Ups, downs, & the in-between

Seafood craziness. DELISH!!!!! 

Ground chicken thigh nuggets with zucchini. Cute & fun to eat! 

Roasted chicken: my favorite! 

Mock Italian anyone? No one said pasta couldn't be green. 

TOO good to be true. 

If it's not one thing, it's another. A lesson in life I'm struggling to accept. On a Tuesday, it could be too many carbs. On that Saturday, it could be my new body lotion (that's already 'everything-free'/gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, & so forth). Or maybe even just too much standing on that particular day. Or not enough water. Or the bright lights in a store. Or the toxic smells from a clothing department. Or an overindulgence of a REALLY tasty food you know you can eat but you just don't know when to stop. Whatever the culprit may turn out to be remains unknown until it's too late to deny it. Before you have time to decide if you feel like fighting off an auto-immune response, you're smack-dab in the middle of one. If I had to single out the most important thing this way of eating has taught me, it would have to be this ugly truth; life isn't perfect. Life isn't perfect no matter how much you want it to be. Life will never come without bumps. SO, you have to take your great days & run with them! :) 


We haven't talked at all since the night of New Year's Eve thanks to those bumps I just mentioned. School has started back up (we've got a love/hate relationship), a new job at my college bookstore has begun, my "no time of the month" ordeal has not been resolved (thanks a lot, body), & my severe case of inflammation from head to toe has refused to kick the can. But I am doing EVERYTHING I can to smile, look on the bright side, enjoy each day, & live my life to the fullest. It's required some extra effort on my part such as taking more time for myself but it's worth it. I hate when my heart & my mind are in two different places. I'm torn!!!! Then I hop onto my computer, check my support group page, & am immediately reminded of what's most important to me. It's healthy distractions like the page, my blog, a book, or a movie that I have clung to most often lately when I've been in a real pickle. I just have to tell myself it will pass. Nothing is forever!!!!! 


If I've explored all those options & am still in need of a pick-me-upper then I usually venture into my kitchen, camera in hand, ready to create & capture something magical. Taking photos of everything I cook is somewhat of a form of therapy for me, I will admit. :) It gives me something to focus on other than reality that's sitting right in front of me. My most recent picture of the dollop of peanut butter is my favorite. Peanut butter takes the cake for the tastiest snack on the planet that's SCD-legal. I am LOVING it!!!!!!! I have to beware of eating too much though because I don't want to run into problems. I'm trying, I tell you! It's hard to turn down a spoonful! 


Well it's past 10 now which means it is definitely time for bed!!!! I would chat a bit more but while I'm struggling, sleep is crucial! I hope you enjoy my appetizing photographs. Look out for others later this week! Sleep tight & once again, thanks for listening. Please feel free to share what you do to cope when the going gets tough. 


~Allie      

Unwritten

Savory donuts. Can you believe it?! 

A labor of love. Comfy Belly's donut recipe except without honey! Thanks Erica!!! :) Mine have a mixture of basil & oregano with lemon zest on top. MMMM! 

Dear 2011, 
I'm at a loss of words! Over the past 12 months, you've done nothing but push me, squish me, twist me, yank me, trip me, test me, tempt me, pressure me, anger me, delight me, surprise me, challenge me, the whole nine yards. But most importantly, you've taught me. You've taught me to think for myself, to question what I read, to look for answers, to try until I succeed, to trust my gut, to roast veggies (haha!), to stand tall, to not be afraid, to reinvent my future, to cry when necessary, to laugh with friends, to blog, to reach out for help, to BE ME. I cannot thank you enough. It has been far from easy but, I crossed the finish line. That's all that matters. :) You've properly prepared me for 2012. I'm ready for it!!!! It was lovely getting to know you but it's time to say our goodbyes. Cheers & au revoir! 
With much love & appreciation, 
Allie 


PHEW! What a year!!! Can't believe I made it to the end with a smile on my face. :) Most of it was spent as an SCDer & I'm thankful for that everyday. I have learned more than I can comprehend. Knowledge is power, folks! Although, the group of ladies & gents I've grown to positively adore might be my favorite part. Through it all, I have met the most sincere, generous, loving, supportive, & wonderful people. They've been my guardian angels from the beginning. With their help, I have successfully adhered to the diet for over 8 months now. If not for their words of encouragement, I doubt I would be where I am today. And thank you readers, for listening & helping my blog grow!!!!! Here are some of the people that have become a huge part of my life. 

