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If you’re not familiar with the “Musings of Bri” series, it’s just a category for the more personally-inclined blog posts I publish. In these posts I share what’s been cooking in my brain, ask for your feedback, and share pictures that may or may not have a lot to do with the subject matter of the post. Case in point, the pictures in this post are from a recent trip I took to attend a wedding in Ontario. I got to stop at Niagara Falls on the way up and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI, on the way home. The picture above was taken in the Robert Frost House at Greenfield Village, and I thought it fitting for my life in general as well as this post.
People keep asking me, “So if you write another cookbook, will it be in the same genre as your old one?” In some ways, yes, absolutely. Always budget friendly, always geared toward family, always low-glycemic. But I can tell my approach to testing recipes has changed with everything I learned in the last project. Now I think more often with allergies in mind, and I also try to keep things on the lighter side because that’s what my own body needs. I’m creating more E(nergizing) and F(uel) P(ull) recipes and not focusing on S(atisfying) so much. Most of all, I’m putting more thought into the science behind the recipes and balancing ingredients in a trickier way. Sure, I could bang out ten S ice cream recipes in a week and most of them would turn out on the first try, but these days, I’m zeroing in on things like, “How can I make a scoopable, protein-centered, low-calorie ice cream?” And I’ve tested the recipe at least six or seven times and I’m still not there. But that’s OK, because I have all the time in the world. No deadlines. It’s so much fun!
On the trip, I got to stop in and say hi to my folks at Carlisle Printing – and spend the typical hour in Leroy’s office hashing new project ideas. Love it. This place is where the cookbook magic happens; in the picture above, you can see some distinctive teal spirals if you look real close.
Hypothesizing, researching, experimenting – I never would’ve guessed that such a scientific approach could be taken in the food blogging realm. These days, instead of just creating healthy renditions of family favorites, I’m trying to go one step further and fill a niche. As I write this post and look at the last 9 recipes on the homepage of my blog, I think the following:
- “Chewy Peanut Butter Protein Bites. Lots of protein. Not much fat except for the coconut oil. Pretty clean-burning.”
- “Easy Mixed Rice & Beans. Make-ahead lunch option. Convenient. Quick and easy. E meal. No special ingredients.”
- “Dairy-Free Light Chocolate Ice Cream. Um…dairy free. Deep S. Need I say more?”
- “Strawberry Shortcake Waffle. Fuel Pull. And just happens to be the best waffle I’ve ever made.”
- “Classic Strawberry Milkshake. OK, that was a normal recipe for all the normal people out there. No funky vegetables.”
- “PB&J Protein Waffle. Boatload of protein! Fuel Pull!”
- “Strawberry Chia ‘Tapioca’. Dairy free! Light breakfast.”
- “Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Super easy meal-in-one idea. Various fuel type options. Kid friendly.”
- “Creamy PB&J Oatmeal. Extra protein. E breakfast.”
Always filling a niche – that’s my goal. Sometimes I see deliciously Heavy S recipes “going viral” and I get jealous of their popularity, but I want to stay true to my own food philosophy. That philosophy is changing based on my own personal experience as well as input from new influences in my life. As you can read in a blog post I published a few weeks ago, I’m becoming more conscious of overdoing the calorie load because my body just can’t handle it! Maybe you can drink heavy whipping cream by the gallon and still lose weight, but I unfortunately cannot. As many of you already know, I’ve been committed to the Trim Healthy Mama healthy eating lifestyle for coming up on four years now, and Pearl and Serene have always been proponents of balance: calorie conscious, not calorie obsessed. However, in our leap from obsession, maybe we’ve overcorrected and completely forgotten that calories still exist whether we count them or not. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t count calories and I don’t plan to start. However, if I can develop recipes that hold up the lighter end of the spectrum, I will do that as a service to myself, and hopefully to you all as well.
In the Heinz house at Greenfield Village I saw all kinds of cool marketing paraphernalia, including the post card above. It reads, “Take yourself off to one corner and say to yourself straight and fair in the face, am I a salesman.” Who am I? Stay true to what you have been called to do.
All that being said, there is a place for special occasion treats, like this Special Occasion Ice Cream that calls for 2 whole cups of cream or a delectable Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake. If you check out my ice cream or dessert recipe index, you’ll find plenty of indulgent treats to choose from. However, I’m trying to add some lighter fare to the ranks as well as focus more on non-dessert items. By the time the next cookbook rolls around, hopefully you’ll find a better balance in that regard. Necessary Food will always hold a very special place in my heart because it was a) my first tangible publishing project and b) a healthy remake of all our family favorites, but the next one? The next one will reveal a smarter Briana.
