#Nori Chips with Coconut 🥥 and Olive Oil, Crushed Coriander Seed, and Sea Salt is #whatsintheoven today. 📍👉🏻To make: brush water onto full surface area of one side of Nori sheet, stack on another sheet, press to stick, brush on oils, sprinkle seasonings, cut with ✂️, and bake at low temp (300-325F) for 15-20min. 😋I love snacking on these #delicious #crispy morsels of #lowcarb#nutrientdensity whenever I’m craving a crunch.
A touch of sweetener can make this dangerously addictive if you you are a #seaweedlover into sweet and savory like I am. 🤤 But even without any sweetness this definitely serves as a kickass #ketosnack!
Anyone else a #seavegetable lover 😍💕like me?
Some thoughts on Veganism in 2023
In my own journey, I have realized that animal protein is necessary for my body to feel well mentally and physically. I was vegan for 6 years during my early twenties and I completely respect and understand the choices of those who choose to abstain from eating meat. Not killing animals seems like a straight forward choice that at one point in my life was a no-brainer when it came to how I chose to eat. These days I eat meat with vegetables daily and relate to food with much more complexity and nuance and a deeper understanding of this beautiful but also cruel world we live in.
I think proper education about this topic is important, so people can be empowered to make the best choices for themselves. Choices that are well-informed would be clear on who ultimately benefits from buying things that are marketed as vegan. What are the companies that are selling ultra processed fake alternative meat products promoting and who actually profits?
It makes sense to me to think about taking care of the land in a more sustainable way - promoting biodiversity, replenishing our soil, and supporting farming practices that align us to a healthier balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.
Anyways, I am not an expert on what's best for anyone but myself. I am someone who cares about interconnected collective health.
I resonate with a stewardship worldview- that we have an ethical responsibility as humans to be caring and responsible managers (aka stewards) of the Earth. And I want to learn more about how to approach all this in a way that feels realistic and doable for myself and others who also want something similar for themselves!
This is all to say that I'm noticing the increasing popularity of veganism becoming yet another example of capitalist consumerism, further feeding into the existing unsustainable food systems.
Diana Rodgers is a resource that I hold in high regard in how she brings a more truthful bigger picture of this questionable anti-meat narrative. I highly recommend her documentary Sacred Cow. Unfortunately, most anti-meat journalism is biased; it aims to emotionally manipulate which is unethical (ironically) and is full of inaccurate information.
Diana Rodgers, RD, is also the executive director of the Global Food Justice Alliance- advocating for the right of all people to choose nutrient-dense animal-sourced foods which are critical for nutritious, environmentally sustainable, and equitable food systems that can sustain both human life and the planet.
Show Up for What Matters Most
“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
Our current climate is heavy. These are strange and uncertain times.
Many of us are overwhelmed, finding it hard to adjust to this new ‘normal’. I, too, am feeling through these thought-provoking times, and learning the best ways to show up right now -- for myself and others.
I am not here to state my opinions of the events transpiring, except for I am 100% against racism and for humanity. I am here to declare my choice in doing whatever is necessary to show up as grounded, empowered, flexible and open as possible, and encourage others to do the same. From this loving foundation we are better prepared to engage with whatever comes our way.
No matter anyone’s opinions, we all deserve healing. Everyone is responding and reacting the best that they can, in their own unique ways, to these new challenges. I am not here to judge or fear. I’m here to listen. And to ask thoughtful questions.
What matters most to you? How can you show up for what you believe in?
An upheaval with a purpose, I believe we are being called to rise to the occasion, to show up for ourselves and others. What matters to me is purpose, integrity, love, growth, relationships (especially with myself), honoring my inner child, and being curious with no expectations.
Top priority for me is total health, which includes mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s kind of like hygiene, because cleaning is a great metaphor for how it's a never-ending maintenance job - though it does get easier as it becomes a habit. =) This can be simple; stick to the basics. Movement/exercise, eating well, proper sleep, journaling, nourishing social connection, and thought quality control* are all a part of my daily routine.
To show up for what matters most requires emotional resilience and capacity, building strength and openness in both heart and mind.
How can you both strengthen and open your heart? Your mind?
How can you be brave and in integrity with what matters most to you?
I believe all challenges are opportunities for growth and greater alignment.
““Challenge is what moves us closer to our potential. It allows us to thrive.””
For me, building resilience and capacity means facing what's hard and oftentimes scary, stretching myself and reaching uncomfortable depths. It also means discernment in where I put my attention and energy, rest and recovery, taking all the time and space I need without judgement.
My ability to hold space for all that is happening in the world, and the emotions it elicits in me, relies on staying steadfast in my strong foundation. One way I’ve been training, towards my potential, is through practices of self-inquiry. I've found it to helpful to get still, and ask myself some version of this whenever I need it:
What is the best way to honor my purpose, growth, and empowerment? What will help me feel relaxed, inspired, fluid, present, aligned, clear, creative, nourished and healthy?
With this practice, I intentionally create spaciousness. The answers can be harder to articulate, but it seems to always put me in the right mindset.
What helps you build your adaptability and resilience?
