We're Moving!!!

I have some exciting/bittersweet news. I am officially retiring Running to Bake. It's been amazing while it's lasted, but I've decided that I need to take my blog in another direction. I no longer run, and I really don't bake that often.

I'd like to introduce you to "My Real Life Kitchen"

This is a place where I'll tell you about ALL the ups and downs in my kitchen. The good, the bad & the ugly. Mostly the good.

I'm also going to take a more honest route with the blog. A look into my life an anxious over eater and my journey to learning to live with my crazy brain. I have been approached by so many people who are struggling with what I am and I want to open up about it more.

My Real Life Kitchen is a work in progress, but I hope you'll check it out & continue on the journey with me!!!

Love!

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

We've MOVED! Get the full recipe HERE!

Banana Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting

We've Moved!! Get the full recipe HERE!

Healthified Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

We've Moved! Get the full recipe HERE!

Things to Know Before you Start Your FIRST Whole30

Guys, I finished Whole30! I cannot believe that I did it. When I first started I was SURE I was going to want to quit at some point or at the very least cave and sneak a little summin summin in. While I did have a tough weekend after week 3, I pulled myself together and finished.

I have to say, I feel very proud of this accomplishment. If I ever wondered what kind of willpower I have, I certainly found out. A bonus, I feel freaking AWESOME. I haven't felt this good in as long as I can remember.

Now, I don't think I would have been as successful as I did if I didn't do my research. I looked at blogs, I read reviews, found recipes, planned meals, had a game plan, the works.  For those of you starting Whole30 for the first time, here is a (lengthy) list of things that helped me before I started & something things that I wish I knew.

Either way - no matter your age, lifestyle or gender, I really recommend this program if you're looking to get yourself out of a bad eating rut & want to jumpstart your body & eating habits.

Things to Know Before you Start Your FIRST Whole30:

• BUY THE BOOK - it's only $10 for the eBook or $20 for the hardcover
• The program creators have an amazing way of explaining WHY certain foods are off the list and HOW these foods can impact your body negatively
• If you're not going to buy the book - read the whole website
• Pre-Whole30 PLAN
• This program takes A LOT of planning - it is not something you can just start the next day 
• Know what you can & cannot eat, find recipes that sound interesting to you & understand what you're getting into
• Have a game plan for each week:
• Know what is coming up (events, long days, dinners out) so that you can plan accordingly
• Do yourself a favour and buy ALL new spices 
• If you can't remember when you bought fresh spices last, chances are, they're old. Go get new spices
• The ones I used the most - Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Sea Salt, Fresh Black Pepper.
• Don't do this program if you're looking to loose a lot of weight quickly - that is not the spirit of the program
• Do not do this program if you're going to have a lot of occasions in which you will want to "cheat" (weddings, your birthday etc)
• The first couple of weeks are expensive - you need to buy some things that you don't have immediately 
• It's not hard to eat out
• Just make sure you look at the menu first before you go & decide ahead of time what you're going to have
• The safest bet is grilled chicken w/ greens & oil/balsamic dressing
• Figure out your triggers
• For me, watching TV or a movie at night after a long day - I want to reach for a snack. Now, I do my nails, read a book, drink herbal tea, CLEAN. Just need to keep my hands busy
• It is HARD sometimes
• Most days, I loved the program. There were a couple where all I wanted to do was buy a bag of chips and stuff my face 
• These days SUCKED. I was irritated, emotional and angry. Jon was awesome and told me to keep going & that it was going to be worth it. He was right.
• Have a support system - it is SO much easier to do this with someone else, especially when you have days like the above.
• Even if it's your partner who is at least eating the same meals as you - that's what Jon did and it was SUPER amazing
• For the first week or so, you will be hungry
• It takes awhile to figure out how much food is enough to fill you up between meals
• Prepare snacks for when you get hungry so that you're not reaching for junk
• I had a jar of almonds on my desk at work and a piece of fruit
• It's a challenge to explain the program to others
• Most of the time, when I tell people about the program I see a lot of scrunchy noses and a lot of "Ohhh, so like you can't really eat anything?"
• The best way I've found to describe Whole30 is a "Healthy Lifestyle Challenge"
• Don't deprive yourself
• Make sure you eat as much as you need - there is no need to count calories or fat. Just pick good food to eat and the rest will follow 
• Have an exit strategy - think about what you're going to do at the end. 
• It's all well and good to do this for 30 days, but the whole purpose is so that you can change your habits for life, have a plan for that

There you have it! It's a lot to take in and a lot of things to consider. If it helps, I enjoyed the experience so much that I think I'll be doing this program once a year, after Christmas & New Years and all that. It's a perfect way to re-set. 

