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Best Healing Recipes from Terreeia’s Kitchen

By 10/18/2020February 22nd, 202165 Comments

Here’s an update on Terreeia’s health journey and a few of our favorite healing recipes for you to try.

Hey aren’t my countertop totally current with the terrazzo look 🙂

Today I’m sharing an update on how Terreeia is doing on her new healing plan. 

On my Instagram stories, I’ll often take a picture of the elaborate Buddha bowls that Terreeia makes for our meals and I’ve been getting lots of requests for recipes, so today I’m posting a few!

For those of you who are new to this blog, Terreeia is my wife.

Twenty years ago, she had an adrenal crash when she was a workaholic. She was diagnosed with hypo- thyroid, gained 50 pounds in three months, and slowly over the years the weight crept up higher.

My wife does not overeat, she does not snack, she doesn’t even like sugar and usually has 3 healthy meals per day. As I mentioned in my last update, over the years she tried different diets to lose the weight, she also visited many doctors and specialists looking for the right thyroid medication that would take off the weight and be back to where she had been all her life. Nothing worked.

 She even hired a personal trainer 6 days a week who said “You have a low heart rate and will not lose this weight, so the best we can do is have you be more fit”. At the same time, her pain level just got worse and worse.

She developed Hashimoto’s Disease, inflammation, arthritis, hives, high blood pressure, her right foot was so inflamed, it would wake her up in the middle of the night throbbing in pain and there were only two pairs of shoes she could wear. Now with arthritis in both knees she needs a full knee replacement, and doctors say she needs to take the weight off in order to operate. Did you know one pound equals 10 pounds of pressure on your knees! Who knew?

Changing the way we eat is hard. But if you’re in enough pain, you get to the point where you’re willing to try anything.

In January she made a one-year plan with her Tony Robbins coach to focus on her health so she went to a three week health retreat I posted about here. That kickstarted her journey.

To date she has lost 53 pounds in 5 months and is still going. Terreeia says she never wants to see an X in her sizes ever again and doesn’t even want to buy any new clothes until she’s there. 

Food is Medicine

Terreeia has mentally committed to one year of 100% focus on health. Before she puts anything into her mouth, she asks herself “Is this medicine?”. Otherwise, she won’t eat it. No coffee, no alcohol, no meat, no dairy, no gluten, no SOS (sugar, oil or salt), and did I mention she’s off her blood pressure medication? It’s back to normal with this eating plan.

To elaborate on why no oil, it’s because oils are processed, which means they’re not healthy (not a whole food). For her program, she’s not eating anything processed, the only oil she eats are natural oils that are found in avocado, coconut milk, blended sesame seed (tahini). I think no sugar goes without saying. 

What Terreeia is doing is hard. There’s no doubt about it. But want to know the secret?  

Full immersion

First she made a choice to change, then got into action and then fully immersed herself in the plan of healing and connecting mind and body.

Every day, she’s fully immersed in this conversation called food is medicine. And, she knows in order to achieve optimum health and maintain her new weight she’ll eat some version of a whole food diet forever.

She falls asleep listening to meditations, she is constantly in a new online course learning more about whole food eating with other health experts. 

And although that might seem like the worst thing ever to those of us without these health issues, when you start eating this way, your body stops craving all the bad food that isn’t good for you anyway. 

The other day she told me one of the lessons in the course she’s in, was about salt. Put a bowl of unsalted nuts vs. salted nuts beside you, how many unsalted nuts would you eat compared to salted?

Salt and sugar is in so much of our food, especially packaged food, and it’s designed that way because it makes you immediately want MORE.

That’s why you can never eat just one chip!

But the good news is that Terreeia is a gourmet cook and can make anything taste delicious. She doesn’t see things as ‘restricted’ or ‘missing’ but rather by removing toxins and poisons in food she is giving her body a chance to heal and that motivates her every day.

I’m not personally trying to be on any kind of plan, but because Terreeia is the cook, and I’m eating what she’s eating, I have also lost weight to the point where my clothes fit me better than they’ve fit in years! I’m not down a size (and I’m not trying to be, eeeek I’d have to buy a whole new wardrobe), but my size 8 clothes are looking good!

We have a fenced off vegetable garden that is Terreeia’s domain. The flowers and shrubs in the rest of the garden, are mine.

