Gift Ideas for the Gluten-Free Foodie

Lebkuchen3lHave you started your Christmas shopping yet? Perhaps you’re still compiling a holiday Wish-List, comprised of things you’d most like to have?

Or perhaps you’re wondering what to give that special someone, who happens to love good food and spending quality time in the kitchen?

Either way, I’ve got you covered.

In the spirit of supporting your digestive health through optimal nutrition, I’m sharing my absolute favorite Gift Ideas for the foodie in your life (gluten-free or not) – and yes, that person could be YOU!

 

Small Kitchen Appliances

For years already, my guiding principle has been “It’s better to buy well than often.”

Even though small kitchen appliances are often the priciest category, the items I’ve included here are absolutely worth the investment. Ultimately, you’re really investing in yourself – and I’m sure you’re totally worth every penny!

Then there’s this: when you choose the one thing that is most important to you (and you choose well) – you won’t be disappointed.

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Hitting the Road

Cargo OverloadDon’t you just love vacations?

Or, do you find vacations and travel challenging – especially when it comes to navigating your special dietary needs at hotels and restaurants?

It can be challenging, no question about it!

However, after awhile, it usually becomes second nature – once you’ve learned to recognize some of the common pitfalls you’ll want to watch out for.

As it happens, I’ve just wrapped up a ten-day vacation in Eastern Washington – which for me means piling everything in the car and hitting the road.

It’s a perfect way to travel!

The great thing about a road trip, in my humble opinion, is that you can take everything you need with you – without having to deal with limits on excess baggage, or airport security.

And for anyone who has Celiac Disease, or is dealing with food allergies, that makes a road trip ideal.

Because you can simply bring everything along, relying on local grocery stores to stock up on fresh produce and whatever else you might need.

Of course, that also means you might not exactly be traveling light.

In fact, if you’re like me, the words “travel light” might not be in your DNA.

But that’s exactly what makes a road trip so ideal!

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Juice or Smoothie – Which Will It Be?

Juice SmallI’ve been making a lot of smoothies lately.

If I’m not in the mood for a smoothie, I’ll chop up a bunch of veggies and juice up a tall glass of green juice

Whipping up a green smoothie, or juicing a tall glass of veggie goodness, seems to be all the rage lately.

And yes, I’ve been caught up in the excitement!

Do you have a preference?

For myself, I often prefer a smoothie to juicing – I like that the fiber stays intact (am I the only one who hates throwing all that nutritious fiber down the drain?) – plus I find it easier to clean a VitaMix than a juicer.

Sometimes it’s a Green Smoothie, other times it’s a little less green, depending on the ingredients – it’s a little like mixing a palette of paint, to see what color you end up with.

On the flip side of things, there are many detractors to the juicing craze.

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Gift Ideas for the Gluten-Free Foodie

Christmas gift and baubles on defocused lights backgroundEvery 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.

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It’s Time For Spring Cleaning!

CleanersiStock_000009262565XSmallSpring has finally arrived!

How did you mark the occasion?

Do you have an annual tradition for celebrating the first day of Spring?

(Me – I went skiing, which – last time I checked – is generally not considered a Springtime activity).

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 symbol of Springtime – because it blooms early in the season, signifying new life ahead.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Spring is the also the season for cleansing.

It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that more people participate in detoxes of every kind during this time of year.

With this in mind, here are three simple ways you can welcome Springtime into your own home, and your life.

 

Cleanse Your Cupboards

You may have already cleared your cupboards, fridge and freezer of gluten-containing foods, along with your other allergens.

But why not go a step further?

This is the perfect time to thoroughly clean out your kitchen, and release any foods that don’t truly support your health.

So – out with the tired spices, white flours and processed junk food!

In with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and gluten-free oats.

Bring on the whole grain crackers, and minimally processed staples like pasta and whole grain flours for baking.

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