Cleanse Your Mind

The most prominent diet or health phenomena going on today is that of the "cleanse". People are cleansing by means of the Paleo Diet, the 'Clean Eating' (ie. no sugar) diet, the GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE DIET (yay!) and also 'juicing' (NOT steroids, but consuming fresh juice from fruits and veggies - watch the documentary about it here). These are all awesome, and we all know that it takes a healthy body to have a healthy mind... but are we putting enough emphasis on the mind part of this equation?

We have to remember that we need to cleanse our minds, too! To often we focus on achieving optimal bodily health (the societal expectation of the "perfect body") and not enough on making sure our minds achieve optimal health.

To do so, we should focus on happiness and peace; what achieves this for us? Is it dancing to our favourite song or spending time with those we love the most? We could enjoy a massage, or a day out with our friends. I often "detox" my mind by listening to my music, or having a drink with a friend! Tom and I also talk about how we are feeling, and relay our ideas off of each other - even planning for the future relaxes my mind and creates a cleansing sense of happiness that lasts!

This is then, of course, motivating to keep the other part of the equation - the body - in good health, too! We should always have the health and wellness of our mind as our top priority... and trust that the whole "healthy body" thing will come once we achieve clarity of our minds!

Namaste.

Let's Talk About... Cell Phones

I am still in university - after five years I have finally discovered my PASSION for writing! Hopefully it shows and you beautiful readers can benefit from it!

Anyways, for one of my English assignments, I had to read this article by Micheline Maylor. What an intriguing read! So intriguing - and inspiring - that I think I might take the challenge...

I CAN live without my cell phone... I CAN live without my cell phone... right?

Wish me luck!

Love always,

Kath

Let's Talk About... Being Mindful

Last night, on Twitter, I sent out a tweet about "mindful eating"; that is, eating to enjoy and appreciate the food, instead of shoving it willy-nilly into your face like we all are guilty of at one time.

Being mindful isn't just about eating, of course, but everything! Everything should be done by being mindful and present in that moment.

This is an easy mantra to remember: "Be Mindful" or "Be Present". Saying this in your head, or even out loud, can make you stop, slow down, and think about being present and mindful in that exact moment. This is also helpful when making a tough decision like "Should I take the job overseas?" or something trivial like "Should I post this Facebook photo?" - stop, be mindful and present and think about it! Why do you want to do that? How will it affect you, and how will it affect the environment around you? Will it affect other people negatively or positively? How will this decision aid in bringing peace to your life and environment? Those are only a few questions to ask yourself. 

In a way, it is similar to meditation - you are truly meditating for a few moments on this question by being present and mindful!!!

If there is ever doubt or a question you ask yourself that you cannot answer, then you know where you have to focus some of your energy on. If you are doubtful whether your relationship is truly making you happy, if it is what is the best for you in your life to bring peace and happiness, and if it is affecting your Self and/or others negatively, then you may need to meditate on a larger question: "What is my decision?"

Remember that this is not by any means a question to be answered immediately, but one to sit on and mull over - keeping your intentions and thoughts mindful, present and positive.

You will find your Path and your Self will rejoice upon it.

 

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. (21)”
― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Navigate the Holidays

There are three words I think of when I think holiday season: "OM NOM NOM!"

Sometimes, however, eating with a gluten and dairy allergy can become a major annoyance when you get a beautiful turkey stuffed with white bread chunks and Panko bread crumbs...  so much gluten!

Do NOT brush off your allergies and think, "Oh, I've been good - one night won't hurt."

Just don't do it. I made that mistake and I paid for it. A moment on the lips and a world of hurt for your colon!

Now, though, I usually bring my own food with me if the family member we are visiting doesn't know how to cook gluten and dairy free or, more often that not, doesn't want to.

Here's a recipe for turkey stuffing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or just dinner!

(Try this in a sandwich with some leftover turkey, mayo, and pepper - yum!!)

This makes for about 4-6 people

Gluten & Dairy Free Holiday Stuffing

4 pieces of gluten and dairy free bread, toasted and crumbled

1/2 cup Kinnikinnick Panko style gluten and dairy free breadcrumbs

1/2 sweet onion, chopped and carmelized

1/4 cup vegan margarine (I like Becel)

1 tbsp. plain, unsweetened coconut milk

poultry seasoning to taste (put as much of this stuff in it as you want - it makes it!)

Mix ingredients together and stuff into turkey. Following cooking directions for turkey and leave stuffing inside until turkey is removed from oven.
If turkey drippings are available, mix about 1 tbsp. into the stuffing after it is placed into a separate bowl to be served.
Enjoy!
(C)FrenchOnionSoupBlogCalgary

"Mawigge.... " (Princess Bride)

Yay! Tom and I said "I do" on October 5th! It was the most exciting and memorable day of my life, filled with moments of love, laughter, and happy tears!

I have to apologize that I have been absent from the blogging world for the past few months; my only excuse is that planning a wedding is much like having a full-time job!

However, now that things have settled down, I can avert some of my focus to French Onion Soup Blog and bringing you the most cutting-edge and yummy gluten and dairy free recipes.

HUGE THANK YOU to my beautiful cousin Lara and her partner Kevin from BrightSide Weddings for their amazing DJing! The wedding was so much fun and we could not have done it without them! Check out their website here. Much love :)

The new Mr. and Mrs.!