Terreeia loves her vegetable garden! The first year (in 2013, when we planted our vegetable garden) she tried square foot gardening (above), which is when our vegetables looked the lushest.

Photos by Macy Yap Photography

When Terreeia makes pasta, her marinara sauces so good, I always go back for seconds. Ever noticed you always want more pasta?  That’s because there isn’t a lot of nutrients in it, so while your stomach might be full, your body is still hungry.

Today, I’m sharing some dressings and sauces Terreeia uses in her super creative Buddha bowls. And it’s interesting but I never look for seconds after I’ve finished one of these bowls.

Here’s (below) what some of them look like:

The basic ingredients of a buddha bowl is a grain, a green and a bean and it’s usually accompanied by a tasty dressing. Here’s a good recap of how to assemble one.

This Buddha dressing (from Fresh Start) is so good, everyone who comes over, immediately wants the recipe (this makes 3 cups)

Buddha Dressing

1/3 cup tamari

1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

1/3 cup water 

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

1 1/2 cup vegetable oil (Terreeia doesn’t add oil, so instead she adds extra water, 1/2 cup – 1 cup, experiment and add to taste)

2 tbsp tahini 

Add all ingredients to your Vitamix and blend until it’s smooth and creamy.

Garlic Scape or Basil Pesto

This August when Terreeia’s garlic matured and she had garlic scapes (above), she made a pesto out of it and then added it to spiralled zucchini, which she would add to organic buckwheat soba noodles (instead of spaghetti). It was the easiest meal and so good:

To be clear, on her plan, she’s not eating the pesto (because of the oil) she makes it for me.

Terreeia freezes her basil pesto in a shallow Tupperware container. You can even freeze the in ice cube trays, then take them out when they are frozen and transfer them into freezer bags. Talk about instant (and healthy) pasta sauce.

In a food processor:

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (chopped garlic scapes)

2 cloves garlic roughly chopped

1/3 cup pine nuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans

1/2 cup virgin olive oil 

1/2 tsp sea salt

Terreeia (who always thought she was part Italian) would say to do this all with a mortar and pestle. However a food processor will do. Drizzle the oil in after everything else is blended. 

 Coconut Cream Curry

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 white onion or shallot

2 tbsp ginger, minced (thumb size)

2-3 tbsp yellow curry powder or pesto (red curry paste is fine)

1 tbsp Tamari or Aminos (Bragg or coconut)

1 Tsp Ground Turmeric

2 cans Coconut Milk

1 tbsp Maple Syrup or Sugar to Taste

1/4 tsp salt to taste

1-2 tbsp coconut oil or your favourite oil – use water if avoiding oil

Heat pan, add oil, ginger, garlic, onion, saute and stir. Add curry powder or paste , cook 2-3 minutes then add maple syrup and coconut milk.

These are sauces you can add to anything, you can even cook vegetables in the curry sauce.

 

Zhoug (this is spicy but so good)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp Cardamon powder

1 tsp red dry chili

4-5 jalapenos

5 garlic cloves

lemon juice/zest

1 cup (handful) of parsley

1 cup (handful) cilantro

1/2 cup olive oil

pinch salt

Options, nuts or a pinch of clove

Terreeia will often spread this on the lentil flatbread she makes.

It’s pretty wonderful to have a wife who is almost pain free, she’s a happier gal to be around these days, a happy wife is truly a happy life 🙂

One more thing, Terreeia hangs out at these sites which have been really helpful in her health journey:

This site started the no SOS conversation.

This is one of Terreeia’s favourite whole food sites

Let us know if you have any questions about what we talked about, Terreeia will answer them in the comments below. 

Thanks so much for being such a supportive community! I love my readers 🙂

Join her here on her Morning Reset Private Facebook page.

Related posts:

My One Big Secret You Don’t Know

Our First Date

Rebounding at Home; and my Green Juice Cleanse

65 Comments

  • Maiken says:

    The only question I have is how you can possibly cut veggies on a board that clearly says “bread only” 🤣
    I like reading about Terreeia’s journey and happy to hear about the progress. I would love to know about breakfast because I find it so challenging to find grain/dairy/egg free options that seem palatable early in the morning.

