My boys love these Paleo Carrot French Fries hot out of the oven. I like baking them as it eliminates the messy splattering that results from the typical preparation of French fries –frying.
Speaking of messes, I feel like I’m cleaning up a lot of them these days. Writing a book this summer really threw me for a loop. First, I wasn’t entirely planning on it. Second, I spent just about every waking (and too many that should have been sleeping) moment(s) on the book. Now I’m feeling worn out and tired, and oh so cranky. I’m realizing that pushing myself this hard is not good and that getting back into balance will take more than one restful weekend –it might take a couple of months, or even longer.
What do you do to take care of yourself when you are feeling off kilter? Let’s have a chat (in the comments section) and toss around our ideas. Right now, I’m focusing on eating a lot of protein, getting to sleep early and taking long slow walks. Do any of you have other strategies to share? Go ahead, let’s hear ’em!
Carrot French Fries
Ingredients
- 6 large carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Cut each carrot into 2-inch long sections
- Cut each section into thin sticks
- In a large bowl toss carrot sticks with olive oil and salt
- Spread out carrot sticks on a parchment paper lined baking sheet
- Bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes until carrots are browned
If you’re looking for other healthy vegetable recipes, Elise at Simply Recipes has one for Roasted Parsnips that looks incredible. Below is a photo of my carrot fries before the boys got their hands on ’em! I hope you enjoy these Paleo Carrot French Fries as much as we do.
And, in terms of the book that I just wrote, Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour
Update: check out my nut-free Paleo Chocolate Cupcake recipe made with only 7 ingredients!
Kate says
I listen to praise music and think of the blessings in my life :)
Carolina says
When I am feeling out of whack, I make sure to get lots of rest, including naps (if possible). I also benefit from doing yoga and meditation–and some cardio or other strenuos exercise helps sooth anxiety. If I am really tired, I just curl up with my kitties and husband and watch old movies. I also love to cook, and make sure to eat well–lots of raw foods, and to find ways to laugh and connect with my loved ones.
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says
I can totally relate…my body is going through the same thing as yours did. And, honestly, it’s ready for a break. When I can actually take one, I’m planning on some real, honest to goodness balance in my life and in my food. I can tell I’m a little off kilter from all the cooking & tasting I’ve been doing lately.
I do get exercise daily which helps tons. My dogs and I love the fresh air and our long morning walks. But I’m looking forward to normal – if there is such a thing. :)
Thanks for sharing my cupcake recipe!! Can’t wait to try yours when your book comes out. And, again, congrats!
Emily says
Ah, veggie fries. I have been eating baked fries nearly every day lately to help keep my sugar cravings at bay. Butternut is my fav “fry” but I use pumpkin, delicata, kabocha, carrot, parnsip, even zucchini sometimes.
I’m the same Elana, lots of easy to digest protein, slow walks, sleep (when I can fall asleep!), being gentle to myself (ie. patient), letting my emotions come out (instead of keeping everything in my head) but not really worrying about resolving them- just making sure to release them, using a light box in the morning, and I love dancing to loud music when no one is home, just to name a few :)
Angela says
In my opinion, too often we deprive ourselves of alone time–I define alone time as time away from work, friends, and even family. Without the time apart to re-fill our cup, how can we pour out our talents and gifts to others? In the midst of craziness, I try to set aside time to be outside, in prayer, and simply in the “now” in order to regain the energy and focus to attack life.
Asia says
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, and I really enjoy it! I’ll be checking it a lot because I’m going to go dairy-free for a while for my 6-year-old’s allergies.
I’m in grad school at the moment so there’s always a lot hanging over my head, along with the usual– kids, cooking, groceries, errands, etc. I realized that something that helps me is to really be in the present. Not think about everything I _have_ to do, but instead focus on what I _am_ doing.
thewanderingfoody says
wow, that looks delicious and still healthy! can’t wait to try out this recipe. thanks!
Karen Baldwin says
I hear you about being worn out Elana, I have spent this month traveling, something that is not part of my normal routing. I have one more trip at the end of the month but in the next two weeks my plan is to eat regular meals, take a nap in the daytime if I need to and focus on getting my household back in order, oh yeah, bubble baths too! Hope you get rested up soon!
Melisa says
Those sound like great steps to getting your body back to the rejuvenation state, but maybe adding Yoga will help. I used to under appreciate the benefits of Yoga because it’s so slow, but sometimes that and the meditation that you practice while doing it makes all the difference in your day! Awesome carrot fries recipe, btw..I can’t wait to try it!!
Kelly says
These are terrific, Elana! Yum!
I find that wonderful smells really soothe me. I like clean-burning soy and beeswax candles, and making my own potpourri with orange peels nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves: http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/2008/11/homemade-potpourri-vs-scented-paraffin.html
And seeing my friends always helps too. Lets get together soon! Hugs, Kelly