Recipe Review: CCF Tea from Hey Monica B!

 There is nothing like a simple, warm cup of tea to start your morning. I love a cup of herbal tea to start the day and usually a few hours before breakfast to help get things going. This tea comes from a great Ayurvedic website called Hey Monica B! I started listening to her podcasts a few months ago and got a basic education in how Ayurvedic medicine works. It is a gentle, natural approach to supporting your body and I found it fascinating.

 

This tea is made from Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel seed. It is mildly cleansing, a liver detoxify-er and helps balance hormones, a great way to start the morning. Here is the article with the directions.

 You can add honey to sweeten it if you wish, I found that it isn't really needed for my tastes.

 

I like to have it first thing and then do some light yoga before breakfast. It gently wakes up my digestive fires and gets my system ready for the day. If you want to know more about Ayurveda take this quiz and start listening to Monica's podcasts. I suggest starting with #1 and listening to them in order if you aren't familiar with Ayurveda, she gives a great background and modern application.

Enjoy your day!

Stocking the Basics

In this post I referred to running out of my staples, the basic foods I keep on hand. I thought I would do a post listing them for my own reference when stocking up. I use canning jars to freeze the liquids and soups, and glass or plastic "Lock and Lock" containers for the muffins and baked goods. I keep the granola, yogurt and cream in the refrigerator.

#1 Chicken Broth




This is my #1 healing food and the basis for a quick soup. If my digestion is off I drink a cup of broth for breakfast and it gets me off to a good start. I like to store it in the freezer in various sizes of containers. A half pint is perfect for a serving and a quart is enough for making soup. Some favorite recipes that use this broth are Chicken Casserole, Funeral Zucchini, 10 Minute Chicken Thai Soup, and Cream of Mushroom Soup.




#2 Healing Chicken Soup

I like to always have this soup in the freezer. Sometimes I can't eat the meal I made for my family, or I have been gone all day and need something quick. This soup is my version of the Phase 1 soup of the SCD.




#3 Granola

This granola has gotten me through many vacations. It is portable, nutritious and filling. My favorite way to have it is over yogurt and I always try to have it with me when I am out of town because it can be a meal in a pinch.




#4 Yogurt

I cannot say enough about SCD Yogurt. It is the basis of many recipes, is loaded with probiotics to help heal your gut and keep you healthy. It can be made into sour cream or cream cheese. I especially love this cheesecake made with it. Another favorite is this Yogurt and Fruit Sundae topped with granola.






#5 Whipping Cream

It really isn't a necessity but I like to keep whipping cream on hand for a quick dessert. It is great with some fresh fruit. It is also an ingredient in many soups and recipes, some of my favorites are Lemon Pudding, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Creamed Spinach, and Banana Cake .




#6 Crumb Topping

This crumb topping can be made up and frozen, then sprinkled frozen on top of fruit and baked for a quick dessert. Mrs. Ed used it for her Caramel Apple Tart. The possibilities are endless!





#7 Muffins

I like to have a few dozen muffins or some kind of bread in the freezer to add to a meal of soup or scrambled eggs. They freeze well and defrost in the microwave in 30 seconds. My standby's are Chocolate Muffins, Banana Almond Muffins, and these Pumpkin Muffins.




#8 Brownies

If you read this blog much you know I have a thing with chocolate. Sometimes I just need a fix and that is why I keep these brownies on hand in the freezer. Note: chocolate is not legal on the SCD. My other chocolate fix is cookies which can also be frozen.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Girl's Night Out with my Family

It has been a super busy few months. I was out of town most of October, trying to catch up in November as well as going out of town over the Thanksgiving holiday then December hit with it's parties and shopping, as well as a week with a foreign exchange student living with us. I have not been able to shift out of 5th gear and slow down. This is how my story begins....a busy mother, rushing to get it all done, not making time to take care of herself, and the monster comes out.

When I first told my husband about this phenomenon a few years ago he just shook his head and said he didn't think food could have that kind of effect....well I think he believes me now. I began cutting corners, running out of my staples (chicken soup, yogurt, granola, etc.) and snitching holiday goodies my neighbors brought. I think what really did me in was the homemade fudge. By Christmas Eve I was angry, stressed, and trying to get hold of myself before I blew up. How did this happen? Christmas is the time to celebrate family, friends, and Christ's love...and here I am angry at any and everything? Can food really do this to me?

