Homemade Alfredo with Ground Turkey and Zucchini Noodles

Happy Monday! 

As some of you saw from my social media yesterday, I made some yummy homemade zucchini alfredo- grain free! It turned out amazing! 

It isn't paleo- but I am working on a recipe for paleo alfredo because I have tried different recipes and they haven't been my favorite. So more to come for paleo alfredo!

Even though this recipe is not paleo, it is grain free and has all natural, non-processed ingredients! Better yet, it is super simple to make!

Ingredients:

Protein of choice (I used ground turkey from Whole Foods. Go for free range, organic, all natural, grass fed meat if possible- it is less processed!)

1 zucchini squash

heavy whipping cream

1 block of parmesan cheese

1/2 stick of butter organic unsalted

*You will need a spiralizer for the zucchini

Serves: 2-3 

Preparation:

1. Shred the chicken or place the ground turkey in a skillet on medium high. I typically mix garlic powder, sea salt and no salt/all natural herb seasoning.

2. While the meat is cooking, place 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 stick of butter in a saucepan. Keep in on low so the cream (&cheese wont burn)

3. Shred the parmesan cheese and stir in the cream/butter mix. Add to taste. I love cheese so I make mine really cheesy :)

4. Once the meat is almost cooked fully, in a separate pot, bring water to boil. Once it is boiled, add spiralized zucchini. Let cook for 5 minutes.

5. After zucchini is softened, dump the zucchini in a strainer (zucchini holds water so I recommend keeping it in the strainer for a couple minutes)

6. Add zucchini to place, add cooked meat and alfredo on top! I will ad a bit more cheese and some cilantro (it adds such good flavor!)

7. Enjoy!

Although the alfredo is fatty- remember that fat is essential for your body to run at full capacity. Furthermore, studies show that saturated fat can actually be good for you so don't be scared that you may ruin your diet with having the meal once in awhile. 

Leftovers? Make zucchini spaghetti with all natural tomato sauce tomorrow! :)

I hope you love it!

Aisha

Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link-Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Morgan and I met in 2008 and became roommates shortly after that. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Morgan is exuberance. She is so full of life, energetic, lively, vivacious, a go-getter, cheerful and has a smile that lights up a city. She has inspired me to be live life to the fullest because she is the perfect definition of it … I am so thankful to call her my friend! You’ll know exactly what I am talking about just by reading a tid-bit about her in the interview below. Meet my gorgeous (inside and out) and talented friend, Morgan!

Go ahead and say hello to Morgan personally by visiting her blog, Construction2style!

1- Where are you from?

Born and raised in the small town of Roseau, MN. Went to school in Long Beach, CA while living in Huntington Beach for 5 years. I now reside in Otsego, MN but we will be on the move soon enough!

2- What is your blog about and what do you primarily talk about?

I blog over at construction2style.com alongside my husband about our home remodels, renovations, DIY projects and of course our little guy, Greyson.

3- How did construction2style come about ?

When I first met my husband, Jamie in 2011 I was blown away by his carpentry skills. I was always showing him pictures of things I loved and without question he would build it for me in no time. Jamie is extremely creative and has a good eye for design. We started collaborating on furniture ideas and started working more together on these projects. We had so much fun I told him we needed to start a blog so I could show off his talents. At first we just blogged about DIY projects and then he bought his first home to flip towards the end of that year and we started to blog about his home renovations and remodels as well.

4- Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging?

Do bloggers have hobbies?! Haha! Once you become a home renovation blogger your hobbies (outside of renovating your home) become limited! :) Especially when you blog about DIY projects, work full time and have a husband and son to take care of. Any free time I do have I am usually spending that time reading.

5- How has your life changed since being a mother?

Honestly, besides being overly obsessed with another little human being, it really hasn’t. People always warned me to “do things now while you still can.” I don’t understand that comment and probably never will. I am doing more now than I was before. If anything, it makes me want to work harder to set an example for my son and build us a brighter future! I’m a mom and I still enjoy my family, work, read, drink wine, hang out with my girls, travel, attend events, you name it! The one thing that I have noticed that changed is we can no longer spontaneously run to a movie in the theatre. Not that we did that often, but it is something we have been craving to do but really can’t without a plan.

6- What is the most rewarding thing about being a wife and mother?

