Cleaned out the Fridge

Today I cleaned out the fridge. I got rid of a lot of items that just have been sitting in there for a long time. Mostly condiments. I had a lot of salad dressings. It is easy to make your own and better for you. I am trying to start "fresh" with what is in my fridge and freezer and also what is in my panty. No more processed food! (at least I want to try)

I have noticed that I have less canned goods. I used to have two shelves full of canned goods and now I have barely any. I feel good about that. I used to buy canned beans, soups and fruits...It was just more convenient to do so.  It is better to have fresh vegetables (or frozen) and fruits, cook my own beans (black, kidney, etc), and make my own soup... and baked goods.  I have also made my own chicken stock, jam and pickles. I know it takes extra time and planning, but it is more important to me to know what is in my food and to eat healthier.

I believe that planning your meals is very important. It saves time, money and thought to what you will have for dinner each night. Out of 7 days a week, I like to have at least 3-5 meals planned. It doesn't always happen but I try my best. I look through my cookbooks, look at what we already have in the fridge/freezer and pantry to see what I can use up or what I need to buy.  Some ingredients that you don't use up in one meal, you can pass onto another meal. My favorite item to buy is a rotisserie chicken. It is already cooked and seasoned and I can get about 3 meals out of one chicken. ex. chicken curry, chicken quesadillas, chicken bbq salad.

Probiotics

It has been two weeks since I started stating taking Ortho Biotic, a probiotic. It was suggested by my chiropractor that I start taking it and I am glad that I did. I had told my chiropractor about gas being caught in my chest and if I didn't burp it up, I felt like I couldn't breathe until I could burp. It happened mostly when I was driving. Since I started taking the probiotic, that feeling has gone away. Plus I am not as "burpy" as I used to be...what a wonderful feeling! It is nice to finally get some answers to my stomach problems.

(Taken from Mayoclinic.com)
You don't necessarily need probiotics — a type of "good" bacteria — to be healthy. However, these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing "good" bacteria in your body already do.
Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a synbiotic. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, are considered synbiotic because they contain live bacteria and the fuel they need to thrive.
Probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt, while prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, honey and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements.
Although more research is needed, there's encouraging evidence that probiotics may help:

• Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
• Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome
• Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
• Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
• Prevent and treat eczema in children
• Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu

Only 2 Days

Well...I could only make it 2 days going dairy free. It's too hard. I like my cheese too much. Sorry that I gave up so quickly...becoming gluten free is way more easier. I made a sandwich for lunch - and I just had to have cheese on it. It's not like I eat cheese all of the time...I just can't go without. I somewhat tried...

I am in a small group and the ladies meet opposite nights from the men. This way we can have someone to watch the children...we tried meeting altogether with children and that did not work. When we ladies get together, we always go out to eat. It is so nice not having to make dinner and not yelling at the kids to eat every 5 seconds...we can just talk without being interrupted. Tonight we met at Panera Bread. One of our favorite places to eat. I usually get the "pick two" option. This time, I just got a salad. It was so good. I didn't miss eating the baguette that comes with it. But looking at all of the baked goods...they all looked soooo good.  But again, I don't need them...I am better off and I like feeling good.

No More Potato Flour

I have used potato flour in a couple of baked goods...I have come to realize that I don't like it. Almond, Rice and Sorhgum flour taste a lot better.

Yesterday I made chocolate zucchini bread. I used a "flour blend" that had potato flour in it. I need to make a different flour blend without it. I split the recipe in half - not to waste anything if I didn't like it. I have made this originally with "regular" flour and the bread comes out very moist. This time with my flour blend, it came out very dense - still tastes good, but not moist like I want it to be.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Mix
3 eggs
1 cup olive oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
2 tsp vanilla

Mix
3 cups flour (of your choice)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c cocoa

Blend dry to wet ingredients
Grease 2 loaf pans
Bake 350 degrees for 50 minutes

No dairy today - I used almond milk with my cereal - remember 50% more calcium than dairy milk.

Dairy Free Trial

What does it mean to be dairy free? Today was my first day to be dairy free for a week. I think I did a good job. I ate a sandwich today (with gluten free bread) and I didn't put cheese on it like I usually do. I missed the cheese! I also put a little mayo on my bread and wondered...is there dairy in mayo? I know...that is probably a dumb question. I looked at the ingredients...there are eggs...are eggs included as dairy? Another dumb question...

I googled "what does it mean to be dairy free?"

