Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 13, March 30, 2020

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my thirteenth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, March 30, 2020.
     
2. Weight: My weight essentially stayed the same.  I'm disappointed that my weight didn't go down, but I'm glad that my weight didn't go up, so I'll take it.  Hopefully, next week I'll have a weight loss to report.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 7,700 steps per day again last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  I was able to get out a lot last week when the weather cooperated, so hopefully this week will be the same.

Migraines are leaving me alone for now, but my insomnia is still showing up now and again along with a little restless legs.  Overall, though, the insomnia and restless legs have not been bad, so I really can't complain.

Overall, I feel like I am doing pretty well.  I've been a bit stuffy at times, but no fever, so that's good.  I'm pretty sure it is seasonal allergies, especially since allergy meds seem to help quite a bit, which is also good.  I'm still being very careful about social distancing and keeping my hands and home clean as much as possible.  Always a good practice, but especially good right now.

4. Diet News:  Nothing too new to report here.  I'm still making slow progress towards eating more natural.  I've been making from scratch more often, trying to eat more raw fruits and veggies, and have even cut back on tea of all sorts (I pretty much just drink water now, though I will occasionally drink milk, OJ, or tea...maybe some decaf here and there, too).  All positive changes, and I feel like they have helped me feel better overall, weight loss or no.

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For around 6 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He has basically made no real major changes, and he has good (and I don't mean symptom-free, just more mild symptoms) days and bad days.  His appointment that was supposed to be in a few weeks has been moved out into June due to COVID-19.  If you'd like a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, school as usual (because we homeschool), and our daughter gets another x-ray on her arm on Wednesday, and hopefully we'll be able to say good-bye to her brace.  Other than that, we have no real plans other than walks together as we can (lots of places to go around here without running into people), and not much else.  We were pretty much homebodies before, so this is nothing too new for us, but we are hoping that this pandemic slows down soon and life can return to a new normal.  {Let's face it - life will never be like it was before, but we will find a new center when this is behind us.}  We are definitely praying for our world - what crazy times we live in right now!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Family Favorites - March 2020: Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (Wheat, Fish, Milk and Nut-Free, Can Be Egg and Soy-Free)

I decided to keep posting a family favorite recipe from the blog (with any adaptions that we use regularly, if applicable) on the fourth Friday or Saturday of every month this year.  This recipe will be one that we make quite often and that we all enjoy greatly.  This post is the third Family Favorites recipe of 2020.

If you have a recipe on your blog that you consider a family favorite that you'd like to share, please comment below with a link to the recipe, and I'll make sure to pop on over and visit your site to check it out (and leave a comment), and hopefully some of my other readers will, too.

This month's Family Favorite recipe is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies.  This is essentially my Dad's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe made gluten-free with a few tips added in.

This recipe is a favorite because we love chocolate chip cookies, and this recipe is a great one and fits all our dietary needs.  It is wheat, fish, milk and nut-free (if all your ingredients are), and can be egg and soy-free (see variations).  An allergy-friendly cookie that ticks all the chocolate-y goodness boxes?  Count me in!

Note: The gluten-free flour I recommend does not technically contain soy, but it does contain xantham gum (see "Soy-Free" under variations for more details) which can cause issues for people with soy sensitivities or allergies.  For this reason, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  I will share a soy-free alternative in variations, though.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

3/4 Cup white sugar
 (We always use cane sugar.) 

3/4 Cup brown sugar
 (We always use cane sugar.) 

1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
  

2 large eggs
  

3/4 Cup extra virgin olive, corn or canola oil or a combination
(We always use extra virgin olive oil.)
   

1 teaspoon salt
 (We always use Himalayan pink salt.)  

1 teaspoon gluten-free baking soda
  

2 1/4 Cups Cup-for-Cup gluten-free flour blend

(We normally use and highly recommend Namaste Gluten-Free Perfect Flour Blend.)

  

5 oz. (1/2 bag) Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips or Enjoy Life chocolate chunks or a combination

1. Preheat oven to 375^oF.
       
2. Cream sugars, vanilla, eggs, oil and salt together in a large mixing bowl.  (Note: Do not skimp on the salt!  You need the full teaspoon to bring out the flavors!)
        
3. Add the baking soda and blend well.
     
4. Add the gluten-free flour, a little at a time, and mix until well-blended. (Note: Dough will be shiny.  This is normal due to the oil.)
       
5. Mix in the chocolate chips/chunks until evenly distributed. (Note: It takes a bit to work in the chocolate chips/chunks because the dough is slicker due to the oil.  If you wish, you can add the chips/chunks at the same time as the flour.  This sometimes help them blend in better.)
      