My role as a wife and mother are irreplaceable. Noone else- EVER- can have my role, and that is an indescribable feeling and pretty cool. I absolutely love being a mother but I love being a wife even more. Once you are married there are no rules or boundaries. You create the life you want with your partner. We wanted a family and for that to be priority (we are still wrangling out the number details… ). In our household, there are things Jamie and I are both good and really bad at. Fortunately we balance one another out and in turn that has led to us needing, wanting and appreciating one another. Jamie can’t make food for the life of him and I have accepted that and now always make dinner. I don’t have any patience for matching our socks, so he always takes care of that! He needs me, wants me and prides me, and that is a reward. Not one single time in the years that I have known him has he left my side without giving me a kiss goodbye and saying thank you (even on the bad days). We remind ourselves of the promise we made to serve one another not yearly on our anniversary but daily.  

7- What is something unique about you that other’s may not know?

Oh boy...I’m a pretty open book so there isn’t a lot of things people don’t know. I texted a few of my close friends and asked them this question and they said: “You’ve had a job since you were 5. You are from a town 5 miles from Canada. Senior year of high school you were voted “workaholic.” Your grandpa served as United States Secretary of Agriculture under Jimmy Carter. “Your positive outlook on life is so contagious and that is clear for everyone to see. You bring so much joy to everyone that’s around you and truly make people want to be better! I think the reasons why you live life to its fullness is for a few reasons that people may not know. Not only were you genetically made up a happy person, but with the passing of your incredible father, the incarceration of your brother and your love for Christ, your outlook on life is something that can’t be taught. I’m proud to call you my best!!”

8- How do you stay inspired?

Jamie inspires me and I get to wake up and go to bed with him every night, so I am constantly being energized. My work also inspires me. Luckily, I get to go to a full time job at a marketing agency that is full of creative people. Everyday I am inspired by the people I surround myself with.

9- You make being busy look easy, how do you do it all?

The busier I am the more I get done and the easier it is. It’s weird. I love lists. I make yearly, monthly, weekly and daily lists. I look at my list every night for the next day and I wake up and get it done. I don’t sit and ponder. I get moving!

10- How do you let your light shine? (this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc …)

Every single morning I pray that somehow God can let his light shine through me. I always want people to be able to see Christ through me through my behavior, not my words. Throughout the day I try to stay as positive as I can (I definitely have my moments) and I smile...A LOT. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to brighten someones day, simply smile.

  Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups! Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com  

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Tips on Fighting the Urge of Sweets and Carbs

Hey Loves!

I was going to do a typical "Grain free check in" but I thought I would share tips on how I fight the urge of what everyone loves- sugars and carbs!

I have only been grain free for a month so I am not at all an expert- in fact I am still very much learning. But in the month, I have lost 8.5 lbs and have seen healing in so many things including my skin, my sleep, my attitude, etc!

The first thing people typically ask me when I tell them I am making grain free a lifestyle is "How did you stay away from sugars, breads and other carbs? I don't know if I could do it, I love carbs too much!"

Well, I will be the first to say it wasn't easy- especially the first week. But I learned some valuable tips that have helped me stay away from sugars and carbs without hating the grain free lifestyle.

1. Start off the day with a lot of protein. When I first started grain free, I would start my day with greek yogurt and fruit, but because I would get hungry again by lunch and crave sugars, I decided to try something different and start with having eggs first thing in the morning before I left for work. When I did this, I felt full until about 10:30, which is when I ate my yogurt and fruit. That way by lunch, I was not starving so I ate my packed lunch and didn't crave any sugars or carbs.

2. Don't be shy with eating fats! You heard that right. That is one of the first things I learned from a nutritionist when I wanted to make a lifestyle change. We have been tricked into thinking fat free is better but did you know our bodies need fat to properly run and process food and information? I learned a fun fact recently: our brain is made up of 70% fat! So why are we depriving our fat brain of fat when it needs it to run at it's full potential? When I started eating fat (like full fat greek yogurt and more nuts), I realized I stayed full longer, I didn't feel bloated and I wouldn't crave those bad carbs.

3. Drink a lot of water. I know you probably have heard it a million times, but it is no myth. Drinking water has so many benefits from helping your body detox, to giving you energy, and keeping you full, longer. We all know our bodies are made up of a ridiculous amount of water, so once again, why deprive it of something it needs to run at its full potential!?

