Lemon Blueberry Bread (Paleo & SCD)

If you've been following me on Instagram lately, you've seen that Nick and I have been doing the SCD (specific carbohydrate diet). SCD is a diet that eliminates complex carbohydrates from the diet as they are very difficult to digest, hence, SCD is wonderful for helping to treat digestive disorders. While I don't necessarily suffer from this, Nick does, so I hopped on the bandwagon to help him and also to cut sugar and white carbs out of my own diet. We already eat a diet high in protein and veggies, but eliminating carbs, grains, sugar, legumes, etc. hasn't been a walk in the park, that's for sure.

As a result, I'm always on the hunt for any type of "bread" recipes, since there is absolutely nothing you can buy in the store while on this diet. All store bought breads have some type of rice flour, gum, potato starch, arrowroot starch, etc. So, I stumbled across this lemon blueberry bread while googling SCD compliant recipes, and immediately decided to try it. It has very few ingredients and is super simple to throw together.

It's almost sugar free (we do add some raw, organic honey since that is allowed in moderation), full of dietary fiber, and loaded with protein as well. I used blueberries because they are my favorite, but you could sub raspberries or pretty much any kind of berry you want in this. I think doing both blueberries and raspberries would be a fun twist! I made this for a second time last night, so I just had to post the recipe on the blog since we love it so much. 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups blanched almond flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3 large organic/pastured eggs
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan or sea salt
• 1/4 cup (or less) organic raw honey
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond, cashew or coconut milk
• Juice from 1 full lemon
• 1-2 tsp lemon zest (estimated, this doesn't need to be exact)
• 1-2 cups blueberries (also an estimate - however many you prefer)

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare a 9x5 loaf pan with some type of oil or butter. I used ghee to grease our pan.
3. Add the dry ingredients to a bowl and mix together.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously. Add milk, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest to eggs and continue to whisk.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Fold in the blueberries very gently - they squish easily!
7. Scoop the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.
8. Cool for about 5-10 minutes before removing from pan and enjoying!

Life Lately

Wedding season with my love, (Washington, Connecticut). Wearing probably my absolute favorite dress to date - splurge on this one you guys, you will not regret it.

Kind of healthy, yet not really, gluten-free cheesecake. I mean, how healthy can cheesecake (made with cream cheese) really get?! I used the real stuff too (organic of course). Recipe here.

Not sure why this hollow back handstand pose is SO DARN HARD for me, but I'm getting there! Practice practice practice.

Finally made it out to Sunday in Brooklyn for Nick's birthday. Incredible menu, full of light, healthy, delicious small plates. Highly recommend  the chicken drumsticks (SO good), and the super unique craft cocktails ("Champagne Problems" specifically, because it has beets, mint, and is so delicious).

I had the opportunity to spend 4th of July at the most incredible house I've probably ever stayed at. I spent the weekend in this pool, getting some much needed vitamin D, and explored the town of Amaganssett (which I'm entirely obsessed with now - so cute!). 

I've been on a huge matcha kick these past few months and have finally gotten to a point where I can make a great one at home. It's become my daily morning routine. I originally purchased Sunfood matcha, but it just wasn't the kind I love in a drink (its the type that would work better with baking). So a couple weeks ago, I finally splurged on some real, true, matcha. Yes, it's pricey, but it's much cheaper than going and buying a $5 latte every day! Stay tuned for a post on how I make my matcha lattes soon!

One more shot of this dress, because it really is that good.

Cutest shop in Amaganssett - I wanted all the baskets! I can't remember the name, but it was on the right hand side as you're just entering town.

I couldn't get enough of this bathroom, which was in the house we rented while in Washington, CT for the wedding. Goals.

Meat sauce is on repeat in our household. Warming, hearty, healthy, and delicious, it's the perfect meal (and we always have leftovers for the next day). Throw it over some zucchini noodles for a lighter dish in the summer! Recipe here.

One of my favorite views of NYC.

Slightly obsessed with all the Beautycounter products I just stocked up on, this mask being one of them. It brightens, firms, lifts, and gives my face this fresh and clean glow in 10 minutes flat. To top it off, it's non-toxic and full of natural ingredients. But then again, I wouldn't let anything else touch my skin, would I?

I've just recently started putting brazil nuts in my smoothies. Did you know that only one a day gives you 100% of your daily intake of selenium?! Pretty cool, and a very easy way to get it in.

Life Lately

It's been quite a while since I've done one of these posts, but always fun to update you guys on the daily happenings and what's going on in my life lately. It's been a busy couple months to say the least! Lots of updates and new stuff going on that I can't wait to fill you all in on! You can also see daily updates on my Instagram. 