  • Marsha Sweet says:

    You are the best! I love how you celebrate and uplift each other. M, seriously every post you write I love and am inspired by. T, I love that you’re focusing your attention and power into your health. You are both radiant. I’m fully plant-based too and it’s exciting to see you embrace that lifestyle and celebrate it. Hugs to you both. 🤗

  • Kathy Pilkey says:

    Terreeia, so inspiring! I knew you were ready, & would find what would work for you!, & now you are doing it!
    Going to try your Buddha Bowl sauces, they look so tasty & delicious.
    Thanks for sharing Maria…look forward to continue following you on your journey! XO

  • Betsy Suposs says:

    So great!! CONGRATULATIONS! all my best to you both!

  • Sharon says:

    Your blog has been my favourite for years and I appreciate you sharing this fantastic non-decor info! I am immediately forwarding to four friends having health issues and for myself the recipes are inspiring to try while we’re distancing from everything including restaurants. Best wishes – you both look great !
    Xo

  • Sue C. says:

    I have been following you for years, and I’m so happy you are proud of your wife and supportive in her quest for better health ❤️ I too have severe Thyroid issues and just had to have a biopsy done (they found benign cells only thank goodness!!!) and I see all the same issues Terreeia has: weight gain, blood pressure, pain, but most of all: extreme exhaustion. I already cut out all added salt, but will work on the rest for sure! Thanks for posting, will follow you on Instagram too now ❤️
    🏳️‍🌈

  • Lydia says:

    Wow Terreeia, what a commitment. So happy for you as you reap success for your health. You and Maria are a great team, and a good news story always. Can I just confirm that if a recipe calls for oil, eg Zhoug, you replace it with water. And this happens for all recipes requiring oil? Thank you both for sharing, and best wishes to you both.

  • Melissa says:

    Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing the recipes above– they sound wonderful! Wishing you both good health and happiness.

  • kelly says:

    What a wonderful story. So happy for you Terreeia! I had the pleasure of meeting you at one of Marias classes and you are amazing! loved talking to you! I also changed my eating habits this year and feel soooo much better, no looking back! keep moving forward and always learning!

  • Nancy says:

    Wow that is so amazing/
    I am so happy for Terreeia .
    What a journey she has been on .
    And what a inspiration she is …
    We are what we eat .
    Food can heal the body .
    As a person who has suffered with leg and sciatica nerve pain .
    I understand her journey .
    We search for anything g to take away the pain .
    That searchalso lead me to clean eating
    Thank you so much for this Blog .
    And id love any of Terreeia web-sites .
    Blessings

  • Kim says:

    Thankyou for sharing these amazing-looking recipes, Terreeia. I can’t wait to try them… though the idea of giving up chocolate is another matter 😉

  • DJ says:

    I highly recommend the Minimalist Baker site. Most of her recipes have oil-free adaptations. While she does have dessert recipes, you can ignore those while searching. I don’t think I’ve ever made an unsuccessful recipe from her site. Her recipes are truly amazing. Big flavor and 95% are vegan. I also use the Forks Over Knives magazine and site — they have a meal app, too — but I’ve found their recipes to be hit-or-miss. I recently cancelled their meal app as it became boring. Good luck!

  • Mary from Virginia, USA says:

    Wow! This is amazing. I’m so impressed and so thankful that you have shared these recipes. Terraria looks fabulous. She always had such a cute smile but boy, you can see a lot more happiness radiating from her. Looking forward to Wednesday.

  • karen McMahon says:

    FANTASTIC!!! Bravo Terreeia!!! I’m so thrilled for her to live pain free, her absolute commitment is incredible.
    yeah!!

  • Lynn says:

    Thank you for sharing Terreeia! Most of us can’t make this kind of commitment even when we know better. I would recommend to those who want SOS free sauces already packaged to check out Dillon from Well Your World on YT for his cooking show and web site to purchase his sauces and dressings. Maria you are so fortunate to have a gourmet cook for your wife, it would make this journey so much easier for those of us not as talented and creative as Terreeia. Love reading/watching you both on Insta.

  • Judi Chevalier says:

    Thank you thank you thank you for sharing. And way to go T!!!! I am inspired!

