The Noise In The Room

“Every part of your body & every cell in your body communicates with every other part of your body & every other cell. Everybody’s talking at the same time.”

Mark Hyman, M.D.

 

Have you ever found yourself in a crowded room full of people?

Did you happen to notice the cacophony of voices as you found yourself speaking as loud as possible to the person seated right next to you – trying to be heard above the din?

Well, that’s the kind of noise that’s going on in our bodies all the time.

Of course, we’re not aware of this noise in our bodies.

It’s more like a low hum in the background, so faint we really can’t hear it at all.

In fact, the only way our body really “talks” to us – to let us know when something is wrong – is to signal pain or discomfort.

Our energy levels might be low, or we feel tired, depressed or hungry.

We might be running a fever, or experience what’s referred to as “brain fog” (i.e fuzzy thinking).

Truth is, there are any number of ways our bodies can let us know when things are out of whack.

And yet, we don’t always listen.

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How To Massage Your Greens

Did you know you can massage your food?

Yes, it’s true!

I learned about this a little over a year ago, after tasting a raw kale salad that was definitely more tender than the kale salads I typically made at home.

I wasn’t sure what the restaurant had done to make the greens so tasty.

Before too long, I read about a technique that involved “massaging” your greens. I realized this was the exact process the restaurant had used to perfect their kale salad.

The sky’s the limit here, by the way – you’re not limited to kale.

Just about any greens can be massaged – chard, spinach, collards, arugula, lettuce – you name it.

Why the focus on Greens?

Kale, spinach, swiss chard and the like are the basis for a healthy, well-rounded diet.

Not only do leafy greens add necessary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – they are also considered essential to reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and other age-related illnesses.

Add the fact that they’re naturally gluten-free, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to include some of these leafy greens on a daily basis.

I’m still fairly new, myself, to introducing some of these nutritional powerhouses into my diet.

For the longest time I was strictly a lettuce and spinach kind of gal, until I decided to expand my horizons.

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Who Will You Be In 2013?

We’re at the tail end of the holidays, here, with just a few more days until the calendar changes to 2013.

I don’t know about you, but between the on-going holiday celebrations, visiting relatives and late night hours, my schedule’s been completely thrown off.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’ve enjoyed the warmth, camaraderie and excess of good food – yes all of it!

Yet every year at this time, I reach a point where I’m ready for things to get back to normal.

That means fewer holiday goodies to indulge in, and healthier choices overall.

How about you?

What are your goals for 2013?

With the New Year in mind, here are three simple suggestions for getting your life back on track.

 

Be Prepared

No matter how organized you are, realize that stuff is going to happen.

Sometimes it means being stuck in traffic for hours – leaving you hungry, tired and frustrated with not a bite to eat.

Not to mention your schedule completely thrown off.

Other times, it could be an Act of God.

Of course, Acts of God are not an excuse to eat whatever you want.

Whether planning a shopping trip or a visit to a local museum, it doesn’t matter – you want to look ahead to possible scenarios that might come up.

Are you going to be home in time for lunch?

If not, where will you likely eat?

What will you eat?

If you’re not sure, bring something with you.

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How To Be Your Best Advocate

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 just love it when people are so thoughtful, don’t you?)

As you glance at the list of ingredients (yes, I’m always reading labels), you 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.

What to do?

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

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.

Still, there are always choices, right?

So, in these situations, my rule of thumb is this:

If you’ve been medically diagnosed, and have been instructed by your doctor not to eat gluten – then please don’t.

It’s really important that you honor that, regardless of the circumstances.

(Seriously – you’ll be shooting yourself in the foot.)

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How To Avoid The Sugar Blues

Truth be told, the best way to avoid the sugar blues is to, well – simply not eat it.

Easier said than done, I know.

The thing is, there are plenty of sweet options that don’t have to involve refined sugar – things like honey, and agave nectar, or coconut sugar.

I even discuss this (briefly) in my FREE HOLIDAY GIFT – “44 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free, Through the Holidays and Beyond.”

