteins from the foods you eat.
These enzymes can be especially helpful for people with pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the pancreas cannot make enough digestive enzymes.
Additionally, bromelain from pineapple can help relieve stomach aches, heartburn and diarrhea, according to some research.
This refreshing Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie is the perfect summer time drink for when you're chilling on the porch or kickin' it poolside! It's not only delicious, but packed with antioxidants and vitamins--and sweetened with Mother Nature's candy. Only 3 simple ingredients needed to make this AIP, paleo and plant-based friendly cold drink!
Chicken Burgers with Cilantro Aioli & Zoodles is a tasty dinner recipe that you’ll want to make time and time again! These golden burgers are easy to make and taste like chicken nuggets, but they’re way healthier for you. Gluten, grain & dairy free + low-carb, keto & paleo. AIP version provided.
I never thought I’d see the day where a chicken burger would find its way to the top of my list of favourite dishes, but the day has come.
I didn’t think much of these sticky patties as I cursed at them while struggling to roll them into balls. BUT after just one bite of this golden burger with cilantro aioli, I thought I was eating a chicken nugget! The combination of flavours was bang on – and for all the cilantro haters out there, you could hardly even taste it.
I had a big bag of organic zucchini from Costco in my fridge, so I got a little creative and made some tasty zoodles as a base for the chicken burgers. It turned out to be a great complement to the burgers.
Now check out this awesome keto & paleo friendly recipe. It may just make it to the top of your list of fav foods too!
What you need for Chicken Burgers with Cilantro Aioli & Zoodles:
Chicken Burgers with Cilantro Aioli & Zoodles is a tasty dinner recipe that you'll want to make time and time again! These golden burgers are easy to make and taste like chicken nuggets, but they're way healthier for you. Gluten, grain & dairy free + low-carb, keto & paleo. AIP version provided.
Add mayo and cilantro into a small bowl and mix together. Set aside in fridge until ready to serve.
Burger Patties
Add all burger patty ingredients into a bowl and combine using your hands.
Form 4 large burger patties. Once you've flatted the patty, press your finger into the center to form an indent in the patty (this will help cook the center of the burger).
Cover bottom of frying pan with avocado oil and set temperature to medium-high.
Add burgers to pan when oil is hot and cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Burgers should get golden as they cook. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the burger (~10-15 minutes).
Zoodles
Spiralize zucchini and set aside in a bowl.
While burger patties are cooking, use a separate pan and sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant (medium heat).
Add in zucchini noodles and toss using tongs to coat noodles in oil.
Add salt and pepper and continue to toss. Cook for 5-minutes then transfer to plates.
Add chicken burgers on top of zoodles, top with cilantro aioli (or other toppings of choice) and enjoy!
Notes
For AIP version: Omit cumin in burger patties and the cilantro aioli topping. Instead top burger patties with AIP friendly burger toppings like sliced avocado (or guacamole), pickles, onions, etc.
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings are not only delicious, but also super easy to prepare with only 4 simple ingredients needed. These guilt free wings are keto, paleo and AIP friendly.
Chicken wings are an essential part of any sports lover’s diet! They’re flavourful and easy to munch on while your eyes are glued to the screen.
As yummy as restaurant and bar wings are, these places almost always deep fry their wings in rancid vegetable oil. These inflammatory oils can cause many short and long term health problems and should be avoided whenever possible.
You might be thinking – “Jen, why do you have to be a game day buzz kill?!”
I’m not – I promise! Today, I come to you with a better alternative which will not only save you from spending time in bars that smell like a combination of body odour and beer – BUT also keep you from burping up rancid chicken wings for the next week!
So, here’s my brilliant game plan … Host game day in the comfort of your home with your best people (no buzz kills allowed) and make my simple chicken wing recipe below!
I use heat stable avocado oil in my recipe, which has a smoke point of 500F. You can safely bake your wings in the oven at a high temperature without worrying about creating toxic fumes or harmful free radicals.
Now check out my Salt & Pepper Chicken Wing recipe with avocado oil!
Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings are not only delicious, but also super easy to prepare with only 4 simple ingredients needed. These guilt free wings are keto, paleo and AIP friendly.
Burgers with Portobello “Buns” are the perfect healthy & low-carb food that can be enjoyed all year round! These burgers are also keto & paleo–and can be made AIP friendly with a couple modifications.
Fire up the BBQ or bust out the stove top pan for these juicy Burgers with Portobello “Buns”! They’re the perfect low-carb, keto & paleo burger!