  • Dusti says:

    Way to go Terreeia! Thank you for the helpful resources and recipes! Similarly, I have Hashimotos and have been on a diet/lifestyle change since January…and it has made ALL the difference! I follow a Dr. Amy Meyers, who specializes in helping individuals with autoimmune diseases. She has loads of recipes on her website, books about thyroid conditions, and even a cookbook. Though her recommended diet is a little different than yours, I thought I’d share another fantastic resource – as her books are SO insightful too. https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Keep on, girl! 😉

  • Deb says:

    Looking forward to trying these recipes, look so yummy. So glad you found a path that works for you Terreeia. I have Hashimoto’s as well. When I used just plain salt, not iodized, I got a goiter. Not a good look 👀.Please make sure you are getting iodine. I believe seaweeds have iodine.Wishing us both fantastic health.

  • Betsy says:

    WOW! Terreeia – you look absolutely fantastic! Happy, healthy, and in control – this is wonderful news. Congratulations!

    I have a similar story. When I was 29, I began to feel “off”; unexplicably tired and sluggish. I gained weight like crazy – 70 pounds in 8 months, from size 4/6 to size 16/18, despite the fact that I was playing squash several times a week, working out consistently, and my eating habits hadn’t changed. I went to doctor after doctor, to try to figure out what was going on, only to be told that my metabolism was just slowing down. And although tests would come back as being at the extreme high or low end of the range, because they were still within the accepted ranges, I was told everything was normal, and my concerns would be dismissed. It took eight years (and as many doctors!) to find one who listened to my story and believed what I was telling him – that no matter what the various tests showed, there was something wrong. That “something” turned out to be papillary thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism. Fortunately for me, it hadn’t metastasized to my lymph nodes. Additionally, this type of cancer is very slow-growing, extremely treatable, and when caught at my stage, has a cure rate that nears 100%. After a total thyroidectomy and follow-up radioactive iodine treatment (no chemo or radiation), I began to feel better. However, after years of being overweight, it was incredibly difficult to shed those extra pounds. Like you, I worked with personal trainers, went on restrictive diets, and struggled with weight and poor self-image for nearly 20 years, despite reassurances from my husband (who thinks I’m beautiful no matter what I weigh). For the last two years, I’ve been concentrating on really listening to my body’s signals and focusing on healthier eating. While I’m down significantly from my highest weight, I still have a way to go – but I have more energy, I’m emotionally stable, I feel better in my (smaller!) clothing, and I don’t feel deprived.

    Congratulations on finally finding what works for you – and here’s to your continued success!

  • Connie says:

    Question: how does this work for travel and/or not eating at home?
    I have also followed an eating plan (different from T’s) and list 140 lbs and maintained since 2008. I’m am in very good health. Good on you!!

  • Reagan Poland says:

    I needed this today. Thanks for sharing!

  • Diane Suess says:

    Kudos to Terreeia for finding a healthy lifestyle that is resulting in a pain free life. And, for you, Maria, who is so supportive of your wife. And, by the way, you look fabulous and I love the lavender color on you! Congrats to Terreeia for the weight loss. Thank you for sharing both your story and recipes

  • Maggie S says:

    Maria and Terreeia, Thanks for sharing these wonderful recipes-they sound delicious!

  • Brenda D says:

    Thank you for sharing T’s journey and recipes. My one question, at this time, is….why not Olive oil? I thought that extra virgin olive oil was not processed.

    • Hi Brenda. I appreciate this thoughtful question. If I had an olive tree in my backyard and I pressed the olives to get oil I would not consider that processed. Unfortunately not all olive oil is made this way and many are processed. Over the years Maria and I would always look for the purest we could find and one year she bought me a gift that sent me oil from a tree in Italy. This link is their explanation on oil. The oil is fabulous and I renew every year. Removing Salt and Oil was a choice for my health journey and I asked myself the same questions but decided to just do it and see what happens. I’ve given myself a year before I make any judgment.

      • Lisa says:

        Thank you for the thoughtful explanation! I was wondering the same thing! But you are right, most olive oil sold in the US is adulterated with other oils but there’s no labeling laws. I couldn’t access your link for the tree in Italy, but here is another excellent source that I buy from and love and trust: http://www.freshpressedoliveoil.com
        Every quarter they source the best oils from whatever part of the world is in harvest season and you can get a shipment.

