Category Life Balance

Holiday cooking season

Hello fall and winter holiday cooking season, y’all! Nothing says cozy and yummy in this cold climate like a spicy pot of my healthy collard greens recipe. Collard greens are steeped in the traditions of the black diaspora in the Americas and beyond. They are also a favorite dish for this time of the year. However, I’ve since switched this dish up and made it into a much healthier and healing version of the original recipe. Granted, while most folks have their own little somethin’, somethin’ they add to the mix, mine takes it to another level.

A little bit of history regarding this dish

While most folks in North America now associate collard greens with the southern region of the country, this dish is unique. It’s roots tie back to the dark history of this country. Collard greens is a dish that evolved from the creativity and tenacity of the lived experiences of enslaved black people. This dish has since become a southern delight and staple during the holidays in the U.S. When African enslaved people toiled and suffered at the hands of white supremacy and slave masters, they were fed scraps and unwanted portions, cuts of meat, etc. These food scraps consisted of greens that were considered inedible weeds or low quality by slave owners. Enslaved Africans took these scraps, coupled with their knowledge of spices and food ways, and created a dish that nourished and sustained the body.

An indomitable will to survive and preserve cultural food ways

Out of their drive to survive and thrive, Africans in the diaspora adapted their native spices, herbs, knowledge and creativity. In the end, they made food that was both palatable and delicious. We now call much of these adaptations and innovative foods “soul food”. Now, collard greens have become popularized as the “cool and spicy” food to eat and part of “American” culture.  My version has been further adapted to craft a healthy collard greens recipe that builds on the history of my people.

Health benefits of this delicious recipe 

1. fibre is just one of the many benefits of this recipe.
2. Vitamins k, A, B, C and E are some of the amazing nutrients in these greens. Also, they’re rich in essential minerals. These include potassium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, iron, magnesium and zinc).

3. Bone broth is loaded with collagen, is gut healing, and promotes immune function. Not only that, it also improves bone and joint health, as well as anti-inflammatory.

4. Other ingredients provide a great source of protein and are anti-inflammatory. You can read more about the health benefits of these spices on anothe one of my post when you click this link.

Ingredients for this healthy collared greens recipe

1. Collard greens (4 cups thin shredded)

2. mustard greens and, or purple kale (2 cups, thin shredded)

3. smoked turkey necks (1 pound)

4. Organic bone broth (2 cups)

5. Smoked paprika (2 tablespoon)

6. Curry powder (1 1/2 tablespoons)

7. Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)

8. Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)

9. 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

10. 2 garlic cloves

9. Allspice (1/4 teaspoon)

9. Sea salt (1 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt)

10. Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon)

11. Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)

12. Fresh ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

You can adjust both the salt and chili powder according to your taste. We love our version of this healthy collard greens recipe, spicy! Also, I’ve got more healthy and delicious dishes right here

Also, check out the video of this recipe right here, to see just how delicious this amazing recipe is!

Preparation (approximately 2hrs)

what would ordinarily take you over 6 hours to prepare, we can cut down the time to 2hours. This is because in order to make a great quality bone broth, the bones must simmer for about 6 hours. Extracting the collagen and other beneficial nutrients from the bones requires a lot of time. Especially if you want to reap all of the health benefits as well as develop the flavour of the broth. Using an organic bone broth brand saves you a lot of time. However, I prefer to make mine from scratch.

bring your bone broth to a gentle simmer while adding in your spices, etc. Next, add the smoked turkey bones, garlic and red onions. Allow it to simmer for about 45 mins and then add in your shredded greens. Once you’ve added the shredded greens, turn down the heat to medium-low heat and allow to simmer for an hour. Occasionally stir the greens and take a fork to shred the meat from the turkey neck bones. Allow to simmer on very low heat for an additional 15 mins and then turn off the heat. Next, allow it to sit for a few mins and then serve hot with corn and flax meal bread.

We are in the last quarter of 2022 and it is time to make the right shift for staying healthy and living your best life! If You’re not there yet, that’s okay because its never too late to improve your life. That being said, there are so many cheap fall and winter selfcare ideas that I’m about to share today. First of all, selfcare is not optional especially with everything that it is happening on the global front.