I found a community question on BabyCenter.com that said to cut all foods that have "milk", "whey", "casien", "butter", and "lactalbumin" listed as an ingredient out of your diet. Eggs are not included even though some people who avoid dairy also avoid eggs.

I guess it wasn't such a dumb questions after all?

Then I started to wonder...people who are dairy free, how do they get their daily calcium intake? It is ingrained in our heads, that we can only get calcium from dairy...but that is not true. I have always known that broccoli provides calcium, some orange juice brands...but what else?

I found this website that has good information. On About.com Get Calcium without Dairy Products. Please read...it is very informative and interesting.

I drink Almond Milk. It has 50% more calcium than dairy milk.

No Cramps

There is always a first time for everything. I got my period today. I knew it was coming soon. But this time was different. I didn't have cramps...I couldn't believe it. I usually feel sick to my stomach and have really bad cramps....plus get really bloated....not this time.  My friends Jenn and Rachel who inspired me to become gluten free told me after they changed their diet, their periods changed too. Supposedly, all women who get their period, should not have the "PMS" symptoms. We "women" have those PMS symptoms because of the way we eat...

I wondered when I first started to become gluten free if the same would be for me...if my period would change. I still have the emotions of PMS (probably because I have 3 kids...), but I hope to get rid of that too by following the diet of The Maker's Diet.

I decided today that this week, I will try and eat no dairy. I will let you know how that goes...

Pizza Toppings

Today we had Owen's birthday party at a place called Grand Slam...very fun place for kids of all ages...

They provide different party packages which includes a slice a pizza and a pop for each kid. We ordered extra pizza for adults. I asked if I could bring outside food to go along with the pizza. They said we could only bring in a "birthday cake, cupcakes, etc." Also on the menu were hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and nachos. I ended up just eating the toppings off of the pizza. I have never done that before.

I didn't explain to them that I was gluten free...I guess if I would have, then maybe I would have been an exception to bring in my own food.  Next time I will remember to ask.

Can't tell the difference

Look at the photo...can you tell which one is a gluten free bun and which one isn't? You can't, can you...

I made sloppy joe's and home made fries for dinner. I bought myself Udi's gluten free buns. What would I do without Udi's? The bun tasted very good...like a "regular" bun.

Lately, I have been thinking about trying to go dairy free for a week just to see if it will make me feel even better. I am guessing that it will...that is why I am scared to try...I love dairy food too much to give it up, but if it makes me feel better, then I probably should. What to do...what to do...

His & Hers

Actually it's mine and theirs...

Tonight for dinner I made Lasagna. I made one for me and one for them (Ben and the boys) Lia had already eaten by the time it was done - she will eat it for lunch or dinner next day. I made mine with rice lasagna noodles and I  made theirs with left over "regular" noodles that I wanted to use up. Next time, I will just use my rice noodles. I don't think anyone could tell the difference...

I layered the lasagna with store bought sauce, rotisserie chicken, ricotta cheese, sauteed onions, mozzarella and parmesan cheese and left over butternut squash that I roasted the other day. (a good way to get a vegetable in without anyone knowing).

For dessert I made apple crisp. One for them and one for me. The apples I used came from Ben's parent's apple trees. I found an easy recipe online. Bettycrocker.com

I made an individual one for myself - I pretty much quartered the recipe and used rice flour in place of the regular flour.

Apple Crisp

4 cups chopped apples

Combine and crumble over apples
3/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup butter softened
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes 8 x 8 dish

Mickey D's

Today I ate McDonalds for lunch. I ate a salad, but I wanted a cheeseburger.

Ben's cousin's wife told me a long time ago that some McDonalds offer gluten free buns...you just need to ask. The one I went to today DOES NOT offer gluten free buns...but maybe I'll find one someday. We don't eat there that often, but it would be nice if I could order something besides a salad. I wonder how many restaurants offer gluten free buns for sandwiches? If you find one, please let me know.

I can always bring my own buns- remember in my post "Learn from the Master" my friend Kate told me that she brings her own.

Today, I also found a great website: glutenfreegirl.com  I haven't had time to go through the whole website, but what I did see, it looks very informative and has good recipes.

Food I Miss

I have been really good about resisting food that I used to eat... but today, Landen ate a pop tart for a snack. I bought them before I went gluten free - they would be my go to snack when I was hungry. Two come to a package and I gave Landen one and I wanted to eat the other one...but I didn't.