Above: Niagara Falls! I got to experience the Maid of the Mist. This was my first time in New York (that I remember).
Below: Roundhouse at the picturesque Greenfield Village created by Henry Ford
Speaking of projects, I recently took a road trip with a very entrepreneurial individual during which we had many lively discussions about my business and projects and how I can expand existing projects and add new ones. I came back home with sticky notes covered in scrawled ideas, and the ideas haven’t stopped percolating yet. After January when I finally got Necessary Food out the door, I was ready to take a break. My trip to South Africa for three weeks was a great reminder that business pursuits are not the end-all; relationships matter. When I got back, I enjoyed slowing down and just keeping up with blog stuff instead of having to juggle cookbook and blog…and I actually took life pretty easy on the blogging side as well. This was great because it let me get some things done, like decluttering my room and sewing some new dresses and actually reading a few chapters in a book now and then. But after this recent road trip, the ideas are spiraling again. Will I be able to find a balance between pursuing new projects and taking time for the things that matter? I hope so, because that sounds idyllic. By God’s grace, I will. If anyone has any practical ideas for balancing work and relationships, I would love to hear them in the comments down below! This is one of the biggest issues I’m currently musing on.
I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the “calorie conscious versus calorie obsessed” topic! Have you thought about this recently? Can you relate with my new direction? Got any recipe ideas for me? Talk to me in the comments below. I read every comment even if I don’t have the time to respond to all of them, and I love hearing your perspectives. Getting feedback from others is crucial.
FYI – I’m heading to Shenandoah Christian Music Camp today, so this post was prescheduled (I wrote it on Wednesday). I have other posts scheduled to go out while I’m gone as well. I will probably have some internet while at camp, but my response to comments and emails may be slow. I’ll get to them eventually, though! After a week of camp, I’ll be going on tour with Chamber Choir for an additional week (during which my internet work time will probably be very limited). In case you’re interested in coming to hear us, here’s our itinerary:
- June 13 – Center Amish Mennonite – Hutchinson, KS – 7:30 pm
- June 14 – Osceola Christian Fellowship –Â Itasca, TXÂ – 7:30 pm
- June 15Â – Faith Mennonite Fellowship – Crawford, MS – 7:30 pm
- June 16 – Shiloh Mennonite – Due West, SC – 7:00 pm
- June 17 – Faith Mennonite – South Boston, VA – 7:00 pm
- June 18 – Trinity Mennonite – Prospect, VA – 10:00 am
- June 18 – Park View Mennonite – Harrisonburg, VA – 7:00 pm
PS – SCMC recently uploaded quite a few videos of the 2016 closing program, and you can see those here.
Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts!
Julie says
I appreciate that you are doing with lighter recipes. As a woman in menopause, I *do* have to watch my calories. A lot of the S meals take up half my calories for the day and then I gain, not lose. That’s so frustrating. So I’m looking forward to lighter recipes.
Deborah Allen says
I am very excited to hear of your fresh approach a to lighter on the calorie scale approach. I love eating S meals, but have had to pull back on those and include E meals/foods & FP foods as I can’t lose or maintain as well by ignoring calories altogether. If I had my way, I would probably eat S meals most of the time, but I am enjoying adding in plenty of E & Fp’s and lighter S’s. Thank you for your approach. I hope you can get the book published before too long, but I am very thrilled with your new life as a married lady and I know your husband comes well before the rest of us, as it should be.
I enjoyed your wedding clips. You were a beautiful bride. It was refreshing to see a very modest bride and God-honoring wedding. You are a blessing and wonderful testimony. Your music was so very beautiful, also.
May God bless you & Ryan many years to come until His return.
Briana Thomas says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Deborah!
Roxana says
Bri,
Congratulations on your wedding. When you have time I hope you review a couple of links that I am enclosing. There is currently a book I am reading hold the plant paradox Dr. Stephen Gundry, which is very enlightening and he talks about how all Plant scans and seeds contain protein called like 10. And lectins apparently are responsible for a lot of gut flora issues and the cause of cardiac and autoimmune diseases. He himself is a cardiothoracic surgeon and has a very interesting story that let him down this path. I think I fully disagree with is he is not a believer and looks at everything from the perspective of evolution. Other than that there’s some pretty interesting information. However you will not like what he has to say about peanuts. This is a really good interview that I listen to.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cNI3-M8qsyo.