The answer for me is YES! and it seems dairy and gluten are the worst offenders. I have had times in the past when I am just as busy and stressed but took care of myself and the outcome was very different. If I ingest gluten or dairy accidentally I can tell within 20 minutes, I describe it as a black cloud coming over me and it makes me feel crazy and out of control. The problem over the holidays was that day after day I kept eating things with dairy and tons of sugar.....and the monster was born.

By Tuesday I was getting back to normal, but feeling really dumb. Why did I work so hard to make it a perfect day then ruin it for myself? Duh! I write this to let you know if you have someone in your life that food affects like me, be patient with them. I read many blogs written by parents with autistic children who report out of control tantrums when their kids go off of the SCD and I know to most people this sounds ridiculous, but for me it is true. Some foods are like drugs in my body and I count myself lucky to understand this and know what to avoid. Here's to a better holiday next year....I am going to dump that fudge in the garbage!

Happy New Year!

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, a time to make a fresh start and implement changes. For me it is especially poignant because my birthday is on New Year's Eve. It is definitely a time for closing chapters and opening new ones as well as a time of reflection.

Last year on my birthday I wrote this list of 40+ things I have learned in 40+ years. This year I added # 42 to the list and hope to continue adding to this list for many years. There is wisdom that comes with experience and hence age. I didn't believe that in my 20's, I thought I had a handle on life, then life happened. There are many things we experience that are out of our control as we go through life; death, sickness, financial downturn. I do believe things happen for a reason and it is our reaction to them (see #39) that builds our character.

I have had the fortune to know a few elderly women who have a sparkle in their eye, they have taken on life and won, I don't know how to describe the peace that surrounds them. These women have lost spouses and children, had health issues and been through many tragedies and they have found joy and peace in their life. To find that peace is my goal...luckily I have a few more years to get it!

This year's addition (#42) comes from two books I read in 2010. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder and Three Cups Of Tea by Greg Mortenson. Both are stories of men who have dedicated their lives to helping people who are living in situations most of us only hear about. Greg Mortenson has been building schools in Central Asia and Dr. Paul Farmer is bringing medical care to Haitians. These books spoke to something in me and I am looking at my life and realizing how much I have. I have never been without education, medical care, or even a meal. They are helping people who truly cannot help themselves. I was so touched and inspired I wanted to do something immediately so I organized a drive to collect items for our local woman's shelter. It is only a small thing but I am determined to give back in some way, as often as possible.

Here is my birthday list, with #42 added. I can't wait to see what I learn next year!

40+ things I have learned in 40+ years:

1. My life is a miracle. Not just the "normal" kind of miracle but the fact that I was adopted by two loving parents and guided to a special husband makes it a miracle twice over.

2. It is OK to let a friendship go. Certain friendships are for certain times of your life and if one is no longer serving you let it go. If you have changed and are growing in different directions it is not healthy to keep hanging on because of your past. Make room for a new friendship.

3. When in doubt just be polite. This advise came to me via Dr. Laura's radio program, it has helped me through some tough times and relationships.

4. Have Fun. No matter what your life's circumstance are you can and should have a little fun now and then. No matter what your responsibilities are you will be a better (mother, caretaker, cook, etc.) if you take a break and do something really fun.

5. All the Proverbs are true, don't judge a man till you've walked in his shoes, early to bed early to rise, you catch more flies with honey, a penny saved is a penny earned...

6. The best thing you can do for a friend is to listen. Being a good listener is a skill I am still working on. I have noticed in the time I have been working on it all of my relationships have improved, especially my marriage and friendships.

7. Good Advice: Make a Bucket List. Write down the things you want to accomplish before you "kick the bucket" and keep it where you will see it often. Start making those things happen!

8. Listen to your body. Don't keep going and going when it is telling you to slow down. Learn to cancel appointments if you need to and let yourself have down time.

9. Sleep- the most important thing you can do for your body. Arrange your life so that you get enough, whether that means a full 8 hours or a nap in the day. If you are feeling a little off get some sleep.