More on selfcare

It took me a long time to appreciate the true importance and impact of selfcare on every aspect of life. It took tragedy and my on health care issues to realize that I needed to break the cycle of self-neglect and socio-cultural conditioning. That is the same conditioning (and control) that made me believe it was selfish to honor my own needs, desires, etc. This is especially true for women because from the cradle we’re basically taught that our lives, desires, wants, positioning, etc are not of equal value. Women are taught (largely by society and culture) that our worth and validation is tied to “something” outside of ourselves.

A brief reminder

For the average woman, especially non-eroupean, selfcare is something of a luxury even now! Not only that, many folks are struggling to financially and need affordable ideas and tips. Today’s cheap winter selfcare ideas are ones that can also be adapted to other seasons of the year too.

Selfcare is a radical life saving practice that empowers, nurtures, heals, and renews our beings. It literally forces us to do the internal work (i.e. healing, renewing, self-development, etc) necessary for wholeness and autonomy. This is also why, selfcare is often demonized and restricted to cute memes and hashtags in social media. The reality is that most societies and cultures don’t view selfcare as a necessity, especially when it comes to women. 

Just a few fall and winter selfcare ideas to get you started

1. yoga – yes I said it! Yoga, regardless of the variety is a great self care practice. It helps not only with your physical health, it’s also great for your mental and emotional health (i.e. stress reduction, managing anxiety, depression, etc).
2. Hot herbal tisanes for am detox and boosting immunity.
3. Herbal foot detox bath (with herbs, essential oils and Epsom salt).
4. Detox body bath soak (with herbs and essential oils- please consult your physician prior to preparation).
5. Bone broth and psyllium husk soups and stews (boosts immune system and psyllium is a probiotic for gut health as well).
6. Personal growth activities – reading books on personal growth, mindset, spiritual guidance, etc.

More selfcare ideas that are great for the fall and winter months

1. Doing a weekly personal needs checklist or assessment; using a journal or notebook on paper or in the notes app, etc.
2. 5-10 min daily mediation practice / quiet time. These routines can done be first thing in the morning, during your exercise routine, going for a walk, etc.
3. Do a seasonal cleaning and clearing session-a play on spring cleaning. Fall clearing is removing and discarding the clutter in your home that you’ve built up since the beginning of the year. It also includes all of those things you struggled to release during your spring cleaning. Meaning, stuff that kept you from moving forward, emotional baggage, etc. You’ll realise you never really needed that stuff but kept it out of fear of change, the unknown, habit, etc.
4. Create or revamp your meditation space to reflect the new season of fall. I can’t over emphasise how important it is to have and or create, a space that is yours alone and is specially crafted for you to decompress and meditate. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that each season is naturally powerful and that power is further amplified when you create a space that not only reflects your own personality and aesthetic, but also the season as well. You are essentially creating a power amplifier that is uniquely tailored to your own energy.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Let’s not forget that the fall and winter seasons are typically the times when people become affected by SAD. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that is related to changes in seasons. So, a good selfcare routine means that you’ll have the tools you need in order to help you get through these tough times. Bottom line, there are many cheap and creative selfcare ideas out there. They are out there if you really want to change your life before the new year!

For many more selfcare strategies, tips and ideas check out my other posts on selfcare 365 days a year! Plus, don’t forget to comment and follow my blog for more life changing tips!

Fall fitness time

For every season we need to make adjustments in our routines, cycles, etc in every area of our lives. That means when it comes to fitness and working out, it’s good idea to make changes for the season too. This is even more true when you start factoring in ageing, etc. Fall fitness for women over 40 makes a lot of sense especially if you want to avoid injuries!  Avoiding injuries while working out, should always be your goal if you want to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Fitness through the seasons

We need to adapt our lifestyles and routines to each new season during the year. Especially if you want to truly enjoy the year and all it has to offer. Granted, we can’t account for every eventuality, but we can make smart decisions on how to move forward. When it comes to women over 40, we’ve got other things to consider such as bone and hormonal health. This also impacts how and what types, of exercises we engage in. Keeping these fall fitness for women over 40 in mind, is my way helping women stay healthy and active 365 days a year

Things to keep in mind during the fall season

With the fall comes the usual cold and flu season as well as other potential community health infections and illnesses. It is also a time when our stress and anxiety get elevated, seasonal affective disorder kicks in (colder and northern regions of the world), etc. As we get older, we can become more vulnerable to respiratory and other illness and injury. When you consider hormonal fluctuations, shifts in dietary needs, the potential for loss of mobility and a decline in over all health can increase dramatically.

