Chaffles with Berry Syrup

This recipe is inspired by the Emotional dimension of wellness.

Emotional wellness is about feeling and being in touch with your emotions. It is also about managing your emotions so that your life doesn’t fall apart each time something doesn’t go your way. It involves controlling your reactions when disaster strikes and learning that your response is a choice you make but one that takes time to develop.

“I’ve waffled before. I’ll waffle again.” - Howard Dean

I never really struggled with making decisions, but often times, I have made decisions too quickly. However, occasionally struggling to act on something important has made me pause; especially when it came to my health. Often times, the fear of the unknown test result can cripple me and keep me from going to the doctor in the first place. However, when we are faced with indecision, I believe it is important that we give ourselves a bit of self-compassion. Likewise, when others are struggling to make decisions, even the ones we think are mundane, we need to be more tolerant with them as well.

Fear of making a wrong decision is the number one reason people hesitate when given a choice! Perhaps, it's fueled by the fear of failure or, like in my case, the fear of the unknown outcome of a dreaded blood test. Indecision is your body's emotional alarm signaling you to take the time to weigh all the facts before moving forward. If you are continually second guessing yourself, it might be a warning sign! This can even apply to situations where you’re deciding to move to another state or take a new job position. Overall, the important message here is to not get stuck in the crippling web of indecisiveness.

“Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days. What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it.” - unknown

YOU have the power to change. In fact, making quicker decisions is a skill. Like riding a bike or driving a car, it takes practice. Lacking confidence in your ability is only a mindset. So, when you hit that fork in the road where indecision is taking over, here are five steps that can enable you to move forward with quicker decision making:

1. Forget Fear: If you can’t make a decision, it’s usually out of fear. Figure out what you’re afraid of by asking yourself, “What will I do if I face my fear?” and “How will I cope?”

2. Tune Into Your Emotions: The biggest fearmonger is over-analyzing. Often, giving yourself more time to think about something does not make the decision any easier. Face the decision, make a list, ask yourself, “What would return the greatest outcome?” and go with your gut!

3. Practice: To be an expert at anything, you need practice. As little things come up throughout your day, practice making faster decisions.

4. Ask Yourself: Will the decision you make matter in a year from now? Sometimes, decisions seem much bigger than they really are. Remind yourself that many decisions are reversible. For example, if you move to a new home and you don’t like it, could you move again?

5. Be Realistic: Acknowledge the risks involved in the decision but realize you must at least take some. One foot in front of the other… Change can be good!

Recipe of the Day: Chaffles with Berry Syrup

Chaffles are a low-carb keto waffle. Adding almond flour gives them a more traditional waffle texture and helps get rid of any eggy taste. Seriously, try them; they're delicious!

INGREDIENTS Serving Size is 1 large Chaffle:

• 1 large egg

• 1 Tbsp blanched almond flour

• 1 Tbsp ground flax seed

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (can substitute with 1 Tbsp cream cheese)

• 1tsp vanilla

• Dash of cinnamon (optional)

For Berry Syrup:

• ½ cup blueberries

• ½ cup strawberries

• ½ cup rasberries

• 1tsp maple syrup, honey, or sweetener of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

For Chaffles:

1. Whisk together egg, almond flour, baking powder, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir in preferred cheese and set batter aside.

2. Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

3. Use your waffle iron and proceed as if you were making the traditional kind. If you spray your iron with cooking spray than do so. Otherwise, do not spray.

4. Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and spread it out from the center with a spoon. Close the waffle maker and cook until chaffle reaches your desired doneness, about 3 minutes.

5. Carefully lift chaffle out of the waffle iron. Allow chaffles to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, and they will begin to crisp up.

For Berry Syrup:

1. Place the fruit and sweetener in the microwave for 50 seconds, just enough for the fruit to become a compote consistency.

2. Pour over Chaffle.