10. Every day is a new start, if you don't like the way things went today tomorrow you can start fresh.

11. Children are worth it!

12. You can make a difference in someone else's life and when you do you find meaning in your own life.

13. I would rather walk than ride.

14. Laughter really is the best medicine.

15. There is beauty all around all the time, you just need to look for it.

16. I like to take pictures.

17. Sometimes the best way to help someone is to be patient while they figure the problem out themselves.

18. When someone does something that really makes you crazy, take a look at yourself. The problem isn't with them, it is with you.

19. The only thing that is certain is change. So if you are hoping a situation will change, be patient it will. If you are hoping things will stay the same, enjoy them because they won't.

20. Pick your battles and your goals, you can make things happen but you can't make everything happen (at least not all at once).

21. Having a plan doesn't mean you have to stick to it.

22. Travel is the best education available.

23. Music can change your mood in a moment.

24. Dogs are worth it.

25. Saying "I'm sorry" changes everything.

26. Health is the biggest and best blessing of all, cherish it.

27. My favorite place to be is in the garden.

28. Prayer can get you through anything.

29. To truly change your life you need to have a plan and be diligent.

30. Mid-life crisis is a real phenomenon.

31. Snow is beautiful.

32. Karma is real.

33. Teaching is my calling.

34. Love makes the world go 'round.

35. The best way to enjoy life is to focus on people not things.

36. Mother nature is smarter than I am.

37. True friends.....priceless!

38. Spend time with your kids, teach them about every facet of life and when they leave
you won't worry quite as much.

39. Your reaction to a problem is more important than the problem ever will be.

40. Life is full of surprises!

41. One day at a time, one child at a time, one meal at a time....enjoy the moment.

42. Even one person can make a huge difference in many lives. Find something you can do to help others and start working on it today.

On the Road Again......

As I said in an earlier post, I have been on 12 different flights in the last 5 weeks. I love traveling...really I do, but this past few weeks was a bit much even for me. From a food perspective I have some pictures to share, some anecdotes to tell and some lessons learned to share with you.

Last year my friend Ina from Gluten Free Delightfully Delicious told me she was going to Hawaii and we discussed some traveling options for eating. I hate to admit it, but it is true, I was so jealous, I was happy for Ina but a bit green with envy. I thought I would never get the chance. Then...my husband surprised me for our 25th anniversary with 8 days in Hawaii! We were working with a limited budget and trying to get the most for our money and I discovered that many of the Bed and Breakfast's cost less, a lot less, than hotels, AND they include breakfast. We stayed every night in a B&B and didn't spend over $130 a night.


One of our favorites was the Liloki Inn on the big island of Hawaii. It is run by a chef who really out does himself each morning. The above picture is the breakfast appetizer. We ate a huge vegetable fritata along with all this fruit. The owners grow their own Passion fruit (Liloki), avacado, and coffee right on the grounds of the B&B.


Call me sheltered but I had never seen coffee beans before, they call them cherries when they are ripe enough to pick because they turn this beautiful red color. They grow everywhere on the wet side of the island and there were even road stands set up for people to bring their "cherries" to sell to coffee companies.

Another great find was the Shabu Shabu house in Honolulu. We have been to the "hot pot" style of cooking and eating before, but on vacation it turned out to be fabulous meal. Shabu Shabu means "swish, swish" in Japanese and these restaurants are springing up all over the country. Each diner gets their own hot plate and cooks their meal of vegetables and meat at their table. You begin by ordering your choice of meat, noodles and vegetables which are brought to your table raw. Your hot plate is filled with broth and your choice of seasonings (garlic, hot peppers, onions etc.). When the broth is boiling you "swish" your meat and vegetables in it until they are done to your taste, eat them and cook more. The great part is that whatever your diet is you can customize your own meal. I had beef and vegetables, including pumpkin and 5 kinds of mushrooms.



A few highlights of the trip were snorkeling, which I had never done before because I used to get sick every time I got in the water. It was so fun to be able to enjoy the ocean. We also took a 6 mile round trip hike over lava beds to see where a lava flow is going into the ocean. Incredible! And something I would not have been able to do a few years ago, before the SCD.


