These brightly flavored gummies are delicious and the juice can be changed to create any flavored gummy you’d like. I made them with lemon and ginger because I love those flavors together. I also wanted something that would help subdue my nausea and ginger is incredible at doing just that. They were a huge help and I kept some in my nightstand to have before getting up for the day.

I was having a difficult time trying to come up with something to share with you today so I decided it would be best to tell you why I was making these in the first place so keep on reading past the recipe.

Lemon Ginger (Nausea Busting) Gummies

Ingredients:
½ cup unflavored gelatin powder (This is the brand I prefer)
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup honey (you may add more to taste)
2 tsp. peeled and freshly grated ginger

Directions:

1. Line baking pan with parchment paper. If using silicone molds, place them on a sheet pan.
2. Whisk lemon juice, honey and ginger together in a saucepan.
3. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the top and whisk well.
4. Place saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the gelatin dissolves and the mixture turns clear.
5. Remove and pour into silicone molds or baking pan.
6. Let them come to room temperature and solidify, approximately 1 hour.
7. Remove from molds or cut into 1” squares.
8. Store in an airtight container for 3 days or in the fridge up to a week.

Last week, at only 32 years old, I had back surgery. For three years I could barely do anything without sending myself into a bout of moderate to severe pain. Bowling, social events, laundry, dishes, cooking, taking blog photos, gardening – basically anything involving being on my feet too long or movement would send me spiraling. I had finally had enough and wanted my life back. I was in a cycle where I would have mild to moderate pain and then BAM! I would suddenly be in severe pain. I prefer holistic methods whenever possible so I tried physical therapy, chiropractic, injections, acupuncture and massage. While these things helped manage the pain I was only getting worse.

In January I was at work and felt the all too familiar pangs in my lower back. After a few hours it had become so severe that I abruptly left and went to see my chiropractor. One week later I was even worse and referred to a pain specialist. I had two epidural injections over the course of a month but they only mildly helped. I still could not sit or stand for more than a few minutes at a time. I had another MRI done and there was no denying the fact that I would need surgery. The images were significantly worse than the previous one I had less than a year before. My genetics were the biggest factor (thanks mom!) and along with lack of exercise and being overweight I was not doing my back any favors.

We scheduled the surgery and I began the month of waiting for it to roll around. I tend to get tunnel vision so I did everything I could manage to prepare. I researched how to best prepare the house and bedroom, I became obsessed with not getting sick, made these gummies and Jello from scratch with grass-fed beef gelatin, scheduled the physical therapy I’d need afterwards, went to the YMCA for info using the pool for therapy and researched best ways to deal with post-surgical nausea. Like I said, I went a little nuts.

I had terrible anxiety about the surgery because I have never had anything other than stiches and I was terrified. I listen to guided imagery on nights I struggle to calm my thoughts and I love Bellruth Naperstack’s audios the most. She has one called Successful Surgery and I listened to it every night for a week. The day of surgery I woke up and did not have an ounce of fear in me. I became a little anxious just before surgery but overall I felt determined and excited because I knew I made the right decision. I remember being wheeled back and saying goodbye to my husband and mother in-law. When I got into the room I was really high from the mediation and said to the anesthesiologist “This room is really cool!” He chuckled, agreed with me and told me to count backwards.

Immediately after I had terrible nausea and was given an anti-nausea injection. I tend to suffer from occasional nausea in the mornings anyway so I was given a prescription of it as well to take home along with pain killers and muscle relaxers. It has been just over a week since I got home and I am feeling better each day. I have begun physical therapy and I look forward to each session. I will have to spend more time doing PT than most back surgery patients because I spent so long on bed rest and basically have no muscle as a result. It is painful and exhausting but I keep trying to remind myself that I have been through worse pain.

I would like to thank all of you who have emailed me or dropped me a note on Facebook sending love, prayers and well wishes. I am surrounded by incredibly supportive friends and family who drop by food, flowers, cards and balloons and come to visit me while I am fairly house bound. Every bit helps me remain positive and look forward to having my regular life back soon!