by Christina | Aug 30, 2020 | Spirituality
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro when it comes to astrology, knowing your sun sign, moon sign and rising sign is EXTREMELY helpful when it comes to learning about your true self and what makes you, you.
First, you should know that your birth chart (uniquely yours) is a chart of the planets and sky at the time of your birth. For this reason, LOCATION MATTERS: even if you were born at the same exact time as someone else, your position in this world (which determines whether the sun was up, it was nighttime, etc…) affects your birth chart – which, in turn, affects YOU.
So, what do these all mean?
Sun Sign
There are twelve sun signs, and they probably sound familiar to you even if you aren’t into astrology: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, and Sagittarius. These can also be called your ZODIAC signs – so, when someone asks you what your sign is, this is what they’re usually talking about. Your sun sign is popularly recognized as the most important sign (although, this is debatable) because it shows your purpose, motivations, and the basis of who you are as a person. All you need in order to figure out your sun sign is your birthday! Here’s a little chart for reference:
Aries: March 21 – April 19
Taurus: April 20 – May 20
Gemini: May 21 – June 20
Cancer: June 21 – July 22
Leo: July 23 – August 22
Virgo: August 23 – September 22
Libra: September 23 – October 22
Scorpio: October 23 – November 21
Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
Pisces: February 19 – March 20
Moon Sign
Your moon sign encompasses everything you don’t openly show to the world, as well as your intimacy. Think your private life, emotions, fears, and inner personality that most people never see (as well as everything to do with love and sex!) This is like the subconscious part of your personality, which drives your emotions and behaviors. In addition to your birthday, you need to know your birth year, time, and time zone in order to calculate your moon sign.
Rising Sign
Your rising sign (AKA your ascendant) is where your spirit and body intersect, the outward representation of who you are. This represents the part of you strangers and acquaintances see when they first meet you. (It’s not your sun sign, like you might think.) You can calculate your rising sign here as long as you have your birthday, birth date, time, and location. Your rising sign is very helpful to know because it determines how you present to most of the world – people who DON’T know you on a deeper level. In esoteric Astrology, which focuses on the purpose of the soul, the rising sign symbolizes how the soul will develop in the future, indicating future qualities that will develop as you grow in this lifetime.
Learning more about astrology has been pivotal for my personal development, relationships, and business. If you want to learn more about Astrology in an easy-to-understand way so that you can unlock your purpose and growth in your own life, check out Debra Silverman’s Applied Astrology course here! This is the Astrology course I took that breaks down astrology in a simple, useful, FUN way!
by Christina | May 17, 2020 | Recipes, Wellness
Awhile back, a reader asked me if I could make a sugar-free version of Nanaimo bars, and she sent me this recipe. I hadn’t heard of Nanaimo bars before, but as soon as I saw that original recipe, I was very excited for the task.
I can’t believe I had never heard of Nanaimo bars before – they are so up my alley. This is just another reason why I should spend more time in Canada. Traditional Nanaimo bars are made of: a bottom crust with graham crumbs, cocoa, coconut, sugar, and butter, a middle custard layer, and a top layer of chocolate.
Just from reading the description, you’re probably already sold on why you need to make them. These bars have everything I love in a good dessert – multiple flavors & textures, layers, chocolate, and coconut!
While traditional Nanaimo bars are made with gluten, dairy, and sugar, this healthier version is completely paleo and sugar-free! And when I say sugar-free, I mean sugar-free. There are no sweeteners added at all – no xylitol, erythritol, monkfruit, stevia, coconut sugar, or any other “healthy” sugar alternative. These bars are “sweet” from the natural flavors of food, which makes them better for your blood sugar and easier on your gut.
Plus, you’ll actually feel satisfied after eating them. Sometimes sweeteners trick our bodies into thinking we want more food, even when we’re full. These Nanaimo bars are high in healthy fats, so they’ll keep you satiated and help you avoid the sugar rush.
To make these bars, make one layer at a time, starting with the bottom “graham” crust, and pour each layer on top of the other. All you need is a sauce pan and a blender! Once all layers are made and placed on top of each other, simply refrigerate or freeze the bars until they’ve hardened.