A week after getting home from Hawaii I went with my parents to visit my great aunt in Mississippi, also a first time trip. I learned from her what true Southern Hospitality is. She customized every evening meal around my diet and cooked some delicious foods, check out this pork roast from her. I appreciated so much her time and efforts, it was a fabulous visit and I learned some new family stories, reunited with relatives I haven't seen in my adult life and got to see a part of the country I hadn't seen before.

Lastly my youngest son and I tagged along with my husband who was traveling for work to Orlando, Florida. Like I said before, I am a bit sheltered, and no I hadn't been to a Disney theme park before. Disney World was amazing in every way, it truly is a happy place. The food though....the food was incredible! I had done some research to find out if we could take food into the park or if there would be some options for us there as my son eats gluten free. I found many blogs and websites where people praised the restaurants and said they offered many gluten free choices. We feasted on roasted turkey and fresh green beans, sugar free sorbet and fresh berries and my son had the "best hamburger and fries ever". Each restaurant sent the chef to our table who helped us choose from the menu and then customized our meal according to our diet. One restaurant even made gluten free gravy and dairy free mashed potatoes just for us! They had gluten free cookies and brownies as well as gluten free hamburger and hot dog buns all over the park. They made it very easy for us to eat well.




I am back home for a while now....back to my real life. What a great month!

glutenfreerestaurants.org

Barbacoa Salad

I have been traveling this month more than I really care to. By the end of the month I will have been on 12 flights, more about that in another post. The reason why I bring it up is because I found a great resource for traveling, glutenfreerestaurants.org You can search for gluten free restaurants by name, city, or zip code. Most of the restaurants listed will have a direct link to their website where you can see their menu and what they offer gluten free. It has made my life easier this month!

Update and a recipe for Dutch Oven Lemon Chicken and Rice

I have not been keeping up with the blog this summer, it has been interesting to see that I still get several hits a day though. That is good, it is the purpose of this blog to be a resource. I have been busy enjoying the "Live" part of my mantra. Gardening, taking care of my animals (the chickens are laying 6-7 eggs a day!) and taking care of my family. I have slowly introduced aged cheeses, whole corn, and rice back into my diet with some success. I can see that I need to keep it to a few servings a week but it makes going out to eat so much easier. Here are a few pics from summer so far...


Drying chives from the garden

Un re-touched sunset from my porch...I think my favorite picture of the summer.

The first egg, it is smaller than normal, they are growing larger each day!

Welcoming my oldest son home from the National Scouting Jamboree....3 weeks without motherly supervision, I wasn't sure he could do it, he proved me wrong!



And now for the recipe...


We have taken a break from the dutch oven for a few years. I miss those warm easy meals after a long day of fishing and hiking. I saw this recipe on Gluten Free Mommy and overhauled it, we gave it a trial run at home to see how it would work out on a camping trip. My family gave it the thumbs up!

I baked this in the oven and used a whole chicken but if I were to do it camping I would definitely use the tenders, much easier to transport and eat.

For a grain free dish you could pre-cook the chicken tenders and use shredded zucchini or cauliflower or a mix of both. I would squeeze out the excess water before using, see this post , and bake for 40 minutes.

Lemon Chicken and Rice Dutch Oven Style

1 1/2 c. jasmine rice
2 T. olive oil
2/3 c. minced onion
1 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1 tsp. dried ground peppers or cayenne pepper (decrease to 1/2 tsp. for a very mild flavor)
1 Anaheim pepper sliced in rings, optional or you could use bell pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. paprika
2 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 c. peas
1/2 c. shredded carrot
juice of 1/2 lemon
parsley
12 chicken tenders

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients except chicken and parsley in a 12 inch dutch oven.
2. Place chicken tenders on top of rice and sprinkle with dried parsley.
3. Bake at 325 degrees in an oven or with 10 coals on the bottom and 12 on the top for 90 minutes.
4. Serve immediately.

"In the midst of Winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible Summer - Albert Camus"

Last night I got a call from and old friend, a dear friend who has helped me in so many ways she will never know. We got caught up on each others families and news then she asked me about my diet and specifically what symptoms I had that prompted such a radical change? This question really got me pondering the last few years, where I have been and where I am now. It is easy to talk about the hair loss, arthritis, etc. (Here is a post I wrote one year after going gluten free), but the real catalyst was the depression and that has not been easy for me to talk about.