Jimmy John's sandwiches! I love any kind of sub sandwich. In Omaha, where I grew up, I liked to eat at a sub place called Little King's (similar to Subway or Jimmy Johns). As a family we ate a place called Razzi's Deli - they had the best reuben sandwich. Now I miss Jimmy John's. They should make a gluten free bread option.

Scones - I love a good scone. I haven't eaten one since I went gluten free. I know there are recipes out there for gluten free scones. I just haven't had the courage to try making them...I don't want to be disappointed because they may not taste the same as a "real" scone. Some day I'll see the "wizard of oz" and get my courage to try...

Cereal - my favorite cereal is Cinnamon Life. I could eat it everyday for breakfast - I always made sure we had a box sitting in our pantry. There is still a half of box left in the pantry - I need someone to eat it so I am not tempted.

Goldfish crackers - They are so yummy. I give them to Lia and I want to eat them too. I have been looking for a gluten free version of goldfish crackers but have not found one yet.

Bruegger's Bagels - They have the best breakfast sandwiches and non-breakfast sandwich, the Thai Chicken sandwich. We don't have one close to us so that helps.

D'Amico & Sons pasta salads - My friend, Kendra and I always choose D'Amico & Sons to eat at when we get together for dinner. We both love their pasta salads. They have a sampler platter where you can choose 3 different salads. They used to have butternut squash ravioli but they took it off the menu...so sad...it was delicious. (I am actually going to try and make my own...we'll see how that works out...I will let you know)

Okay, I need to stop talking about the foods I miss...my mouth is watering and I am starting to get a craving...

Baby Aspirin (TMD)

The Maker's Diet Chapter 5 How to get sick: A modern prescription for illness.

This chapter gives a list of 27 things that can make us sick and Jordan S. Rubin goes through each one and tells us how not to get sick. I am not going to list them all. I just want to share one that most stood out to me personally.

For those who do not know, I found out while getting tested for infertility that I have a clotting disorder called MTHFR (looks like the days of the week, kind of) Basically, it is a mutation which makes it difficult for my body to absorb folic acid and can cause blood clots.  I take a baby aspirin (or low dose - called either way) every day to help prevent blood clots. Of course when I found out about this disorder, I freaked out and thought the worse that I would get a blood clot and die...I take the baby aspirin everyday to keep my mind at ease. My OBGYN told me that this disorder is more common than it used to be especially if heart attacks run in the family. Since I am adopted, I do not know my family history. When I was pregnant with Landen and Lia, I had to take the baby aspirin and extra folic acid. I also had to visit the doctor more often to monitor their heart rate, blood flow and do a non-stress test. Each time I had these visits, I was anxious... I wanted everything to be fine and it always was. I couldn't wait to see the ultrasound and hear their heartbeat. Thankfully, God answered my prayers and they were both born healthy!

In this chapter, the number 15th way to get sick is to Take lots of medications. He states medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and corticosteriods my cause major problems with the gastrointestinal terrain, damage the immune system, cause liver problems, and later enzyme function. The practice of taking a baby aspirin a day to prevent heart attacks is dangerous, for instance. Aspirin can cause bleeding in the intestinal track and can be toxic to the liver.

Out of all the medications out there, he focused on baby aspirin. It really bothered me!

But he went onto say You get similar health benefits with no side effects by consuming foods such as cold-water fish, fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, and certain botanicals that naturally reduce the Cox-2 enzyme and provide other anti-inflammatory benefits. 

So I googled "alternatives to baby aspirin". I found this website Natural News there is a lot of information that I want to talk about...but don't know how to sum it all up...so if interested in reading it, please do! You might find it interesting yourself (even if you don't take a baby aspirin). One alternative mentioned was: simple lifestyle changes such as reducing refined carbohydrate and trans fat intake, eating more alkaline foods (low-carb veggies and fruits) and exercising can  have a tremendously positive effect on your cardiovascular system. Becoming gluten free has become a blessing in more ways than one!

I am certainly going to try these alternatives. I already started to only take the pill every other day instead of every day. It is mentioned in the article that you should never go cold turkey on medication.

30 Days

It has been 30 days since I became gluten free. It seems like A LOT longer though..I don't know why. In these past 30 days, I think that I have learned a lot and I have the rest of my life to learn even more. In 30 days I only felt bloated once! That is huge...a miracle. It is the best feeling to feel good - not bloated and uncomfortable.

