Good morning! Happy Friday!
This week is about getting my act together. After talking lots about increasing my calories, I’m finally taking control over my health (not the other way around), I am very dedicated to changing my behaviours and intake.
I want to finally move past this eating disorder, grow as a person, and start setting some more serious goals for my future. I am content with my outlook on life, but right now I need to make changes regarding my calorie intake.
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Backing up to dinner last night; I enjoyed a plateful of roasted broccoli slaw, zucchini, cauliflower, and chickpeas cooked in a little coconut oil. I ate this with a creamy “cheese” dressing, and enjoyed alongside a slice of burnt (oops) ezekiel bread topped with coconut oil, cinnamon, and stevia.
Creamy “Cheesy” Dressing
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons mashed avocado
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
I just mixed everything together, until a thick sauce (lovely wording) was reached.
In regard to increasing my calories, I decided it was in my best interest to contact a nutritionist. I think the biggest problem I have with increasing calories on my own, is the fact that I feel that I need some sort of validation in order to make this increase.
This morning, I was up bright and early for a spin class which went well, as always. I just love that class. Such positive energy to start the day.
My first appointment with the nutritionist was this morning. It went by relatively well. I heard everything I knew I’d hear. It was also a wakeup call. She was quite surprised I thought my intake was a “normal amount” for a person of my age and fitness level.
I stopped on the way home from my appointment for a coffee meetup, and got my J’adore La Vie on.
The problem I face, is taking healthy eating to the extreme level. Even though you can eat a healthy diet, you can always push that to an extreme level where you’re not able to function “normally” and your quality of life ultimately suffers. The thing I am missing from my lifestyle, is moderation.
I also thought that consuming so many vegetables was healthy, when in fact, I am missing out on lots of other nutrients and food groups.
In the afternoon, I’ve been craving something cooling even though summer has almost ended. Enter, coconut milk “ice cream”
I adapted this from Stuft Mama’s Low Calorie Ice Cream
Banana Coconut “Ice Cream”
- 1 cup lite coconut milk
- 1 banana
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia
- dash of salt
- 1-4 tablespoons of coconut or almond milk for blending the next day
Just combine all the above ingredients (except extra milk) in a blender. Blend for a minute or two, until everything is well combined. Pour liquid into an ice cube tray or into a few small shallow dishes. In a few hours, or the next day grab your blender again. Combine the “ice cream” and add 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk to allow the mixture to blend together. Once combined and the ice cream reaches a creamy texture, fill into a bowl and enjoy.
I’ve been eating it mostly topped with some protein frosting and a little nuttzo nut butter.
Meeting with the nutritionist was great for me. To speak to a professional who reiterated the thoughts I’ve been having, and who told me the changes I need to make. Even though at certain times I still don’t feel like I have behaviours to change.
Just thought I’d update you all on some changes that will be made around here. Its time to put more focus on my health and where it needs to be, instead of focusing on “perfectionism”. I have goals I want to complete in the future, and I need to get uncomfortable and change. Not everyday will be a success, and it will be a struggle.
Off to enjoy the rest of my day!
What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?
Any plans this weekend?
Happy Friday!
About Lisa
Your ice cream looks delicious!
I’m glad you went to see a nutritionist. Sometimes it takes an outsider looking in to really open up your eyes.
I exercise A LOT too and even though I do eat A LOT and indulge a lot, I still don’t think I eat enough for someone with my activity level. I guess it’s just so hard to accept because I honestly eat sooo much to the point where I’m so full and bloated but I never gain. Lately, I’ve been really concerned about my future health so I think maybe it’s time for me to see a nutritionist too but I’m going to start keeping a food journal first just so I have a record to show.
Thanks Katy! I think that’s what it really took for me to realize I need to make changes.
I feel like I eat SO much too, but I guess its just not enough for our bodies.
I think that sounds like a great plan! Especially looking to our futures, our health is so important! I took in my food journal so it was easy to show her my eating habits and quantities!
Congrats on going to a nutritionist! It is always a big step to go and get help! You are doing great and making steps in the right direction. It can be difficult but taking small steps really makes a difference! Have a great friday!
Thanks Jess!
Lisa I’m so proud of you for seeing a nutritionist! That’s a really huge step and it sounds like it’s going to be a really great thing for you. Keep us updated girl! I would love to hear about what goals you’re working on.
Thanks so much Chelsea! Its been quite the eyeopening experience to say the least!
OH MY GOSH YAY! I’m so so so excited for you with seeing a nutritionist– I think it’s a great step in the right direction
I can’t wait to hear more about future visits! Keep us posted girl!