Have you done a Whole30? If so, do you have any tips to add? I'd love to hear from you!

If this is your first time, feel free to reach out, I'd love to talk to you about it!

Good Luck!

- Lisa

Whole30 Week 3 - Trials & Tribulations

Follow my Whole30 adventure here: Week 1 & Week 2

Guys...I'm almost done my Whole30 Program! I won't lie...it's been a long haul. A lot of planning, prepping, shopping and dish washing. That being said, it's also been a lot of good food, healthy mind, healthy body and education.

 Update: Week 3

This week was a big challenge for me. It's hard to say why exactly, but this week, more than ever, I was craving junk. And I don't just mean I wanted some chips. I mean, I was going through serious withdrawal. I was cranky, upset, moody and at one point felt sick about turning down some leftover Christmas chocolate. While this may sound funny, food is my drug. I use to to help make me feel better, relieve stress, celebrate and console me. I use food the way addicts use drugs. I can feel it physically when I have to turn down food that I really, really want. My stomach tenses and my lungs restrict. It takes ever single fiber of my being to turn away.

Here's the kicker - you can't just give up food. You need food to live. It's not like cigarettes where you can just stop (not, by any means, belittling quitting smoking. That is a horrible beast all on it's own). All I'm saying is, I cannot say "my food consumption has become out of control, I am going to detox and stop eating." It's just not that simple. This was the reason I started Whole30 - to kick my reliance on "bad" food and up my love for "good" food.

Needless to say, I was very frustrated this week when all the cravings I'd manage to stave off for 2 weeks, returned. I suppose it was inevitable. For the rest of my life I'm going to have to fight the "urge" to binge. Like my anxiety, this is something I will have to embrace and figure out how to deal with the cravings as they come. Even now, just writing about it, makes me feel on edge.

Anyway, I did "cheat" a little bit on Saturday - I bought a bag of chips that were, for all intents and purposes, Whole30 compliant. They were just potato slices, baked & salted. This wasn't the cheat. One of the big no-no's in the program is no snacking to fuel an emotional need and that is where I cheated. I was feeling down & depressed and bought these chips to console myself.

I'm not going to lie...it felt amazing biting into the first few chips. The crunch and the salt was a beautiful combination. Also, it did make me feel better. I hate to admit it, but it really did. The good news is, I only ate a handful, them put them away. So while I was frustrated with myself for breaking the "no emotional eating" rule, I did feel better knowing I could put the bag aside after only a few chips.

Here are some recipes that I LOVED from this week:

• Naked Bruschetta Turkey Burgers (from SkinnyTaste)
• I've made these MANY times before, but to make them Whole30 compliant I used almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and no mozzarella - AHMAZING
• Served with sweet potato fries & side salad
• For lunch the next day - ground up the cooked burgers and put remaining bruschetta topping in with spinach for an awesome salad
• Paleo Butter Chicken (from My Heart Beets)
• I love me some butter chicken & this was pretty damn close to restaurant quality
• This was a great Sunday night meal - took a little extra time & care but was totally worth it
• Lime & Coconut Cauliflower Rice (from meatified)
• I needed something to go with my butter chicken & had heard SO many good things about cauliflower rice
• SO easy to make & was quite delish - J really liked it too which was a surprise

 My next post will be when I'm done the program (a week and 1 day from today!)

Catch ya on the flip side!

- Lisa

Whole30 Week 2 - Halfway There!

Another week down! It's funny, when I first started this program, I thought I'd be counting down the days until I was done. However, the farther I get into the program, the more I actually love it. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been easy (especially when there is glorious food & beverage all around me) but at the same time, I have yet to feel deprived. Every day, I have new meals planned, something new to try. It really has been awesome.