6. Roll about a Tablespoon (smaller amount if you want smaller cookies, larger amount if you want bigger cookies) of the dough into a ball by hand and place it onto ungreased baking sheets and bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.  (Note: One of the things I love about this recipe is that the cookies are so easy to roll and they bake up so beautifully round!  They are a great "for show" cookie!  Rolling the dough into a ball also helps stick the chips/chunks to the dough better since they like to try to fall off sometimes.)
         
7. Remove cookies to wire racks, brown paper or waxed paper to cool.

Makes 3 to 5 dozen, depending on size.

One more note: These cookies are best enjoyed cooled.  They are ok warm, but definitely best completely cool.  I know that is unlike most chocolate chip cookie recipes, but for this one, it is definitely the case.  You will still like them warm, but you will LOVE them cooled.  Trust me. :)

Variations (Please keep your individual allergen needs in mind when making variations/using substitutions!):

• Egg-Free: Use any of these egg substitution ideas here in place of the eggs.  
    
• Soy-Free: Namaste Gluten-Free Perfect Flour Blend does not claim to contain soy, but it does contain xanthan gum, which can cause issues with people who have soy sensitivities and allergies.  For these reasons, I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.  You can use regular flour (if you can have it) or a soy-free, gluten-free flour of your choice.  Keep in mind that if your blend doesn't contain guar gum or xanthan gum, you may need to add between 2/3 to 2 1/4 teaspoons of ground flax seed, guar gum or xanthan gum to help with textural issues, too.  You'll have to make sure all of your ingredients are soy-free, too.
    
• Other Chocolates/Add-Ins: If it fits within your allergen needs and you want to use another type of chocolate (white, milk, dark) or add butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, toffee bits, dried fruit and/or nuts, etc., please feel free, but don't add more than a Cup of extra add-ins. You can even forgo the chocolate all together and just use butterscotch or peanut butter chips and/or nuts/fruit.  It's all about preference! :)

I hope you will give this recipe a try soon and that it becomes a family favorite for you, too!

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 12, March 23, 2020

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my twelfth weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, March 23, 2020.
     
2. Weight: My weight went down half a pound.  I'll take it!  Hopefully, next week I'll have another weight loss to report.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 7,200 steps per day again last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  With the current COVID-19 restrictions along with the uncertainty of Michigan weather (Welcome, Spring!), I'm not sure I'll get out much.  Thankfully, we live in a small town, so I know places where we can walk without coming into direct contact with others.

Migraines are leaving me alone for now, but my insomnia is still showing up now and again.  It is my hope that I will continue to have improvements in these areas this week, too.  We'll see how it goes.

Other than the insomnia, I feel like I am doing pretty well.  I've been a bit stuffy with a scratchy throat at times, but no fever, so I can't complain.  I'm pretty sure it is seasonal allergies, but it is so impossible to know for sure in the day and age we live in, so I am just keeping my eye on things (and staying home other than to get outside when I can).  What else can you do?

4. Diet News:  Nothing too new to report here.  I am finding I am still a bit of a chip-aholic (Potato chips are my nemesis!).  I am working on that!  Other than that, I feel like I'm making progress and making better choices overall.  Here's hoping for more improvements in this department over the next week, too!

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For nearly 6 months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He has basically made no real major changes, and he has good (and I don't mean symptom-free, just more mild symptoms) days and bad days.  If you'd like a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, school as usual (because we homeschool), but that's about it.  We are now under a stay-at-home order which will turn life even more on its head.  We've been basically staying home, anyway, but now it is a requirement.  We'll still go on walks when we can, but will be home otherwise, with limited exceptions.  {Praise: It looks like my husband's work is considered exempt, so he will be able to work for now.}  I know this will pass, but for now, it is definitely a bit overwhelming.  I'm so glad God knows all about it, and I can seek His wisdom, peace and guidance in this matter!

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Recent Reflections - March 2020: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This is the third Recent Reflections post of 2020.  Recent Reflections goes live the third Friday or Saturday of each month.  Each Recent Reflections post covers something that I'm reflecting on.  If you'd like to share a post with a similar theme, feel free to leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll hop on over and leave a comment (and maybe some other readers will, too).

This month, I will be reflecting on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Image courtesy of the CDC.

