Energy Boost Recipe - Casual Kitchen: North African Lemon Chicken

My fatigue-busting journey began with clearing out adrenal fatigue and the bad habits that brought it on which included very poor eating habits. Breakfast? I drank mine with a splash of milk and a side of donut or something else bready and sweet.

That was then. Now I start most mornings with my very own Oatmeal Energizer. I eat a number of small meals and snacks during the day. In fact I eat about every two to three hours. Apple slices, peanut butter on celery, sardines on cracker ... Then comes lots of fresh water and juices. One of my larger meals tends to be din din. Love to sit down around 6:00 p.m. with my husband and eat something delicious.

Tonight I came across something fun and delicious on the Casual Kitchen Blog. The recipe is the "North African Lemon Chicken." It features most of my "super and highly beneficial foods and spices. It is also easy to modify to make a meaty version for Michael and a tofu version for moi.

If you are not familiar with the benefits of the Blood Type Diet click here to learn more.

Finish what you start. A taxing weekend is part of your recovery from fatigue.

One symptom of Adrenal Fatigue is that we sufferers are easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks. We operate in an exhausting world of "brain fog," hyper-sensitivity and poor short term memory. It is easy for us to lose track of bank balances, anniversaries, personal commitments and to feel constantly "behind," frustrated and angry.

Then, add in an unwanted seasonal project like … tax preparation … and in comes the rage, insomnia, anxiety and extreme a.m. fatigue.

Have you seen that stop smoking commercial about how "quitting smoking sucks. "product name" makes it suck less." I encourage to follow my lead and have one sucky tax preparation weekend. Don't put it off because it will stay on your mind and wear you down. Don't drag it through weeks of evenings and spoil those weeks. That's what I did last year and the year before and the year before.

This weekend I will gather everything I need in one room. (and avoid the Zig Zag Syndrome. See below.) I will close the door - light the scented candle – have all my favorite music and pets near at hand and FINISH what I started three weeks ago. My husband can take over breakfast, lunch and dinner duty (as I did for him last weekend and the weekend before and …) Did you know that most people stricken by Adrenal Fatigue tend to be "Type As" who have a difficult time asking for help? True.

Final note --- few things are more exhausting then taxes but yes, they exist. The worst of them is the job not-quite-done. Tired people tend to have a lot of these. Why? Partly because fatigue and brain fog get in the way of completion. Another is that the lack of completion is demoralizing and fatiguing – the ol' chicken and the egg syndrome.

Do you remember how good it feels to complete a project? Use that memory to help you through this weekend. If your taxes are done or you have the pleasure of not having to do them, pick another "undone" and take it on. Pick something that can be done in 2 hours or less. Gather what you need in one room. Set a timer, put on your favorite music and "get rrrrr done."

Avoid the "Zig Zag" Syndrome. This is where you are cleaning out the office and carry a book to the bedroom. Then you start organizing the bedroom bookcase. Before long you carry a glass to the kitchen and start loading the dishwasher … Zig zaggers leave a trail of undones. Been there, still getting over that.

So, join me this weekend! Start and finish one task then notice how energy-boosting a job done well enough and completed can feel …

Cheers! Viveca

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Day 10. Understand Adrenal Fatigue. Identify fatigue symptoms and make a change or two.

Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common types of fatigue. It is said that 80-percent of American women will experience it in their lifetime --- that included me. You’re probably here trying to figure out why you feel so tired. Right?

I’d like to take this opportunity to “take you by the hand” and share some of my best Adrenal Fatigue treatment resources.

First, to better understand adrenal fatigue, its symptoms and causes, I’d like to share an excellent article written by Kathy Browning, Are You Constantly Tired? You May Be Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.

Next, the result of our poll “When are your most tired?” is a must-read. In brief, we surveyed our visitors to find out what time(s) of day they felt most tired. Why? Because there are many types of fatigue and your specific symptoms, including the hours in which you feel extremely tired, is critical info for your recovery.

Finally, Fatigue Be Gone blog features fatigue-busting tips, tools and techniques, energy-boosting recipes and natural ways to recover from fatigue.

If you are suffering from insomnia, take a moment to read the Insomnia and Fatigue blog post. Discover the link between fatigue and insomnia along with natural remedies to help you sleep tight at night while boosting energy during the day.

The best news about fatigue is that it usually isn’t deadly. Our body is amazing. It gives us warnings (fatigue) and time to change before we are too damaged. Don’t put off your change. Think of your fatigue as a symptom that something isn’t working in your life.

Take time NOW to become a sleuth and figure out what it is trying to tell you. Along the way take care of yourself and treat your mind and body to the 'good' stuff.