Here are the updates from this week:

• I feel awesome
• My head is more clear
• I just feel happier & lighter (emotionally)
• Here is a big one: I haven't once been worried about the food I'm eating - meaning, I don't worry about what calories are in the food, how much I'm eating, I just eat until I feel satisfied and then I stop
• To that end, I haven't once been too full, felt uncomfortable or bloated
• I don't have food guilt because everything I'm eating is good for me and is nutritious and delicious 
• Another big thing - having a snack is no longer an emotional occasion - I only snack when I'm hungry. I have a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit and then I feel satiated.  
• Black Coffee is growing on me...still gross and I look at J with envy when he drinks his with milk & sugar, but I'm getting there
• STILL not getting the "Jump out of bed before the alarm" thing...I still want to sleep as late as possible before I get up

Things I've learned this week:

• Spaghetti Squash is amazing - SO easy to make & is a fab substitute for pasta.
• Here is the awesome, super easy to follow recipe I used
• Eating this way IS time consuming - between grocery shopping (being a 3 store affair), preparing & cleaning, I'm still spending the majority of my time in the kitchen
• PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Mandolin's are dangourous (duh) - nearly cut my thumb off making Sweet Potato Nachos
• It is entirely possible to go out and still enjoy food - 2 times this week I went out with friends and was able to eat "on plan"
• Granted, it was still salad based, but if you, read the menu online ahead of time, ask the right questions, you can eat out no problem

As I mentioned in my last post, at the end of the 30 days, I'll post & share all my favourite recipes.

 This week I loved (missing pictures, this week!):

• Sweet Potato Nachos 
• These would be PERFECT for game day, late afternoon snack or a "Junk" Meal
• Honestly, they were so good, I figured I had gone off plan somehow
• Chipotle Chocolate Sweet Potato Chili 
•  Made this on Saturday so that we'd have lunches for the week & it is GOOOOOOD!
• J doesn't like beans in his chili so this was perfect
• Lazy Eggs Benny
• Instead of an Eglish Muffin, slice up a tomato, layer with bacon & place an over easy egg on top
• Splash a little Franks Hot Sauce on it and you've got yourself a fabulous breakfast

Until next week my friends!

- Lisa

Whole30 - Week #1

Last week, I started a program called "Whole30" I've read a TON about it online and have been following them on Instagram for about a year now. The basic premise is that for 30 days, in a row, NO CHEATING, you eat a very specific diet. This means no sugar, no dairy, no legumes, no alcohol, no grains & no MSG. While I was interested in the premise I was also very skeptical. At first glance it seemed like a overly restrictive version "The Paleo Diet" and told myself I wasn't ready and moved on.

Then, after the absolute GLUTTONY of Christmas, I was really beating myself up about how much food and drink I'd consumed. Not only that, my snacking and junk intake was out of control. No lie, I could not help myself from eating junk. I was just eating, eating and eating.

After our cruise, I decided to take a closer look at this program. 

Here are some things I learned:

1. While losing weight is a pleasant side effect, it's not the ultimate goal - the goal is to eat healthfully for 30 WHOLE days (no cheating!) and help your body to come away from it's dependance on junk.
2. Another goal of the program is to help you appreciate and love good food again - vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, nuts - all wonderful things that don't really taste like much after eating junk
3. While this program IS restrictive, there are very good reasons. Something that I a found on a couple blogs was that is was very important to read the book "It Starts with Food" before beginning the program (I'm glad I did, more on that later).
4. I found a heap of bloggers (no associate with Whole30 at all) that had amazing results from doing this program (like more energy, clearer mind, more focus, enjoyed exercise more).
5. There are SO many amazing resources available to help see you through the program.

After learning all that, I decided "what the hell?" - I bought the book on my Kindle and gave it a read.

First VERY important fact - do not start this program right away. It takes a lot of planning before you'll be ready to begin. Understanding exactly what you can and cannot eat is a steep learning curve and you'll soon realize - sugar and gluten is in EVERYTHING.

In any case, the week before I started, I planned out meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), created my grocery list and set out.

I'm now one week into the program - here is where I stand right now...