I struggle with it and have since I started digestion issues over 14 years ago. I have never been on medication for it, at one point I think I should have been, it did get better after going gluten free but the real change came after starting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet it has come slowly and with time but this last Winter I had only a few days I struggled with depression, compared to a few days I didn't. It is like coming out of a dreary sad life into a bright shiny one, it has happened so slowly I didn't realize how much I have changed until talking with my friend brought back the feelings and thoughts of the past.

I am hoping that more people will share their experiences with depression and diet, and what works for them. I know it is directly related for me and I hope if you are struggling with it you will find what works for you too. Please share your comments!

Vacations and Food

We recently spent 10 days on vacation and I didn't get sick once! I owe that partly to the fact that my system is healthier than ever but there are a few things I have learned through trial and error, I have come home before wishing I would have never gone. Here are a few suggestions to hopefully save you from being sick on vacation.

1. Prepare your system by being very strict about your diet and eat lots of yogurt the few days before you go.

2. Find a way to take some yogurt with you if possible, it helps!

3. If possible stay someplace with a kitchen or kitchenette so you can prepare some of your own meals. We were able to rent a condo that had a full kitchen, I made 2 of our dinners, most of our lunches and all of our breakfasts while on vacation. It makes a difference for me when not every meal is at a restaurant.

4. Always have a good (meaning protein) snack with you, carry it in your purse or bag so that you are never caught hungry without something to eat. I like to have sprouted pecans and dried cherries with me.

5. Research where you are going before you get there. We were staying in San Diego so I did a google search for "gluten free san diego" and came up with restaurants galore! We found a fabulous pizza parlor that served gluten free pizzas, my 2 gluten free kids were in heaven! Also look for a natural market place to get natural meat and organic produce.

6. Take some of your favorite treats so that when everyone else has dessert you can have something too. On this particular trip I took along the ingredients for Bittersweet Brownies and made two pans full to share.

7. When going out to eat look for Thai, Indian, and Mexican. I have found that these restaurants all have something on the menu I can eat. Thai always has lots of vegetable dishes, Indian too and I usually eat a tostada at a Mexican restaurant.

8. If all else fails order a dinner salad with oil and vinegar for dressing and a meat entree seasoned with salt and pepper only. Most any place with be able to do that for you.

9. It is a bit of a mental adjustment (at least it was for me) but don't think of food as part of the fun of the vacation, think of it as the way to fun. If you eat well you will be able to enjoy everything else!



If you are eating gluten free and anywhere near Poway, California.......you have to try this pizza, they make the dough themselves and it is fabulous!!

Soft Eyes

I have been in a contemplative mood lately, and my blog posts show it! I promise more recipes are soon to come but I have to get this out while it is on my mind.

Today I took a friend cross country skiing for her first time. At one point she said she was frustrated trying to get the tips of her skis to stay where she wanted them. I am really just a beginning skier myself so I didn't have any great ideas on how to specifically help her, I did however pass on an idea I learned when taking horseback riding lessons.

My teacher spent over an hour telling me how to guide the horse; pulling the reins, how to sit in the saddle, where to apply pressure with my feet and legs, how to lean, etc. Then she told me to forget everything I had just learned, sit up straight and look right between the horses ears keeping my eyes ahead of me to the path I wanted the horse to go and the horse would follow.

I shared this with my skiing friend, "don't concentrate on the ski tips, just look ahead at where you want them to be, like in horseback riding". "Oh, soft eyes" she said. I loved the picture that put in my mind, eyes soft, taking in the whole scene, not focused on only one thing. I hope you are still following this story...it all leads to a pertinent thought eventually.

"Soft Eyes" it turns out comes from martial arts, it means to take in the periphery of the scene, "to take in everything but be distracted by nothing". From Urban Dictionary.com, "the ability to see the whole thing. If you have hard eyes you're just staring at the tree and missing the forest".

In terms of health and food, it can be easy to develop "hard eyes". Counting calories, exercising a certain number of minutes or hours, eating only raw, plant, animal, or cooked foods. What about the periphery? True health is not only physical but mental and spiritual too. I love this thought it is very applicable to my life in many aspects. Keep your eyes soft, take it all in, don't miss the forest.

