@whatjessieats

Have you ever found yourself lost?  Not in the sense that you have absolutely no idea where you are - but more that you have somewhat of an idea but you just aren't sure how to get to the place you are attempting to get to?  Please tell me I'm not the only one! This is where I find myself today.  I pulled out of my driveway just a bit ago in Katy, TX and made a few turns with complete confidence that I was on my way to the Y.  Then I realized - I'm actually headed in the wrong direction.  I did a U-turn and Asher immediately asked why.  I explained that this is what I do these days.  I am learning, so I turn around often.  I am learning, so I make mistakes.  I am learning, so getting some place takes a little bit longer these days.  And now, as I sit waiting to take the BODYPUMP class at my new YMCA, I'm amazed at those simple words I spoke to my son just a few minutes ago.  I was speaking then about learning how to get around...

should. shame. guilt. fear. resentment. bitterness. judgement. Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day of all days this year.  I've been trying to wrap my mind around these two celebrations all day.  I've been rather melancholy, similar to the weather, and just quiet. I'm pondering today the idea that Ash Wednesday is a celebration of love in itself.  It's the beginning of a preparatory season looking toward an empty tomb on Easter morning.  It's a season of lament, of sacrifice, of giving alms.  It's for looking inward in an effort to look outward and upward.  This season of Lent is rich. Valentine's Day, in my opinion, is a day created by Hallmark to make more money. It's a gimmicky day where people spend entirely too much money on flowers that are already dead. I've never been one to celebrate the day with Barry - I don't know that we've ever celebrated it...but it is a fun day for my kids, to wear pink and red, and eat chocolate c...

Today is Day 1. Day 1 of my reset with food. I'm about to get real...I've gone off the rails.  I am craving things that I haven't craved in months. I'm wanting to eat handfuls of chocolate chips out of my pantry, or wanting to shove all the cookies into my mouth while no one is looking (because Culinary Nutrition Expert's don't eat gluten-containing cookies by the bucketful).  But, I'm realizing that I must be honest about where I find myself in my food journey.  2 years ago white sugar was my drug of choice...food was what I ran to for comfort and happiness.  I tackled that.  Except I didn't.  A heroin addict wouldn't go back to just a little bit every so often.  An alcoholic would not be advised to drink in moderation.  And a sugar addict can't expect to control her addiction to sugar by only eating it on "special occasions." A little less than 2 years ago as I just began to realize I had an unhealthy relationship with food....

Need a great go to dessert recipe that comes together in less than 15 minutes, from ingredients that you can keep on hand??  Me too. I took this inspiration from Erin Harner (http://www.erinharner.com/) and adapted it to fit my needs, and hopefully you can make it fit yours too.  This recipe is gluten and refined sugar free, and can be dairy free as well. 1/2 cup almonds 1/2 cup cashews 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (should be dairy and refined sugar free if they're dark enough!) 1 cup medjool dates, pitted 1 cup frozen raspberries 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder 2 teaspoons vanilla pinch of salt raw cacao powder 1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until finely chopped/mixed.   2. Form into bite size balls (using a teaspoon or small scoop). 3. Roll balls in raw cacao powder. Makes about 24 small balls. Other flavor options: In place of the raspberries and arrowroot powder... For Peppermint: add 10-15 drops of high q...

Do you deal with any of the following: • Allergies? • Migraines? • Digestive pain or discomfort? • Anxiety or depression? • Skin disorders or inflammation? • Fatigue? What if relief could come from your pantry instead of your medicine cabinet? Your gut health may be compromised causing you to exhibit signs of leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability. The foods you are consuming could be exacerbating your symptoms. Join Jessi Morton, Culinary Nutrition Expert and former sufferer of leaky gut in this hands-on cooking class. Through discussion and the creation of several recipes Jessi will teach you what foods you need to avoid, and which should become your new staples. You will learn how to change out your familiar favorites for gut supporting options. Tips will be shared for eating more mindfully thereby enhancing gut and overall health and wellness. As you delight in eating a gut- nourishing classic Italian comfort mea...

I love those shirts and coffee mugs that say things like "first coffee" or "all I need is a little coffee and Jesus."  I think most people like them because they are relatable, right?  We need to all enjoy mornings a little bit more once we have a bit of the liquid goodness in our system...we're more awake, more ready to tackle the day, more ready to take a step into whatever comes our way. Yet, by about 2:00pm everyday I feel like I need a shot in the arm...or I did.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.  Yawning, stretching, dazing out the window...they all become more prevalent than getting anything accomplished. What if I told you I've found a new routine?  A new normal? I love to wake up in the dark and quiet of the house. There's peace in those moments before kidlets wake and before my husband starts to ready himself for the day.  My day begins with a bit of gentle yin yoga practice, getting my body ready for moving and being used ...

Maybe one day I will write fabulous little anecdotes about the recipes I create, and share pictures of each step...but for right now, and the foreseeable future, I will keep it to a creative minimum called real life. If you want to make this:  Follow this recipe: Sweet Potato Toast Inspiration from www.lentils.org Ingredients 1 c. lentils 2-3 c. water 1 red pepper 1 yellow onion 3 T. cilantro 1/2 lime 1 sweet potato 1 t. coconut oil 1 egg   Salt & pepper to taste Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse lentils, and remove any debris.   Prepare lentils in 2 c. water by bringing to a rapid boil, then reducing heat to low and simmering for 20-30 minutes.   Make sure lentils remain covered in water by adding more as needed. Peel and cut sweet potato into rounds. Bake for 10 minutes.   Meanwhile, mince red pepper and onion. Chop cilantro. Place 1 t. of coconut oil in skillet. Allow to warm on medium he...