If you love chocolate and coconut but you’re watching your sugar intake, then these are for you! The chewy graham-crumb bottom, creamy center, and rich chocolate on top are truly the perfect trio. This dessert is paleo, keto-friendly, completely sweetener-free, and something you can store in the freezer for months so you always have a healthy, sweet treat!
Sugar-Free Nanaimo Bars (Paleo / Keto)
Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12-16 thick Nanaimo bars
Ingredients:
Bottom Layer:
- 3/4 cup coconut butter
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 1 egg
Middle Cream Layer: (cut measurements in half for thinner bars)
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 cup coconut butter, melted
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 4 tbsp almond flour
Top Chocolate Layer: (cut measurements in half for thinner bars)
- 12 oz dark chocolate (100% dark or baker’s bar to make it sugar-free)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp coconut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp vanilla
- 3/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 pan baking pan with parchment paper or grease with coconut oil.
- Put a small saucepan over medium heat and add in all the ingredients for the bottom layer of the bars, leaving the egg for last. Mix together thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Put the mixture at the bottom of the baking pan, pressing down on top to create an even layer.
- Add all of the middle cream layer ingredients into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the cream layer on top of the bottom layer in the baking pan. Spread the top to create an even layer that reaches all sides of the pan.
- Put the top chocolate layer ingredients except for the vanilla in the small saucepan over low-medium heat. Allow the chocolate to melt, and stir everything together well. Once everything is melted and well-mixed, turn off the heat. Mix in the vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate layer evenly on top of the cream layer.
- Place the baking tray in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or the fridge for 2-4 hours.
- Once the bars have hardened completely, cut them into squares the size of your liking. Store extras in the fridge or freezer!
by Christina | May 12, 2020 | Wellness
Sara Bradley
Age: 23
Location: Western Massachusetts
My story started all the way back in elementary school. I remember being in the cafeteria and this cute boy coming up to me. He asked my to be his girlfriend, and I said, “yes!” Of course, reflecting on this now, we had no idea what that meant. However, at the time I was so happy he liked me. Not long after that, he ended up breaking up with me. That wasn’t what hurt me, but what did is knowing that he was actually dared to ask me out. This is when I started to think that something was wrong with me. Is it my face? Is it my hair? Is it my body? I wasn’t sure until middle school.
I was at my best friend’s house and I was talking about this boy I liked. As you can tell, I definitely have a thing for boys…lol. Anyways, I was nervous about telling the boy I liked him and so on. My best friend’s brother came in and said, “Maybe he won’t like you because of your oversized belly button.” At the time, I didn’t make the connection that “oversized belly button” meant overweight. This is when I started thinking that my body was what was “wrong” with me. Through high school, I struggled with eating disorder behaviors, body dysmorphia, poor relationships with boys, and eventually poor gut health. It wasn’t until college that I started to see that I could change my gut health.
I wasn’t making the connection that my poor relationship with myself was a root cause. I started diving into possible causes of where my symptoms came from. What’s funny is I found Christina’s Instagram way before I was truly ready to begin healing. I remember disregarding her content. Through therapy, I know that was a defense mechanism because I was not ready for what Christina had to share. However, through her and other women she has connected me with, I was finally able to find the root cause to my gut issues (hello methane SIBO) along with other co-infections. I learned about the power of real food, the tests to have done, and so much more. I am happy to say I am finally SIBO-free! I am on the last leg of my journey (as of 1-22-2020) in getting my period back, learning to release my eating disorder tendencies, and being a badass woman. Through this journey, I learned so much about myself and how I treat others. Christina not only inspired my drive to heal, but my passion for coaching other women. No woman deserves to fell less than her highest self.
Christina’s podcasts and blog posts have helped me the most. Her content has connected me to other modalities of healing and other women I connect with. If you want to start anywhere, I would grab yourself a cup of tea and read her blogs!
by Christina | Mar 28, 2020 | Recipes, Wellness
Looking for some healthy meals to make while you’re stuck at home?! It’s the perfect time to try out some new paleo dishes and get out of your comfort zone! Check out these delicious, healthy, simple recipes from around the web!