• Tiffany, creator of the facebook SCD Support Group page
• Emily from Core Wisdom Wellness
• Vicky from Gfree SCD & Veggie
• Erica from Comfy Belly
• Elana from Elana's Pantry 
• Jo from The SCD Experiment
• My incredible endocrinologist Dr. Al-Zubaidi
• My family & friends 
• Whole Foods
• Village Green Apothecary
• Every darling from the facebook SCD Support Group
• D from My Cranky Gut  
• Cheryl from Sweet&Savory snacking the SCD Way    

I love you all from the bottom of my heart. This would have been an impossible task without you. ❤

Now you're probably wondering why this post is called "Unwritten". My future is unwritten!!! It changes everyday & you know what? I'm okay with that. The struggles I've faced with my health have encouraged me to take a step back & really focus on what will work for Allie Brown, not the rest of the world. Today I'm feeling like pursuing the career of a park ranger will be too difficult for me & my health. This split second I'm strongly leaning toward becoming a nutrition coach & livin' in the city! Will I feel that way tomorrow? Most likely YES. But perhaps instead of a nutrition coach, I'll actually become a nutritionist! :) Instead of relocating to Colorado, how about New York City? I'm sure I'd meet tons of health bloggers there! The options are endless. I've had to put my health first & this is where it's lead me. I'm going to make it work for ME. Watch out, 2012! I've got major plans. 

Hope you enjoyed the donuts I made as well! Savory little cuties. :) Who said donuts HAVE to contain sugar? I suppose I'll end the post with... 

✭ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! ✭ 

Have a fabulous time tonight either dining out (SCD-friendly!) or dining in, watching the ball drop, & openly embracing the new year! 

❤, Allie

Carry-out

Kung Pao chicken.

Chicken cacciatore. 

Fried chicken.

Baked chicken.

Grilled chicken.

Sauteed chicken.

Roasted chicken. 

Chicken soup.

Chicken thighs.

Chicken wings.

Chicken legs.

Chicken breasts. 

Chicken pancakes.

Satay chicken.

Curry chicken.

Chicken kabobs.

Chicken salad.

Chicken nuggets.

Chicken fajitas. 

Chicken bouillabaisse.

Whole chicken.

Ground chicken.

Barbecued chicken.

Crispy chicken.

Chicken potpie.

Chicken saltimbocca. 

Chicken purse.

A true honor!!! The Liebster Blog Award

Liebster Blog ❤ 
The most flattering award I've ever received.

My darling friend & fellow SCDer from Gluten Free SCD & Veggie has just honored me with the Liebster Blog Award. I’m flattered beyond words. Receiving this award has made me feel like an official blogger! Not a day goes by that I don't take a moment to appreciate those who have supported me & helped me get this far with my health & my blog. You all know who you are, so THANK YOU!!!!!  

The Liebster Award is bestowed upon makers of blogs with less than 200 followers in hopes of creating a bigger audience for them & their intended message(s). The word 'Liebster' is of German descent & it translates as "Dearest". In summary, the award means "Dearest Blog". The recipient of the award is to then (if they choose to accept it) pass on the torch & nominate 5 other bloggers! It's a contagious cycle of love, recognition, appreciation, & support between bloggers. Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of this heart-warming tradition! 

   

Here are the 5 blogs I've chosen (tough decision, I must say!!) out of ALL the incredible blogs I visit/adore:  

❤ Heal~Balance~Live

❤ Cassie's SCD Adventures

❤ The Crohn's Diary

❤ A Dietitian Gone Paleo

❤ My Big Fat Grain Free Life

To readers of health-related blogs, I'd like to ask a favor of you. Make a miracle happen tonight. Stumble upon one/all of the blogs I've mentioned above, show them you care, increase their stats, & tell a friend about it! Spread the word! ☺It'll make you feel good! 

❤❤❤ Love, Allie ❤❤❤ 

P.S. To those of you that I nominated, here's what you do if you choose to accept! 

1. Link back to the person who awarded you

2. Nominate 5 other blogs for the award

3. Inform the 5 bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog

4. Post the award on your blog!

No gluten? No guilt. No problem.

Can you say almond flour waffles? 

Sinfully easy, dangerously  ☞delicious ☜. 

If you'd like to indulge in some yourself, take a trip over to our ❧❧lovely❧❧ fellow blogger Comfy Belly for the recipe. (Thanks Erica!!! ☺) 

Do you think Americans ❧❧love❧❧ waffles? Founded in 1955, the Waffle House chain has served up more than 500 million waffles!

YUM!