  • Terreeia, I wish you all the best with your endeavor. I admire your determination and strength, you are truly inspiring. I too have started a similar journey after being diagnosed with CLL – Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. I’ve had Degenerative Disc Disease for most of my life which has resulted in a Lumbar Spinal Fusion and, most recently, a 3 level Cervical Fusion. I also have hypothyroidism, arthritis, prediabetes, etc. I’ve never had a weight issue but my gene pool is a cesspool! My best friend, who happens to be a doctor, is having me do essential oils as well with good results – have you tried that? Anyway, God bless you for sharing this so others may be healed as well!

    • Hello Antoinette! My favourite sister-in-law’s name is Antoinette so hello sister! Maria’s Mom gave me some essential oils and I used them at the retreat but I forgot about them. I appreciate the reminder and will follow up again when I go back to the retreat next week. Sending you some healing vibes and much appreciation for your message.

  • Fran W. says:

    Congrats to Terreeia! I so admire her dedication to healthy eating. These recipes sound delicious, and you both are looking great!

  • Joyce Bentley says:

    What a beautiful and supportive couple you are! The recipes are similar to Middle Eastern food I grew up with. The one thing I found that helps me control my weight and eating habits is what I call ‘eating a uniform’. That to me means eating the same things for breakfast and lunch, and being creative only at dinner. I will definitely try some of these recipes.
    I always look forward to seeing Maria Killam in my inbox. It’s like a visit with an interesting friend. Success, happiness, and good health to both of you. I don’t comment often, but I am here, reading and learning!

  • Angela Taylor says:

    This is such an inspiring story, and I am so happy for Terreeia:) Thanks for sharing, and all the very best moving forward.

  • Janine Leitch says:

    Thank-you so much for sharing! Totally agree with this healthy way of eating and the fact that food is medicine! I am glad to hear Terreeia has found a way to improve her health. I am trying to eat a Whole food, plant based diet and look forward to trying out Terreeia’s recipes. I just finished reading a New York Bestseller, “Fiber Fueled” by Dr. Bulsiewitz and I was so impressed that now I am taking his online course. Quite a game changer in terms of gut microbiome and overall health. Main theme: eating a diverse of plants and fiber to feed your gut microbes. Have you heard of the book? If not, I would recommend it.
    Thanks again!

  • Kelly says:

    Question about the Buddha Dressing. You listed:
    1/3 cup tamari
    1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
    ~1/3 cup water (Terreeia doesn’t add oil, so instead she adds 1 cup of water)
    2 cloves of garlic
    1/2 cup nutritional yeast
    ~1 1/2 cup vegetable oil (again, add more water if you want to make this without oil)
    2 tbsp tahini

    ~did you mean 1/3 cup oil (Terreeia doesn’t add oil, so instead she adds ?? 1/3 cup water?? Instead of 1 cup water?)
    ~1 1/2 cup veg oil (so, Terreeia would add 1 and 1/2 cup of water?)

    • Hi Kelly, I’m still experimenting and added 1/2 cup water which is strong. I like to stretch it and this is so strong it take more water so try it to your taste. You will love this dressing and when you use oil you only need an ounce or two for your salad. If you’re in a mixed household you can make it both ways one with oil and one with water. Maria likes both so I stopped making the oil version.

  • Maureen A says:

    Are you a mind reader? My level of agitation over the same issue has reached a peak this week, so the article is timely for me. I had no idea where to begin, because various attempts in the past have failed. Thank you for sharing your journey, Terreia! You are an inspiration.

  • joy says:

    Hi I am happy for both of you -here’s my question in the Buddha Dressing recipe this 3rd item doesn’t make sense -did you add the parentheses comment to the wrong item maybe? Because oil is listed again in the same recipe with same comment. Thanks -to be clear maybe print the entire list of ingredients again please?

    1/3 cup water (Terreeia doesn’t add oil, so instead she adds 1 cup of water)

  • Maryann says:

    How kind of you to share your wife’s journey to better health. We have vegans in our family who follow the no SOS way of eating and send recipes and cookbooks frequently. Sugar is my downfall, and salt, and sometimes oil 😕
    Terreeia’s story is an inspiration. Blessings to you both.

  • Paige says:

    Awesome Terreeia! So happy for you both! Y’all are rays of sunshine!