Yes, it might seem like an odd thing to even mention in the midst of the holiday season, with sweet temptations beckoning to us from all directions.

However, it’s not all that uncommon for someone to be diagnosed as either allergic, or sensitive, to sugar.

So, I try to keep this, and all other allergens, in mind.

Another thing to be aware of, is that it isn’t just white sugar in its traditional form that’s the villain, here.

Too many carbs in general – especially the “white stuff” like potatoes, rice and flour – are empty calories that offer little nutritional value.

So why not experiment with other sweeteners, for some of your holiday baking?

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Sharing The Joy

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?

Well, in case you missed it, my clients have been raving about my FREE HOLIDAY GIFT “44 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free – Through the Holidays and Beyond”.

This special offer is available to you during the entire holiday season – right up until New Year’s Day!

 

And I want to make sure you know about this, because I’ve been getting some amazing feedback.

The best part?

You can actually sign up any time!

And while it’s true that you’ve missed the first week of daily tips and recipes, why not join us now?

Yes, there’s still time, and there’s still lots more savvy suggestions coming your way.

I think you’ll find this especially helpful if you’ve been telling yourself that the gluten-free diet is just too difficult.

Trust me – it doesn’t have to be!

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Celebrating Thanksgiving

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

Yes, after days of preparation – not to mention anticipation – the meal is consumed in a matter of minutes.

Or so it seems.

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 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?

Again, 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!

My biggest concern was that the star of the meal – the Thanksgiving turkey – would likely not be gluten-free, due to injected bastings and seasonings, and a traditional Bread Stuffing.

So, I resigned myself to “getting by” with a few offerings of my own, including a yummy Rice & Pecan Stuffing and a gluten-free dessert.

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Free Gift! – “44 Ways To Be Gloriously Gluten-Free”

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?

Well, this FREE GIFT is called 44 Ways to be Gloriously Gluten-Free – Through the Holidays and Beyond.”

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5 Fun Things You Can Do With Pumpkins

We’re in the midst of pumpkin season, no question about it!

These past few weeks, many of us have decorated our homes with colorful gourds, perhaps taking the time to carve them in time for Halloween.

Of course, one can do more with pumpkins than grow or carve them.

You can also eat them.

And in the weeks to come, many of us will be doing just that.

You might be baking pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, or using this tasty squash in your day to day baking.

(All gluten-free, of course).

As with most fresh fruits and vegetables, the bright orange color of pumpkins tells us right away that it’s highly nutritious.

So be sure to take advantage of pumpkins this holiday season, fresh and otherwise.

Here’s a recap of some popular things you can you do with pumpkins.

 

Decorate!

Beginning with Halloween, we typically see mountains of pumpkins decorating front walks and window sills.

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, pumpkins, and other gourds, work equally well for tabletop décor.

Whether carving or arranging, the holidays, in general, are the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your inner artist!

 

Make Your Own Puree

Sure, you can buy canned pumpkin for your baking and cooking needs.

But if you have the time, and are feeling adventurous, why not make your own pumpkin puree from scratch?

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It’s National Cookie Month!

Did you know we’re celebrating National Cookie Month?

A few days ago, a pretty card arrived in the mail, courtesy of my chiropractor.

Which is how I learned that it’s National Cookie Month.

And who wants to miss out on that?

The card went on to say that a different cookie would be featured in their office every week for the remainder of this month!

And to think – my next appointment isn’t until November.

(I was ready to pick up the phone and make an appointment right away).

Of course, there was nothing to indicate these cookies would be gluten-free, or allergen friendly – in which case, I wouldn’t touch them anyway.

All the more reason to open my cupboards and bake some cookies of my own!

On this particular day – and for whatever reason – I was craving chocolate.

And nothing but a plump Chocolate Chip Cookie was going to satisfy those cravings.

So, I creamed together the butter and sugar, added the gluten-free flour, ground nuts and quinoa – then reached into the cupboard for a bag of chocolate chips.

Imagine my surprise, when I came up empty.

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