In my last entry, I told you that we were in Medford, WI visiting Ben's parents and attending a wedding. Every time we go to Ben's parent's house, I tell myself "don't eat so much, eat in moderation" but every time, I overeat and I feel overstuffed. It's because Sally (Ben's mom) is a great cook and she makes wonderful meals and desserts! I always tend to eat more when someone else makes a meal and it always seems to taste better! But for the first time, I was more careful about what I ate and I feel great! Sally was so thoughtful and made Michele (my sister-in-law who is also gluten free) and I gluten free chips. She took gluten free tortillas, cut them up into triangles, sprayed them with PAM topped with salt and parmesan cheese and baked them until nice and crispy. They were delicious! Thanks again Sally! We ate them with  home made salsa. Ben wants me to make them with cinnamon sugar.

I am proud to say that I passed on eating...wedding cake...coffee cake...and chocolate cupcakes. Yes I wanted to eat them, but they were easy to resist. Plus...just think about all the calories and fat I missed out on that my body doesn't need.

Wedding Food

I love wedding food! It is probably because I don't have to make it and most times, it is very good.  I don't know which is better - a buffet (you can choose and take as much or little as you want) or when they bring the plate of food to you... it's chosen for you. Either way, it is yummy and plenty. We have not been to a wedding for over 2 years. We are in Medford, WI visiting Ben's parents and we are also here to attend his second cousin's wedding.

This was my first time eating at a wedding gluten free. Knowing this, I guessed in my head what the meal might be...usually a type of meat, potato and vegetable accompanied by a salad and roll. This meal was fried chicken and/or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and fruit. The only item that was gluten free was the fruit and salad (and ham, but I am trying not to eat pig - I will tell you about that some other time). It was a buffet...I still put everything onto my plate. I didn't eat the skin of the chicken (breaded chicken means flour), I didn't eat the gravy (flour is used as a thickener) but I did eat a couple of bites of the green casserole (gluten is in creamed soups and I am sure it was used in the casserole). I definitely ate the fruit and salad!

And what comes after the meal?...the wedding cake! Oh that wedding cake - looked so good, but when the lady came to our table and asked who wanted a piece of cake...it was so easy for me to say no thank you. (Yes Tona, for the first time in my life, I didn't eat a piece of wedding cake!)

It has been a couple of hours now since I have eaten and I feel great. I am so glad that I didn't eat my complete meal and the cake. It is worth it to feel good!

Bloated

Last night before I went to bed, I felt really bloated. I haven't felt like that in  along time...I don't miss it! I went through what I had eaten throughout the day and I can not figure out made me feel this way. I keep a journal of what I eat each day. Then I thought, maybe it was the ice cream I ate for dessert...duh. I had a small bowl and didn't think it would bother me, but I guess it did. (remember, I am lactose intolerant, but I don't know if I can give up dairy completely). Maybe I should give it a test run for a week and see how I feel? Maybe not?

For breakfast, I had an Udi's chocolate muffin (and an egg). Yum-o! I paid $6 for a box of 4...but that only makes it $1.50 per muffin and that is cheaper than buying one at a bakery and I don't have to make them! They come frozen - so they will last longer. When I want one, just pop one in the microwave for 20 seconds and I have a yummy muffin for breakfast...or whenever I need a chocolate fix.

Happy Birthday Owen

Today Owen turned 6 years old. I can not believe how time flies. For breakfast he wanted donuts. We got donuts from Coborn's. I keep forgetting to mention that Coborn's has a wonderful Health Foods section. I buy a lot of my gluten free products there. The prices are a little more reasonable than Fresh & Natural Foods Store. Plus it is closer to me which is convenient. So while the "boys" were eating their delicious looking donuts, I ate an Udi's brand cinnamon roll. (the photo shows two, I only ate one) It was surprisingly really good. Not as soft and moist like a normal cinnamon roll, but very tastey and the frosting was delightful.

I had a chiropractic appointment earlier this morning. I go to the Lauderdale Wellness Center in Lauderdale, MN. This was my 3rd appointment. My friend Tona referred me to Dr. Brian Malzer. I met with him the first two appointments. Today I met with Dr. Elizabeth Berg. They are both awesome! They are very friendly, personable, take time to answer your questions, and will fix you and make you well! I found out that Dr. Berg has been gluten free for two years. She told me about another patient of hers that is gluten free and has a wonderful bread recipe. Once I get it from her, I will share it with you. If you need a chiropractor, call the Lauderdale Wellness Center...trust me...I have been to a handful of chiropractors and they are wonderful!

