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!
Christianne says
Hi Elana,
So long ago! I know exactly how you feel (at least I think :-), I am just finally wrapping up my book as well. It feels like I’ve been in a continues time of labour, but now it is close to be born finally.
Indeed it can take time to regain strenght again. How I will do it? I love ayurvedic oil massages, just curling up on the couch with some great cookbooks and a fire on, spend time in an infrared saunacabin (this lovely heat relaxed all the tight muscles), listen to music and just sit and relax with my love. I delete everything that is not necessary from my agenda. O, I plan a little weekend getaway with just the two of us, and love the pleasurable anticipation as much as the little trip. I hope that you will feel well in no-time, and that your 3 boys are cutting you some slack now! You deserve that! This being said, I cannot wait for your book, it looks gorgeous!
All the best for you! xoxox Christianne
Vanesza says
I find that nature walks and hikes help to balance and energize me and clear my mind. Acupuncture and taking herbs regularly to build and balance the body really helps. These help by regulating hormones, emotions, and decreasing stress, to name a few of the benefits!
Thanks for all the delicious and inspiring recipes!!
Tayva says
First of all – you should wear a cape, you are a super woman!!! You, and your blog inspire me greatly, thank you! If you are open to acupuncture, it is the most amazing energy re-balancing, relaxation, and stress relief I have ever known. Highly Recommend!
Tacia says
When feelings of being overwhelmed and as if I’m being crowded in take hold I know it’s time for some space and simplicity. I carve out some alone time to rejuvenate and take a time out from electronics (including email and the phone). Having a period of time in silence or enjoying sounds of nature (out-of-doors) can recharge my mind, spirit, and body. A favorite recharger these days is cuddling my 3 month-old while he sleeps, especially if I doze along with him.
Lisa says
Going to sleep early is the number one thing for me that affects everything else in my day – how healthy I eat, my mood etc. Unfortunately it’s not always possible with young kids and deadlines.
I rely on yoga to keep me balanced and force me to slow down.
I also go to an acupuncturist when I get too wiped out, she helps me with natural supplements to help with adrenal fatigue and immunity weaknesses so I don’t succumb to every bug I’m exposed to.
christina says
I was feeling run down and unusually tired as well last month. I shared with my husband how I was feeling and he kindly stepped up and took over some of my responsibilities for a time. I cut out coffee entirely and started taking a mix of B vit. and electrolites each day along with fermented cod liver oil. I also tried to take a long hot bath with epsom salts before bed each night. I felt much better within a few weeks. I hope that you are feeling up to par soon as well! Blessings to you!
Helyn says
In a word: MINERALS. Whenever I’m run down I do 3 things:
1. Have a GREEN DRINK (I use Green Magma which is a very high quality dried barley grass juice). Barley grass has tons of assimilable minerals. I love it plain, in water, but most people put it in juice.
2. Take some COLLOIDAL MINERALS. I have found Buried Treasure brand to be the best and most palatable and feel an instant boost from it!
3. YERBA MATE Tea. There is just something so life-giving and energizing about this beverage. It’s high in minerals and loaded with vitamins and although it contains some caffeine, I can have a cup before bedtime and it HELPS me sleep… and makes me HAPPY!
Hope this helps, Elana. I know what TIRED is being a single mom and working 2-3 jobs the past 12 years!
nicola stockmann-tannerfors says
I love the fries! So simple. Will definitely try them. Thank you.
Having recovered from a nasty battle with breast cancer recently, I learned that the healing power of friends, family and nutritious food are the keys to regaining strength and putting you back on the right path. Cutting out anything that detracts from those things is key – for a while. I agree with all of the comments about yoga above too. Sounds as if you need to find a gentle restorative yoga class right now.
Be well and rest in the knowledge that you have made a lot of people very happy with all of the effort that you have put out there.
Andrea says
I find that yoga really helps bring me back into balance. Also, long slow walks in the beautiful Colorado mountains…and getting together for coffee and dessert with my best gal pals (kid free helps too). Lots of great sleep…have you tried relaxing with essential oils? Lavender and Valerian oils are so calming.
Alisa says
I just had carrot fries (okay they weren’t in fry shape, but same idea) this morning! Yum.
When I’m out of whack, I take long walks with my husband (he’s usually off kilter too, so it is dual therapy :), I puzzle (visual challenges stop my mind from spinning and help me relax), and I take time out to make foods that I am really craving. Cookies and such are kind of mindless cravings when I am stressed, when I need to relax, I listen to my body and make simple foods like broccoli, roasted carrots or sweet potatoes, brown rice, nut butters, etc.