Thank you for visiting. I hope this information helps you relax while empowering you with knowledge to move forward with changes that will affect you in a positive manner.
Congratulations! Your recovery – your new life has begun.

Click here for today’s instantaneous energy boost.

Cheers! Viveca

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Day 9. News Fast.

Day 9. Tune out the news and boost UP your energy.

On a good day we are blasted with way too much "news." On a bad day the news can be that final fatiguing straw on our back.

Years ago I read a book by Dr. Andrew Weil
in which he recommended a weekly "news fast." I thought the doc was out of his mind and that it was absolutely impossible to stay away from the news for an entire day. (TV, internet, radio, friends!)

Oh my. Add ten or fifteen years and I am beggin to turn the cable. I actually did it for almost a year. Then came the football season and my husband prevailed ...

Anyway. Back to that news fast.

Isn't it delightful how easy that would be to do this week? Our capital is actually snowed in and our politicians are snowed out ... Then next week they are all off for the week. I feel better already. Don't you.

Enjoy today. Turn it all off and bake some cookies or spending time with a beading or photo album project. Ummmmmmmmm.

Day 8. Pay the piper when you have do and ...

Day 8. Pay the piper when you have to & talk it out with a friend.

Today I am having one of "those" days. This morning I told Jeannie I was having a lousy week. She reminded me that it was only Monday at 11:00 a.m. Yikes.

Today all my disorganized chickens are coming home to roost. I woke up mentally tired - hiding under the sheets from the biggest cluck. Taxes. When I did get up I fumbled and bumbled through a couple hours. Got a call from my husband wondering which credit card he could use on his trip. Good question and another chicken. Accounting.

Then at 11:00 Jeannie called me with dire news. My foster dog she's been fostering isn't doing well - constantly drinking, urinating and pooping in the house. Sad as I am for her and for Sydney the dog (and I am) I immediately started to feel very sorry for myself, my rugs and hardwood floor.

As I write I am three hours away from rescuing Jeannie, picking up Sydney and bringing her into my already unmanageable home. Did I mention I have 5 dogs, 3 cats and a bird? Thank goodness my main animal, my husband, is out of town for the next couple days ... Over the past year and a half he's become increasing less excited about new members to our pack. Wonder why.

I'm sharing this because one characteristic of the tired-woman-clan is that we take on toooooo much. Before one project ends the next oneS are being slipped under our door. Where others say NO we say "Sure, I guess I can." That's my people pleasing, animal pleasing chicken.

Right after that phone call I called my foster coach who reminded me that "no good deed goes unpunished." We laughed, brainstormed and commiserated. Can't say we came up with any great solutions but I feel better. That's what friends are for. Perspecive.

Pray for me, Sydney and my pack tonight. I'm already cookin' up a chicken and making stomach settling broth. Is that for her or me?

Cheers!

P.S. What's up with your week? Do tell ...

Day 7. Get ready tonight for tomorrow.

This is a standing commandment for Sunday nights.

When I have my luncheon fruit & veggie bags made up ... and I know exactly what I'll be wearing (clothes - outer & under) jewelery, shoes ... and the table is set for breakfast ... and I have an easy dinner just waiting to be reheated I know I am starting my week off right.

I wish tomorrow was going to be the kind of day I am describing.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about how my day really goes.

So for tonight just do what I'm telling you to do instead of what I am doing and you will wake up feeling on top of the world, energized, optimistic and full of life!

Cheers!

Day 6. Go with the flow be it snow or shine.

Day 6. Go with the flow be it snow or shine.

The more we accept what is out of our control the more we can enjoy our lives. In fact, about the only thing we can control is how we feel and react to our flow.

I love this saying and have it at the top of every page of my daily planner "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." First Things First

My flow today includes lots of snow, snowdogs and cats,a bird named Peetie, my husband and comfort food. Here are two of my pals chillin out ...

Day 5. Defrost something delicious and share.

Day 5. Defrost something delicious and share. The flip side to this is, of course, doubling up on a yummy recipe and freezing half for use on a rainy (or snowy) (or lazy) day.

Tonight I am taking a night off from cooking and will enjoy every moment! Michael and I will be sipping on red wine and dining on that Boeuf Bourguignon we cooked up a couple weeks ago. I LOVE the Barefoot Contessa and this recipe from her book, Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food , rocks!

Perhaps that is thanks to that 1/2 cup Cognac that burned so brightly?

Anyway ... another version of the "Defrost something delicious" exercise is the "Swap-something delicious-with-your-girlfriend" version. Any method of getting one or more nights off and out of the kitchen, in a healthy, delicious way, is exhilarating and energizing! Go for it!