I shared with Dr. Berg about how "gassy" I am. I burp a lot. Becoming gluten free has helped with not feeling bloated, but I still experience gas and it is frustrating because it feels like it is caught in my chest. She suggested taking a probiotic. She gave me the brand Ortho Biotic. It has 20 million CFUs (Colony Forming Units)...Good (friendly) bacteria - remember "The Maker's Diet."

For many years, the addition of probiotic bacteria or "good" bacteria to our intestinal tract has been used to promote health. As a class, these beneficial bacteria have been referred to as probiotics. The use of probiotics is especially critical after antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing other less beneficial bacteria to take up residence. Therefore, inorder for the gastrointestinal tract to remain healthy, probiotics are needed to restore the balance of beneficial microflora to the intestines. (www.healthybydrk.com)

I am going to start taking it tonight and hopefully, I will notice a change in how I feel and make me feel better. Due to c-sections with Landen and Lia, I had an infection "in one way or another" and I was put on a lot of antibiotics. After reading the above paragraph, it makes sense to me that I need to make my gastrointestinal tract healthy again.

The Holidays are Coming

It's September...it's Fall... and today was a little chilly out. I am not ready for this weather...for winter to come, but I love the holidays. I have already been thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas...yes a little early, I know. I have been thinking about all the delicious food and what I might miss out on.  For Thanksgiving...pies...I can make my own pie with gluten free crust, but then will others want to eat it? Maybe they won't even know...and stuffing...I love stuffing...will I miss it? or do I make my own? Christmas cookies...need I say more? I'll figure it out!

Today I made Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. (Foodnetwork - Barefoot Contessa). The whole house smelled like the holidays...it was wonderful.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

3 -4 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded
2 yellow onions
2 apples, peeled and cored
3 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper
2 -4 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp curry powder

Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Cut the butternut squash, onions and apples into 1 inch cubes. Place them on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast for 35 - 45 minutes.

When the roasted vegetables are done, use a food processor or blender to puree the vegetables - add some chicken stock to help blend more smoothly. Place the puree in a large pot and add enough chicken stock to make a thick soup. Add the curry powder and more salt and pepper to taste.

Optional condiments for garnishing: scallions, flaked sweetened coconut, lightly toasted, salted cashews and/or diced bananas.

I used cashews. The soup was very tastey! I made the soup for when my mom comes over for lunch tomorrow....Ben probably would not eat this soup - it's squash and has no meat in it.  Lia loved it, I gave it to her for dinner tonight. I also froze some in baby food jars to save for future use.

Learn from the Master

The best way to learn about something new is to go to a source of great knowledge...and that would be my friend, Kate.  I don't know why it took me so long to remember that she is gluten free and has been for years. Here is some information that she shared with me.

One of her favorite things is the GM brand desserts under Betty Crocker there are a lot of gluten free products and recipes on this site. (I am very excited to try these out)

Chex cereals are gluten free (which I have already been eating and are very good)

Noodles and Company has a gluten free menu - you just need to ask the cashier about it. (I love this place)

Gluten free pizza at Zpizza and Pizza Luce (The menus look awesome!)

She also thinks that Udi's is best (she had given up making her own bread). She told me to try the cinnamon rolls. And Whole Foods has the best muffins, under the Whole Foods label. (I wish I could eat a cinnamon roll and/or muffin right now)

There is a gluten free store in Rochester, MN called The Gluten Free Cupboard. 

Schar, is the #1 selling European brand. It is hard to find, but worth it when you do. They have crackers that taste and crunch like real crackers - which I have been looking for. Byerly's or Lunds carry a few items and there is a store in Apple Valley, MN called Valley Natural. That also carry the brand. (If I ever get to these stores, I will definitely look for this brand name!)

    
She also told me about a store called Cupcake - they have 2 gluten free options which are "Super delightful". They have a food truck - so be on the look out!

Good to know:  She brings her own pizza crusts and buns with her to restaurants. She hasn't found a place yet that won't use her food.

So much new info... I am so excited to try these new brands, stores and restaurants. Thank you Kate for sharing this with me and to all who is reading my blog.

Proper Hygiene & Friendly Bacteria (TMD)

More from The Maker's Diet

Chapter 4 talks about hygiene and friendly bacteria. They are as essential as diet and exercise to optimum health. There is so much information in this chapter, I can't write all the high points, so you will just have to buy the book to read the rest...