Exercising and staying fit the right way

Yes, there is a right and a wrong way to exercise and you don’t need to be a fitness guru to figure it out either! First off, never abruptly jump into a vigorous and or high intensive workout program / routine. That is one of the best ways to get injured and completely sideline all of your fitness goals. Instead, consult your healthcare provider, fitness coach and get your fitness assessment. If you already have a good idea of your own fitness level, you’re already a quarter of the way to elevating your health and fitness.

One easy recommendation

As a women’s self-care and health coach for women over 40, I always recommend starting out light and slow to start. Once you’ve got your routine planned and in place, it’s easy to increase your intensity and amount of weight training.  You can read more about some of my favorite exercises for women over 40 when you click here. I always say, “let your body be your guide”! This is the main reason why I stress the importance of selfcare because self-care forces you to tune into the needs of your body. Self-care also teaches you body awareness and connectivity. If you’ve ever had the sense that “something” is “off” in your body, then you know what I’m talking about.

My 5 favorite tips for staying fit and fab this fall

1. If you’ve been off of your exercise routine for more than 2 weeks, don’t restart your program with high intensity/ high impact exercises. Instead, start light and focus on exercises that hone in on mobility and flexibility.

2. Always check in with your healthcare provider, health coach, or fitness coach after a long hiatus from working out. It will help you avoid injuries that can affect your long term health and mobility.

3. Get a workout / fitness plan that is geared toward taking advantage of the fall season. For instance, fall is the perfect time for long walks and hikes because it’s neither to hot or too cool.

Last but not least

4. Fall is also one of those times of the year, when you want to make sure you are taking the right supplements to help support your immune system and overall wellness. While supplements can never be a substitute for whole food, it is necessary to add natural supplements, herbs, spices, etc that support and optimise your body functions.

5. Never underestimate the power of a good stretching and mobility routine. Even as I say this to you, I’m always reminding myself to do the same. Frequent and constant stretching routines (i.e. yoga, pilates, etc) will save you from injury and misery. Not only that, one of the downsides of ageing (in general), is the loss of mobility and flexibility. You want to stay toned, avoid aches and pains associated with arthritis and so forth? Start your yoga and or Pilates practice in addition to weight training to maintain your active lifestyle!

Final thoughts

Start thinking of “ageing” as the “use it or lose it” principle on steroids, and less like it’s the twilight years of your life. I’m learning that we all have an expiration date that is unspecified and far from guaranteed. Every day in the news, I hear of some young person who’s been struck down in the prime of her/his/their life while others make it well past their 90s. Bottom line? We all live in the dash ”-“ of our time here on earth so why not live it fabulously and with purpose?

Self-care and self-love will help you achieve all of this and more, if you are willing to embrace the journey and gain the courage to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Plus, anything worth having is always worth the work to get there. As for the internalised socio-cultural patriarchy (and often misogyny) that women should learn to “age gracefully”, I call b.s. on that! We are all entitled to live life to the fullest and part of that means honouring your body, and giving it what it needs to thrive. You get to decide!

Please save and share this post with your community and follow for more tips and healthy lifestyle strategies.

Economic hardships

We’re in a recession folks and that means tightening our belts. It also means being resourceful and finding creative ways to self care on a tight budget.  That also means, getting recession proof self care strategies to help you weather the storm! While no one wants to get down in the dumps over the economy, the truth is that we need to adapt. A recession, economic hardship, etc means finding creative ways to stay healthy and keep your household in order.