{Just a note here before you read any further: This illness is not a joke, and it should definitely not be taken lightly.  We do not have immunity to it, there is no cure or medicine for it (though they are working on it), and there is no vaccine at this time.  It is especially a danger to those who are elderly or immune compromised because they don't have the defense systems to fight it off like a younger and/or healthier person.  Please, please, please obey the rules and laws for the sake of our most vulnerable, and don't brush it off as "just another flu, cold, virus, etc."  Social distancing (healthy or not) and staying home when you are ill or even when you don't have to be out and about (i.e. no play dates or parties) does and will save lives.  If you do go out, don't shake hands or hug or even sit or stand close to people (especially if they appear to be ill) other than immediate {healthy} family members.  Don't panic, but be smart!

Don't hoard supplies, either - this only hurts the situation further.

Also, don't spread rumors, and make sure you're getting your information from reliable sources (like the ones I will list below) vs. a source designed to spread sensationalism, fear, etc.  Keep your heads and keep your hands clean.  

Also, our governments - local, state, and federal - are indeed doing what they believe is best for those in their charge, and they are also doing what they can to get testing available for anyone that wants it, but those tests take time to get (just reality - reliable tests take time to make) and results take time to get.  If you are asked to quarantine or do home isolation, test or not, do it (Here's a link to the current guidelines from the CDC about what to do if you are sick.).  That's being courteous, responsible, and a good citizen.

Everything we do may seem like overkill now, but it may be just enough.  My prayer is that it's not too little.  I'd much rather have it said that we overreacted than underreacted.  I'm sure you feel the same way, too.}  

So much has changed in such a short time.  

About 2 weeks ago, I could go to the store without too much worry about finding the supplies I needed.

Today, I can't say that with 100% certainty.

About 2 weeks ago, I could assume that if my kids were a little congested or stuffy or even complaining about a mild sore throat or coughed a bit that it was just seasonal allergies.

Today, I can't say that with 100% certainty.

Today, I have to weigh everything I do by a different measure.

I have to be cautious, not only for myself, but for those around me.

I have to check temperatures when I otherwise wouldn't.

I have to heed every complaint, no matter how minor, and weigh it with reason instead of the instant panic that threatens to rises up within me when I know there is a pandemic around that has so much unknown to it yet, and I need to seriously consider if I should call the doctor over what I would normally consider only a mild complaint.

I have to live with my decisions to stay home or go to the grocery store, and I have to be willing to accept the fact that every trip outside the house could lead to exposure to a disease that may do very little to me, my husband, or even my kids, but could be deadly to some of the dear elderly people that we know and may run into later on.

I also have to realize that there is a lot of misinformation and confusion out there.  One person's bad experience is being shared like that's standard operating procedure.  One person's phobia is becoming fact instead of a hypothetical possibility.  It's hard to find reliable information, and that's why I will share some reliable resources later in this post.

Then there is this reality: We have no immunity to this thing.  That means that our most vulnerable people have a greater chance of dying from this virus, though it is likely to leave us otherwise healthy and/or young{er} people unscathed for the most part.  That's just overwhelmingly heartbreaking to me that we could lose so many precious people to this thing, even if it would statistically be a "low number".

Add to that the fact that we don't want to overload the health care system if we can help it, especially if recovery at home is possible, so we absolutely need to take self-isolation and social distancing recommendations seriously.  We need to be rational, we need to not panic, and we need to realize when to seek care and when to stay home and ride it out.  And right now that means calling the doctor for advice if you feel ill vs. rushing to your local hospital (unless you are experiencing an emergency - i.e. trouble breathing, severe pain, broken bone) and following his/her instructions.

I consider all these things, and realize I have a choice to make.

Am I going to live in fear or live responsibly and trust the Lord?

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) says,"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

I choose to trust the Lord.

It would be extremely foolish to assume that the Coronavirus is not in my neighborhood.  I am of the mindset that it is everywhere, and that there are a lot more cases going undiagnosed due to those particular cases being mild/symptom-free/confused with another illness than there are cases being diagnosed.  This knowledge doesn't make me feel paranoid, and it actually makes me feel thankful because I'm glad that so many people may already be over and immune to this nasty virus.  I also have chosen to trust the Lord with the true facts of disease spread, do what I can to practice good hygiene and social distancing, and live the best life that I can.  

This outbreak did not catch God by surprise.  He is not up there wondering what to do next.  He already knows the future.  I'm so grateful that I have Him to lean on, and I'm so blessed to have His peace.  I know that, come what may, God has my best interests at heart, He loves me and mine more than I do, and He is able to protect us.  I choose to trust in that.

So, what happens if worst case scenario happens?

God is still good.

God is still on the throne, and I will trust Him to use it for my, my family's, etc. betterment.

This is not the first time we have personally faced the unknown with some very scary possibilities on the line, so I know He is faithful.  I choose to allow Him to use this crisis to bring me closer to Him.  That's my choice, and it brings me joy and peace.