Proper Hygiene
"More than 90 percent of the germs on your hands reside under your fingernails. The same is true for allergens and environmental contaminants. These germs easily enter the body through the nasal passageways and tear ducts of the eyes when we touch them - which occurs at least twenty times a day. Each time there is a potential of autoinoculating yourself with germs, allergens, environmental toxins, and viruses. Autoinoculation of the eyes and nose from contaminated fingertips is particularly dangerous because the eyes and nose provide a direct pathway to the upper respiratory tract."


Jordan W. Rubin suggests a modern hygiene system called "Clenzology - it preserves the balance between the proper function of autoinoculation in building the body's natural defense capabilities and its negative role in promoting infection by mass contamination through the eyes and nose. Clenzology techniques reduces stress on the immune system and helps the occurrence of infectious disease and allergies."


 I don't want to admit it, but I am constantly touching my eyes and nose (mostly my eyes) all day long. I just rubbed my eye after I wrote that sentence. I don't even realize that I am doing it sometimes. After I read that 90 percent of germs on our hands reside under our fingernails, it kind of freaked me out. (I am kind of a germ freak - especially with the kids - making them wash their hands often and not touching so many things out in public or not wanting other kids touching Lia's toys) I have long fingernails and I keep them as clean as I can but I do notice that I catch myself running my fingers through my hair or scratching my head often...I just need to be more aware of what I am doing. I know that some germs are good germs and we need them...the chapter talks about us being "to clean"... I just need to find a good balance.

Friendly Bacteria


"Years ago, the food we harvested from the field was covered with beneficial microorganisms that "became part of us" when we ate the produce. Today, American's soil is essentially sterile. Pesticides and herbicides are believed to be the "total solution" in the natural world.

"The best way to quickly replenish and stabilize friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and develop a balanced immune system that reacts only as needed is the regular ingestion of live, fermented, probiotic-rich food and supplementation with homeostatic soil organisms. Homeostatic soil organisms (HSOs), in addition to a diet that includes liberal amounts of cultured or fermented foods including yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, will create the proper balance your gut needs to be healthy."

Pizza

Tonight I made a pizza! A small one for myself. I bought a package of gluten free pizza thin crusts - Udi's Brand - 2 crusts for $5. I put pizza sauce, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella and banana peppers on it. It tasted great! The thin crust, to me, tasted like any other "regular" thin crust. I will definitely buy these pizza crusts again.

Okay, so I told you that I had made banana bread but it didn't set up as good as I thought. But today, I ate it and it was so good! So here is the recipe...

Banana Bread

1  cup sorghum flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp xanthum gum
1/2 cup softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
3 -4 mashed bananas
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients and then add dry to wet.  Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake for 55 - 60 minutes.

Fish Fry

Tonight we had a fish fry with our small group friends and our neighbors from across the street. The fish (northern) we ate were caught by the guys (Ben and the husbands from small group) when they went on their fishing trip back in June. I knew we were going to have this fish fry and I had looked for a gluten free batter recipe for myself. I did find one, but I ended up not using it. I even made it, but I just ate the "regular" fried fish which was soooooo good. So I strayed for one night. There was gluten in the batter (dry mix- wheat flour, beer - barley).

Along with the fish, I ate potato salad, fruit and cheesy potatoes. After I had already eaten the cheesy potatoes, I realized that it had cornflakes on top and remember...I had posted that cornflakes have gluten it them. Oh-well...

It has been almost 3 hours since we ate and I don't feel bloated at all. I only ate about 3 average size pieces of fish and a small serving of the cheesy potatoes.

Earlier today I made banana bread. I tried using my original recipe and thought I could just substitute the flour and add the Xanthan Gum (used for baking when using gluten free flours). I used sorghum flour which is similar to a wheat flour. The banana bread turned out tasting great, but didn't hold together as well as I thought it would have. The first gluten free banana bread recipe that I have on my blog is great - I just like testing out different recipes.

Dry Beans are Best

I had mentioned in a past entry that I found a live worm in can of black beans. It was so grose! I have never made beans from "scratch" before because buying canned beans is just so much easier and more convenient.

I bought a bag of black beans (Bob's Red Mill). The black beans cost around $5.00 for 1 lb 10oz. 1 cup of dry beans makes 2 1/2 cups cooked beans. I can get about 4 cups of dried making that 10 cups of cooked beans. I think that is a good deal...plus no worms. Per serving size of 1/4 cup, it provides 11g of fiber and 10g of protein.

To make the beans: soak over night. Drain and rinse beans. Add 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of black beans. Bring to a boil and then simmer 1 - 1 1/2 hrs.