Adaptation and resourcefulness is the key

I get it. Who wants to think about trying to workout or maintain a gym membership when we’re in the middle of a recession? Let’s not even add in the cost of transportation, fuel to keep our homes warm, etc? Well, when you understand that selfcare is critical to you staying healthy and getting through the tough times, your mindset shifts. Having recession proof self care strategies in place are like, having a “Go bag” during a crisis, national emergency etc. I know. It sounds dramatic but it’s so true! If you suffer from anxiety, PTSD, etc, you know how important it is to have the right tools in place to help you make it through your crisis.

In the case of recession proof self care strategies, these are crucial for both the short and long term. While humans are extremely adaptable, recent happenings around the globe have left many people struggling to cope. It’s a fight for them to address their physical, mental, and physical health. According to the WHO (world health Organization) and  US News & World Report, things a pretty grim for a lot of folks.

Recession proofing your self care

Focusing on the recession and other local and global crisis won’t offer solutions or make us feel any better. To borrow a quote from Tony Robins, “it’s not a lack of resources, but a lack of resourcefulness”, that’s the problem. To get beyond the paralysis of an economic or personal crisis, means getting out of that “headspace” that keeps you bound. Using your self care practice gives you the ability to weather storms in your life. Not only that, with these strategies you develop solution-based ways of thinking. This will help you to handle stress, anxiety, etc in healthy and productive ways. Also, It will help you stick to healthy activities (i.e. workout routines, etc). The mindful aspect of self care, helps sustain and support your health and overall well being.

After all, if you’re sick, stressed out and overwhelmed, your chances of navigating and surviving current happenings (both local and global), are slim! I’m not trying to freak you out, but depending on where you live in the world and your “resources” things are going to be very tough for a while.

Here a few tips

1. Manage your stress (i.e. EFT, meditation, breathing exercises, etc). You’d be amazed at how much better you’ll feel when you are able to control your stress level. Not only that, stress negatively impacts your immune system, mental health, etc.

2. Eat foods that support your immune system and energize the body). The quality of your food choices can not be over emphasized here. Realize that healthy food is both energy and medicine for your body.

3. Organize your physical and mental space. Get rid of overwhelm by pouring out your thoughts, feelings, etc, down on paper. A good brain dump gives you clarity and improves focus.

4. Create a weekly and monthly budget to keep track of, and organize,  your expenses to avoid overwhelm and anxiety

5. Set aside time (i.e. 30 mins, etc) each day to attend to your personal self care needs. This is separate from to-do lists and daily maintenance activities.

Final thoughts

Recession proof self care strategies will give you the endurance and mindset to make it though. Also, these strategies don’t work in a bubble. You have to consider your environment and prioritise your health and safety first. Then, in that context of self care, plug in these strategies so that you have a sustained plan of action. As always, you can read some more posts for budget friendly selfcare tips right here  and free resources too! Also, share this post with your community and be sure to subscribe.

Summer outfit tips

We all get excited for summer getaways this time of the year. But, things can get uncomfortable and ugly if we’re not prepared or fail to pack appropriately.  So, today, I felt it was a good idea to share my summer vacation outfit tips. After all, it’s more than possible to look, chic and still be comfortable!

Getting prepared

As a kid, I hated all of the excess baggage, incidentals, etc and always promised myself that when I grew up, I’d never put myself or my kids through that. Fast forward to adulthood and I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of being prepared. But unlike my parents’ version of preparation, I go for style, function and durability. This means that everything I pack can transition from day to night as well as from hot to cool (for those cooler summer evenings). Over time my summer vacation outfit tips have shifted and evolved as I gained more travel experience. This also includes learning to pack for emergencies and sudden changes in my itinerary.

Getting out the door

Long before you head out the door, it’s always a good idea to have a travel or vacation check list posted either on the fridge or your bathroom mirror. Trust me, this works and you’ll thank me later. That way, you can keep a running tally of everything you’ve packed and what you still need to include in your luggage. It also helps you stay organized and it will keep you from over packing! Next, keep emergencies items, meds, etc, in your carry on bag. This also goes for small electronics like your cellphone and or digital reader. If you’re more of a visual person , check out my tipsheet pin on Pinterest!