Here are my last words of advice before I share some infographics from the CDC and some links to helpful (i.e. factual vs. fear-mongering) information about this virus around the world: 

• If you are looking for this peace that I'm describing, go here and read this.  If you have questions, email me.  I'll be more than happy to discuss it with you!
    
• Stay calm!  Panic helps no one.  Do what you can to stay positive.  Take things one day at a time, and don't dwell on the "what if"s.  If you need help finding {reliable} information or resources, email me!  I'll be more than happy to help you find them.      
• If you need someone to talk to or need a prayer partner, email me!  I'm always willing to be a {virtual} shoulder to lean on.
    
• Last, but not least, stay safe!  Wash your hands, keep your hands off your face, stay home if you're not feeling well or simply just feeling too vulnerable to leave your house, and remember to breathe.  Check on your neighbors (especially your elderly) if you can and are healthy, and be kind!  We're all in this together.

Here are some infographics from the CDC that can be of help to you at this time:

Links for current COVID-19 information and updates and other helpful information:

-CDC's Coronavirus page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
(This site gives updated COVID-19 data, advice on how to avoid the spread and when to seek medical attention, etc.)
  
-WHO's Coronavirus page: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019, especially their page under "Protect Yourself".

(This site gives updated COVID-19 data, advice on how to avoid the spread and when to seek medical attention, etc.)

-Our World In Data's Coronavirus page: https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus
(This site mainly gives facts and statistics, but also gives advice on how to recognize symptoms, how the disease progresses, etc.)

-An infographic from the Allergy & Asthma Network that is helpful in distinguishing between COVID-19, Asthma, and the Flu:
https://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/outreach/publications/infographics/distinguishing-the-difference-covid-allergies-flu-3/

-Pandemic Pondering: https://pandemicpondering.com/
(This is a daily blog written by a doctor which, according to the site, has "expertise in vaccines, immunology, lung disease and pandemic response".  The blog endeavors to answer some questions and concerns about COVID-19.)

I truly hope this post has been a help to you, or at the least made you stop and think a little.

Maybe you want to share something in comments that God has done in your life recently to bless you as a means to be an encouragement to others during these trying and difficult times?  Feel free to do so.  Positivity and blessings are always welcome!  

What are you reflecting on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Weigh In 2020: Week 11, March 16, 2020

Weekly Weigh In will go live every Monday, and it will share how I'm doing health-wise, and it will give me more accountability with my health.

Here is my eleventh weigh in of 2020:

1. The Selfie: The selfie is me as of today, March 16, 2020.
     
2. Weight: My weight went down a pound.  However, I did get a new scale which says my weight is more than I thought it was...by nearly 10 lbs  (Old scale said 211; new scale says 220)!  That was a bit disheartening.  That being said, I am starting my new weight loss journey/record from today onward using my new scale and weight.  My first goal is to be under 215.

3. Health News: I averaged just over 7,200 steps per day again last week.  I am hoping to get at least my 6,000 steps per day average this week, and will do so as long as I can be out and about.  With the current COVID-19 restrictions along with the potential for some bad weather later in the week, I'm not sure I'll get out much.  Thankfully, we live in a small town, so I know places where we can walk without coming into direct contact with others.

Migraines and insomnia are still improving.  It is my hope that they continue to improve this week, too.  We'll see how it goes.

In order to keep our immune systems boosted, we'll be taking Zinc and Elderberry for at least the next few weeks.  They definitely seem to be helping us with the normal blahs we tend to feel this time of year due to allergies and such.

4. Diet News:  My diet is still improving bit by bit.  The new tracker app I downloaded to help me eat better (less processed and more natural) is helping.  At least it is helping me see fruits and veggies as "free" foods vs. foods that are higher in calorie than certain processed foods.  I think that mindset change is a good one!

5. Other News: Please continue to pray for my middle kid.  For about 5 and a half months now, he has been dealing with an unknown health issue.  He has basically made no real major changes, and he has good (and I don't mean symptom-free, just more mild symptoms) days and bad days.  If you'd like a current update/rundown on his condition, you can click here.

As to our week, school as usual (because we homeschool), my daughter gets her x-ray on her wrist/arm tomorrow, my oldest is supposed to have piano lessons (assuming everyone is well and his teacher still wants to do them), and that's pretty much it.  We don't have plans due to all the restrictions in place in our state, but I'm sure we'll get out for a walk when we can (in areas there are no people).  Any grocery shopping we need to do will probably be done by me or my husband, and only what we absolutely need to go get.  

