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.

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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Looking for the Perfect Thirst-Quencher?

Did you know that adding probiotics to your diet is a great way to support your digestive health?

Of course, there are so many probiotics on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

As always, I recommend that your consult with your health practitioner, for any kind of medical advice.

In the meantime, this Sparkling Probiotic Drink from Kevita could be just the thing you need – especially as the weather starts to warm up.

As an occasional treat, I like anything that offers a built-in nutritional boost – especially the Mojita Lime flavor!

The fact that it’s sweetened with Stevia is another big plus! (Be sure to check the label though – some of these drinks do contain sugar, and I wouldn’t want to steer you wrong).

You can find these at any health food store, your nearest Whole Foods, or even on Amazon.

 

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

 

 

What Is Your Headache Telling You?

Diagram of health“Non-celiac gluten sensitvity and celiac disease are like two sisters. The oldest is celiac disease, and the youngest is non-celiac gluten sensitivity.”

Dr Umberto Volta

 

Could your headache be related to what you are eating?

As you may have guessed, the short answer to that question is – yes. And it isn’t just your headache, either – any aches or pains you’re experiencing throughout your body, could easily be related to your diet.

Case in point – not too long ago, I tweaked my back, prompting a call to my chiropractor.

I had no idea what I’d done to cause this, but I knew he would set me right again.

During the exam, he asked me “What did you eat the day before?”

“Seriously?” I thought. (I was both surprised and mystified by the question).

A few years ago, I might have scoffed at the mere suggestion of a connection between my diet and a persistent pain in my back.

But if my journey over the past few years has taught me anything, it’s that everything in our body is so closely interconnected, that what might seem implausible on the surface, is often worth a closer look.

In other words, more often than not – our diets really are the culprit behind our physical symptoms.

(Often setting you back several months, in your quest to quell the inflammation in your body, and ultimately feel human again).

Of course, several days had gone by prior to my visit with the chiropractor, and I really wasn’t sure what I’d eaten.

He was very specific, though.

Had I perhaps ingested some gluten? Dairy?

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Is This Your New Normal?

PackagesHave you felt some resistance accepting the reality of your food sensitivities?

Perhaps you’ve fought the urge to cheat a little bit – just this once?

After all, you probably want to be just like everyone else, especially in social situations, or when dining out.

You want what they’re having.

Today, I thought I’d share with you a little story.

If you’ve been following my blog lately, or reading my newsletter, then you already know that my eighty-nine year old mother recently went gluten-free.

(And also dairy-free.)

This was the result of a visit to my naturopath.

(And yes, even though I knew in my gut that taking my mother to see a naturopath was a good idea, I started to question my decision soon after – wondering if I was doing the right thing).

Was it fair to put an 89-year-old woman through this, and change her diet after a lifetime of eating a certain way?

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