About those clothes

Always pack clothing that’s either wrinkle-free or easy wear. Unless you’re going to some high-end resort where dry cleaning services are readily available, go for low maintenance fabrics.  It’s relatively easy to find great outfits that are made from sustainable fabrics that are also durable and feel good against the skin. Just recently I was pleasantly surprised at how Target has expanded it’s clothing line to include form, function and cuteness to it’s brand! I found some great, affordable boho chic summer dresses to add to my closet. One more thing. As much as possible, pick outfits that can be layered in order to expand your outfit selection. It’s a great way to make sure that you always have a temperature-appropriate outfit to get you through your trip!

Your carry on luggage

One quick reminder here: the airports and most other travel hubs, ports, etc are a hot mess! So, expect that whatever can go wrong, will have a high probability of happening. That’s why I always carry a wrinkle free out fit that can go from day to evening without any issues. No anxiety of being stuck in the same outfit because your luggage got delayed or lost. When you have a capsule easy-wear out fit in your carry-on you won’t  have to deal with that.

A gentle reminder

Now that you’re all packed up and ready to go with my summer vacation outfit tips, I  have to remind you to also remember to selfcare this summer as well. Also, pack a little wellness pack to boost your immune system to help you stay healthy on your trip. Try my awesome summer wellness tea recipes with these easy to use ingredients. What are some of your summer vacation outfit tips? Share them so everyone can add to their own lists.

A Summer Banana Ice Cream treat

Nothing screams summer fun like ice cream! Not only is ice cream huge in my family, but we’re all a little addicted to bananas because bananas and mangoes were a staple growing up in the tropics. These days, I’ve found creative ways to cut out the bad and usher in the good when it comes to snacks and food in general. One of the best ways to cut out unhealthy mystery ingredients, dyes, preservatives, etc is to make my own ice cream. My summer banana ice cream recipe is deliciously cooling and is vegan too!

On a quick note, this post includes affiliate links from which I receive a small commission!

Beating the summer heat

While I love the summer season, it is essential to remember that with high temperatures comes the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. So, that also means making sure we load up on fluids, foods, and snacks that help keep us both hydrated and our electrolytes balanced.

Bananas for bananas

While I love bananas because they taste amazing, they’re also loaded with a lot of health benefits too! This banana ice cream recipe contains ingredients that taste delicious but are also good for you. Bananas are high in nutrients like magnesium, B6, vitamin C, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and help you bounce back from strenuous workouts! Needless to say, bananas are awesome when it comes to both taste and nutrition.

What’s in this banana ice cream recipe?

Obviously, the main ingredient is bananas combined with some other tasty accomplices. Since this is a vegan ice cream recipe, I’m using all nondairy ingredients. Instead, I use a combination of coconut milk (organic) and coconut cream (optional). I also add raw honey, vanilla bean, vanilla extract, and almond extract. To add complexity to my recipe, I also add a little organic turmeric powder and top everything with some caramelized pistachio nuts and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan sea salt.

Ingredients for this recipe

1. Fresh, ripened bananas (peeled and frozen)

2. 1 can of coconut milk (chill for 2 hours)

3. vanilla bean

4. Vanilla extract

5. Almond extract

6. Nutmeg (fresh ground)

7. Raw honey

8. Turmeric powder (1/8 teaspoon)

9. fresh ground black pepper (1/8 teaspoon)

10. Pistachio nuts (1/4 cup of roasted and lightly salted variety)

Bringing it all together

First, pour the coconut milk into the blender and then cut open the vanilla bean, scrape out some of the beans and then add to the frozen and fresh banana mixture. Next, pulse the mixture in the blender to fully integrate all of the ingredients. Once that’s done you can add in the rest of the dry ingredients. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy and then pour or scoop out into a freezer-safe container and allow to chill for at least 2 hours. 

