I have news! First, my dear friend Simi just released her first book and you NEED it.
Letting Go of Leo will make you cry tears of laughter on one page and sadness the next. Simi is infectiously authentic and insanely relatable. Her ability to challenge the diet world’s status quo without putting anyone down is a true gift to womanhood. Her book weaves together hilariously touching stories of her life, equally soulful and silly ones that ultimately brought her to the perfectly imperfect place of peace where she stands today.
She turns heartbreak, doubt, body shame, self-loathing, the endless quest for acceptance, and the need to control into valuable lessons learned. Simi reminds me time and time again that life is a journey, not a destination. That we teach what we want to learn and that we are all capable of loving and being loved. This book is as overflowing with heart and soul as the author. Get yo’self a copy!
I’m also reading Braving the Wilderness and Call Me By Your Name. What are you reading right now?
Second, our renovation was featured on Apartment Therapy! Totally made my day. Onto the fooooood!
Breakfast:
Pancakes always happen at least once a week. I used my old Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes recipe and I’m thinking they need an update and a re-post. Who’s with me?
Shakshuka!! Yep, I finally posted the recipe. Joy to the world! I found the cutest little purple potatoes at Kroger to have on the side.
Organic eggs and avocado toast (loving Trader Joe’s sprouted wheat berry bread) with everything bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Guys…I’m obsessed with lemon on avocado toast. I keep a jar of bottled lemon juice in the fridge at all times and put it on like, everything.
Almond croissant (my absolute favorite pastry) from Pistacia Vera + coffee. I remember the days when a pastry would never count as “legitimate” breakfast because it wasn’t full of whole grains or green. I’m so glad those times are behind me.
A green smoothie with frozen pineapple, frozen zucchini, frozen cauliflower, kale, orange, hemp seeds, peanut butter, ginger, and spirulina.
An egg sandwich that I inhaled before taking the picture + a blueberry galette I split with my girlfriend at the the Fox in the Snow in German Village.
Lunch/Dinner:
I ate a lot of random things this week for lunch and dinner that didn’t get photographed, but here’s a few snapshots:
African Peanut Soup from The Oh She Glows Cookbook topped with peanuts and cilantro. I used a can of lentils and added leftover cabbage I had in the fridge. SO good!
Southwestern sweet potato corn chowder from Alchemy.
A big salad with squash, beets, and nuts from The Market (kind of more like a snack).
The best lasagna!! I used lentil noodles and an entire 40oz jar of Rao’s sauce that I got at Costco. We had garlic bread and salad on the side.
Dessert/Snacks:
Our new Tropical Storm smoothie bowl from Alchemy.
No-Bake Mint Chocolate Protein Bars.
The yummiest peanut butter cookie dough bites covered in melted chocolate chips + coconut oil. I gotta post the recipe soon!
Carrie This Fit Chick says
Can we talk about how plump and juicy those blueberries look in both those meals? My god, I want them now!! Can’t wait for the bites recipe– those look heavenly!
Alexis says
Is there anything better than a perfect bloob?!
Heather says
Looks like a super delicious week!
Alexis says
It was one to remember!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You and your delicious food, as always! I’m hungry now! ;)
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Alexis says
Good eats make me so HAPPY. Treat yourself to something yummy this week!
Hilary says
Simi’s Book seems like something everyone can relate to! I’m currently reading Love Does, but this sounds like such a great book to read next!
Dylan Miles says
I love that book :)
Alexis says
It’s such a light and inspiring read. I really can’t recommend it enough!! I’ll have to check out Love Does. :)
Lauren says
I am going to get a copy of Simi’s book, it sounds like a wonderful read! “That we teach what we want to learn and that we are all capable of loving and being loved” – so much yes! And oh my gosh I totally also remember when I would not allow a pastry to be a real breakfast because no greens or wholegrain were present. I am SO GLAD those days are behind me too :)
Alexis says
Doesn’t that quote just make your heart soar?! Wish we could talk life and this book over pastries!
Kori says
I love how much variety you include in your days and weeks! I also love how not everything is perfectly plated or “Ig-worthy” – I do love real life photos a ton. :) Amen to not every meal or snack being “nutritionally perfect” but instead, focusing on nourishment AND satisfaction. I so need to have some of those peanut butter dough chocolate bites. They look sooo good!
Alexis says
Thanks dear!! Learning to live in the gray area of health and wellness has been the best journey.
Dylan Miles says
That croissant looks divine!!! I can’t wait for my copy of Simi’s book to get here :)
Alexis says
You’re going to LOVEEE.
Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy says
I already checked out her book and have added it to my new intuitive eating Book Club list! I’m getting ready to reread Intuitive Eating with the launch of the Book Club. I also follow along with Emma Watson’s book club, Our Shared Shelf, and am finishing up The Power right now. Love all kinds of female empowerment books!
Alexis says
Hellooo most empowering bookclub. Sounds like a group of boss babes!
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
pleaaaaase post those cookie dough bites!!! And your shakshuka recipe looks INCREDIBLE. i’ve been addicted to the TJ’s bagel seasoning, but have yet to try lemon on my avocado toast…need to get on that stat!! have a great rest of your week :)
Alexis says
BAGEL SEASONING IS EVERYTHING. The avocado toast options are endless! I’ll have to get the cookie dough bite recipe out for you because they’re legit to die for!!
Monique says
So happy you made my muffs!! Also almond pastries are also my fav!!! Twins
Alexis says
There’s no snack like a muffin snack!! Food twins foreva.
emily vardy says
mmmmm i WANT those berries on the pancake in the first pic. YUM
Alexis says
The best part!! So good on oatmeal too. Just microwaved berries with some chia sprinkled in to thicken it up!
Meah Konstanzer says
That gallette and that croissant look sooo flakey! I’ve been craving one for a while and this weekend I have it on my agenda to try out new cafe to treat myself while I do work. I’m thinking I’m gonna make it a weekly thing to make getting homework done on the weekend more fun. I used to worry about non-whole grains and sugar too but that’s sooo last year ;) . Food freedom is where it’s at.
xxMeah
Alexis says
Nothing would motivate me to do homework like a pastry! Food freedom is so FUN.
Nicole @ Laughing My Abs Off says
Ooh can’t wait for the cookie dough bites! YES to the updated pancake recipe; love pancakes! Also love your pajamas in the first pic; where are they from? Low-key looking up how much a flight to Columbus will cost bc I can’t stop dreaming about Alchemy and Fox in the Snow ahhhh