Thanks Alexandra! And can I just say I was SO happy to view your vlog today!
Wow. You are so awesome! Good for you for going to see a nutritionist.
Thanks Brittany!
I’m so excited you are taking positive strides to get healthier and I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful! On an aside note that coconut milk ice cream sounds amazing and I cannot wait to give it a try!
Thanks Danielle!!
It is awesome! I think I just like coconut milk in everything though ha ha.
I’d be stuck between chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate peanut butter as my favourite ice cream flavours – although really, any ice cream is cool with me.
So glad you’re seeing a nutritionist! When I was in recovery, speaking to one and figuring out the steps I needed to take in order to increase my calories to a proper level was definitely vital. Glad you’re taking back control!
Thanks Sam! I’m definitely glad I went to see the nutritionist, I just needed that push from someone outside of my situation!
yay for seeing a nutritionist. I know mine really helped me at some of the toughest points so I really think you should rely on her. They know what they are talking about and really cater to you as a person individually.
I’ve been doing my best to put all my trust in her! I just want to take control over this ED once and fot all!
Good on you for seeing a nutritionist. “Healthy eating taken to the extreme” is not healthy eating. Because healthy eating is not extreme. I know you know this it just hit home when you said it. Disordered thinking makes us strive for perfection in eating, when perfect eating isn’t real or a healthy goal. I hope you feel better consuming more calories and figure out a plan that works for you. You are tackling this head on! Very impressive!!!
Exactly! That becomes obsession and is no long healthy eating. And I’ve definitely made food the obsession and focus of my life, which it shouldn’t be. Thanks Jess!
GIRL! Anything I’d say to you would be a reiteration of what you already know and need to do. So, I’m just going to tell you how proud of you I am! This post made my heart SO happy for you. I know that you’re going to get to the place that you need to be and making an appointment with a nutritionist is definitely an amazing step in that positive direction! I can’t wait to talk to you about this. And, to boot, J’adore la vie was mentioned in this post?! OMG. I love you so much for working that into this post. It honestly, truly means SO much to me. I love you, babe!
Love you Heather!!! Can’t wait for our next chat:)
Kudos to you for recognizing the need for a nutritionist. I think it’s a good practice for anyone to have their diets reviewed by a professional periodically – particularly athletes. That ice cream looks ah-mazing!
Exactly! I think its tough to know your exact nutritional needs when your working out and don’t know how many calories you are burning exactly. Just meeting with her was a good experience, because I certainly didn’t think I’d need to increase my calories so much.
I love coconut ice cream!! I’m meeting with a nutritionist today as well!! I’m so excited! We need to chat soon!
We definitely need to chat soon! I hope the appointment with your nutritionist went well!! Let me know!
I’m so proud of you Lisa. Always remember that if things end up not working out with this nutritionist you can keep meeting some until you find one that really understands you. I’ve seen a lot of nutritionists and most of them were full of crap. Some of them can really do damage. Anyway, follow your gut with that sort of thing and always be your own advocate in the medical world! I’m super jaded, can you tell? lol Been through way too much in that area.
So true. I’ve gone through MANY nutritionists, and if they didn’t work out I’d usually give up. But, this time I will not do that. I will keep on looking because I’m so determined to get back to my healthy self. Ha ha, I understand. Good nutritionists are hard to come by! I’m thankful that the one I’m seeing is awesome!
You obviously know I think you’re entirely awesome for taking the steps to see a nutritionist:). Heck , I think you are entirely awesome anywayz.
You have nothing to lose from this, but health, energy , wellbeing & so much more amazing things, to gain!
Unfortunately , I know all too well the power extreme healthy eating can have over a person, & its effect on being able to function like you mention- none of us deserve that.
So, ill look forward to seeing some carbier meals round here:).
The ice cream looks divine! ( Hehe, I find it funny you created an Ice cream recipe now Summers good & done with). But my ice cube tray is waaay not appropriately sized for the task:(, far too small. I’m on it though! I need some of this in my life soon.
Hagen Daaz cookies n cream was a favourite of mine in my younger days. What about yourself?
Xxx
Oh yes, I’ve been increasing the carbs! Its scary, but necessary at this point.
Ha ha, I know of course I’d post an ice cream recipe at the end of summer…typical;)
My favourite flavor was always mint chocolate chip!
Good for you for talking to her! It’s SO important to have moderation for sure–it’s what makes a life very fulfilling
Ice cream flavor: caramel & salted nuts. Mmmmm!
Thanks Annette!
holy yum!! my favorite flavor is birthday cake or cake batter or anything cake related!! and sprinkles always make everything better! !