4. Always have a snack nearby. One thing I have heard a lot is "It's hard to get on a diet like that because I am always on the go". Well, something that has really helped me is to always have a snack nearby. For example, I pack celery and carrots everyday as well as almonds. & in case I am super duper craving sweets, I have a super small stash of 85% cocoa chocolate at my desk. But to be honest, I haven't needed to touch it because I always grab my other snacks first!

5. Find Substitutions. There are so many alternatives now-a-days of eating the foods you love (like pizza and spaghetti) without including the sugars and grains. For example, one substitute I have found is using zucchini as noodles (using a spiralizer) and then making my own homemade sauce (to guarantee no hidden sugars) or buy organic, no sugar added sauce (which you can get at whole foods). It is delicious and guilt free. Go ahead, try it!

Hopefully these are easy tips on how you can take that next step towards a healthier you! The best advice, take one step at a time... there is no need to rush! (Do you know that song? HA!)

Have a great day!

Dear Jesus

Dear Jesus,

When I thought about writing this letter to You, I felt in my heart I had so much to say. But as I start this letter, I realize I cannot put all that is in my heart for You in writing. There are not enough words to ever describe how much I love and appreciate You, how I feel so unbelievably blessed to know You and how fortunate I feel that I get to spend even a moments time in Your Presence. Everyday with You is new and I love waking up with You being the first thing on my mind. At times, I feel You so close as if You were in flesh right next to me, but even better, I know you are living inside me. It never gets old how magical that is. That I can be in perfect unity with my Creator who is perfect even though I feel so imperfect most of the time. Everyday I think about Your marvelous love and sacrifice and it humbles me. You have showed me so much mercy that I cannot even fathom it sometimes. You have given me so much grace that is so abounding its overwhelming. & your love... is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Your love, Jesus, keeps me breathing. It keeps me going. It saves me. When I was so lost in guilt and shame, You reached out to me with Your loving hand and helped me up. I felt so broken, so sad, so alone and when no one was there, You were. When no one knew my pain, You did. & You took it from me. You took my pain as your own and exchanged it with forgiveness, love and freedom.  How can I ever repay you? How could I ever experience that and continue to live as I was? To continue to live a life without You? It wasn't an option. You were the only One there who held me and told me all will be okay. The only one who knew how to comfort me in such an awful situation. Who took me for what I was and loved me unconditionally. You brought me to a better place than I had ever been. I didn't deserve it, I couldn't believe all the things you promised me after all the horrible things I had done. How in the midst of my sin, You came to me and showered me with Your love so strong it was like a crashing wave. You overwhelmed me with Your promises all while I had nothing to offer you. That was the day I realized my life would never be the same. & it hasn't. You have changed everything Jesus. You took a wretch like me and made something beautiful out of my life. I look around on a daily basis and get overwhelmed by all you have given me. I see days only getting better and better. & it's all You, Jesus.

 I desire You everyday, every second, every breath. My heart cries out for more while still coming into realization that such a love is true. I catch myself asking "How can it be?", that such a love is real. That I am worthy of love despite my sin and unworthiness. How because of what You have done, You see me as blameless. How I have done nothing and You have done everything- & call me Your child. I cry tears of joy just thinking about it. & how no matter what, Your love for me never changes. Nothing can come between us. I am so thankful for that. I am so honored and privileged. When I think about those things and all you have done for me, nothing else matters. The world seems to fade away, all the things I fuss over all of sudden go away with the wind. Only peace covers over me when I think of You. You are my peace. You are my all- consuming fire. My secret place. In Your presence I am changed. 

I couldn't imagine my life without you, Jesus. My one desire is to know more of You. You have my heart. You are the love of my life. 

You have changed my desires, Lord. My one desire is to know more and more of You all my life. I want to be guided by you with every step I take.

You are truly my best friend. & so much more than that. 

I wanted to write you to say thank you and I love you, too.

I pray that everyone will get to experience Your wondrous love.

"Who lifts the poor and heals the blind
Who trampled death for all mankind
Who stands for all with arms stretched wide
My King forever Jesus Christ"

Your daughter,

Aisha

#EatingtoLive: Grain Free Update Week 3

Hey Everyone!

I know I said I was going to post this on Wednesday (my bad!) but with being gone from work in the early week, I had so much catching up to do and then the nights were of course packed with things. How does life get so busy?! 

I am so excited to say I reached my goal of 21 days of grain free. I told myself if I could do it and saw results, I would make it a lifestyle. So, here are my results! 