  • Barbara S. says:

    When I met Terreeia in Vancouver 5 years ago she was was so warm and friendly I felt like I had known her all my life.She was always smiling. Looking at these new photos, she is not only smiling but glowing all over. Terreeia, your commitment to a new way of eating is rewarding and it shows. Thank you for sharing your journey. Hugs.

  • Pam McLain says:

    I have enjoyed your blog for many years now. Thank you for sharing Terreeia’s path to healing. I too was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and have adopted a “food is health” approach to managing my symptoms. It is such a help to find such a good resource for information – and delicious recipes

    Best regards,

    Pam.

  • Lori Loucks says:

    Very inspiring! Thank you for so freely sharing both your challenges and your knowledge with us. I wish you continued success with your goals!

  • Jo says:

    Hi Maria, I have to question your comment about oil being a processed food. There are many, many cold pressed oils (e.g. olive oil, rapeseed oil) that are not processed.

    • Hi Joanne, this is Terreeia. First let me say how much I love olive oil and I miss it dearly. Removing oil is a part of a healing plan and I will review this at the end of my year. Maria bought me a gift a few years ago from Nudo Oil where you select your own olive tree from a grove in Italy and four times a year I receive a box of oil in small tins from ‘my tree’. We love the oil and I renew every year because it seemed healthier over the mass produced oils. Have a read about what Nudo says about oil here

  • Trudi says:

    So happy to hear about Terreeia. She is amazing! Please give her my best and let her know she is my hero!

  • Lisa says:

    I’m really glad T is doing so well:).

  • Nikki says:

    Thank you for sharing. I have teetered back and forth on “just giving up.” Terreeia’s story is so inspirational.

  • Good for you both. Dont laugh, but when i made my own zoug sauce, i ate it all in 1 day. Totally addictive. The other thing you might try is Miranda Esmonde-White videos for strengthening and stretching. She’s amazing and I love her workouts to decrease pain after car accidents. My thyroid waz super messed up after 9/11 but much better now.

  • Danusia Kanachowski says:

    Good for both of you!
    Pick up Limes is an excellent plant-based website (a canadian trained dietician who lives in the Netherlands now). Her quick tempeh tacos with cashew lime sauce is excellent…https://www.pickuplimes.com/single-post/2019/03/29/Quick-Tempeh-Tacos-With-Cashew-Lime-Cream

    https://katiesconsciouskitchen.com/ is an excellent site( she does use some oil for some recipes but not all), try her chickpea sunflower “tuna”. She initially lost weight doing Bright Line eating (Susan Pierce Thompson) but then found she could expand and eat consciously and maintain for herself with opening up boundaries around the food she ate

    https://cookieandkate.com/ good vegetarian site…again, can change a few of the items if do not use oil etc

    Chef AJ, who did training at True North, has some good books and youtube videos. She makes a good white bean sauce to put on vegetables

    Ann and Jane Esselstyn have some fun youtube videos. Jane has a good walnut sauce to put on steamed or roasted veggies

    Rich Roll and his wife Julie Piatt have a book The PlantPower Way, she also has a book about making vegan cheese

    Minimalist Baker is a good website too

    There are great Indian vegan websites

    ….And the list goes on….

    Enjoy everyone

  • Jessica Eken says:

    Hi there! Great to hear about Terreeia’s health journey. I started a similar one 3 months ago after a health scare. I too completely changed my diet (not as drastic as Terreeia’s mind you!) and have also lost weight, feel better and yes, my clothes fit better as well. I will never go back to the way I was eating before. It is a challenge at first, but you get used to it. Kudos to you Terreeia!

  • Karen says:

    What a feel-good success story for both you and Terreeia! I’m glad she didn’t listen to doom-and-gloom health professionals who think they know it all. Terreeia has found her path–not a diet but a lifestyle–and is able to give hope to others, which is awesome. During the pandemic I started baking and cooking more, so I’m eager to check out that Whole Food site. Thank you for a great, uplifting post, Maria! Loved the beautiful pictures, too!