I am so happy to hear that you will be increasing your calories! It is so important to feed your body enough so that it can do all the things you want it to do! Go you for taking the step of talking to a nutritionist about this!
My favorite flavor of ice cream is strawberry! I have been a total strawberry fiend since I was a baby.
Thanks Austin! I’m kind of excited to get this process started, but am still pretty anxious at the same time ha ha. I love strawberries but not for ice cream, kind of weird I guess!
I’m working towards increasing my cal intake (and being okay with it). I feel ya on the whole validation thing. I think it will be a great motivation factor to hear from someone else that it’s okay to eat more.
I can’t wait to read about your progress
!
Great job! Its totally worth it to increase your calories! Its definitely very hard at first just to make the adjustment, but after a few days you get used to it! And then its not so hard.
you are so wise for doing this! trust me, I am a nutritionist, but when i was trying to increase calories and heal my gut, i needed someone else to “think” for me. Sometimes how much we know can hurt us. Letting someone else guide you frees your mind! Way to go woman. Love it!
I definitely think knowing so much hurt my chances of being able to make the increase myself. And hearing from someone in the field made it easier to finally take that leap. Thanks Lindsay! You’re definitely an inspiration to me, for healing for optimum health!
Lisa! I <3 you. Just want to make sure you know that.
My mouth dropped open today when I read your comment on my post; we really are TWINS! Unbelievable. I hope you're feeling better, and definitely keep me updated! I'm praying for you! <3
I think it's so so great that you went and saw a nutritionist today. What we perceive to be "normal" and "healthy" can so easily distorted to the point where our normal becomes extreme. This was definitely the case for me. Just like Lindsay said, allowing somebody else to do the thinking for you is so freeing! I'm a nutritionist too (almost!), and knew everything I needed to be doing, but it literally took somebody else "forcing" me to make the changes, in order for them to stick. You CAN do this and WILL do this! I have 100% confidence in you!
I love the coconut milk ice cream recipe; thanks for sharing! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Lisa. <3 Go TREAT yourself to something that you've wanted for a really long time.
You DESERVE it, and I promise you won't change one teeny tiny bit. xoxoxo
So crazy how we both went through the same thing! Like actually crazy ha ha.
I definitely thought I was eating enough, but after seeing her I realized how wrong I was. And that I shouldn’t be maintaining my weight on what I’m eating. I just want that health back for good! And definitely needed that push from someone else.
Thanks Sara! Love you, friend!
Hi Lisa,
I’m so proud of you for meeting up with a nutritionist! I did the same, too, just last week! I learned so much, and am slowly trying to implement some of her suggestions, although it is hard! Our thoughts have become so rigid and ingrained that it is hard to go against them
Anyways, like I said, I’m very proud of you
Lots of love,
Stephanie
Thanks Stephanie! I’m proud that you went and met with a nutritionist as well! That is great!
I definitely am trying to implement her suggestions, it was tough the first few days and I honestly didn’t make much progress, but now that its been a few days I just realized I had to just do it, or else I could end up in inpatient and someone else would be doing it for me. Its definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done though!
Good luck to you girl!
Yayyy I am so happy to hear you are going to see a nutritionist! I saw three different ones in the span of all of this and they all helped me in various ways. I know she will benefit you, it’s nice to hear reassurance from someone that is in fact a professional. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes and your thoughts on it
Oh and yessss this ice cream looks great Lisa!
That’s so great to hear that they helped Tessa! So far, its been a success with my increases but anxiety. Yah, not fun to deal with right now! It was eye opening to hear from her perspective, so that’s always a good thing to realize.
As you know, I can completely relate to this, as I have to increase my calories as well. I really hate when people say “just go eat a cheeseburger”, and while I LOVE THEM, it’s just not that easy. I get it. I am glad you mentioned nutritionist, because it made me think about also seeing one, even though I am a health coach myself! ha. sometimes it’s just nice to put it in someone else’s hands. sending you positive vibes, love!
Ack, I know! My step-dad is always saying this and it drives me a little nutty. Its not at all that easy. I think like Lindsay said (above) that sometimes we know too much about nutrition, we just need an outsiders perspective on things and to actually make those changes. Sending you positive vibes as well!
I am in love with how you curl your hair!!!…sooooo pretty!
yay for coffee dates!
I hope you’re having a great weekend!
xoxo!
Thanks Lizzy! Coffee dates are the best! Have a great weekend as well!xoxo
Oh Lisa I think that’s great you’re seeing a nutritionist! Glad it’s going well already
Thanks so much Paige!