During the 21 days:

- I stopped eating processed foods

- Started pre-packing all my meals (stopped eating out as much as possible and also stopped buying food at work)

- Eliminated all grains from my diet

Results:

- I lost 8 lbs in 21 days with minimal exercise

- My skin has cleared up

- Less bloated

- More energy

- Better sleep

I am so happy and thankful for the results I have seen. I am on track to be hitting 10 lbs by next week! I am so excited to finally feel like I will get to the weight I have been desiring for years! It's so great to know what my body doesn't agree with as well.

I'm so excited to continue on this journey. Thank you all for the support!!

xoxo,
A

Let Your Light Shine Thursday! #HerLightShines: Christina

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Today, we would like you to meet Christina. She is such a beautiful and unique blogger that I feel so blessed to feature today. Her story is so awesome and the great thing about her blog, she is so honest and doesn't hold anything back. Not only that, she is so funny. She has a beautiful family and we love to stay in the know of what's going on with her bunch and in her life. She continues to be such an inspiration to those around her and feel honored that she agreed to be featured today!

Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Go ahead and say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Sold Out Arenas!  

1. What is your name?

Christina

2. Where are you from?

I’m originally from Denver, CO currently residing in Louisville, KY

3. What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about?

Sold Out Arenas is the name of my blog. I discuss life as a parent of a 3 year old, fitness, emotional struggles women encounter, and occasionally I discuss pop-culture. Here is the link to my blog. http://soldoutarenas.com/

4. What do you do for a living?

I work for the chairman of a major University

5. Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? 

I love to work out, eat delicious Mexican food, watch beauty guru’s on youtube, play basketball with my son and I love to obsess over budgets that I have yet to stick with.

  6. What is something unique about you that others may not know?

I have epilepsy and have been seizure free since October 2011.

  7. What’s one day you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.)

I let my light shine by sharing my domestic violence story on my blog and reaching out to assist other women that have survived or are currently surviving themselves.

  8. If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote)

“Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be.” -Sonia Ricotti

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

The Healing Power of Food

Happy Friday Loves!! 

I hope everyone had a great week. This week was tough for me because we unfortunately had massive layoffs at my work. Thankfully, I am still employed but it's hard to feel joyous when your friends and colleagues said their goodbyes. But either way, God has a plan for each and every person and the best is yet to come for them... I know it!

So I posted this picture on instagram this morning and I am so excited to share more with you about what this picture represents. 

As a lot of you know, I have started doing grain free. I decided at the start of this year that this year would be the year of fasting for me. So one goal of mine with that was to take out certain things in my diet to really learn how my body reacts to certain foods.

Well, I prayed about what I should fast on and the first thing I fasted on was sugars. Each fast being 21 days, I focused on how my body responded to getting rid of sugars. It responded very well. I was less bloated, my skin got better, I was less groggy. So as I prayed to God for my next fast and also to help me lose weight, I felt in my spirit that I was to start eating what He had created, not what was "man-made". Then shortly after, my good friend randomly talked to me about grain free and overall just eating all natural, non processed foods. It's almost like a light bulb switched on in my mind like "Duh- makes total sense- I need to stop eating preservatives and other things my body wasn't meant to process."

So I started on my journey of grain-free. I always felt bloated after eating grains, sugars and preservative packed foods... and not only that, but my skin never reacted well. I have always suffered from having terrible acne, to the point of having to go on heavy meds to maintain it. It has gotten better over the years, but it never completely went away.

I have almost hit my 21 day mark of grain free. As I mentioned in my post on Monday, I have lost 7 lbs, and feel SO much better. A bonus? My skin has completely cleared up. The picture above was taken 2 nights ago when I got out of the shower, face clean- & clear! I was so pumped.

I am on no meds or treatments anymore. I sometimes have skipped washing my face at night even! & no breakouts. I am learning more and more how there is such healing power in FOOD! Food that God created for us to enjoy. :)

Some natural things I am doing to help?

1. Bentonite. It's a detoxing clay that absorbs toxins in your body. It sometimes clogs me up but just I just have to be diligent about drink a lot of water (which is great for you anyway!)