Sides:
“Clean out the Fridge” Veggie Green Sauce by Christina the Channel
Best Ever Crispy Brussels Sprouts by Christina the Channel
Zingy Cauliflower & Broccoli by Christina the Channel
Celery Fries by Christina the Channel
Paleo / Vegan Turmeric Roasted Funnel by Christina the Channel
Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken by The Clean Eating Couple
Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers by Unbound Wellness
Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables by Primal Palate
Homemade Chunky Paleo Granola by Beaming Baker
Mains:
Paleo / Vegan Squash Chili by Christina Rice
Paleo / Vegan Eggplant Zucchini Marinara by Christina Rice
Creamy Paleo Teriyaki Chicken by Christina Rice
Cashew Pesto Sauce & Tomato Pesto Chicken Back by Christina Rice
Paleo French Onion Frittata by Christina Rice
Shrimp Zoodles with Walnut Alfredo Sauce by Christina Rice
Italian Zucchini Boats by Paleo Running Momma
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese by Paleo Running Momma
Cinnamon Veggie “Cereal” by Christina Rice
Paleo Cauliflower Fake Oatmeal by Christina Rice
Paleo / Vegan Protein Porridge (Keto / Low-Carb) by Christina Rice
20-Minute Homemade Paleo Burrito Bowls by Rachel Mansfield
Instant Pot Chicken Zoodle Soup by Against All Grain
Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry by Unbound Wellness
Loaded Sweet Potatoes 3 Ways by Eat the Gains
Canned Tuna Cakes by Every Last Bite
Paleo Popcorn Chicken by Eat the Gains
Easy Paleo Breakfast Egg Muffins by The Kitchn
Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice by Kale Junkie
Beef and Butternut Squash Stew by Noshtastic
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash by What Molly Made
Treats:
Classic Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies by Christina Rice
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Coconut Muffins by Christina Rice
Flourless Chocolate Coconut Fudge Muffins by Christina Rice
Paleo Banana Bread by Well Plated
Low-Carb Sticky Buns by Lilsipper
No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars by Beaming Baker
Have you tried any new healthy recipes recently? Share below!
by Christina | Mar 27, 2020 | Recipes, Wellness
This recipe is one of my go-to’s whenever I want something quick and easy that’s also “different” (not just meat and veg), and tastes like dessert. I WANT IT ALL!
The texture is somewhere between an oatmeal and a porridge, depending on how thick you make it, but there are no grains, and it’s low-carb! What gives this recipe the bulk is cauliflower rice and protein powder. Yup – you’re getting a serving of veggies in here!
The key with this recipe is Nuzest protein, specifically, because you can make “protein fluff” with it. What does that mean? Well, all you have to do is mix Nuzest protein powder with the right amount of liquid, and suddenly you have a delicious pudding.
I love to eat Nuzest protein fluff as is, but I realized that it could have more of a porridge-like texture and far more volume (shoutout to my fellow volume eaters out there) if I added in something neutral, like cauliflower rice!
This recipe is super simple to make and takes hardly any time at all. If you already have cauliflower rice prepped, it’ll take you 3 minutes max.
Per usual, the best part is the decor (a.k.a. toppings). Choose whatever toppings you want – nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, nut butter, seed butter – whatever your favorites are! This recipe is paleo, vegan, low-carb, high-protein, and great for any time of day.
Paleo / Vegan Protein Pudding
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Cook your cauliflower rice either by steaming it, roasting it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350*F, or sauteeing in a skillet for 7-10 minutes.
- Put your 2 scoops of Nuzest into a small bowl. Slowly pour water / nut milk in, 1 tablespoon at a time. As you add in the liquid, stir with the protein powder. Keep adding liquid bit by bit, continuing to stir, until you reach the consistency of pudding.
- Pour in as much cauliflower rice as you’d like. Stir everything together.
- Add your toppings and enjoy!
