My Thoughts on "Diet Culture" and a Dessert to Enjoy!!

Okay, I had a reminder the other day on Facebook that transparency and being real is so important.. so  here it is. When I say that I truly understand that love-hate relationship with food and healthy habits it's because I can remember those thoughts and feelings starting when I was 8 years old. I used to worry so much about how other people were judging me by what I ate or what I looked like until I learned some really important things about myself during my journey to becoming a Holistic Nutrition Wellness Coach.

I learned how my body worked especially with Hashmoto's (autoimmune disease) of the Thyroid and PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS-metabolic disease).. and what I have to do to be the healthiest me I can be. Believe me when I say I use to do every fad diet out there, to the point I would eat salads all day ...everyday...skip meals, starve myself and/or deny myself tasty treats to the point of being unhappy just to fit the "diet culture" norms that aren't realistic, and aren't sustainable. I would have fatigue so bad that there were days I couldn't get out of bed or joints that hurt so badly I could hardly move or the weight gain instead of weight loss due to the "flare ups" because it didn't matter what I ate, I would gain until the flare stopped. These "diet culture" FAD diets aren't even backed by scientific evidence and they definitely don't take in consideration each individual person as a whole person. I know because I have experienced it.  I also know based on that culture I am not the perfect image of a person in my profession or even for my gender for that matter. And guess what-- I AM OKAY WITH THAT NOW!

It wasn't an easy road and I still have work to do when it comes to societies "diet culture" norms but knowledge and awareness is true power which has shown me that it's not about quick fixes with tons of misinformation about foods and not so healthy habits. I no longer buy into a billion dollar industry that isn't concerned if it's actually helping or harming us. Plus not one of those diets actually teaches us about ourselves or the food we eat in a positive way! "Diet culture" teaches us the negatives- how to judge ourselves and others, how to be the same as everyone else, how to buy their program, their foods etc. And in the end it doesn't teach us how to heal ourselves, how to truly cook for ourselves or how to meet ourselves where we are to the point of loving our differences or supporting those around us through food etc. 

So after years of doing physical and emotional damage to my body and health, I am now taking back the power that "diet culture" has taken away from me. Because of this I now listen to my body, by making healthy choices that fit and nourish me. I eat 3 meals a day with snacks in between when necessary. My food intake, exercise, sleep and various other aspects that occur in my life are based on my body and my health, which entails foods that are lactose free, gluten free, soy free and low glycemic.  Just because this works for me doesn't mean it will work for you. Don't get me wrong I still have my morning coffee, gluten free pasta or gluten free bread or lunch meat or gluten free pizza with bacon etc. I can't always afford organic foods and if you would look in my pantry and cabinets you will find chips and cookies-- I do have a child in the house that needs to have a healthy relationship with food, a health body image and an understanding about anything in life, even food, needs to be in moderation. I even have days where the meals are quick like breakfast foods with eggs and gluten free pancakes at dinner time. 

See the thing, I am hoping you walk away with from all this is that food is for nourishment, fuel and healing, we need to stop obsessing about calories, fats, our image, and having negative thoughts about food and our bodies.  Lastly,  no change happens overnight not even the ones that aren't beneficial ... so meet yourself where you are and know positive change can happen, just with small steps and time... be kind and compassionate  to others but don't forget yourself in there too!

Well, I know that was long winded for a posting especially attached to a dessert recipe... so without further ado... here is a yummy dessert for you to enjoy and indulge in with moderation... plus it isn't just tasty but also provides potassium, magnesium, zinc and few other vitamins and minerals too.

Cranberry Apple Oat Crisp

This recipe is - dairy free, dessert, egg free, gluten free, nightshade free, 
nut free, pescatarian, soy free, vegan, vegetarian

Ingredients:  8 servings, 50 minutes & 7 ingredients

• 1/3 cup Coconut Oil
  
• 3 Apple (large, cored, chopped)
  
• 2 cups Frozen Cranberries
  
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
  
• 3/4 cup All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour (divided)
  
• 1 1/2 cups Oats
  
• 1/4 cup Coconut Sugar
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°F). Use a little bit of coconut oil to grease the baking dish.
2. Add the apples, cranberries, maple syrup and 1/3 of the flour to the baking dish. Gently toss until well combined.
3. In a bowl, stir together the remaining flour, oats and coconut sugar. Add the remaining coconut oil and use your hands to combine until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruits and press gently. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown and the fruits have softened. Let cool and enjoy!
   

Side Notes:
Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. Freeze for up to three months.
Serving Size - One serving equals approximately 3/4 cup. An 11 x 7-inch baking dish was used for 8 servings
More Flavor- Add cinnamon and/or nutmeg. Use butter instead of coconut oil. Add chopped nuts to the oat mixture.
Additional Toppings- Top with whipped coconut cream, ice cream or yogurt.
All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour- This recipe was developed and tested using Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour. If using another type of flour, note that results may vary.