2. Coconut Oil. I have started using it with everything. On my body, face, food, etc. It has become my secret weapon. It moisturizes my body, it's a great oil to cook with, and it doesn't cause my skin to be more oily! Better yet, my friend just informed me of "oil pulling" with coconut oil which is when you swish the oil around your mouth for 20 minutes and it removes toxins and gunk. So cool! I have yet to try that but  I definitely am going to start.

3. If I am craving sweets, I will allow myself 85-90% cocoa chocolate (like 1 square) and team it up with fresh berries. I try not to do that on a daily, but for you ladies that go through that time of the month, you know what I am talking about with cravings! 

All in all, I have stopped eating foods with ingredients I cannot pronounce. I have started eating all natural foods with no preservatives and eliminated all grains. & I honestly have not felt better. It started being another fast, and now I WANT to make it a lifestyle. I do not think I have ever said that about any type of diet change. 

Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

Heather and Aisha V met last year when she and her hubby just moved into our hometown. Heather's husband, Andrew, is the youth pastor at their church and they both have been a huge blessing to a lot of people ... we just love them! You can't help but smile and feel happiness when you are around Heather, she exudes so much love and joy which makes you fall in love with her instantly. Her heart for Christ is so deep it's infectious, AND she loves coffee and tea, so she's basically perfect ;) !

Please contact me or Aisha L. if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Heather! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Mrs. Andy Ross!  

1- Where are you from?

Cloquet, Minnesota! (near Duluth)

2- What is your blog about and what do you primarily talk about?

I’m a brand new blogger. My first few blogs have been about my relationship with Christ. Mostly what I’ve been learning as I’ve fallen more and more in love with Him and the Gospel. I also love to share photos and tips on decorating/DIY projects. I also have some of my photography on my blog.

3- Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging?

I got married this summer and moved to the North Branch, MN area. I work as a Hospice Aide. I absolutely love my job as I have the privilege of traveling to my patients and being someone who gives them extra comfort and love at the end of their life. When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time with the youth group and others from our church. I love music and play violin on the worship team at our church. I come from a very big family (I’m the baby of 8 kids). Some of my favorite things are iced caramel lattes (especially when they are enjoyed alongside a friend), fresh air, bike rides, thrift store treasures, and chocolate cake is always a good idea.

4- How did you and Andrew meet?

It was my tenth grade year…his eleventh grade year. I was the new kid at youth group and he was the pastor’s kid. He was the tall athletic guy with blonde surfer hair and I was the teenage girl who was immediately infatuated with a boy named Andrew Ross. We started dating when he graduated high school, spent most of our relationship dating long distance, got engaged New Years Eve 2013, married July 18, 2014, and the rest is history.

5- What’s the most rewarding thing about being a youth pastor’s wife?

Youth are so passionate. They are so full of energy. It’s so rewarding to see them start to understand the Gospel. To understand the incredible love that Christ has for them! To see them become passionate about that! To see how that impacts their lives, their family’s lives, and their friend’s lives. It’s very rewarding to get to know them and hear from their hearts. The girls in our youth group have definitely stolen a piece of my heart and I feel so privileged to get to have that unique relationship with them. P.S. I also love being a youth pastor’s wife simply because it’s so humbling and inspiring to watch my husband care about the youth, desperately want them to know Christ, and pour out so much of his soul in helping them know Christ!  

6- What is the most challenging thing about being a youth pastor’s wife?

It is definitely a ministry. And as rewarding and awesome as ministry is, it can be very draining. Because Andrew and I care so much about these youth, it consumes much of our time and energy. For myself, it can be hard, in that, I work forty hours a week and then help with youth ministry on top of that. I think the emotional aspect of ministry is what can make you feel drained as well.

7- What is something unique about you that other’s may not know?

I absolutely love music and play multiple instruments but I have absolutely no sense of rhythm. Honestly. I faked it with all my music teachers when I was little, and then never learned how to keep a beat very well. It is so embarrassing. And that’s why I’m a HORRIBLE dancer! :)

8- How do you stay inspired?

I constantly have to remind myself that Christ satisfies. He is the all-satisfying, all-fulfilling One. When I feel drained, it is Him that I need to come to. By spending time with Him in His Word, I find refreshment (inspiration). Another really practical way I do this is through music. I spend a lot of time listening to songs that encourage me and point me to Christ and the Gospel. That’s definitely a huge way I stay inspired.

9- Give me three best and worst adjectives that best describe you?