1. I’ve tried a lot of foods that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Further to that, I've learned some new ways to prepare food. 
2.  I eat breakfast every morning (the program requires that you do) and I have more energy when I get to work. I drink less coffee (because black coffee is gross) and have switched to herbal teas (or Green Tea). 
3. I am tired still, but I read that it is common to experience that in the first week. Plus, I’ve heard that the cold I had leaves tiredness behind even after it’s gone. 
4. Instead of snacking at night, I’ve been doing my nails, reading or meal planning (which I actually really enjoy). 
5. I haven’t had any MASSIVE cravings...yesterday I saw a President's Choice Truck with the Decadent Cookies on it, and for a moment I really wanted cookies, but then it passed. I’m getting enough salt in my diet, so I haven’t been craving chips (yet)
6. I’ve been spending most of my time in the kitchen. A lot of dishes, a lot of “pre-prep” for the next day, a lot of making sure we have enough food for the next meals. 
7. Eating this healthfully is expensive, especially the first week when you turn over your kitchen and stock your pantry with the right ingredients. I didn't have most of what is recommended to have in your kitchen
8. Further to that - when you find a favourite sauce (like Frank's Hot Sauce) that is compliant with the program, it pretty much makes your life
9. Explaining this program to people is difficult. It's hard to tell them for 30 days you can't eat sugar, dairy, legumes, grains or alcohol without them thinking you're only eating salads for 30 day. The truth is, I've eat better this last week than I have in 4 years. The food tastes better, you feel more satisfied, it's actually kind of awesome.
10. Overall, I just feel better. While I’ve been sleeping more soundly, I haven’t felt the “jump out of bed in the morning” energy, but I suspect I’ll start to feel that at the end of next week. 
11. I have the most amazing husband who has been eating all of the meals I prepare WITHOUT complaining. 

At the end of the 30 days, I'll post & share all my favourite recipes. This week I loved:

• Whole30 Sheppard's Pie
• Almond Chicken Fingers + Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

 

• Chicken and Avocado Lettuce Wraps (even J liked these)

• Favourite Snack - Apples & Almond Butter

I'd LOVE to know - have you tried Whole30? What did you think? Any amazing meals you would suggest?

Until next week!

- Lisa

Candy Cane Oreo Pretzel Bark

We've moved! Get the full recipe HERE!

Ranch Lovers Potato and Leek Soup #HiddenValleyGFChallenge

I work in the Toy Business, so basically October to December I am running around non-stop. Add into that Family Christmases, Birthdays (6 of them) and holiday parties. Either I'm at work, or I'm out running errands, buying gifts or baking. The last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen making meals on the weekend.

Enter Hidden Valley Ranch - last month they asked that I try out their new GLUTEN FREE dressings. First, who knew that Ranch dressings had gluten in them? Second, I love Ranch to dip Pizza, Veggies, Fries in, so I wanted to give it a shot. They very generously sent me 3 bottles - regular, 3 cheese and J's new favourite - SPICY (that bottle didn't last long).

Anyway, the challenge is to created a gluten free recipe using their ranch dressing. I've spent the better part of the month trying to come up with something unique, yummy, easy and BIG so that I could make multiple portions to eat over the week.

Today, I was sitting watching Ree Drummond make a potato soup for the freezer and it hit me...why not try a Potato & Leek Ranch Soup? Sounds kind of weird right? Never fear, I wouldn't dare lead you astray. I combined a variety of ingredients (including LEEK which I've never used before) with the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing in the hopes of creating a hearty, savoury soup. Guess what? This soup is SO GOOD!! Warm, comforting, easy & loaded with veggies! Plus it makes enough for about 6-8 portions, so I can freeze a bunch for later this week!

 Ranch Lovers Potato and Leek Soup

inspired by Ree Drummond

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
3 large red skin potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups chicken broth
2 leeks, white parts only halved & sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled, halved & thinly sliced
1 tbsp butter
2 cups half & half
3/4 cup Hidden Valley Ranch
3 tbsp Franks Red Hot (optional)
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Shredded Old Cheddar

Method:

In a large stock pot, add the cauliflower, potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then let simmer on low heat until cauliflower and potatoes are soft.

While the potatoes and cauliflower are cooking, chop and peel your leeks, onion and carrots. Melt butter in a saucepan and add veggies. Cook on low until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Once the cauliflower and potatoes are cooked, mash them together with a potato masher. You still want there to be a little "chunk" left, so don't puree them. Once all mashed together, add in the veggies, cream, ranch, salt & pepper and Franks. Stir together and add back to heat. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then. When soup has thickened (slightly) remove from heat.