  • Anon says:

    This is such an inspiring story! What courage and determination, focus and positivity, Terreeia! I am in the middle of my health journey myself and used to be 135 lbs without working out. (130 lbs when at the gym al the time). My son, who is now 15, had severe food problems (allergies and sensitivities) from when he was born, forcing me, as his food source, to cut out more and more foods as everything I ate went through to him. (Who knew, but the proteins go through in breast milk). I saw myself losing weight and then having less control in the weight plunge, taking me to a size 6 and 113 lb (my age 13 weight and normal size for me before this was size 12). I could not stop nursing him till I could ween him as even the hypoallergenic formula he was allergic to. We could choose to have me eat what I needed for myself, or eat for my son but if I ate even one whole wheat cracker he would be tearing his skin wherever he could reach to a bloody pulp and then it took about three days and nights for him to recover (he’d wake screaming in pain multiple times a night)… It was a perfect storm. (And he had a problem with most starches too). My health continued to plunge after weening him… Long story short, I physically broke down and was in and out of the hospital for 6 years. Now I take thyroid therapy and have just developed high blood pressure. The meds I have had to be on to help my brain has led me to gain 60 pounds from my normal 135. I had actually become resigned to it all. Perhaps there is hope though – I am going to try out what you do, Terreeia! I’ve always eaten healthily with everything from scratch, but what you are doing is different and there’s hope. There’s something else I can do and you are proving that it works. Your efforts give hope to others.

  • Deb says:

    So glad to hear about Terreeia’s progress! “Food as medicine” is such a great way to live. I would totally be able to do it, if someone made most of my meals, or was as good as Terreeia at making them and teaching me how to make them… and if the rest of the family were on board. Thanks for sharing your journey!

  • Lorri says:

    It’s great to see Terreeia so happy and healthy, and you likewise!!!!!

  • Sandy says:

    Maria and Terreeia, you both look fabulous and healthy too! Thanks for sharing your amazing journey with us Terreeia. You sure make it look easy. This has been so inspiring that I plan to learn from you. What an amazing and selfless couple, we get to learn color stuff and how to take care of self stuff. Talk about having fun. Be blessed, Sandy

  • Bonita O'Neill says:

    Terreeia’s diet couldn’t have come at a better time. I have just started an “eat better” mandate myself. Thanks for posting this Maria. I can’t give up coffee, but I am seriously trying to stick with the rest. And as always, love to see your beautiful pictures and read about your decorating advice.

  • Kay says:

    I’m happy that this is working so well, but I do wonder why high quality EVOO isn’t approved. It undergoes no more processing than the least processed coconut oil and is fabulously good for you. I get mine from the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club, but you can also order directly from at least one direct grower in Italy.

  • Ericka Espe says:

    Thank you so much for taking the time to include all the fantastic sauce/dressing recipes! Appreciated so much all your efforts yesterday with the live video… it was so helpful! Terreeia, you are such an inspiration to me!! And Maria, I love your boards!! You are both wonderful!

  • Nikki says:

    I’m confused SOS means no sugar, oil, salt. By “salt” I’m assuming the directive is to avoid sodium, but tamari and Bragg’s liquid aminos have quite a bit of sodium….. so how are the recipes following the diet?

  • LisaJ says:

    Thank you for being vulnerable and willing to share your situation and what you have found that works for you. My husband and I (between us, we have MANY health issues) began a similar journey last November. My body feels stronger and my mind is more clear because we are eating a whole food plant based diet and exercising regularly. It’s so nice to read about someone else’s journey and success. Thank you for sharing some of your recipes, too. I can’t wait to add them to our menu rotation.

  • Cathy Gray says:

    I have followed your blog for years and always enjoy it but I had to post how DELICIOUS the Coconut Cream Curry sauce was – heavenly! You are both so inspiring in many ways! I have always loved white kitchens and no matter where I’ve lived, if they didn’t have them, they at least were painted out to be white. My most recent home I finally got my white subway tiles – love the look!

  • caroline says:

    Thank you for sharing this. I have to say that this post really knocked me over the head. I’m a workaholic as well and have started to have health issues. I actually just had some tests and the practitioner said she suspects adrenal fatigue and wondered about my thyroid and noted that my system is constantly inflamed and I seem to get mystery rashes all the time. My workload keeps getting higher so my habits are a smidge better which deep in my heart I know isn’t good enough. But it’s your post that made me realize I am not taking things seriously enough. in addition to the recipes, thank you for sharing the resources. Love you both for teaching me so much! Really adds more to the thought of living a colourful life, don’t you think ? xoxo

  • Oh says:

    I had no idea you were gay!

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