Article | Griselle Jeanetta

  Healthy Self …. Heal-Thy- Self  & Keep that Melanin Poppin…   

 Eating healthy, especially if you’re busy balancing life, work, and family, can be an intimidating task. And if, like a lot of us, you are also balancing your budget, healthy, quick and affordable just seems impossible….. @frizzygrizzy joins us on the FroBabies Blog to discuss Maintaining Your Melanin:How to Eat Healthy When You’re Busy and Tired   

Eating healthy, especially if you’re busy balancing life, work, and family, can be an intimidating task. And if, like a lot of us, you are also balancing your budget, healthy, quick and affordable just seems impossible.

Since being diagnosed with endometriosis a few years ago, my digestive system has had to make a few adjustments and I struggle with finding the right things to eat that are easy on both my stomach and time. Thankfully, I have friends who have been a great help during my search.

Christine Curtis and I have known each other since the ubiquitous “Freshman 15” days in college where we both also discovered our lactose allergies (and probably caused Lactaid’s stock to soar that year). She’s been eating clean– and making it look easy– for about two years, so I decided to get some pointers.

How long have you been eating healthy?

I changed my lifestyle and my diet at 28. When my Runner’s Knee became more problematic, among other health issues, I knew I needed to change something. At the time, I was exercising often but nothing seemed to improve. I first removed beef, heavy starches, and poultry. Then I removed seafood and dairy and maintained these diet changes for about nine months. Since then, seafood has been [reintroduced] and I still do not consume any dairy products or any meat.

What are some go-to quick meals you live by?

When I am short on time and want a good home cooked meal, I cook one of two things: #KaleYeah, created by Dominic “FarmerNell” Nell, or peppered shrimp. #KaleYeah is a sauté of kale, microgreens (leek, radish and red cabbage), apples, pears, green and red peppers. The peppered shrimp is a sauté of lots of spinach, green and red peppers, purple onion, red chili pepper flakes, garlic, sea salt (or Pink Himalayan preferably), and black pepper. Both can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, are packed with protein and nutrients, and amazingly filling!

#KaleYeah Sautee

Where do you buy your food?

Being a resident of Baltimore, food deserts are quite prevalent here. Thankfully, I am able to purchase the bulk of my food at Fresh at the Avenue farmers market located in the heart of Penn/North Baltimore. When I want seafood I go to Whole Foods, and for small specialty items like fresh vanilla beans, I shop at a local market called Ok Natural Food Store.

Raw Zucchini Lasagna w/ Hemp Cheese and Tomato Sauce

What is your one food weakness?

I’ve found that ice cream is my greatest weakness so luckily I can get dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in Caramel Almond Brittle. I believe in [living a] healthy lifestyle, but more importantly I believe in balance, which is why I have no problem admitting my addiction!

For more food inspiration, meal ideas and where to buy, follow FarmerNell (@nellaware) and Christine (@thechristinecurtis) on Instagram!

#KaleYeah Sautee

• Kale
• Leek microgreens
• Radish microgreens
• Red cabbage microgreens
• Apple
• Pear
• Green pepper
• Red pepper
• Red onion
• Ginger
• Dried cranberries
• Sunflower seeds
• Garlic
• Organic soy sauce
• Old Bay seasoning
• Combine ingredients in pan and sauté. Season as desired.
• Peppered Shrimp
• Spinach
• Green peppers
• Red peppers
• Purple onion
• Red chili pepper flakes
• Garlic
• Salt (sea or pink Himalayan preferably)
• Black pepper

Combine ingredients in pan and sauté. Season as desired.