Shred some old cheddar on top if you want an added kick and serve!

Again, I know this sounds weird (Ranch Dressing in Soup?) but I promise you, it's absolutely scrumptious!

If you love Ranch (like J and I do) I highly suggest you check out the Hidden Valley Ranch Facebook Page - TONS of awesome recipes to try!

*Disclosure - I was compensated to write this post, but all opinions are my own. Also, this recipe is actually REALLY good. It sounds weird, but the soup is amazing!*

Some of my FAVOURITE Gifts to Give this Year

Well Friends, it's that time of year! CHRISTMAS!!!!! I frigging LOVE Christmas. I love the build up, the music, the parties, buying gifts...all of it! However, I find every year it gets harder and harder to give GREAT gifts. Let's face it...we're in a time where if you want something, you go out and buy it. Sure, there are a few things that people wait on, but those aren't thins I can afford to give them (no matter HOW amazing a Black Friday deal is!)

So, what I've decided to do this year, is put together a list of some of my favourite things to give/things that I'm giving this year. I promise this list is MUCH more affordable than Oprah's.

Disclaimer - this post was written completely of my own accord. I haven't received anything to write this post, I purely did it to tell you about some things I love and am excited about.


Chic Tags 
I first came to know about Chic Tags through a friend of mine. I saw some of the beautiful things she had done and fell in love. Then, a short while later, I recieved something from Chic Tags as a gift from a friend and I was SOLD! I've been stalking her site from quite some time now and just recently settled on a piece (I can't tell you what in case someone is reading and sees this!) but I can tell you that it looks beautiful. These personalized pieces are fantastic for Mom's, Dads, ANYONE really. I highly recommend her product.

Available Here

Clippo
So, I've been following the Clippo site now for about 3-4 years. I absolutely LOVED the product, but I never had anyone to but them for (and I'm not really sure J would want mitten Clips...even if he needs them!) In any case, Alex (the owner) had to shut down the site for a bit, but recently started back up again and I'm in love with EVERYTHING...seriously. Look at some of these...

$14 - Available Here

Mitten Clippos $14 - Available Here

Card Wallet $15 - Available Here

There are things for everyone & great shipping offers (if you're local, it's FREE!) Plus, you can feel good knowing, you're buying something local and from an outstanding lady!

CoreEssentials Fitness
You may or may not have heard me harp on before about how much I love my friend Anne. Anne is the one behind me running my first half marathon, getting my Zumba Instructors License and helped me find joy in exercising. Recently, I was reflecting on this and thought - what a great Christmas Gift for the person who has everything? Something to use in the New Year when you feel like your pants don't fit & you want to start fresh. I also promise you, one class with Anne & you'll be hooked - whether it's Pilates, Boot Camp, Tabata...whatever. I highly recommend a class pass! If you're interested, you can reach out to her on her Facebook Page!

If you're not local to CoreEssentials Fitness - Try searching your area for a unique & different exercise class. Maybe Hot Yoga or Pole Dancing (yes, it's a thing & yes, it's a lot of fun) or an Outdoor Boot Camp (if you're somewhere warm). This sounds cheesy, but the gift of fitness is a pretty amazing thing. Plus, while you're at it, pick something up for yourself to try in the New Year!
Baked (or not yet baked) Goods
Fudge

Bakery Charms
Okay, I am certifiably OBSESSED with this woman's work. I found her on Instagram about 6 months ago and I haven't turned back since. This lovely lady resides in Hawaii and hand makes ALL of her beautiful charms. Anything from Cake slices, Macrons, Cake Pops to a BANANA SPLIT and Cupcakes...I could go on. I'll show you a couple pictures here, but to really get the full effect, go follow her on Facebook...you won't regret it! Here are a couple of my faves:

Cake Pop - Available Here

Belgian Waffle - Available Here

And my personal favourite...