There is other stuff I would like to share as well if you’re interested. Would love your feedback.
Blessings upon you
Roxana
Briana Thomas says
Hi Roxana! Thanks for the suggestion. I’m afraid I’m having a hard time keeping up with everything right now as I’m transitioning to being a wife + keep my blog going and work on another cookbook, so I probably won’t have time to look into it right now, but I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks again! 🙂
Karen Mertes says
I’m looking forward to your new book. I enjoy the Necessary Food book quite often. I would love to see more main dishes that use simple things that most people have on hand. I love casseroles but would love to see more meat dishes that go with sides. I would also like to see a designation as to whether it freezes well or not on the recipes. There’s only two of us so we generally have leftovers. Looking forward to more recipes from you.
Briana Thomas says
Thanks for the suggestions, Karen! There will definitely be more main dishes and savory foods in my next cookbook. 🙂 Being responsible for all the cooking in my own household instead of just occasionally cooking for the family will certainly help with that!
Rebecca Rohrer says
I love just looking thru your colorful cookbook 😉 My Mom has your book & I can’t wait to get my own. Thank you for including healthier ice cream recipes as I am an ice cream crazy newlywed !!! May God bless you lots. Thank you for a really neat cookbook !!!
Paige says
Totally know where you’re coming from, Briana! I’m at that spot in my THM journey as well. I’ll see HEAVY S recipes and think they look good, but I’ll pass them over because I don’t need those calories. Anyways, thanks for focusing on this area more now, because I need lighter recipes that still fill me up!
Cynthia Anderson says
Brianna, I love your creativity and your cookbook. I love the wonderful recipes. Now that we are coming into strawberry season in Michigan I will be picking them and looking for ways to use them. Yum. I must say your shortcake recipe is fabulous. I have made it 3 time for 3 different groups and they loved it. I didn’t mention it was low carb with healthy fats. The loved it. I also have been loving the ice cream recipes. Even the main dishes and side dishes are winners. So looking forward to your next cookbook. Blessings
Carolyn Farrell says
I long for the day where you market your own ice cream line. Thank you for all the thoughtful, wonderful recipes.
Rhonda says
Hi Briana! I totally like the idea of being calorie conscience! I’m 63 and love the low carb diet, but my metabolism doesnt like excess fat. Your recipes are my favorite of everything on Pinterest! And I’m going to ask for your cookbook for my birthday coming up soon! Although I have been doing low carb high fat diet for two years, I’m fairly new to THM. Sometimes I find it confusing, but I think I’m beginning to get a grasp on it. I really, really appreciate your sweet spirit and love for the Lord. Keep up all your amazing work!
Olivia says
I actually did notice that you were posting lighter recipes, and I really appreciate it! Lately I’ve lost my taste for lighter S meals and FPs. When I eat them, I almost always come away dissatisfied or craving the more solid fuel of fatty meats or complex carbs. Most of the time I honor my cravings, but seeing as how I still have 10-ish pounds I’d like to be rid of, I’m just gonna have to make pals with Fuel Pulls again! Your strawberry shortcake waffle is my new buddy (although he ended up being “deconstructed,” which I think you saw on Facebook). Keep coming up with awesome recipes!! And hey, if you ever need a recipe-tester….I’m free all summer. 😀 (for reals, though. I will eat anything. Just hit me up.)
Christine Rodriguez says
Lovely! And congratulations! Thanks for taking us along on your little trip. Good luck with the next project. I know it will be a good one.
Penny says
Hi Brianna. I look forward to your new lighter recipes. I’ve enjoyed your Necessary Food cookbook too. As an older person I need the lighter recipes. As we age our metabolism seems to slow down, or maybe it’s just mine! Thanks for your inspiration and all you do. Be safe in your travels and keep us posted. Penny Everage
Naomi says
I really like your thoughts on creating more recipes with a lighter calorie load. I think a lot of people on THM are probably overdoing it on S deserts. I have been doing low carb off and on for almost twenty years now. I was on the Atkins diet for about six months when I was in my late teens and lost about 40 pounds so it was always the thing I would go back to if I felt like I needed to lose weight. But the last few years it just hasn’t worked. I did a bit of research and realized that not only does all that fat slow your metabolism, but the lack of good carbs over time will negatively affect your thyroid which can lead to weight gain. I switched up my diet and am eating a lot more fruit than I have in a long time but am still seeing gradual weight loss. Anyway all that to let you know that I think you are on to something good. Blessings
Laura says
I really like the sounds of your ideas to have more “E” and fuel pull recipes in your next cookbook! I agree that even though THM followers don’t have to count calories they need to be considered. One thing I have noticed that I am missing is an easy substitute for chips and snacks, I.e., not a lot of ingredients and not a lot of time to make. Keep up your musings and thanks for sharing them. 🙂
Glenda says
I love your creativity and your dedication to learning new ways to enjoy the food fuels. There is a need for balance and it sounds like you’re on a good path! Thanks Briana!