I soaked the beans last night and cooked them today. It does take some extra effort to make them, but in the end, I think it is worth it and they taste great! For dinner, I made Chicken Rice, Grape Salad and I added some of the beans to the salad. 

Chicken Rice, Grape Salad (I got this recipe from Ben's cousin Kori)

2/3 cup mayo
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp dried taragon
3 cups cooked chicken cubed
3 cups cooked rice (wild, white or brown)
1/2 cup green onion
1 can 8oz water chestnuts
1 cup black beans (optional)
1 cup sliced grapes
1 cup cashew halves

 Dressing: combine mayo, milk, lemon juice, dry taragon

Combine: cubed chicken, rice, green onion, water chestnuts, salt and pepper to taste. Add dressing to mixture. Let chill in refrigerator. When ready to serve, fold in grapes and cashews.

A Better Brownie Recipe

My friend Jen Rhyner gave me a wonderful brownie recipe. She lives in Scotland and gave me the recipe in grams...I had to Google and convert grams to cups. I almost bought a food scale...I heard that is the best way to get the exact amount...I'm sure I will end up buying one in the future. Tonight I made the brownies...they are delicious! Much better than my first brownie recipe. Thanks Jen!

Here is the recipe:

200 g or 1 cup good chocolate - I used 4oz of bittersweet cacao - Ghirardelli -only 113g, but sweet enough
115g or 1/2 cup butter
175g or 3/4 cup almond flour
175g or 3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Melt butter and chocolate over double boiler (glass bowl over simmering water in sauce pan - don't let the bowl touch the water) after melted - remove from heat. Add almond flour, sugar and vanilla.

Separate egg yolks from whites. Beat egg yolks and add to mixture. Whisk (electric mixer or by hand if you have strong arms) egg whites until stiff peaks. Fold in gently to brownie mixture. (to save time, I whisked the egg whites while the butter and chocolate were melting)

Pour in greased 8 x 8 baking dish. Bake 40 - 45 minutes

Udi's is Awesome

Udi's is a company that makes gluten free products. I have been eating their raisin bread, which is really good and today I bought their whole grain sandwich bread and had a normal sandwich today for lunch. It was great! It is a little more pricey than regular bread, but it will be just for me and I won't eat a sandwich everyday (I keep it in the freezer to last longer). I also bought pizza crust. I hope that turns out great as well. I think in the long run, it will be worth it just to buy sandwich bread and then make my own baked goods.Try Udi's, I think you will like it as much as I do.

Another product I found that I enjoy is Blue Diamond Natural Almond Nut-thins. I like the cheddar cheese kind. I was looking for a good cracker to replace the Goldfish and Cheez-its that I used to snack on. Ben even likes these - he says they are awesome.

I found a website today with fun gluten free recipes glutenfreeblondie.com check it out.

I Love Ice Cream & Cheese

If I could eat ice cream everyday without getting sick, I would. I know that some people who are gluten free are also dairy free. I am lactose intolerant, but I still eat dairy products. I would probably feel even better if I was dairy free too, but I don't know...one thing at a time...I love cheese too much.

So my Oat Bread is sitting on the counter looking sad. I had 2 pieces with honey, which is good, but not great. I said that I have another bread recipe to try, but I might just have to try more store bought kinds. The brand of raisin bread that I have is Udi's. It is really good. I don't know why I haven't tried their regular sandwich bread yet. I got a coupon off Udi's website. I will use that to buy "sandwich" bread. I do miss sandwiches...

Cinnamon, Honey and Oat Bread

Today I made Cinnamon,  Honey and Oat Bread. I got the recipe from The Gluten, Wheat & Dairy Free Cookbook. I have been wanting to make this recipe for some time. I wanted to half the recipe and only make one loaf. Dumb me, I halved all ingredients except for the amount of water...ahhh! Ben told me just to double everything else. So smart that Ben, that is why I married him. So I took his advice and doubled the rest of the ingredients, but I didn't have enough of the oats. I still baked the bread. It tastes good but very dense. It tastes good with butter and  honey. Here is the recipe if anyone is interested in making it correctly. I hope to try it again...

Cinnamon, Honey and Oat Bread

1/2 package of yeast (half a tbsp)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp honey
1 3/4 cups warm water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
6 cups porridge oats, processed finely to a flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place yeast, salt, and honey in large bowl with warm water and oil. Then mix in the oats and cinnamon. Knead with flour (which ever gluten free flour you have on hand). Divide dough into 2 greased pans. Let rise for 30 minutes. Bake 1 hour.