Finally, toast the pistachio nuts in a skillet with honey, then place in the freezer to later sprinkle on top of your vegan banana ice as your topping. I usually make my vegan ice creams in small batches. Also, for a serving of 4, I use four medium-sized fresh bananas. Then,  I freeze them first and use my Nutribullet blender (it makes hot and cold soups, dips, etc) to get a creamy consistency.

A summer favorite moringa face mask 

*please note this post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a small percentage of any sales generated from associated links.

It’s that time again and that means bring out the diy moringa face mask, y’all! This is another awesome recipe that tightens pores, evens out the complexion and, is anti-aging. Not only that, this fan favorite also adds lots of moisture and hydration. As always, be sure to check with your dermatologist to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Since I have sensitive combination skin, I always do a small test patch to make sure and you should do the same.

Why this is a summer favorite

Although I love summer weather, I also know it can age and dry out your skin if you don’t protect and nourish your skin regularly. Also, if you’re not a fan of mystery ingredients, fillers, etc in your skincare, you’ll love this recipe too! Aloe Vera gel, moringa, and rose hip seed oil are the stars of this diy face mask recipe. For me, selfcare does not end with diet and excercise. selfcare also includes ensuring that your skin (a major organ), is gets what it needs too. This is just one of many recipes I’ve created to protect, nourish and fight signs of aging. You can check out another favorite right here (when you click on the link). Also, visit my YouTube channel to watch how I bring these ingredients to life and join my selfcare community!

The Ingredients

1. Rose hip seed oil (organic)

2. Aloe Vera gel (organic variety)

3. Moringa powder (organic)

4. Kaolin clay (organic, lead free)

5. Vitamin E (food grade supplement)

6. Carrot seed oil

7. small glass jar with airtight lid (use only for skincare, 15 pack!)

Skin benefits of this DIY moringa face mask

There are so many awesome skincare benefits in this face mask that I’m gonna keep it short and sweet. First of all, the aloe vera gel is super soothing, refreshing and tightens the skin naturally. Not only this, it loaded with nutrients that help calm sensitive skin as well as adds moisture to the skin. For the summer, this is definitely one ingredient I can’t leave out of my skincare routine. The vitamin E, rose hip seed and carrot seed oils, are packed with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and youth-promoting nutrients that make this this perfect addition to your summer skincare regime.

As always, be sure to do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in this face mask. So, make sure you check with your healthcare provider if you’re not sure or if you’re taking any medications, etc.

How to use it

After mixing all of the ingredients together until your have a smooth paste, liberally apply it to your face (or body) and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Again, make sure that you do a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients. Next, rinse off the moringa and aloe face mask with tepid water and gently rub it off with your hands in gentle upward sweeps. Then, pat off the excess water and apply our moisturiser and or serum to finish off your treatment.

Easy Prep Summer Summer Snacks 

It’s okay to get your snack on from time to time as long as it’s a healthy version! For me, spring and summer mean it’s also time to cut down on cooked foods and go more raw. My vegan nutty power balls fit the bill to a “T” as they’re a perfect combo of sweet, savoury and nutrient-dense! These vegan nutty snacks are loaded with antioxidant-rich nuts, healthy fats, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals.

More about the ingredients

As I mentioned before, I love meals and snacks that are not just yummy, but nutrient-dense as well. I also try to avoid cooking as much as possible during the warmer seasons. But, that doesn’t mean sacrificing variety or nutrition. The same is true when it comes to creating nutrient-dense snacks that are high on the tasty scale. These vegan nutty power balls are made up of walnuts, pistachios, almonds, nut butter, chai seeds, and other goodies.

If you love nuts, read up on the benefits of nuts and more right here!nuts and more right here!

You can also find out more about about nuts, their nutritional benefits, allergies and more, from this healthline.

What you will need

1. 1/3 cup of fine chopped almonds

2. 1/3 cup of fine chopped walnuts

3. 1/3 cup of fine chopped pistachios

4. 1/3 cup of fine chopped dry figs or or dates (optional)

5. 6 table spoons of organic peanut butter with no additives (salted)

6. Lightly toasted shredded coconut

7. 2 table spoons of organic unsweetened cocoa powder

Bringing it all together

Simply combine all of your nuts together until they are well mixed and then add in your dried figs or dates. Next, begin to mix in your peanut butter (or almond butter) until your mixture is soft enough to mold into balls. You can make them as loose as you want, just keep in mind that you’ll need to keep them in the fridge so that they hold their shape.

