Karen

Is Detox a 4-Letter Word?

December 27, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

As the New Year approaches, hardly a day goes by that I don’t see an email or Facebook post advocating a full body detox.

The general idea is to undo the damage from all the holiday indulgence.

(I even offer a Kitchen Detox Makeover; it’s not quite the same thing, but a detox just the same.)

And of course, with New Year’s Eve just five days away, the holiday celebrations aren’t even over yet.

So, what’s the point of a Detox, anyway?

Is this just some “new agey” thing?

Why would the human body even need to detox? And what exactly are you detoxing from?

Well, I admit, I’ve been among those to roll their eyes in the past, at the slightest mention of the word.

Maybe other people embraced the idea, but I sure didn’t

But then I realized a few things.

And the most eye-opening realization was this: my body is detoxing all the time, anyway, every single day.

It’s doing this all on it’s own, with absolutely no prompting from me.

In a nutshell, this is how your body is always detoxing:

Your Skin

You know how great you feel after a work out, especially if you’ve worked up a good sweat?

Well, guess what?

Celebrate Your Sensitivity

December 20, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

Let me ask you a question.

Has the following thought crossed your mind in recent weeks, while celebrating the holidays?

“I wish I could eat whatever I want – gluten included – and not have it impact my body!”

OK, let’s be honest here.

While that would be good news indeed, for most of us it isn’t the reality, is it?

Sure, it would be great – fantastic, even – to be able to eat gluten-containing foods again, but at the same time, doesn’t your body feel really good based on what you’ve chosen to eat instead?

I, for one, am not even wishing for a cure.

Why?

As daunting as it might be (especially in the beginning) the most impressive thing about Celiac Disease (and it’s sister condition “Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity”) is that better health requires nothing more than changing your diet.

There are no medications to take. (Seriously – this is a good thing!)

No surgery is required.

Which is why I’m suggesting that you jump up and celebrate your sensitivity this holiday season.

Because being sensitive is NOT a bad thing!

Let me explain what I mean.

Sensitivity 101

When you react to something – whether it’s something you ate, or something in the environment – it’s your body’s way of communicating with you.

In short, your immune system only kicks in when it’s been triggered.

So, while you might feel uncomfortable in the moment – because of a headache, stomachache or other discomfort brought on by the offender – it’s only because your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.

It’s trying to protect you!

Gift Ideas for the Gluten-Free Foodie

December 13, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

Every time I turn around lately, it seems that someone else is promoting the “ultimate Holiday Gift List.”

And being part of a this special group of “gluten-free, allergen-free” folks – it occurred to me that we could benefit from a Gift List specifically tailored to our needs.

With that in mind, here are some of my absolutely best Gift Ideas for the gluten-free foodie, that also have your health in mind.

Small Kitchen Appliances

We’ll start here – and even though this represents the priciest category, the items I’ve included here are absolutely worth the investment.

But then, my rule of thumb has always been “It’s better to buy well than often.”

In other words, if you’re going to splurge – then go for it!

Simply because, when you choose the one thing that is most important to you (and you choose well) – you won’t be disappointed.

That’s why a Vitamix blender is always at the top of my list is. (If you’re lucky enough to already own one, you know what I mean).

Yes, it is expensive, but it also out-performs every other blender on the market.

And it’s the perfect gift for that special someone (maybe you?) – who enjoys making homemade soups and smoothies, and grinding their own flour.

Speaking of smoothies, freshly made juice is also extremely popular these days.

How To Be Your Best Advocate

December 6, 2013 By Karen 2 Comments

Does this ever happen to you?

You’re at the home of a friend, or well meaning relative, and as you sit down to enjoy a cup of tea – you’re presented with some cookies, or other savory treats – that have been purchased especially for you.

(I love it when people are so thoughtful!)

Unfortunately, when you’re on a special diet, such thoughtfulness can turn into a stressful situation you’re not prepared for.

Because, suddenly, you’re having to read through a list of ingredients to see if the product is actually safe for you to eat, while at the same time not appearing impolite.

And this is when you might notice that:

The product is not gluten-free, OR
While it’s gluten-free, there may be one or two other ingredients that are not in compliance with your special diet.

This is one of those tricky moments when you want to honor yourself and how you choose to nourish your body – yet, at the same time, you don’t want to offend anyone.

Well, here’s the deal.

Regardless of our individual food allergies, dietary preferences or concerns – we are always going to come up against this sort of thing.

It’s simply part of life and can’t be avoided.

How to Survive A Holiday Feast

November 29, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

Are you breathing a sigh of relief?

Now that you’ve survived the Thanksgiving holiday, you know there are only a few more weeks until Christmas.

But that’s the challenge, isn’t it?

By the time you read this, the Thanksgiving feast will be over.

And, if you’re like most of us, you likely have a bounty of leftovers to enjoy during the next few days.

Are you wondering what to do with those leftovers?

Well, if you’ve signed up for my FREE Holiday Gift “38 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free Thru the Holidays & Beyond” you’re already well on your way.

(And if you haven’t signed up yet – no worries. This FREE Holiday Gift is available to you anytime during the holidays. Yes, there’s still time, even if you’ve missed out on the beginning!)

In my own home, Thanksgiving was a bit different this year.

Instead of hosting the annual feast, I was delighted to be an invited guest at someone else’s home.

Although, the prospect of a traditional holiday feast prepared by strangers did give me pause.

What would be safe for me to eat?

If you’re receiving the FREE Holiday Gift this week, you’ve been reading about some of these concerns in your daily tips.

Trust me, it can be an on-going journey learning to navigate the pitfalls!

Let’s Talk Turkey

November 22, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

Have you checked your calendar?

Thanksgiving is just a few days away!

If you happen to be new to the gluten-free lifestyle, you might be tearing your hair out right about now.