Coffee and Donut Earrings - Available Here

ErinCondren.com
Believe it or not (and most of my friends probably won't believe this) but I LOOOVE calendars. At any given time, I probably have 5 or 6. Here's the thing...I write down differnent things on different calendars...and then forget half the things I'm supposed to do...SO, for the unorganized (or UBERorganized) friend in your life, enter Erin Condren. Her life planners and pretty much porn. They're well thought out, beautiful colours and you can personalize them. Now, they aren't cheap but considering they will help keep you (or your friend/mother/significant other) sane for one whole year...$50 is a small price to pay.

I love them all!

Available Here

THEN, we have gifts for people you want to give a little something too, but don't neccesarily want to buy anything...(this is where I shamelessly promote some recipes on my blog)

FOOD GIFTS!

The beautiful thing about food gifts, is you can make a batch and divvy up into a few different gifts. All you need is some cello, some ribbon and BOOM you have a gift.

Here are some that I enjoy giving:

Candy Cane Fudge



EggNog Truffles


 
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark



Another amazing idea (found on Pinterest, obviously) is to give a batch of FROZEN dough. That way people can save these treats for later (instead of feeling like they have to eat them right away) and they can bake the whole batch or one at a time!

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Now, if you're looking for something personalized & unique I suggest you check out Etsy (I have already bought 3 gifts on there). I could get lost on that site for days! Plus, I love that when you buy something from that site, you're helping a small business grow.

For example...you cannot forget about your furry, four legged friends. Check out this adorable dog collar from Canine Designs:

Available Here

OR *cough* for the baker in your life *cough* a little something special for them to look at while baking some amazing and delicious treats for you........

Available Here

Finally, if all else fails...go to"Gifts" Board on Pinterest and find that perfect little something!

What are gifts that you are excited about giving this year? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Happy Holidays!

Lisa

Peanut Butter Oreo Fudge

We've moved! Get the FULL recipe HERE!

The Perfect Brunch Meal Plan

We've MOVED! Get the full meal plan HERE

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

We've MOVED! Get the full recipe HERE!

Glad Fresh Food Challenge

Hi Friends!

I want to tell you, I've really missed blogging. Every time I make something I think "this would be AWESOME on the blog" but had to remind myself that I'm taking a break.

Well, we just finished moving on Saturday and I can barely contain my excitment - I have a BEAUTIFUL kitchen now that is screaming for me to bake, bake, bake and who am I to say no?. I'm very happy to say that I'm going to start writing again. It won't be all the time, and it may be spotty at time, but I'm coming back!

To kick off my posting again, I want to tell you about something I'm working on right now - the #GladFreshFoodChallenge! Here is a few "fun" facts:

• The typical Canadian household s[pends $5,572 per year on grocery food items ($465 of that is on fruits and vegetables)
• On average 13% (or $725 worth) of food all is thrown out! That's almost 2 months worth of groceries!
• That means, on average you and I waste $175 per year of food!

Glad is looking to change that by spreading awareness of how to keep your food FRESH!

How do we do this? Proper storage and a little bit of organization.

Now, for storage, a trick that I've used since University is when buying meat in bulk (like multiple chicken breasts), store each piece (or serving) in Freezer Bags (or Glad Press & Seal works nicely). That way, you can take out ONLY as much as you need at a time. This is especially helpful when you're only cooking for two people (like I am). 

For organization - I find that when I put leftover in the fridge to "save" for later, I often push the previous leftovers to the back of the fridge to make room for the new. I find these (fuzzy) leftovers about month later and go "oh yea!"


My solution? Put newest leftovers behind the old and rotate them out that way! I also find writing on the plastic wrap/zipper bags helps to keep track of what needs to be used next!

You can also plan one night a week where you use up what is in the fridge! If you don't know what to make, go to Allrecipes, input your ingredients & it'll tell you what you can make! I promise you'll try things you never even thought of!

This month, I'm attempting to go do the #GaldFreshFoodChallenge and go a FULL MONTH without throwing away any food. None at all (except for the parts of vegtables you can't eat). I'll be posting recipes & tips along the way! I do hope you'll join me!

Stay tuned!

Lisa

**Disclaimer: I am working with Glad on this initiative & was given materials to do this challenge but all thoughts & feelings are my own**

5 Regrets of the Dying: Important Life Lessons

Image Source: Phillip Brande

I know I said I wouldn't be posting for awhile but I came across this article today that was too good/interesting/important to pass up. If you're reading this, it means it is NOT too late to make these important changes in your life. Please share, I think many of us could use the reminder.