Linn Morales says
I was wondering if you might break down the catigogories from your cookbook into THM themes for me. I also would like to see more FO and E meals and snacks. I am a great fan of your shakes and they have been my favorite go to’s as I can fit them into any of the categories that I need. Thank you for sharing with us. I was reading Robert Frosts’s poem and 36 years ago I turned from the broad road of this world to the narrow road with my Savior Jesus Christ. It has been the most trying and yet most blessed road to be upon.
Blessings to you,
Linn
Briana Thomas says
Hi Linn! Healthy Fats = S, Healthy Carbs = E, Foundation Fats = Deep S, Low Carb/Low Fat = FP, and Healthy Carbs & Healthy Fats = Crossover. Hope this helps!
Dana Mohr says
Briana, I thoroughly enjoy your blog and love reading them. You are an inspiring young woman of God!
Your thoughts on calorie conscious vs calorie obsessed is perfect timing for me. While my husband and I have been on-plan for almost a year now, of late my weight has not. I’ve been considering two reasons: 1) I’m not balancing and separating the fuels as well – love those S meals! 2) Eating too much, not being calorie conscious at all. Balance in all things has always been a struggle for me but I have finally learned that when it comes to family and relationships I just have to say ‘No’ to things that 5ake me away from them. I’m still working on saying ‘No’ to food. Self control is one fruit whose taste is illusive.
Blessings to you and your family!
ciera osipenko says
Looking forward to your E & FP recipes. I think the FP ones are the hardest to figure out, so it will be nice to have some ones on hand. I have your current cookbook- love it. The spiral/coils are a lifesaver. It is holding up really well.
Margo says
Thank you for your musings and your percolating. I really have a tendency to overdo the S meals, so something heavy on the other side of things would truly be a blessing for me. Keep up the great work! ?
Tanya Brillhart says
Thank you for creating more FP recipes
As I cook for just myself I am always on the lookout for single serve recipes as well.
I was looking at your FP chicken fajitas trying to convert it into single serve.
Shirley Moore says
In this world of busyness and overscheduled days, I have to say that your blog posts are the ones I read the most. I have been stalking THM FB groups and reading your recipes for quite a few months. I am becoming more educated about the program, but I still haven’t jumped into it. I think part of my problem is that I am a cook. Not a chef by any means, but a mom that cooks meals and occasionally bakes. I used to make my own bread on a weekly basis. I miss that. But I feel like I still need to get all the ‘special’ stuff to be able to create meals like I used to, and, honestly, it is more expensive. So I keep dithering and putting it off, while my body is definitely suffering.
All that boring stuff said, I love your recipes. They are common sense to me, which is why I make time to read your posts.
I’m so excited for your future projects, and I definitely understand the ‘trying to balance’ thing. And God does too. He always honors our attempts, and makes a way in some very surprising paths, so keep a lookout. 🙂 And thank you for all that you do!
Briana Thomas says
Thank you for the encouragement, Shirley! Blessings to you as you try to find balance in your own life.
Kristen says
I loved reading this post Briana and I think your direction of creating “lighter” recipes is a really helpful one! Keep up the good work!
Caroline Pennings says
Hey, just curious, where in Ontario did you attend a wedding? I’m from Ontario and I love you’re cookbook! I also really like that you’re posting more calorie-conscious recipes! My body can’t handle eating 2 cups of whipping cream either?, and I can tell by my weight, and by how I feel, when I’ve been eating too many heavy-S meals. Thanks so much for all your hard work!
God bless!
Briana Thomas says
I think it was Zurich, or something like that. About an hour from the border. 🙂
Caroline Pennings says
I know where that is! Less than an hour from my place!
Luwanna Rhonemus says
I wish there was some way to send you a letter, instead of just posting a comment. As busy as you are, you may not have time to read it anyway.
Briana Thomas says
You’re welcome to send an email through the contact form here on my blog. 🙂