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!
Carrol says
Being a mom plus having a full-time job that requires traveling = stress. I started do hot yoga lately and it has really given me some time to focus on myself. It’s such a great workout and even though I am exhausted afterward, it is also energizing.
Michelle says
I have a whole list of things to do when I need some rest. I like to spend time out in nature. In fact, I’ve been feeling like I need a nice day in the woods myself. I am hoping the weather is nice so I can do it tomorrow!
Here are some others:
Steal away to a movie during the day BY MYSELF!
Get creative- paint, crafts, art journal
Dance to some fun music
Go on a photo safari and take some fun pictures
Hit the bookstore and spend at least 2 hours browsing
Call a friend and catch up
Lie on the couch and watch HGTV all day
Read a book
Good luck getting your your energy back!
Ali says
I find that having a PJ day really helps me to just take things easy. I find that a hot bath with lavender bath salts and time listening to praise music really helps me to focus on what is important in my life and recenter myself. Sometimes a good cry and a back and/or foot rub helps to get out all those emotions that are just dragging me down.
While we might miss your posts, you need to take care of you! It’s okay to not work so hard all the time. You seem to be a very busy woman between writing, creating wonderful recipes, doing signings and tours and classes, and I can only imaging how busy having two boys is–keeping up with my younger two brothers sports games and band/instrument lessons and sessions is difficult enough after a day of chasing around an energetic autistic preschooler. Take care and feel better soon. God bless.
Susan says
Do rest and relax WHENEVER you can! I never used to “let” myself sleep late on a day off, but I now give myself permission to do so whenever possible. (I also suffer from MS – primary progressive – so fatigue is a part of every day.)
And MUSIC! Try some Hawaiian slack key guitar. (No, this is NOT Don Ho music!) One of my favorites is “Pua ‘ena – Glow Brightly” by Dennis Kamakahi. Listen to some samples online, and support the beautiful music of native Hawaiians!
Alo-ha!
Hallie @ Daily Bites says
A long walk followed by a cup of hot tea and a good book always helps me unwind and destress. Hope you’re feeling balanced again soon, Elana! I’m sure every single one of your cupcake recipes in the new book will be an absolute smash hit in my house. :)
Suzette says
My best tip I learned from my prenatal mindfulness class… for just a few minutes each day, truly live in the present. Use your senses whether indoors or out. Take note of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures. Breathe slowly, inhaling peace and self love and exhaling stress, internal and external expectations, worry, fear, frustration or anger. Sip your favorite tea or nourishing beverage. Take a walk. Smell a flower. Taste your food. Turn off technology and listen to silence. Laugh out loud. Just minutes makes a world of difference. Much love to you!
Jen says
Yoga, sleep, curling up with some good fiction, swinging in the hammock out back, more sleep, warm bath with essential oils, acupuncture, massage, eating more protein, getting even more sleep.
Kathryn Richards says
Earlier this afternoon I watched Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles. I laughed so hard – that is such a great relaxer – laughter! I also enjoy quiet time – it is best away from friends, family, and home, otherwise I get sucked into daily life again. :D
Kate says
When I’m run-down and drained, I tell myself it’s ok. Whatever the cause and cure, it begins with affirming to myself that it is ok to be where I am. In fact, it is my body telling me something and I need to listen!!
Getting back to basics – drinking plenty of water, minimal caffeine (though I want to do the opposite!), eating extra-clean, perhaps some cleansing herbs, walking (gently if that’s all my body can do), getting sun, extra sleep, all those simple things we need to do for ourselves that we lose sight of every so often…
Rest, relax and take care of yourself –
Thank you for all the wonderful info you share with us!!
Kate
Joan says
What ever music floats your boat at the time and working on some sort of gentle, non-deadline creative work helps me, in a addition to what you are already doing. It can sewing something, drawing, writing a poem or music, whatever is easy and comes to hand. For you, NOT a new recipe for awhile! Also, when things are out of whack and crazy, the house work always piles up. So I try to just take care of one doable task a day, rather than get myself overwhelmed by quantity. One day, the bathroom sink. The next, the shower…