My next recipe to try is another sandwich bread recipe. I hope to find a recipe that best represents "normal" bread.

Easier to Resist

It is hard to believe that foods I once loved and couldn't get enough of, I can now resist. The other morning, I slept in and Ben made cinnamon rolls.  When I got up, there were three left. I didn't even think about having one. I knew it was better for me not to. I knew I wasn't missing out. Today at Ben's cousin's Annie's house, I brought a velvet chocolate layered cake that I bought from Tortas and Truffles from downtown Anoka. When the cake was served, Ben asked if I was at least going to have a bite and I said no. Again, I am sure it would have been very good, but I didn't need it. 

Don't get me wrong...I love sweets!  It just has become easier for me not to want them all of the time. I do want to find great gluten free dessert recipes for when I do want sweets. But now when I am at a gathering of some sort, I won't feel like I am missing out if I don't eat a dessert if it is not gluten free. It is a great feeling to have. Both my stomach and waistline are thanking me.

My sister-in-law Michele made me gluten free chocolate chip cookie dough. I made the cookies tonight and boy were they good! Thanks Michele! She is going to give me the recipe and then I will post it on my blog.

The Gut (TMD)

Back to The Maker's Diet book. Chapter 3

"Did you know that we have over 100 million nerve cells in our gut? The gut is more responsible than we ever imagined for mental well-being and  how we feel. It is said to be our 2nd brain. The brain and gut are much alike. Both have natural ninety-minute cycles. The slow wave sleep of the brain is interrupted by periods of "rapid eye movement," or REM sleep, in which dreams occur. Patients with bowel problems also tend to have abnormal REM sleep, and poor sleep has been reported by many if not most patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and nonulcer dyspepsia ("sour stomach"). 

After I read this, I was like "yes" makes total sense to me. Most nights if I have eaten something during the day that is unhealthy (which has been probably most everything) I don't sleep well. I toss and turn and my stomach is tight and  uncomfortable. It's like my body (my stomach) is working overdrive to process what I have eaten. Which also becomes the reason that I was so over exhausted all of the time. After eating gluten free and not having that bloated feeling and eating healthier, I have noticed that I am sleeping better. I do have more energy...still get tired though (I do have 3 kids that wear me down sometimes...) but I don't feel tired from the foods I have eaten.

Today, I made home made tomato sauce and it turned out really good. I used the tomatoes from our garden. I am going to use it for chili, spaghetti sauce, or pizza sauce. Homemade Tomato Sauce I also added brown sugar and red pepper flakes.

I am trying to make my own "foods". That way, I know what is in them.

2 Weeks

It's been about 2 weeks now that I became gluten free. It seems like a lot longer though. I think I have already learned a lot and I am excited to learn more. I need to get back to working out! Since becoming gluten free, I have maintained a loss of 2 lbs - probably due to not eating so much extra carbs and eating a little healthier. My goal is to lose another 2-3 lbs. I still have a couple of pairs of jeans that I want to fit into before fall/winter.

For dinner tonight, I made spaghetti and meatballs for "the boys" and for myself I used pasta made out of rice and just regular ground hamburger. The rice pasta didn't taste that different than regular pasta. We also had a caprese salad (tomatoes - from our garden, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil - from our garden drizzled with balsamic vinegar).

I forgot to mention that the other day, I opened up a can of black beans and rinsed them in the sink. I found a live worm in with the beans. I freaked out, yuk! My friend Rachel only buys dry beans and cooks them herself. Now I can see why...plus they are supposed to be better for you. 

Tomorrow, I will share more about what I am learning from The Maker's Diet book.

Chocolate Krinkles - Take 2

Yes, I am determined to make a great chocolate krinkle cookie recipe...and yes, I know krinkle should be spelled crinkle, but I like how the "k" looks instead of the "c". Weird, I know!

So I tried a different recipe and it turned out a lot tastier than the first recipe, but not chewy like the first recipe.

I think I will go back to the first recipe and use a different flour than what I used before. The flour I used in "take 1" was potato flour and in "take 2" I used rice and tapioca flour. For "take 3" I want to try sorghum flour. It is supposed to be similar to wheat flour, so I hope it works and tastes good.  Ben told me to just make the original recipe, but I don't want to. I want to make the cookies gluten free.

For lunch today,  I had a turkey and cheese sandwich with the gluten free bread I made. It was pretty good for a sandwich - better than the rice bread I bought.

I still feel great. Not being bloated all of the time, is a wonderful feeling. I really wish that I had made this change years ago!