Mimics, Marauders & Masqueraders

October 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Tragicomic Theater Masks. Sad and Smile masksDo you sometimes feel like there’s a lot of drama going on in your body?

With Halloween just two weeks away, it seems like the perfect time to explore this drama in greater depth, since these so-called mimics, marauders and masqueraders are present 24/7.

Yes, you read that correctly.

You see, even though your body is beautifully designed to deal with these pranksters at a moment’s notice, sometimes your immune system does make mistakes.

Or rather, we think of them as mistakes, but in all actuality, your immune system is simply doing what it’s designed to do.

And that is to protect you.

So, what’s really happening here is that some of these invaders are actually very clever,  mimicking or masquerading as something other than what they really are.

And the immune system gets confused.

Let me explain.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT, HEALTH & WELLNESS, HOLIDAYS Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Have A Healthy Halloween

October 17, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Halloween cupcakesAre 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 oranges? (Sweet potatoes would also work in a pinch).

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

Seems like an impossibility, doesn’t it – especially during a “candy-focused” holiday like Halloween?

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.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT, HEALTH & WELLNESS, RECIPES Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

How To Have A Healthy Halloween

October 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Halloween cupcakesAre 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).

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Fun Things You Can Do With Pumpkins

November 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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?

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT, RECIPES Tagged With: , , , , , ,

TRICK OR TREAT

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again, with the holidays fast approaching.  

And with Halloween just around the corner, chocolates and other goodies are definitely on my mind.

Last week, I was in Asheville, NC – taking in an abundance of good food and a stunning array of Fall colors.

I made a point of visiting a local chocolate shop called the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, named for a local river that wends its way through town.

This little chocolate shop is truly a chocolate lovers haven!

The minute you set foot inside the door, you’re immediately greeted by the fragrant, yet subtle scent of chocolate wafting through the air.

As it happens, the entire selection of chocolate truffles is gluten-free – instantly transporting me to chocolate heaven!

What impresses me even more is the selection of vegan truffles, made with coconut cream, instead of the usual dairy. The flavors have exquisite names like Strawberry-Balsamic, Buddha, and Pomegranate.

I highly recommend the Theros Citrus Fennel – the flavor combination is a burst of unexpected decadence.

I literally sat there and swooned – and instantly understood how just one, really, really good piece of quality chocolate can be so utterly satisfying that you’re left wanting nothing more.

Just like one really, really good piece of quality art, or design.

A little voice inside of me was saying:

“This is what it’s all about. Whether food or design, it’s all about surrounding yourself with an abundance of beauty and incredible experiences that nourish the body as well as the soul”.

Of course, there may not be time to place an order from The French Broad Chocolate Shop in time for Halloween. (Yes, they do ship).

But fear not.

Listed below are some suggestions to help you celebrate Halloween in style, without feeling one bit deprived.

 

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY CHOCOLATE SUNBUTTER CUPS 

I made these for Halloween a year ago, and they were so good I plan to make them again. They’re also incredibly easy.

While you could substitute any kind of nut butter, I recommend sticking with Sunflower Butter for a truly allergy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: EAT Tagged With: , , , , , , ,