I Dare You: A Special Thanksgiving Post

Special Guest Post from Melissa Windsor, JQ Fitness

 “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 

- Melodie Beattie 

 I saw this quote the other day and it really struck a chord with me. Often, we get so focused on the things we don’t have – the things we believe will make our lives more full and enjoyable, that we forget about the people & blessings that we already possess that make our lives worth living. When it comes down to it, I am just as guilty of this as the next person, and it’s something that I’m working on…

I think it’s easy to let the Thanksgiving season just slip by without recognizing the unique opportunity it gives us to be thankful in all things, to realize that here in North America, in Canada, we’re truly blessed; With access to healthcare when we need it, despite the long wait times and our long list of complaints against it. With access to some of the best educational systems in the world, we don’t have to wonder if our children will grown up without learning to read or write. With access to political freedoms such as free speech, independence, the right to vote, a constitutional government (to name a few…) – despite the complaints that we may have against it, we are better off than many other countries and places in the world.

And that is simply on a community level. How much more do we have to be grateful for in our own personal lives?  If you’re reading this you most likely have access to a computer, which means you have electricity – something we most definitely take for granted. Even better, you may be reading this on a mobile device in which case, you’re carrying your technology with you – really quite an impressive thing when you think about it. Most of us don’t need to worry about where we will be spending the night or if we will be able to find food to eat tomorrow.  What about our health, our families and loved ones, the list goes on…

Gratitude truly is one of the most important things that we can practice. I believe it creates an awareness that allows what we have (relationships, things & other blessings) to becomes more valuable and appreciated. It really is quite a revolutionary thought in a society that is constantly telling us that what we have isn’t enough, that we always need the next best thing, to never be content.

So this Thanksgiving, I dare you to be grateful, to speak aloud your blessings, to appreciate the loved ones who surround you & tell them how much they mean to you, to be content, and to let what you already have be enough . 

Thanksgiving Grain-Free Pumpkin Bars

Honestly thought I put these on the blog last week, apparently I only shared the link - BUT - I'm not kidding you when I say that these are hands down the most delicious, healthy & clean eating treats I have ever tasted. 

I shared the recipe on my own personal facebook and a handful of my friends also made them - one thing that we all agree on is that these Grain Free Pumpkin Bars are to die for (not to mention totally pan worthy - as in, I could probably eat the whole pan by myself...).

But I digress - I'll start off by saying that this recipe is NOT my own creation, I came across this little gem while hunting for some delicious fall recipes at The Detoxinista - so please note that the recipe and ALL credit go to her! To see the recipe on her site, in its natural habitat - go here! She also has many other amazing clean eating recipes that look delish!

I'll stop rambling now so you can get to what you really came here for...

Grain Free Pumpkin Bars

(fills one 8" by 8" pan!)

  Photo credit: Detoxinista

1/2 cup almond butter 
1/2 cup pumpkin puree 
1/3 cup raw honey (or you can sub stevia, I used about 7 little packets in mine and they were still just as good) 
2 eggs 
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 
1 tsp vanilla extract 
1/4 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions 

1.    Preheat oven to 350 and grease an 8” by 8” pan well with coconut oil or butter
2.    Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well until a smooth batter forms
3.    Transfer the batter to your greased pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm
4.    Allow to cool in the pan (or not if you are like me and can’t wait…)
5.    Cut, Serve & ENJOY!

I mean come on people - you have got to give these a shot... she even makes a maple pecan glaze to go on them - can someone say delicious! (Though I must say that I have absolutely no problem eating them without that delicious mapley goodness)

These would be the perfect, healthy thanksgiving treat for you and your family! The whole crew will love them, so long as they enjoy pumpkin and things that are delicious!

Hoping that you all have a fab week leading up to Thanksgiving!

Enjoy xx