For anyone who has gone through the journey of having a back injury you will understand what an ordeal it can be; not just physically but emotionally as well. When I was in my early thirties, a couple of my spine’s intervertebral discs decided to give way while I was in the middle of performing a dental procedure on a dog. It was at a point where my veterinary career was progressing perfectly and I was just about to ask my bosses to buy in as a partner to the practice. I was one of their star employees who happily worked consecutive twelve hours shifts, overtime and after-hours with no complaints.
And then, thanks to my back, it all turned on it’s head. It took me eight grueling weeks to be able to return to work and even then it was only in a part-time capacity. It was over a year before I could go through a full day without severe pain. Chronic pain can often lead to depression and it took me a long time before I could say I felt mentally whole again. Fortunately those dark days are far behind me and my focus on health, nutrition and mobility forms part of every day of my life.
Given my history, I became very concerned this week when I had a sudden onset of back pain with a total inability to bend. I couldn’t even put on a pair of socks! After seeing a doctor, remedial massage therapist and physio along with downing some analgesics, I am relieved to find out it is hopefully just my ol’ faithful disc flaring up again with some muscle spasm to boot. I am hoping this is a better prognosis as I cannot afford to have an extended time off work again!
To assist my body in recovery, I have been nourishing myself with natural anti-inflammatory foods including fresh fish, leafy greens, beetroot, ginger and turmeric. Because the Boy isn’t keen on curry, I had to think hard about how to add turmeric into our daily meals. This inspired me to create a dairy free custard that is also fructose friendly and of course gluten free. It it naturally sweetened and easy to make in the Thermomix. If you don’t have a Thermomix, you can make on your stove top too.
- 2 free range eggs
- 1 vanilla pod, split open and scraped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 45 grams of a natural sweetener of your preference such as maple syrup, rice malt syrup or coconut sugar
- 50 gm arrowroot or gluten free cornflour
- 400ml can organic coconut milk
- Add all ingredients into your Thermomix mixing bowl and cook for 7min | 90C | Speed 4.
- Once cooked, blend for 4 sec | Speed 6.
- Remove any remaining vanilla pod portions and serve immediately.
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Yummmmm! This looks so delicious and flavourful! I’m glad to hear your back hasn’t failed you again in such a dramatic fashion x
Thanks hun, its improving much quickly than last time thank goodness! Am dying to get back to work though!
Oh you poor thing! That must have been such a traumatic setback for you and your career. I’ve got back issues and I can really sympathise. I love the sound of this-we had a drink with turmeric, honey, white pepper and milk and it was great!
Backs really are the pits aren’t they!!! I am looking forward to being back (pardon the pun) on track through, I am so bored staying at home!
Great recipe! and so wonderful to hear that it is so friendly to your food allergies. I’m so sorry to hear that your back is flaring up again
sending hugs from Sydney with hopes for a speedy recovery.
Thanks lovely you are such a sweetie. xxx
Oh no. My mum was a registered nurse and always warned us to look after our back! I do think that every dip on the rollercoaster of life does provide opportunities or insights that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Hope your back gets better asap!
Thanks so much for your kind wishes Helen, and your Mum is a very wise woman! xx
This custard is such a good idea plus it looks delicious! I hope you’re back on your feet soon.
Thanks Krys, it is an interesting combination but the flavours really work!
It isn’t until you injure your back that you realise what a major role it plays for your body movement wise. That would have been so scary to have had that pain come on again with your history, so glad it is all fine.
Another note, healthy rocking desserts! Perfect winter flavours.
Thanks Sara, while this recovery is a slow process it is so much faster than the first time. And more importantly, I know this time the pain isn’t forever.