Archives for May 2014

Do You Have a Leaky Gut?

health concept - cloud of related words and topicsThe very words “leaky gut” sounds scary, I know.

In fact, for most of us the first time you heard those words, you probably recoiled in horror.

“Leaky gut? No way – not me!”

Well, guess what?

The very fact that you have Celiac Disease, non-Celiac gluten-sensitivity or multiple food sensitivities means you probably do.

It’s actually that simple.

And it’s also very common.

The medical term for leaky gut is “intestinal permeability”.

What that means, quite simply, is that over-sized molecules of undigested food particles are leaking through your gut wall into the bloodstream – wreaking havoc along the way.

(And the reason why, is because those all-important villi that line the digestive tract, aren’t able to do their job).

Of course, this is when you immune system kicks into overdrive,  in an effort to vanquish the unwelcome intruder.

An important note, here:  this does not mean that your immune system has gone haywire – quite the contrary.

In fact, it’s the job of your Immune System to protect you from anything that doesn’t belong in your body.

So in that sense, it’s simply doing what it’s designed to do.

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Have You Tried This?

SONY DSCIs it time to re-think your pantry?

While most Americans love to eat cereal for breakfast, perhaps it’s time to change things up a bit.

There are a couple of ways you could do this.

First, you can review this list of ideas, that I came up with earlier this year.

Secondly, why not introduce a healthier alternative to your current breakfast stash of cereals, something like this Qi’a porridge – a grain-free option made entirely from chia seeds, hemp seeds and buckwheat?

Even if this particular combination sounds a bit foreign to you, I invite you to give it a try.

It’s so easy to prepare – all you need to add is water, or the milk of your choosing. (Dairy, rice, almond or coconut milk – you decide).

A breakfast cereal like this is also perfect for travel!

All you need to add is a little hot water – easily achieved from the coffee maker in your hotel room.

What could be simpler?

 

 

Note: The links in this article are affiliate links, which means, in a nutshell, that should you choose to buy – everyone benefits.

What Are You Resisting?

chocolate chip cookiesDoes this sound familiar?

You’re at a restaurant, watching the person next to you devour a pile of crisp sweet potato fries.

They look SO tempting.

In that moment – what would you do?

Would you reach over and grab one, without a moment’s thought?

Which of the following outcomes best describes you?

 

A)   You FIGHT the urge – you’d really like to sample just one.

B)   You CAVE – there’s no way you can sit there and not have a taste.

C)  You RESIST – as tempting as it might be, you remind yourself that it’s not worth the physical pain and discomfort.
Do you see yourself in any of these sceanrios?

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O MEYER LEMON OIL

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up flavor!

That’s why I love cooking with these flavored oils from O Olive Oil. While they offer a number of different flavors, my favorite happens to be the Meyer Lemon Oil.

It is sooo yummy.

(Other flavors include Blood Orange, Clementine, Ruby Grapefruit and more. You can check them out here).

One thing to be aware of is that these oils are really more for flavor – and not meant to be used on high heat. In fact, since the oils are generally pricier than your regular olive oils – I wouldn’t heat them at all.

Instead, think of them as more of an accent, or garnish. While perfect on salads, I also love using the Lemon Oil in my Designer Hummus or Pesto.

Of course, this is where you get to be creative and come up with your own ideas. :)

 

Note: The links in this article are affiliate links, which means, in a nutshell, that should you choose to buy – both you & I benefit.

The Truth About Cross-Contamination

WheatWhen I first embarked on this gluten-free journey, I didn’t take cross-contamination seriously.

I fought the recommendation to buy a separate toaster because toast wasn’t a regular part of my morning meal, anyway.

Truth be told, cross-contamination sounded like one more hurdle I just didn’t want to deal with.

Yet, a series of unexpected incidents convinced me that I was super sensitive to a great number of things, and at that point I caved.

I’ve never regretted it.

