A healthy (ish) take on Christmas

Some of you may or may not know that since August this year I cut out refined sugar and really took control of my diet. I have always been relatively healthy but when I got better in August, I really felt the need to do everything I could to keep it that way. My skin has generally been wonderful since then and I have felt so great that I decided to continue eating well and now I actually (on the whole) crave only good food. Seeing as it was Christmas yesterday, I didn't want to deprive myself but at the same time, I didn't really want to eat badly just for the sake of it so decided I was going to stick to eating well but treat myself at the same time. I brought home a bag of goodies for me and my mum to enjoy over the festive period (luckily my mum is also very interested in healthy eating and was extremely keen on the idea of a healthier Christmas). I had never tried any of the 'healthy' chocolate before so was very curious about it as I had seen great reviews from so many people on Instagram and online.

The food I had this Christmas turned out to be, by far, my favourite - and I am not just saying that, I mean it - and so I thought I would share some of the food that I particularly loved.

*All photos have come from my Instagram account (here).*

HOMEMADE SWEET POTATO FRIES WITH TZATZIKI

These were an experiment that turned out VERY well. My mum just thinly cut one medium-sized sweet potato, parboiled the chips before tossing them in olive oil and roasting for about 20 minutes. We added some tzatziki to dip them in which made a perfect Christmas Eve afternoon snack.

PAUL olive loaf

I do not think bread is the enemy. I believe in real food and include bread on that list. I try to keep my intake of gluten/wheat down but I definitely don't exclude it. We used this for sandwiches over a couple of days and it was just divine. It's been a firm favourite for years and it didn't let us down this Christmas either. 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

All I can say is WOOF. Christmas lunch this year was just perfect. For drinks we had chilled San Pellegrino sparkling water. We had roast poussin, roast potatoes and onions with sprouts and carrots for lunch then Ombar chocolate buttons, clementines and brie with Peter's Yard sourdough crisp bread crackers for dessert. I have never in my life felt so satisfied after a Christmas lunch and knowing it was better for me was a fabulous bonus.

CHOCOLATE

I thought I would also talk about the 'healthy' chocolate I had too. I was pleasantly surprised by all of it and would buy any of it again but my favourite was DEFINITELY the Lovechock Almond/Fig bar. 

I really am so impressed with the healthier chocolate alternatives - it tastes the same (dare I say, better?) and doesn't leave you feeling sluggish afterwards. The one downside is the price - the Ombar milk buttons are £1.59 for a tiny packet and the Lovechock bars are £2.59. It's probably a good thing they are that expensive as it will stop me from buying them ALL DAY EVERY DAY.


I've found that the only reason I have felt like slipping from my diet recently is because of convenience over personal desire. It's just so much easier to buy stuff outside that isn't good for you and there aren't many options for people who want something healthy on the go. There is definitely a more positive change towards healthier eating generally but there is still room for improvement in options available and price.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Christmases and whatever you do eat, don't feel guilty about it and just enjoy it!
Big hugs
Cara xxx

Just a little...

... post to wish all my fellow TSW warriors a very Merry Christmas and a 2016 full of healing!!

This time last year, my skin was terrible - I was housebound and my mum had to do pretty much everything for me as my hands were so bad. Today, my life couldn't be more different. I don't think it has really hit me yet just how much my life has changed but I am trying to appreciate every single day of good skin and just live.

The last 30+ months have been extraordinary in every sense of the word. I feel like a broken record when I say this but going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal was the best thing I have ever done.

Last Christmas, my skin may have been terrible, but it didn't stop me from having a wonderful Christmas so to anyone suffering out there, don't let it stop you either from making the most of the holidays.

Now here is my Christmas present to you: a reminder that you WILL get better. It may not be in 2016 but it will happen one day and when that time comes, you will look back on the experience and feel so immensely glad you decided to make the scary and momentous decision to quit using all topical steroids.

Time passes. Time heals. Time flies.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Lots of love
Cara xxx

My Topical Steroid Withdrawal update – Month 30

Here are some photos from the last month of my withdrawal. The video where I talk about how it has been can be found here. I don't think photos ever properly capture what is really happening but you can still see the changes my hands have been through in the last month!

Sending you all big hugs.
Cara xxx