What priorities are necessary for you to show up as the person you want to be?
What’s important to prioritize first?
What supports you? Who supports you?
I hope these questions are helpful for you and that you can tailor them to fit your needs. Remember “...be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
What you think, what you do and how you show up matters. Our interconnectedness is undeniable. Your individual health contributes to our collective health.
I help clients identify what it is they want to achieve most and hold them as the expert in creating the healthy life they desire. I trust my clients to know what's best for them and encourage them to honor their truths.
If you are called to learn more about coaching with me, and the collaborative healing I offer, let’s connect for a 30-minute complimentary discovery session. I hope to get the opportunity meet you and learn about what's important to you. <3
* Thought quality control is just what it sounds like. The criteria for quality is that it meets my standards for love, peace, and liberation. Asking myself “What qualities am I strengthening with these thoughts?”
** https://www.karynshanksmd.com/2019/03/16/become-resilient-through-challenge-neuroplasticity/ (Great Read!)
Image created by Lawrence Wong. Check out his work at https://ello.co/lowo .
Honoring Depression and Breaking Free from Stigma
It is ok to not feel ok.
Image created by Lawrence Wong. Check out his work at https://ello.co/lowo .
Today I wanted to share a bit about myself and play with some vulnerability. I've been feeling the winds of change calling me to share myself in a more open and personal way. My hope is that in doing so, I'll connect more to those of you who resonate with me.
Sometimes I struggle with my mental well being.
It’s not something I’ve mentioned before but it feels important to proclaim, as a stand against the stigma of mental illness.
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life, but now I speak my truth with pride. I’m done with the self-judgment. I claim the freedom to be not okay sometimes, to know it is okay to not be okay. As someone who cares and feels intensely, depression and anxiety makes sense to me, they are an important part of who I am.
To be authentic is true freedom. I want to honor the depression and anxiety that I’ve felt in my life, not be ashamed of it.
The message I received growing up was being depressed and anxious is wrong, that I shouldn’t share it with people, and that I should hide myself when I am not feeling happy. As a young adult, when I did work up the courage to share my feelings I was told there wasn’t anything to be depressed about and that I should be grateful for everything that I had in my life. Meant to be comforting, it had the opposite effect. The lack of validation only led to more shame. Thankfully, I have grown up, and I see clearly now that those messages, along with the depression, had a purpose.
I believe these mental health struggles have happened for me (versus to me), that the darkest and most difficult challenges can turn out to be blessings in disguise.
They gave me the opportunity to learn how to take care of myself emotionally, recognize what doesn’t serve me, help me take responsibility for myself, protect myself and choose thoughts that align with honoring myself instead of punishing myself. They led me to a life journey of self-discovery, fueling my passion for personal growth. I am able to see now that I always have choice.
The work is definitely still in progress, and likely always will be, but I’m slowly learning how to reframe and take on empowered perspectives. I am also learning the importance of validation, understanding, and attunement.
I am curious about your thoughts on all this. Does any of this resonate with you? I would love to hear from you! If you feel so inclined, please email me : Angela@chefangelahuang.com
Here are some more truths that have helped set me free:
Depression is highly treatable with a variety of ways to approach it.
Talking openly about mental health without shame can help encourage those who are silently struggling get the care that they need.
Diet and lifestyle play a large role in managing inflammation in the body and brain.
There is growing research suggesting that depression is caused, at least in part, by low-grade chronic inflammation - called the inflammatory cytokine model of depression theory.
““As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” - Fred Rogers ”
7 Smoothie Ideas
What Is Health Coaching?
AIP Tigernut Fruit Crisp
Today I want to share a delicious dessert with you that you can bring to holiday parties, enjoy with your friends and family, or simply by yourself for a delightful treat: AIP Tigernut Fruit Crisp. This crisp can stand on its own but of course, it pairs perfectly with some coconut cream or ice cream.
Gingered Fruit Compote
Fruit compote is a dish commonly prepared by simmering fruit, whole or in pieces, in sugar syrup. It’s delicious paired with ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, crepes, waffles, pound cake, granola, nuts, shortbread cookies, etc. It can also be used as the base for a cobbler, tart, or crisp. This recipe includes no added sugar, using only the sweetness of apple cider and fruit, though extra sweetener such as honey or maple syrup can be added if desired.
From Vegan to Paleo: A Lesson in Body Wisdom and Holistic Health
I love to eat fruits and vegetables and am passionate about cooking food that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. My journey has taught me some difficult lessons about what it means to truly be healthy. Over the years, what food and cooking mean to me has deepened and matured in complexity. Food connects me to culture, to community, to mother earth, to politics, to health, to spirituality, and to life. Cooking food has developed deeper meaning to me than just my enjoyment of it.
Kabocha Coconut Chia Dessert | Paleo Porridge
In today’s video, I show you how to make one of my favorites — my kabocha coconut chia dessert. This three-ingredient paleo porridge is delicious and easy, and makes for a unique and healthy dessert, a flavorful breakfast, or a nutrient-dense afternoon snack. Creamy, deeply satisfying, and perfect as we approach that cozy fall weather!