Grass Fed, Free Range, and Kind of Local

We have all heard it thanks to Michael Pollan, eat local, grass fed and free range if possible. I read Omnivore's Dilemma last year and although I didn't agree with everything Mr. Pollan presents it was thought provoking to the point I have made many changes in my food purchasing habits. Recently my good friend (let's just call her my BFF, she hates that!) watched Food Inc. a movie I haven't seen but it motivated her to find out where we could purchase animal products that we felt good about eating.

We live in a rural town with many neighbors who raise beef and pork but ironically there was nothing really "local" that was not grain fed and slaughtered in the traditional way. After a quick internet search we traveled 1 hour (just for the record it takes me 1 hour to drive to a Target too!) to Evanston, Wyoming to the home of Lyle and Jana Williams and Running Water Farms. What a surprising and unique food shopping experience it was. The Williams offer grass fed Red Angus Beef, free range chicken and eggs, as well as pastured poultry and pork. We easily found the farm, right next to Wyoming Downs Racetrack and were warmly invited into their home. We had many questions which were all answered and we then took a walk around the farm to see the animals. Lyle even brought out this little guy from the barn.

I can't explain the excitement in my family about ordering our beef which will be ready in the Fall. It feels as though we are really making changes and supporting these local farmers is exciting to us! Yes, we homeschool and are a little weird and yes, it doesn't take much to excite me about food. For the last two years we have purchased a local 4H animal and I like knowing my freezer is stocked with a year's worth of meat plus it makes grocery shopping so much easier. If you don't have a source for local meat, dairy and eggs do some research and see what you can find. It may be more doable than you think, and if you live anywhere near Evanston, Wyoming check out Running Water Farms, you won't be disappointed.

The Williams also have a fun blog with lots of pictures of the farm and animals, check it out here. Thanks again Lyle and Jana for your hospitality!

Totoka Mata Face Paste- One of My Favorite Products

O.K. first off I hate marketing that uses friendships and connections to sell a product. I got really turned off years ago when my new husband and I were invited to an acquaintances home for dinner. It was to be our first "married" dinner with friends. It turned out to be an Amway presentation!! Arrgghhh.... I have always thought it a cheap shot to use friendships to earn money.

But....there is a fine line between marketing to friends and spreading the word about a product you love. Just for the record I do not know the owners of this company, I do not sell for them or receive any compensation from them....I just love their products! My son in law gave me some of the Face Paste he received from the owners, they had opened an account at the bank he works for and were passing along some samples. He even tasted some to show me how natural the product was, so pure you could eat it.

I have used it for the past year and since tried the foot scrub and body scrub, both exceptional. I think what makes it so unique is the coconut oil base, it leaves your skin soft but not oily. I have had problems with breakouts on my face in the past and struggled to keep my skin moisturized but not break out, this product brings balance to my skin keeping it soft and clear. It also is a great exfoliater and smells like a tropical vacation but the really great part is the price! If you have ever used name brand products you know it is easy to spend $300 on a skin care regimen and I do use other products besides this one but for the price...you can't find anything more worth it.

Here is the link to Lolo Levu's website where you can read more, including a list of ingredients and the company's motto: "If you wouldn't put it in your body, you might think twice about putting it on your body. A day without lotion is a good day!!" You can also order their products online through their website.

Sick Day

It's true, I haven't had a sick day in over 2 years. Since going off of gluten my immune system is working so well I haven't had to take a day off. I have had a few times where I felt like I might be getting sick but after a good nights rest I've felt normal. That is good, right?

Well I thought it was a good thing. The other day my husband was working from our home and began to not feel well. He announced he was sick and done working for the day and laid down for a nap. It was a stressful day for me with a "to do" list a mile long and I have to admit I had a little pang of jealousy. I wanted a sick day too!

The moral of the story is to remember to take time for yourself. I think for so many years I would get sick and have to slow down that I am out of the habit of just slowing down sometimes to take care of me. I have one friend who told me she schedules a day to do nothing once every 2 weeks so she can have some down time. Another friend makes sure to have all her errands and housecleaning done during the week so on her days off of work she can do what recharges her. So if you are jealous of someone else's sick day you may be a little sick yourself!