❤

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! :D

The best omelette of 2011 by far!  
❄ ❅ ❄

LOBSTA with a side of grilled tomatoes!  
❄ ❅ ❄

 I ❤ chicken.    
❄ ❅ ❄

Brussels on the stalk. My version of mistletoe. ❤     
❄ ❅ ❄

Poppable little bites of ❤ .
❄ ❅ ❄

❤❤❤❤❤ VOILA! Roasted with ❤❤❤❤❤
❄ ❅ ❄

Here we are on December 25th, celebrating a very MERRY CHRISTMAS once again. It's truly my favorite time of year. :) As soon as the Brown bunch was out of bed, breakfast was in the making. A generously-filled omelette for each of us, cooked on our new non-stick skillet from Santa: chopped hot dogs (Applegate seems to go over well with my tummy), peeled & chopped zucchini, chopped button mushrooms, spinach, salt, & pepper. Positively Christmas-y & delicious!!!! We then had somewhat of a "dessert" for breakfast: LOBSTER!!!! Thanks dad! It was tender, juicy, perfectly grilled, & incredible. Loved ❤❤❤ IT! Lunch was unnecessary after such a large breakfast. 

Then the rest of the day rolled on. Presents were opened, ❤s were warmed, pictures were taken, laughs were released, love ❤❤❤ was in the air. It was wonderful as always. Even our adorable little dog, Zoie, had a marvelous day & indulged in a big crunchy chunk of carrot! I spent the afternoon flipping through my newest cook books, dad passed the time reading his brand spankin' new Grateful Dead scrapbook, & momma peacefully napped up in my bedroom. Picture-perfect day? I'd have to say such is true. ☺ ☺ ☺

Not before long, dinner was being served. Grilled drumsticks marinated in a new spice blend I got from Santa, lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), olive oil (enough to prevent them from sticking to the grill pan), salt, pepper, & garlic (about 3 or 4 cloves), & roasted brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, & pepper (the staple food for the holidays, my favorite!!!!!!). :) Can you say YUMMY?! Who needs dessert when you've got chicken & brussels sprouts? I had planned on making some gorgeous almond flour waffles for dessert but my engine gave out before I had the chance. Tomorrow shall be the day! Look out for pictures of our new waffle maker! 

Santa Claus has come & gone, presents were given & received, food was cooked & enjoyed, & I have read & written myself silly. Time to get some much-needed sleep! :) I hope you all had a day that didn't skip a beat, that warmed your hearts, & maybe even tickled your feet! Hugs & best wishes! 

❤ HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!

❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆

Love, Allie

      

Trying to be 20

Organic chicken thighs with cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, & a smidgen of olive oil over a bed of organic pesto zucchini pasta. A-MAZ-ING!!!!! :) 

Throw on a dress & go run your errands in style. Call up a friend & go downtown to D.C. on a Friday night. Think about a cute boy all day. Get dolled up before going to the grocery store to impress the meat guy. Go to bed at night exhausted from too much laughter. Eat copious amounts of food like it's nobody's business. Be carefree. Live like a 20 year-old. My newest goal. 


A few weeks ago, something clicked in my brain. I realized that I'll only be 20 once. Was I going to let my health get in the way? Absolutely not! And with that, I was off. Off to live like a 20 year-old. :)


To continue on with the positivity, I most recently celebrated my 8 months on the diet. Can you believe it?! YES!!! This past Thursday, as a treat for sticking to the diet, I baked a whole chicken in the oven & ate all the dark meat. By far the most delicious food a girl could ask for. It also doubled as my reward for finishing school! I completed my last final exam Thursday morning. It's amazing what you can do when you've got your health back on track. As if these two major milestones weren't enough, I also had a JOB INTERVIEW on Thursday afternoon!!!!! :D 8 months on the diet, my last final, AND a job interview all in one day: UNREAL!!! I was on cloud 9 from beginning to end. And would you like to hear the best part? I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!! I'm a working girl now! The transformation is officially complete. I go to school, I eat like a regular human being, & I have a part-time job. It's the first time in many years that I feel like the rest of the crowd. Un-be-lievable. I'm speechless. 


To further illustrate how far I've come over these past 8 months, I have two videos; one from 15 days into the diet, one from last Thursday 8 months into the diet. The difference in energy level is shocking! (just as a head's up, I recorded the second video last Thursday/the BUSIEST day I've had in FOREVER so pardon the exhausted appearance; I just wanted to be honest about how I'm feeling! ;)) Although, not a day goes by that I don't take a moment to appreciate having stumbled upon the SCD diet. Phew! I can feel the tears coming to my eyes. Anywho, I'm afraid to admit it's time for me to catch some zzz's. Tomorrow is my first day at work & I seem to be battling a wicked cold so getting loads of sleep might be the cure if I cross my fingers!!!! :) Hugs to you & hopes of sweet dreams. <3 

p.s. did I mention I had a severe allergic reaction to the drug test swab for my new job? YEAH. Is that absurd or what?! Gluten in my system... No wonder I got sick!!!! :(