Serve these burger patties open-faced or sandwich them between two portobello “buns”. Grab onto these delicious burgers with your hands or enjoy them with a fork and knife.
Dress up your burger with your favourite condiments and toppings OR give my easy smoked paprika mayo a try (see this easy recipe below).
If you’re looking for an AIP friendly burger omit the yellow mustard inside the burger patty and avoid the smoked paprika mayo topping.
Enjoy these delicious burgers with any of these healthy sides …
Burgers with Portobello "Buns" are the perfect healthy & low-carb food that can be enjoyed all year round! These juicy burgers are also keto & paleo--and can be made AIP friendly with a couple modifications.
4-8portobello mushrooms, depending on whether you want open-faced or sandwiched burgers
1tbsp.avocado oil
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Easy Smoked Paprika Mayo
3tbsp.avocado oil mayo, I use Chosen Foods
1/2tsp.smoked paprika
Instructions
Burger Patties
Add carrot, onion, garlic, yellow mustard, sea salt and black pepper into a food processor and process until ingredients are finely chopped.
In a bowl, combine ground beef with ingredients from food processor.
Form 4-5 burger patties using your hands. Once you've flatted the meat, press your finger into the center to form an indent in your patty (this will help cook the inside of the burger).
Cook burgers on stove top over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the burger (~ 15 minutes). You can also cook your burgers on the BBQ.
Portobello Mushrooms
While burgers are cooking, remove stems from portobello mushrooms and place in a large stove top pan with oil.
Cover and cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Water from mushrooms should release into pan, preventing the mushrooms from burning. If there is not enough liquid, add a splash of white wine, lemon juice or water.
Once mushrooms have cooked for 10-minutes, remove lid and let any remaining juices cook off. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
Place cooked burger patties on top of portobello mushrooms, top with smoked paprika mayo (or other condiments/toppings) and close off with another portobello mushroom or leave it open-faced.
Smoked Paprika Mayo (optional)
Add mayo and smoked paprika into a small bowl and mix until ingredients are blended well.
Notes
If you're cooking the burger patties on the BBQ, feel free to cook the portobello mushrooms on the BBQ too.Need an AIP friendly burger? Omit the yellow mustard inside the burger patty and avoid the smoked paprika mayo topping.
Nutty “NOatmeal” with Blueberries is the perfect way to start your day! This grain free oatmeal is made from nuts, seeds, eggs, banana & warming spices, making it low-carb, keto & paleo. This breakfast dish will leaving you feeling satisfied and energized!
Relationship FAQ …
Q: “When did you know that your boyfriend was a keeper?”
A: “When he made me “NOatmeal” :)”
That’s right, my man makes me “NOatmeal” — and a mean latte to go with it!
I’m uncertain if it’s the act of him preparing ME breakfast (in his butt accentuating track pants) that melts my insides OR if it’s simply that his grain free oatmeal is so damn good. Whatever it is, I die and go to heaven almost every Sunday morning.
You might be wondering – “What the heck is “NOatmeal”?”
Basically, it’s oatmeal with no oats. So if you’re following a grain free, paleo, low-carb or keto diet, this recipe would be a great alternative for you.
What you need for this Nutty “NOatmeal” with Blueberries …
Nutty "NOatmeal" with Blueberries is the perfect way to start your day! This grain free oatmeal is made from nuts, seeds, eggs, banana & warming spices, making it low-carb, keto & paleo. This breakfast dish will leaving you feeling satisfied and energized!
1/4cupunsweetened coconut or almond milk, (omit if soaking nuts & seeds overnight)
1banana
1tbspalmond butter
1/2cupblueberries
Instructions
Soak nuts and seeds in a jar of water overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before use.
Put nuts & seeds and spices into food processor and process until everything is roughly ground.
Add eggs, banana, almond butter (and nut milk, if you didn't soak the nuts & seeds) to the food processor and continue to process until everything combines.
Add mixture into a small saucepan and turn heat to medium-low heat.
Cook until the mixture thickens (~5-minutes), stirring regularly so "NOatmeal" doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Transfer to a small bowl, top with fresh blueberries and enjoy!
Notes
*Soak nuts and seeds in a jar of water overnight to help make them easier to digest. Drain and rinse thoroughly before use. If you do not soak the nuts and seeds, you will need to use 1/4 cup nut milk in the recipe.
My mission is to help women heal their gut, lose weight and feel great through simple and delicious smoothies, whole food nutrition & healthy lifestyle habits.