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Did you know that everything you allow to cross your lips can either make you feel better or worse? Are you attempting to fuel your body with energy-zapping foods such as sugar, caffeine or energy drinks? Simple dietary changes can result in amazing energy gains. Discover nutrition and dietary supplementation secrets by subscribing to the Fatigue Be Gone newsletter. Sign up for your free copy today at http://www.fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm

Day 4. Sleep in tomorrow.

4. Sleep In.

If you suffer from adrenal fatigue you need more quality sleep! Sounds obvious but adrenal fatigue has a way of starting our days slowly and drearily then amping up our energy in the evening so that we toss and turn instead of sleeping. Sound familiar?

My simple strategy is to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. with a good book. This in not a thriller that revs you up but something like the autobiography I'm reading about the life of Martha Washington. If you fall asleep and wake up again don't fight it - don't toss & turn, just move. Get up and take your book to another comfy location in the house and read some more until your drift off. (I'd also recommend a small bowl of cereal and milk ... works for me.)

For more insomnia busting tips, click here. If you have tips, please add them here!

Oh and tomorrow, Saturday, sleep in as long as you can and/or at least until 9:00 a.m. Our adrenal glands are doing important recharging after 11:00 p.m. and up until 9:00 a.m. so take advantage of this natural healing opportunity. If need be - get help from your significant others to help you hit this goal.

Cheers!

Viveca

Bye the way --- It is estimated that 80% of American women will suffer from adrenal fatigue at some point in their life. They also recover. I can attest to that.

Day 3 - Mail Thanks & A Smile

Day 3. Friend-mail. Have you ever noticed the feel-good-buzz you get when you open a personal note from a friend (vs. a bill, a notice or other random "junk-mail?") You get the same little buzz when you think about someone, write a note to someone and mail it off ...

Yep. There is nothing quite like friend-mail. Today, take a moment to write a quick note to a friend. Let him or her know you're thinking about them --- appreciating them ---- thinking of that fun or special time you spent with them --- remembering a snowball fight or a slumber party --- seeing their smile in a new friend --- toasting them ---

Who should you write to? Whoever comes to mind first.

Psst. You can send friend-mail, smile-mail AND raise money for dog and cat rescue when you order DogCaption Cards! Check them out here ... I ordered lots of their "No ... I insist ... Thank YOU!" card packs to catch up on my holiday gifts and favors.

Orange ... the energy-boosting color of joy & optimism!

Did you know that looking at the color orange is an instant mood boost? It is. And, our moods effect our body chemistry which in turn RAISES or lowers our energy levels.

Today - Day 2 - wear something orange. I have a fun pair of orange earrings that I love to wear. They cheer me up and everyone who sees me!

You can also place something orange on your desk, within your sight, like a fruity drink with an umbrella from that fabulous get-away, or a bunch of carrots, a figurine ...

There. Wasn't that easy?

28 Creative Ways to Boost Your Energy, Happiness & Self-Satisfaction.

I confess. This idea was inspired by watching the movie Julie & Julia in which Julie cooks at least one recipe a day from the Julia Child's Cookbook. She does this for a year! Me - I'm committing to daily posts for one month - the fabulous month of February!


Day #1: A Shopper's HIGH for less ... CD Shopping at Goodwill.

Yep. Now you know my secret. I feed my adrenals the good stuff shopping for oldies but goody, sometimes goofy, treasures at Goodwill. I love music but never bought much because it so expensive ... then I discovered $3 CDs at Goodwill. FUN FUN FUN! (And I'm raising funds - funds - funds for them.)

So far my growing collection features CDs by Trisha Yearwood, Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant (listening to her now) Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julio Iglesio, Dixie Chicks, Cecilia Bartoli, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Chris Isaak, Abba Greatest Hits and Norah Jones. Norah's feels like home CD is fabulous.

Then I've picked up some cool totally eclectic pieces like a CD called "Natural Stress Relief" by Solitudes music for your health. I'll let you know if it works! "The Glory of Gershwin" is a jewel that inspired my husband and I to dance in our kitchen while cooking up a Boeuf Bourginon last weekend. Then there's a rhythm country and blues duet CD, a Letting Go "Relaxation in a Busy World" Cd that puts music to stretch poses - cool eh? Another gem is a comedy cd of Jerry Seinfeld's "I'm Telling You For The Last Time." Finally, you-guessed-it, I bought a CD holder for $3.00 to hold all of them and more.

Yes. I'll Go Baaack soon. Right now I'll put in that Abba and listen to "Dancing Queen." That will help liven up my next tedious chore.

Oh, do let me know what you find on your treasure hunt! Take a friend and hang out for hours!

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