Thursday, March 3, 2016

Detox...AGAIN! (and Ground Beef Stir Fry)

Beef Stir Fry (Emergency Protein)
Well, I'm officially in the middle of yet another detox. *sigh* This one was prescribed to me by my new Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Filipini (http://www.abundantlifehandw.com/). I'm on day 11. I can honestly say that having done Whole 30 twice now (we did our second round this January) has prepared me for this like nothing else could have. This detox is a little more strict in the beginning, but overall not too bad.

My boys have both asked me now "Mommy, what's wrong with you?" Good question boys! They want to know why I'm going to the doctor all the time and why I can't eat stuff they can eat. A month ago I would've just said, "I don't know, but Jesus is healing me."

This month, I think I have an answer. 

My new doctor believes that my lack of stomach acid -- which, apparently, has been a chronic problem of mine, and now magnified over the last two years of taking PPI's (proton pump inhibitors, specifically Nexium) -- has hindered my body from absorbing the nutrients and vitamins in my food. (This article is one in a series by Dr. Chris Kresser with lots of good info.) This has wreaked havoc, causing muscle pain throughout my body, thyroid symptoms, anemia, hypoglycemia, adrenal fatigue, and even messing with my ever-beloved hair. The craziest part is that he says that when your body can't get minerals from your food, it starts to leach them from your bones and teeth. Hello sensitive teeth and narrowing spine! It all makes sense. And I am so grateful to have someone walking me through a healing protocol.

I'm beginning to feel better, and even though hope has never gone away it's increasing. Don't get me wrong, it is difficult to celebrate without the tradition of sugar. We had my big boy's 6th birthday party last Saturday, and I almost had a panic attack while cutting the cake. I literally had to walk away. I just kept thinking I'm never going to eat this again! which may or may not be true, but either way, SO HARD!

At this point I'm ten days sugar free, and I'm still alive! Imagine that. I've got about a hundred supplements I'm taking to repair my gut and help my body out with the vitamins it is unable to absorb. Woo hoo!

So, here's a little recipe that has gotten me through two Whole 30's and the beginning of this new detox I'm on. I'm such a foodie it's hard not to think about what I'll be allowed to eat and how I'll make it taste good.

One of my favorite websites for paleo eats is nomnompaleo.com. It's a fun site and she has great recipes! This Emergency Protein is my inspiration for this delicious and super easy ground beef stir fry.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

1-1/2 lbs Ground Beef (Grass fed is best!)
1 large Carrot
1/4 head Cabbage
1 small head Broccoli
1-1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (you could also use ground turkey, yum!) and break it up in the pan. Add salt, pepper, and garlic and onion powders to taste. While the meat is browning, slice the carrots, cabbage, and broccoli really thinly. I like to use a mandolin for this because it's so fast, plus the veggies cook up really quickly.  When the meat is browned, add the veggies. Toss everything to coat the veggies in the fat. Cover and let it cook for about 3 minutes or so. Check it and toss again. Cook to your liking of veggie tenderness. I tend to let them go for a good 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. You'll likely need a little more S&P for the veggies.

I served this over left over sauteed Brussels sprouts. YUM!

Look it up!