Once you have a nice firm consistency, form your mixture into small balls and then roll them in the toasted coconut and lightly dust each one with cocoa powder. Next, place them in the fridge for 25 mins to set or in the freezer for 15min. Be sure to save and share this recipe too!

1. My bone broth story

Bone both has always been a thing in my family, so using it as a base for my fish bone broth soup is a no brainier! You can make yours from scratch or use an organic grass fed version from your local store. Also, as a fan of Trader Joe’s, I love using their organic beef bone broth as a base for soups and stews whenever I’m pressed for time. However, most of the time I have to just tough it out and make it from scratch. That’s because that way I can guarantee the quality of my bone broth.

The versatility of bone broth

Bone broth is something most folks are familiar with even before it was a “thing”. That base from your mom’s home made chicken soup? Yeah, that was bone broth and that’s part of the reason you bounced back from that cold or flu you were suffering from. You can also make bone broth from either beef, chicken or fish. All you have to do is boil down or simmer your fleshy bones to extract the nutrient dense marrow. The broth is also rich in collagen which gives it a jelly like consistency once it cools. Most folks add their blend of savoury spices to amp up the flavour.

Health benefits of bone broth

Now that health gurus have “discovered” the all around benefits of bone broth, its now become mainstream. The truth is, my family has always used “bone broth” and meat stock as a base for our traditional soups and stews. Not only does it add a complexity to the flavour, bone broth has a huge number of health benefits. Studies have shown that bone broth supports the immune system, improves gut health. Also, it adds a variety of key nutrients in significant quantities. Protein, amino acids, magnesium, phosphorus and collagen are some of the main nutrients.

Not only that, when used as a base for my fish bone broth soup, I get the added nutrients of collagen and minerals that increase joint and skin health.

My recipe

Like I said, I’m using fish in my bone broth soup because it’s light, nutritious and pairs well with other dishes. My fish bone broth soup is also a perfect dish for the Easter season! To maximise the nutrient profile, I use my grass fed beef bone broth  as the base.  For this, I use oxtail or short ribs in combination with my favourite spice blend. My spice blend includes bay leaves, fresh ground black pepper, fresh ground multicolour peppercorns, turmeric and Nigerian curry powder. Next, I add a table spoon or so of fresh curry leaves. Last but not least, I add a dash of all spice and Nigerian hot chilli powder (optional). You can find other gut friendly recipes like this one right here on my blog!

Ingredients

1. Bay leaves (1 teaspoon)

2. Fresh chopped garlic (1-2 large cloves)

3. Fresh chopped onion (1)

4. 18 ounces of bone broth (home made or store bought)

5. 1/4 teaspoon Nigerian curry powder (you can use Jamaican if you can’t get this variety)

6. 2 table spoons Himalayan pink sea salt

7. 1/2 cup of sea moss (which ever variety is easiest, I use Jamaican wild crafted)

8. 3/4 cup organic shiitake or baby Bella mushrooms, sliced thin and chopped

9. 2 tablespoons organic turmeric powder

Also, here’s the rest of my secret ingredients for this recipe:

10. 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

11. 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pink pepper

12. 1/4 teaspoon Nigerian hot chilli powder (to your tolerance)

13. 1/4 teaspoon allspice

14. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

15. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

16. 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

17. 2 tablespoons soy sauce or organic Braggs Aminos

18. 1 tablespoon fresh grated and chopped ginger

19. 1 tablespoon of fresh curry leaves

About the ingredients

In case you’re wondering, all of these ingredients have many health benefits especially for the gut. To start with, curry leaves have been used in Indian cuisine and herbal medicine for generations. For instance, curry leaves have been used for treating upset stomach, nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. Also, curry leaves stimulate digestive enzymes and support bowel movement. Ginger, garlic, allspice, and turmeric help to support gut health as well as the immune system. These are just a small taste of the healing benefits of this fish bone broth soup! Needless to say, it’s not only nutrient dense but it’s healing to the tummy as well.