(I asked my husband for help with these…here’s what he said) Three best: fun-loving, empathetic, and genuine. Three bad: worrier, un-athletic, and neat-freak

10- How do you let your light shine? (this could be anything really. From being intentional

about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc …)

Letting your light shine is a life long learning process. One of the ways I’m striving to do this is through my job. I genuinely love my patients and desire for them to feel loved and comforted. I also try to do it in the every day…the mundane. Like being kind to the cashier who is really rude to you. Like complimenting someone, even a stranger, who seems to be having a hard day. But honestly, it comes down to living your life in such a way that it would be evident to others that Christ is the treasure. He calls us to put others before ourselves. That is when our lights shine best.  

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Grain Free Week 2 Check In

Hi Everyone!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Mine was oh so busy, but what's new? I feel like I say that every Monday.

This weekend I celebrated life with friends on a party bus, celebrated my bestie's birthday on Saturday and today I was able to catch up on grocery shopping and food- prepping for this coming week!

Well, I have great news- week 2 on this grain free lifestyle has put my weightloss down over 6 pounds! Another 3.5 pounds this week!

Wins:

- I feel way more energized. 

- My skin is cleared up! It's amazing!

- I sleep so much better. I literally didn't wake up once when I fell asleep.

I have been doing more and more research on what I am putting in my body and how it effects what. It's amazing to learn how many chemicals/ "not-natural" food I have been putting in my body for far too long!

My body is definitely still in detox mode. I am finding I get slightly moody when I am craving the "bad stuff" like grains and sugars. Letting go of sugars has been the hardest thing because I am obsessed with chocolate! But I have discovered a great thing called stevia that I will drink with a little tea to help me get rid of the craving. Also, fruit helps. 

I had a tiny bit of frozen yogurt on Thursday to "treat" myself and that little bit put me over the edge! I am happy about it because that shows that my body is rejecting the processed sugars! Yay! Ha ha!

I have also been adding some supplements in my diet to help with the change in lifestyle:

1. I added a probiotic to help with my digestive system. I take it on an empty stomach when I wake up in the am.

2. I started taking Physillium Husks twice daily. This is a natural fiber supplement that helps with digestion. Its a great natural detox!

3. I just started taking bentonite clay that is a natural healing clay that helps the body absorb toxins.  I will be taking this once to twice daily with meals. We will see if it helps!

Overall, I am still in full throttle for grain free. I haven't seen this big of a change in me in a long time. I know i said I was going to exercise everyday this week, but it ended up only being about 3 times (zumba/cardio, more cardio, and yoga) and I still was seeing weightloss. 

What supplements have helped you stay on track with your lifestyle change? Any tips for a newbie like me??

Have a good Monday!

Aisha

Let Your Light Shine Thursday Link-Up!

It's that time again!!

Let Your Light Shine Thursday!

We know Juliana from a wonderful Facebook group we are in together. Her light shines so much in our group we wanted to have her featured so everyone could get to know her!

Please contact me or Aisha if you would like to be featured on #Herlightshines for our link ups!

Email: aishavandy@gmail.com and alcstyling@gmail.com

Today on the link up, please say hello to Juliana! You can also go say hello to her personally by visiting her blog, Te Amo Too!

 

1. What is your name?

Juliana

2. Where are you from?

I am originally from Brazil. My husband and I got married and then moved to the United States in 2007

3. What is your blog called and what do you primarily talk about?

• My blog is called Te Amo Too. Te Amo Too is a blog that focuses on all things “home", such as decorating, cooking, entertaining and family life. http://teamotoo.com

4. What do you do for a living?

? I am a stay at home mother of three girls (7, 5, and 2 ½ years old). Besides the blog, I also run an Etsy Shop teamotoo.etsy.com where I sell party decorations, non toxic cleaning products, organic remedies, beauty supplies and other homemade goods

5. Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do outside of blogging? When I can squeeze in even just a little bit of time,  I enjoy photography, watching movies with the hubs, and drinking good coffee (does this count??) :)

  6. What is something unique about you that others may not know?

• Of all the things that could terrify me in this life, butterflies, yes butterflies, are my number one fear! 

  7. What’s one day you let your light shine? ( this could be anything really. From being intentional about being kind, volunteering, helping your kids, etc.)

• I have a hard time talking about myself sometimes. But I think I let my light shine by listening, caring and genuinely connecting with people. Growing up, I had trouble finding friends who really cared no matter what. I could have used friends like that. So I enjoy coming across opportunities to be that friend for others. 