In case for some reason you do NOT follow me on Instagram, you may not know about this update... We adopted a PUP!!! Her name is Luna, and we are beyond obsessed with this little girl. We've had her for about 4 months now, so this isn't new news, but wanted to make sure you guys all knew about it. We found her via Rescue Dogs Rock (an adoption agency in NYC), who were absolutely wonderful to work with. I'd highly recommend them if you're looking to adopt - they've got over 150 dogs available and some amazing options. Luna has settled in so well in NYC, and loves snuggles 24/7 (she sleeps with us every night and if we're on the couch, so is she). She already has numerous nicknames, which consist of: The Lune, Looney, Luna the Tuna, Toons, Tuna, Little Fish (don't ask), and the list goes on.

Here's another shot... Just because.

It was FREEZING in NYC over the weekend - almost unbearable with the wind! I trekked out to Brooklyn to do my absolute favorite workout class with a friend of mine. (Wearing this coat and these boots). 

I've had such a travel bug lately. Nick and I were gone every single weekend in December - it was a bit ridiculous. One of the highlights was our weekend at this amazing dog friendly hotel in Vermont. Look at how happy Luna is on our road trip!! I've been carrying this bag non-stop since I got it for Christmas. It is just to DIE for. I wish I could have every color. These shoes are also the perfect travel flat! Coming up on the travel list is Vermont this weekend, Telluride in the beginning of February, Cuba in April, and then Napa Valley in May! Also if you're looking for some travel inspiration as well as the best road trip idea EVER, check out this post. 

If you know me, you know I practically live on avocado toast (we eat it for dinner at least once a week if not more). This one is gluten free bread coated with coconut oil and a healthy dose of mashed avocado. I throw some hemp seeds on the avocado with a bit of himalayan salt, and a soft fried or poached egg on top. It is SO. GOOD. My new year's resolution this year is to clean up my diet even more. I've cut out gluten, limited dairy, and eliminated all refined sugars. Read more about some simple ways to get healthy and get your body back on track here!

Another goal of mine is to improve my yoga practice, which to me means to start nailing the inversions! I signed up for an inversion workshop in NYC in February - join me!

I got new shades, and I'm obsessed. They're so perfect (and were also on sale)! The above is a shot from our trip to Naples for New Years eve. We had such a blast relaxing, going to the beach, and checking out the local fitness scene. I love visiting local yoga studios - they're all so unique and usually end up being quite awesome. If you're ever in Naples, definitely go to the Yoga Loft. I LOVED the heated power yoga!!

I made my famous Kombucha cocktails for New Year's Eve and they were a hit. If you're looking to have a drink, this is a super refreshing way to have a cocktail without the bad side effects or guilt. I'll post the recipe this week for you guys, so stay tuned!

We FINALLY got some snow in NYC. There is nothing I love more than this city blanketed in some fresh snow. So beautiful.

This was a super popular outfit of mine this month, and also one of my favorites. Funny thing tough was that it was something I just threw on last minute since I was trying to dress a little better than the leggings and oversized sweaters I had been wearing to work on repeat. I get in a little style rut in the winter sometimes because I tend to be on the cold side all the time, so the only things I like to wear are warm, soft, cozy, bulky, heavy items. Luckily for me (and unlucky for my wallet), I discovered Kit & Ace last year, which I am absolutely ADDICTED to. I got the scarf wearing here from them last year, but they have this version now, and a ton of great stuff on sale too. I may have just ordered these sweats as a birthday present to myself... Now I'll officially be wearing sweats to work on the reg. Sorry I'm not sorry!

Adding on to the athleisure obsession above... I stumbled across Brazil Wear leggings recently, as well as a few other workout brands. I really have found myself just living in leggings and cozy sweats recently, but maybe that's due to the winter weather... I'm so excited that brands are coming out with some really awesome pieces that make you want to wear them outside of the gym! A few on my list are these awesome zipper leggings (NEED!!!) and this striped pair that have gone viral via Instagram. I have one go-to pair that I legitimately wear almost every day of the week (embarrassing - but I own more than one pair I swear!), which are the Lululemon Align pant. These are the softest, best leggings I've ever put on my body. Buy them.

Last but not least, I wanted to fill you all in on some of my favorite scents I've come across recently. I've heard of Byredo, but never purchased because it was a bit on the pricey side. I had a friend who had about 10 of them, so I was recently trying on all the different scents. I fell in LOVE with "Mojave Ghost". Literally the best thing I've ever smelled. I know perfumes are pretty toxic, so I try to mix it up a bit with essential oils as well. The Ajai roll-on above is the most incredible scent. I also love Tata Harper's stress remedy for days I'm feeling a little wound tight.