Top 5 Regrets of the Dying 
by Bronnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last 3 to 12 weeks of their lives.

 People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

 It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard. 

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. 

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. 

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Credit: Huffington Post

Stepping Back

My Dear Friends & Readers,

It is with a heavy heart, I've made the decision to step back from Running to Bake for awhile. I've been thinking long and hard about this decision and after MUCH deliberation I feel that it is the right choice for three reasons:

1. I feel like I've really strayed from the original purpose of the blog. While I still run, it is NOT a main focus in my life any more and it feels silly to have a blog where I don't even talk about something that is in the name.

I still bake, but not as often as I'd like to, and it is becoming harder and harder for me to post recipes.

My goal is to step back from here, re-group & figure out where I see this blog going. 

2. Right now, I'm dealing with a lot of emotional baggage. My anxiety is at an all time high, as is my eating/binging. I feel that I need to step back and take some time for me. I've already put a lot of important things in place, but having this blog and not posting to it causes me a lot of stress. .

I also don't feel like I have much more to give anywhere, let alone here. 

3. Work. Ah, isn't is always work that gets in the way? In my case, it is a happy change at work but will require more and more time & energy from me. I won't have the time/energy after work to back, take pictures & post, especially as I enter the busy season at work.

This is by NO means the end, far from it. This is just a break to figure out what the next steps are.

I will still post from time to time on my Facebook Page with great recipes and funny pictures as I will be pinning & tweeting. I just won't be posting here. 

Thank you so much to everyone who has read this blog (especially my amazing friends who read every post & tell me on a regular basis how much they love my blog, I can't tell you how much that means to me) and I hope you will re-join me in 2015 for all new adventures.


Love you all, Lisa

Let's Talk About Depression

image from: The Organic Prepper

As I'm sure you have heard, Robin Williams died yesterday in an apparent suicide. Everyone was shocked. Not only did we loose an amazing entertainer, people couldn't come to terms with the fact that someone who spent his life making other people laugh, was so low, he felt that suicide was his only option.

That totally shakes up our impression of depression. When "we" think depression, we think sad, forlorn, can't leave the house, etc. We definitely don't think a seemingly happy, funny & outgoing person would/could EVER fall that low.

In light of his death, I think there are two VERY important lessons to be learned. The first, depression & mental health issues are not specific to gender, age, race or social class. They are not always bound to a life event (like a death). Depression can hit at any time, when you least suspect it.

Secondly, knowing that no one is immune, it is important that we remove the stigma & that everyone to feel safe to come forward and acknowledge this pain in their life. Unfortunately, most people don't feel safe to do so. They feel it is a weakness to be depressed, that they should feel ashamed. To admit to being depressed is to admit that there is something "wrong" with them. This can lead people to start drinking, doing drugs, excessively overeat and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

If you're reading this & feeling depressed please know: Do NOT be ashamed. Being depressed is not a weakness, just like having cancer is not a weakness. There is absolutely NOTHING and I mean NOTHING wrong with reaching out to a friend, family member or professional. You may need to take medication. There is nothing wrong with needing medication to HELP you. Diabetics need insulin so they can live. Depression is the same way & while medication isn't the only answer, it can help get you on the right track.


If you read my blog regularly, you know that I too, struggle with depression (see here ) and it took me some time to come to terms with it. I'm still dealing with the fact that it comes and goes & is a part of my life. I still struggle greatly with my drug of choice (food). However, I'm lucky to have a wonderful husband, friends & family that I can talk to, will listen to me & will be there for me when I need it, just like I will be to them. I'm also lucky to have supportive people in my life who encourage me to find help, which I am now.

Reach out, there is ALWAYS someone who will be there to help you, friend or otherwise. Suicide is never the answer, ever. There is so much to live for on this beautiful planet, don't take that away from yourself.

Useful Links for Getting Help

Ontario & Canada
http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/
http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/getting-help/#.U-ozaXfkqUk
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/teens/home/splash.aspx
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
http://suicideprevention.ca/

Worldwide:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

We've moved! Get the full recipe HERE!

Enjoy!

Lisa

Homemade Granola Bars {a Running to Bake FAVE}

We've MOVED! Get the full recipe HERE!