Celebrating Life

by Laurie Richardone

Life happens In the In-between.

Te time that is the space between the beginning and the end of something, is where life happens.

Planting the seed and reaping the harvest, grinding the beans and taking the frst sip, turning on the oven, and biting into fresh baked bread, charting out a course, and reaching the summit. It is here in the mundane, the not yet manifested, we patiently, or impatiently wait for what’s to come. It is easy to forget that it is about the journey, not the destination. As soon as we arrive at our destination, it can be easy to look at what’s next. We don’t bask in our accomplishments, however small scale they are.

In the modern world it’s so much harder to focus on the humdrum when you’re caught up in the bustle of trying to meet goals, and achieve something. Experts suggest you can signifcantly improve your overall mood by jotting down three good things that happen to you each day and your role in them. It could be as simple as bringing a smile to someone’s face. By doing so, you can also stop focusing on external results, and live in the moment, and change the way you perceive happiness and success.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that appreciating the little things, like a childhood memory, a well made meal, getting one step closer to learning a new skill, has become more difcult in a world fxated on achievement and meeting your next career milestone. You’re ofen encouraged to celebrate your big successes and then curate them for social media. Tis means that these smaller, simpler, precious moments in your day tend to go unnoticed.

I love this quote by Eckhard Tolle “ Do not be concerned with the fruit of your action, give your attention to the action itself, the fruit will come on it’s own accord”

Let’s give our attention to making delicious healthy Banana Bread for Mothers Day.

Celebrating all the beautiful mothers in the world.

To your good health ~ Laurie

If you are a curious person or cook, join me on my Podcast ~ a taste for all seasons. Listen to the latest episode~Te Nature Of Creativity ~ All shows on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Now Available ~ Asheville Cooking Class Series ~ Hosted by CSLAsheville.org https://cslasheville.org/event/boost-vitality-through-food-keto-comfort-cooking/

Tese scrumptious classes will open seasonal new opportunities in your kitchen. Join us in a group setting and learn how to feed your body for optimal health.

Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and certifed health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com

Fresh Baked Banana Bread ~ Low Carb & Grain free

Tis healthy banana bread is moist and delicious, and will stand up to any high carb banana bread. Easily made vegan.

Ingredients

3/4 cup almond four

1/4 cup coconut four

2 tablespoons arrowroot four

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil melted or butter melted

3 eggs room temperature, substitute 3/4 cup applesauce for vegan

2-3 bananas very ripe, about 1 cup of mashed banana

1/4 cup maple syrup, raw honey, or monk fruit

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cardamom or cinnamon, ground

1 tablespoon poppy seeds to sprinkle over bread.

Preheat the oven to 350° F/175° C.

Method

Using a whisk or fork, mix all the dry ingredients together.

In a separate bowl mash the ripe bananas until they break down and become creamy.

Mix all the wet ingredients into the bananas until everything is combined. Then mix them into the dry ingredients. If needed, you can use a stick blender or mixer to ensure the batter is well blended.

Oil or butter a loaf pan. Add the batter to a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until well browned and a knife inserted in the middle of the bread comes out clean.

Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certifed health coach. To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com