Oh

that
A lot of people around me told me that it was just
hormones and they would leave sooner or later. But
after years, I was simply fed up with it and wanted to
find an answer. The more I thought about it, the more
I believed that my insides were trying to tell me
something through my skin - that the inflammation
on my face was an inflammation in my body.
Something just wasn't right.
I researched and researched; every method of skin
clearing I tried did not seem to work. I got frustrated
with so many dead ends, and finally decided to see a
Naturopath. I had a blood test done and found
nothing that indicated skin problems, and began
taking herbal mixtures in order to balance hormones.
The herbs helped my skin slightly and regulated my
period, however about a year later (my period still
regular) my skin had returned to the state it was
before.

I tried exercising more, exercising less, cutting out

grains/gluten, dairy, meat, fruit and virtually
everything I heard could cause pimples - but still
wasn't seeing any significant results. I then decided
to see a nutritionist, as I knew there must've been
something wrong with what I was eating or how my
body was processing it.

A couple of tests later, I was told I had a bacteria and yeast over-growth in my gut (presumably
caused from stress) that was making the food I was eating (even though it was so healthy) toxic to my
body - and this was being displayed on my skin and through constant bloating.
Literally thousands of dollars later, and an extremely restrictive diet of absolutely NO FRUIT (...not a
happy time I can tell you that. Also created a very bad relationship with food for me, which led to
things like binge eating and living in the "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to food) but made
up of mostly fats and proteins, which resulted in little improvement in my skin.
Around 6 months later I started breaking out all over my cheeks as well.
I stopped seeing this nutritionist, started seeing another Naturopath, spent another couple of
thousand dollars on multiple tests and supplements/herbal mixes - and yet again, saw little to no
results as well.

A very unsatisfied Soph and a very unhappy bank account later, I began to get back to the basics and
created a diet filled with a huge variation of nutrients, focusing on not being restrictive at all. I started
creating my meals, focusing on getting enough protein, fats and carbs - and I've personally noticed
the biggest change in my skin and body since doing so.

It's no secret that people have many different views on health and diets, including exactly what you
should eat, how much and how frequently. But to be honest, and you'll see me say this over and over,
I do not believe that this is a 'one size fits all' situation. And I want to preface before getting into all of
my recipes that I am not a trained nutritionist or dietitian, these foods are made from whole foods and
are what make MY body feel MY best. This book isn't a 'diet plan' or me saying you should only eat
these foods - it's simply my favourite meals that make the majority of my diet! If you are struggling
with anything in particular, I suggest getting professional help!
3 EGAP
 20 breakfasts
22 lunches/dinners
12 snacks/sides

24 treats
breakfast
lunch/dinner
snacks/sides
treats