{Just a quick note here: If you are fighting the Coronavirus, you are in my prayers!  If you are not sick but are facing quarantine, you are in my prayers!  If you are not sick but are being asked to stay home as much as possible (I'm pretty sure that's most, if not all, of the US and some or even a lot of other countries), please comply how you can and know that you, too, are in my prayers!  

This is a hard time for our world, but this time will pass.  When it passes, how will you be remembered for how you handled this time?  Be caring, considerate, compassionate, patient, and understanding.  You may think the rules in place are excessive - they may be - but they are in place to keep people safe and slow the spread so that we don't overwhelm our health care systems.  Don't just go crazy and shirk the rules because you disagree with them and feel fine.  Be a good citizen, consider your neighbors, and do what is asked of you.  Keep your hands clean, and stay safe, everyone!}

How are you doing?  Do you have anything you want to weigh in with?  Any health progress or goals you want to share?  If so, please leave a comment below (with a link to your post, if you have one and wish to leave it), and I'll respond ASAP.

Have a great week!

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins (Milk, Wheat, Fish, Nut-Free, Can Be Egg and Soy-Free)

Since I have 2 kids that can only have gluten-free items, I make all my baked goods gluten-free (with very few exceptions).  Because I, and my family, adore muffins, that is one of the gluten-free treats I tend to make most often.  I try to keep coming up with new flavors to mix things up, and this is one of the flavors that I make that is always a big hit - chocolate chip.

I decided (just today, actually) that I wanted to try my hand at making these muffins dairy-free as well as gluten-free (I normally make them with milk and butter).  The results?  Just as yummy, and now even more allergy-friendly!  Now they are milk, wheat, fish, and nut-free (if all your ingredients are), and can be egg and soy-free (see variations).  Woot!

If you are a fan of chocolate chips and muffins and need a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe, this one is for you!

Note: The gluten-free baking mix I recommend does not technically contain soy, but it does contain xanthan gum (see "Soy-Free" under variations for more details) which can cause issues for people with soy sensitivities or allergies, and that is why I will not claim that this recipe is soy-free.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Cup white sugar

(We always use cane sugar.)

3 eggs

1/2 Cup water

2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract

1 3/4 Cup gluten-free baking mix 

(We recommend and use King Arthur Flour's Gluten-Free Baking Mix, and yes, it has to be a baking mix, NOT a gluten-free flour or the recipe will not turn out right)

1 Cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips
(Mini chips, dark chocolate chips or chunks are all fine - use your favorite.  You can also use another dairy-free/top 8 free chocolate chip of choice.)

1. Preheat oven to 350^oF.
     
2. Prepare muffin tins with 12-18 paper cups.
      
3. In a large bowl, cream the oil and sugar until well blended.
     
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated between each addition.
     
5. In a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine the water and vanilla.
     
6. In another separate bowl, combine the baking mix and chocolate chips.
   
   
7. Alternate adding the chocolate chip/gluten-free baking mix mixture and the vanilla water, about 1/3 of each at a time, to the oil and sugar mixture until all ingredients are added.  (Note: Make sure the ingredients are just mixed in after each addition like you did with the eggs.  You want the ingredients evenly distributed, but not over-beaten.)
     
8. Evenly distribute the muffin mixture between the 12-18 muffin cups. (Note: You'll want the paper cups filled between 1/2 and 2/3 full.  Depending which amount you go with will determine how many cupcakes you get.)
     
9. Bake the muffins for about 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.
     
10. Let the muffins sit in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them from the pan and allowing them to finish cooling on the counter or a wire rack.
      
11. Enjoy still warm or completely cooled.

Makes 12 to 18 cupcakes.

Variations (Please keep your individual dietary needs in mind when using variations):

• Egg-Free: Use an egg replacer in place of the eggs.  For ideas on what to use in place of the eggs, check out my ingredient substitutions page.  The flax seed "egg" or applesauce replacement would be a good fit with these cupcakes.
     
• Soy-Free: King Arthur Flour's Gluten-Free Baking Mix does not claim to contain soy, but it does contain xanthan gum, which can cause issues with people who have soy sensitivities and allergies, and hence the reason I won't claim this recipe is soy-free already.  You can use another soy-free baking mix (if you can have wheat/gluten) or soy-free, gluten-free baking mix of your choice.  Keep in mind that if your baking mix doesn't contain guar gum or xanthan gum, you may need to add between 3/4 to 3 teaspoons of ground flax seed, guar gum or xanthan gum to help with textural issues, too.  You'll have to make sure all your ingredients are soy-free, too.

So chocolatey!  So good!

Yum!

Have a great weekend!