Bringing it together (total cook time: 90 mins)

If you’re making your own bone broth, factor that into your cooking time. Next, you can add all of your spices and herbs at this point. I usually add my spices at the beginning and save the curry leaves for last, and also saving some for garnish. Once your bone broth is ready, you can add the fish no more than 20 minutes before your soup is ready. I hate overcooked fish and depending on which one you choose, the cook time will vary for your fish of choice. It’s important that you make sure your bone broth is well seasoned because it’s your soup’s base. Also, keep in mind that you need to add the more delicate ingredients toward the end of the cook time. For instance, save the curry leaves closer to the time that you’re going to add the fish.

Next, allow to simmer for another 5 mins and then serve it up with a few curry leaves to garnish. On a quick note, the curry leaves are not just for show and should be eaten in case you’re wondering!

For whomever needs to hear this

As I continue to celebrate women 365 days a year, I just want to remind men of one thing: women are not your therapists (or therapy). This is true of anyone in a relationship. Your partner is not your therapist and she/he/they is not responsible for you own personal “baggage”. Historically and generationally, women have been conditioned to accept the baggage of their partners in addition to the demands of society and culture.

Some of the backstory on this

Because women are viewed (in general) as the nurturing  and weaker sex, women are often the default “therapists” for their partners and communities. This is regardless of the fact that we aren’t professionally trained or even paid for that “Labor”. But again, this is the nature of patriarchy and misogyny across the globe. This brings me to the whole “women as default therapists” thing. Not to put the blame all on one side, women have their own issues to deal with as well. My point is that, neither partner is allowed to turn the other into a personal therapist! The emotional demands are just too much and it is unhealthy.

Red flags

Also, we’ve all seen examples of this in social media and even in our communities. Asking women to be your therapists is a bridge too far to cross and also puts women in further danger. After all, with everything that’s happened during and since the pandemic, the rates or femicide is rising at an alarming rate. And to bring it back to the basics, that amount of emotional dumping is a relationship killer anyways! It leaves no space for real intimacy or caring. This is because one person is doing the “dumping” and the other is the emotional or trauma “dumpster”.

Another red flag is constant negativity and even clingy-ness. It feels like you’re constantly draining off poison from your partner’s wound. The reverse is also true; you can’t constantly dump on your partner and think that that relationship will last!

The reality

Look, while I’m no therapist  I can definitely see a red flag coming a mile away. But it wasn’t always that way. There was a time that I suffered from both the disease to please and being an “emotional dumpster” for my partner. Needless to say, it was traumatic and added to my own baggage that I failed to work through prior to that relationship. So, when I say women are not your therapists, I’m not joking because I’ve got the “receipts”. For me, it always comes back to selfcare. Selfcare forces you to become both self aware and honest about where you are as a person. That means, facing all your issues and recognising that while no one is perfect, we do have to take ownership for both our trauma (i.e. issues, etc. ) and triumphs.

More on the selfcare and emotional baggage connection

Like i said earlier, we are all on a journey to healing and wholeness (hopefully) and no one’s perfect. That also means, we have to be honest with ourselves and our partners about where we are in our journey. Sometimes that may even mean you separate because those differences are to big to bridge. When we start taking on the role of therapist, we open ourselves to harm and potential destruction of our relationship. Also, you can create room for co-dependency which is another nightmare to divest from. Just, don’t do it and if you have to ask then you’re probably already there! Bottom line? Leave therapy to the experts and you’ll both be   Much more happy and whole.

Emotional selfcare is a thing

Selfcare is not restricted to what you can see. Selfcare includes your mental, emotional, spiritual and, physical wellbeing. Also, when it comes to selfcare, know that there is no perfect way to do it and it’s also a continuous process of nourishing, healing and renewal. From time to time, you’ll have to make adjustments along the way and that’s okay. There is no judgment or guilt in any of this. Want to know more about why women struggle with selfcare? Click here to find out.  Also, for more helpful selfcare tips and ideas you can read it right here!