  8. If you could have one quote that you would want people to remember you by, what would it be? (your favorite quote)

• Another thing about myself: for the life of me I can not quote anything! If we just have a conversation and somehow I find myself obligated to quote you, it would probably sound like nothing you said, because I’m that horrible at it! So I’m just gonna go with one for the day “We’re all just walking each other home - Ram Dass"

Now go ahead and link up!

RULES:

1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow Rooted in Salt & Made with Zeal on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

 

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

 

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all! So link up for your chance to be featured!!

 

Linking up: WIWT, Treasure Tromp, Week's End

-A

Follow me: || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

What to do with a Heavy Heart

We have those times and days.

When our hearts feel heavy. 

Whether from our job, our relationship, a loss, major stress, etc.

It's hard. 

It's such a unique pain because it's not something that can be physically seen and often times something that is hidden.

The days still go by as usual, life still goes on.

But no matter what you do, there is some weight on your heart you can't shake. 

So when will it go? Is there any true ways to get rid of this besides letting time pass?

Well, every situation is different but there is one verse I always remember and whisper in prayer:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

When I have moments when my weary heart comes as a wave during certain times of the day, I immediately turn to Jesus and pray a simple prayer that he take my burdens and give me rest. 

It's miraculous how fast the heaviness on my heart lightens.

That has been my little big secret weapon when my heart becomes heavy. The ability to rest in Jesus with all things and situations is such a gift. 

& something I have experienced is when I give Him my burdens and ask Him to take them from me, I can hear His voice a little bit louder, speaking promises and encouragement in my heart. 

He reminds me that I do not ever need to carry burdens and how focusing on Him and the good things (Philippians 4:8) will make any hard time conquerable. 

With Christ all things are possible. 

So a simple answer on getting rid  of burdens is simply repeating a prayer like this:

"Heavenly Father, you said in your word that I can come to you with my weary and burdened heart and spirit. I thank you, Lord, for that promise and that gift. I ask you right now Jesus to take my heavy heart and this burden and give me peace. I thank you for what you have done at the cross that I can truly be free in all ways. In Jesus name, Amen."

You are never alone during times of burden! If you are desiring more prayer, feel free to contact me and I would be happy to pray for you today. In fact, it would be a blessing. 

Love you all!

Aisha

#GrainFreeLife: Week 1 Check In

Happy Monday, Loves! 

How are you?!! 

I hope all of your weekends were good.. no, great!

I want to thank you guys for all the encouraging words and support as I try this new adventure in going grain free. I have been reading so many of your stories as well as challenges and I just thank you for opening up to me! I really appreciate it. It definitely helps me keep going!

Before I give you an update, I want to show you my new hair! I dyed it Friday night and got my hair restyled and I love how it turned out. What do you think?

It is a chocolate brown but has a hint of warmth with some red. I am so happy with it!

ANYWAY! I am so excited to share with you how my first week of going grain free went!

So I started on Sunday of last week. I will begin saying this- it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. But I didn't realize how many grains were in my diet until I totally cut them out! Wow! I was eating so many grains!! 

The first three days were the most difficult. I definitely was craving breads and sugars so much! I also was very tired. I sometimes caught myself closing my eyes at my desk (oops!) but after the third day, I felt so energized, less bloated, and my skin cleared up! Amazing- am I right?!

The best part is- I lost over 3 lbs week 1! I know many of you said you lose weight fast and consistently and I was so surprised to see weight drop like that. Especially since I hardly worked out last week! I worked out Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. I did Zumba on Monday, Yoga on Wednesday and weight lifting (legs) on Saturday. 

This week I have workouts everyday. Hopefully that will help kick-start some more weight-loss this week. I haven't measured where I am from the beginning. I probably am going to wait to do that. 

The key thing that has really helped me stay strict with my eating?

Pre-packing my food! I mentioned that in my first blog post about going grain free but man, it helped so much because all my meals were already pre-packed ready to go for whenever I was hungry! & I always kept almonds close by if I was extra hungry one day.

I am so excited to continue on this journey! Thank you to all my weight-loss warriors for all the support and encouragement! You guys are such a blessing!

The other great part of this all- I got my sister and mom on board! This is going to be so fun doing it with family :)

What weightloss tips and tricks have worked for you!? 

I would love to hear them :)

xoxo,

Aisha