Perhaps you’ve even decided that the holidays are too much of a challenge and more than you can handle.

How will you ever get through it?

Well, this is true.

It might very well be a challenge.

That’s why my first suggestion is that you sign up for my FREE Holiday Gift – “38 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free – Through the Holidays and Beyond.”

This Free holiday guide will arrive in your in-box daily, beginning November 25.

It’s full of tips, savvy suggestions and delicious gluten-free recipes designed to help you survive the holiday onslaught of tempting treats.

Cause let’s face it – in the weeks to come, your senses will be assaulted with treats of every kind, beginning with the Thanksgiving turkey and all the traditional side dishes.

Here’s what else you need to know before the big day:

The Thanksgiving turkey may contain gluten – so beware!
While gluten isn’t naturally present in turkey (or any meat) consider the basting solutions and seasonings – that’s where gluten can sneak in.
Generally speaking, brands like Butterball, Jennie-O and Diestel are gluten-free. (Diestel turkeys are also organic and sustainably raised).

Your F.R.E.E. Holiday Gift– “38 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free”

November 15, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

It seems a bit early to be thinking of the holidays, doesn’t it?

Yet, beginning next week, many of us will be sitting down to a Thanksgiving table laden with scrumptious food.

This wonderful feast will likely include many foods you grew up with that are part of your family tradition.

Chances are, you can’t even imagine a holiday meal without them.

I know what that feels like.

I’ve been there.

And I get it.

Yet, for anyone new to the Gluten-Free diet and lifestyle this can feel particularly daunting.

How will you survive all the holiday temptations and treats?

Not to mention endless parties, family gatherings and seemingly non-stop celebration – all without a spec of gluten?

Can it even be done?

Well, I’m here to assure you that it can!

As it happens, the elves have been quite busy at this end putting together a special Holiday FREE GIFT – just for you!

You’ve heard of the 12 Days of Christmas, right?

What Are You Craving?

November 8, 2013 By Karen 2 Comments

“Sugar is a food fraught with layers of emotional meaning, inextricably linked with your sense of comfort and well-being”. Andrea Nakayama

Do you sometimes crave a certain food?

Or is “often” a more accurate description?

Whether ‘sometimes”, or “often”, cravings are usually a sign that something is out of balance in your body.

It could be due to hormones, a nutritional imbalance, low blood sugar or even stress.

Of course, any food can become a substitute for what we’re really craving in the moment.

However, for many of us, our go-to comfort food is sugar.

If your downfall seems to be Sugar, you’re not alone.

Yet, as we head into the holiday season, this becomes even more of a challenge, with temptations around every corner.

In a twist of irony, though – the more you crave a certain food, that’s often your Body’s way of telling you in an oh-so-subtle-way to cut back.

And while you may not be able to ditch those sugar cravings completely – after all, we’re biologically programmed to love anything sweet – it is possible to get your sugar cravings under control by ditching soda and processed foods.

In lieu of refined sugar, consider alternate ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.

At the same time, keep in mind that alternate sweeteners such as agave, honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar and sucanat – to name a few – are still Sugar.

They may seem to be easier on your blood sugar levels – but the bottom line is still this:

Sugar is Sugar.

That’s a tough one to swallow, I know.

Consider too, that the very foods we often crave are often the very foods we’re highly sensitive, or allergic to!

(Yet another reason to avoid them).

Is A Raw Foods Diet For You?

November 4, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

The Raw Foods diet seems to be all the rage lately, and while it’s a seemingly healthy way of eating, I’m by no means an expert.

Which is why, when an acquaintance asked me: “Are Raw Foods always Gluten-Free?” – I almost caught myself saying ‘yes’ before realizing that wasn’t necessarily true.

Eating Raw Foods involves sprouting grains – and those grains can be just about anything!

Which means, if you are sprouting wheat, or barley – then no, this is not a viable solution for your gluten-free diet.

It comes down to knowing which grains, or foods in general, are gluten-free in their natural state, and which are not.

I have a few cookbooks that are based on raw food and I’ve even dabbled with a few recipes.

(Really, you need a cookbook to prepare foods that don’t require cooking?)

Ultimately, though, I like plenty of variety in my meals.

While I eat a fair amount of salads, and other foods in their raw state, I still prefer cold foods when the weather is warmer, and warming foods on colder days.

Also, if you’re going to go all out with the Raw Foods diet, it really pays to have a dehydrator.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT Tagged With: dehydrator, diet fads, gluten-free, mealtime variety, raw foods diet

How To Have A Healthy Halloween

October 25, 2013 By Karen Leave a Comment

Are you ready for Halloween?

While I’m not inclined to don a costume, or deck the house out with carved pumpkins and Halloween décor, I do like to prepare a festive sweet or two for the occasion.

(A gal needs to indulge once in a while).

Even so, I try to find healthier alternatives whenever possible – relying mostly on homemade goodies so I can explore different sweeteners and switch out ingredients as needed.

Of course, one could just as easily focus on savory treats the fit the Halloween theme.

How about a “Black and Orange” Salad – using Forbidden Rice and sweet potatoes?

Or, a nourishing bowl of soup served inside a hollowed out pumpkin?

While that’s all well and good, you’ll probably still want a little something sweet for dessert.

I know I would.

With that in mind, here are my suggestions for a healthy Halloween – so you can have your cake and eat it too!

Cut Back On Sugar

Sounds like an impossibility, doesn’t it?

And yet, for the unlucky few among us who have tested allergic to sugar (or, are super sensitive), this is an everyday reality – not just during Halloween, but all year long.

As it happens, there are many alternatives to refined sugar – things like honey, agave, coconut sugar, maple syrup, stevia and more.

(Agave, once real popular, has more recently fallen out of favor; you can check out this article to learn more).