The thing is, food can become contaminated – just take a look at your typical toaster tray if you don’t believe me – it will likely be full of crumbs.

And those crumbs can easily be transferred to your food.

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Ready For a Little Spring Cleaning?

Branch of spring plum blossom with pink flowers and budsNow that Spring has sprung, I thought a little Spring cleaning might be order.

No worries – what I have in mind doesn’t require any special cleaning equipment. (Definitely no vacuums, dusting cloths or spray bottles).

(Unless, of course, you choose to).

It’s no accident, by the way, that Spring is considered a time of renewal.

In fact, in ancient Chinese art, the plum blossom is a treasured symbol of Springtime – since it blooms early in the season, thus signifying new life ahead.

And in traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is also the season for cleansing – making this the perfect time of year to cleanse your home, body, and even your mind.

But here’s the most important thing you need to know:

In traditional cleanses, there is often one critical piece that’s missing!

Want to know what it is?

Keep reading and I’ll share with you exactly what I mean.

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother's Day SmallMy most pressing concern with the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend is the huge focus on Mother’s Day Brunch.

The challenge, whether you are dining at a restaurant or someone’s home, is always – what to eat?

When you rule out Gluten, Dairy and Eggs there isn’t a whole lot left. (It’s fairly common, by the way, for someone who has Celiac Disease to be intolerant to Dairy as well).

So, I posed the question to the group and got lots of feedback, everything from a fruit tray with a creamy dip to chicken kebabs.

The key take-away?

If you’ve been invited to a Mother’s Day Brunch this year – be sure to bring food that YOU can eat.

This is one of those times you need to think of yourself first.

Actually, this rule applies whenever you are invited to a meal at someone’s home, or anytime you’re not sure what the offerings might be.

Because – not only are you special but you deserve the extra attention!

In honor of Mother’s Day, I decided to share with you a recipe for Bobotie. (Pronounced bow-bootie).

This is a delicious, meat-based casserole that I first encountered years ago when I was a guest at someone else’s home.

In fact, I thought it was so delicious, I asked for the recipe on the spot, something I don’t often do.

This would be a great addition to any buffet, whether a Brunch or potluck. Just be sure to use Gluten-Free bread and you’ll be good to go.

And to all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Click here for recipe.

Have You Discovered Glass Dharma?

Glass Dharma Extra SmallI love these eco-friendly drinking straws from Glass Dharma – perfect for the kid in you!

Personally, I can’t think of a better way to brighten up a smoothie – especially My Favorite Green Smoothie! (recipe below)

What makes them so eco-friendly?

They’re made of clear, borosilicate glass!

(If you’re feeling adventurous, choose the straws that come with decorative multi-colored dots – so you can keep track of whose is whose).

Or, choose this unique bendable version.

Either way, these straws allow you to enjoy your beverage in a fun and safe way, that avoids those ever-present plastics found in your typical straws.

Plus they’re 100% recyclable!

 

Note: The links in this article are affiliate links, which means, in a nutshell, that should you choose to buy – both you & I benefit.

My Favorite Green Smoothie

Green Smoothie Extra SmallIt’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe, so I decided this week that a new smoothie recipe was definitely in order.

Especially since I’ve been drinking this just about every day!

(It occurred to me – why not share?)

I created this filling and refreshing drink several weeks ago, and have since dubbed it my “Favorite Green Smoothie”.

(The days that I don’t drink this – whether I ran out of the ingredients, or just didn’t have time – I feel like something’s missing). 

So what’s so special about this particular smoothie?

Well, everyone is different, of course, so what seems special to me might not seem so wonderful to the next person.

Since I like my meals and snacks to be both satisfying and nutritious – this more to do, perhaps, with how I might feel afterwards.

You see, a smoothie is very easy on the digestion. (For anyone with compromised digestion, this is often the way to go).

It’s also an excellent way to get your daily dose of greens – along with an amazing array of nutrients, antioxidants and fiber.

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