40 Things I have learned in 40 years

Today is my birthday, I am in the 40 something club. A few years ago I saw a list like this someone posted and I started writing my own. There is wisdom that comes with age. Here are the things I have come up with so far. Of course friends that are older than me assure me that I am still young and still have a lot to learn....and I believe them.

40+ things I have learned in 40+ years:

1. My life is a miracle. Not just the "normal" kind of miracle but the fact that I was adopted by two loving parents and guided to a special husband makes it a miracle twice over.

2. It is OK to let a friendship go. Certain friendships are for certain times of your life and if one is no longer serving you let it go. If you have changed and are growing in different directions it is not healthy to keep hanging on because of your past. Make room for a new friendship.

3. When in doubt just be polite. This advise came to me via Dr. Laura's radio program, it has helped me through some tough times and relationships.

4. Have Fun. No matter what your life's circumstance are you can and should have a little fun now and then. No matter what your responsibilities are you will be a better (mother, caretaker, cook, etc.) if you take a break and do something really fun.

5. All the Proverbs are true, don't judge a man till you've walked in his shoes, early to bed early to rise, you catch more flies with honey, a penny saved is a penny earned...

6. The best thing you can do for a friend is to listen. Being a good listener is a skill I am still working on. I have noticed in the time I have been working on it all of my relationships have improved, especially my marriage and friendships.

7. Good Advice: Make a Bucket List. Write down the things you want to accomplish before you "kick the bucket" and keep it where you will see it often. Start making those things happen!

8. Listen to your body. Don't keep going and going when it is telling you to slow down. Learn to cancel appointments if you need to and let yourself have down time.

9. Sleep- the most important thing you can do for your body. Arrange your life so that you get enough, whether that means a full 8 hours or a nap in the day. If you are feeling a little off get some sleep.

10. Every day is a new start, if you don't like the way things went today tomorrow you can start fresh.

11. Children are worth it!

12. You can make a difference in someone else's life and when you do you find meaning in your own life.

13. I would rather walk than ride.

14. Laughter really is the best medicine.

15. There is beauty all around all the time, you just need to look for it.

16. I like to take pictures.

17. Sometimes the best way to help someone is to be patient while they figure the problem out themselves.

18. When someone does something that really makes you crazy, take a look at yourself. The problem isn't with them, it is with you.

19. The only thing that is certain is change. So if you are hoping a situation will change, be patient it will. If you are hoping things will stay the same, enjoy them because they won't.

20. Pick your battles and your goals, you can make things happen but you can't make everything happen (at least not all at once).

21. Having a plan doesn't mean you have to stick to it.

22. Travel is the best education available.

23. Music can change your mood in a moment.

24. Dogs are worth it.

25. Saying "I'm sorry" changes everything.

26. Health is the biggest and best blessing of all, cherish it.

27. My favorite place to be is in the garden.

28. Prayer can get you through anything.

29. To truly change your life you need to have a plan and be diligent.

30. Mid-life crisis is a real phenomenon.

31. Snow is beautiful.

32. Karma is real.

33. Teaching is my calling.

34. Love makes the world go 'round.

35. The best way to enjoy life is to focus on people not things.

36. Mother nature is smarter than I am.

37. True friends.....priceless!

38. Spend time with your kids, teach them about every facet of life and when they leave you won't worry quite as much.

39. Your reaction to a problem is more important than the problem ever will be.

40. Life is full of surprises!

41. One day at a time, one child at a time, one meal at a time....enjoy the moment.

Diet Books and New Year's Resolutions

Yesterday my daughter and I took a trip into a Barnes and Noble bookstore to spend a gift card she had received for Christmas. We had only been in the store a few minutes when she said, "I never knew there were so many diet books, they're everywhere". As is expected the store had numerous displays targeting people who are looking to lose some weight and setting resolutions to do so. It made me think about all the diet books I have purchased, hundreds of dollars worth.

This morning I got them all out, nearly 20 books I have read over the years, searching for answers to my health issues. This is just a warning to you...make sure you really want a book before you buy it or it will end up on your shelf gathering dust (these are all going up for trade at paperbackswap.com). Check with your local library and read the book first to see if you really want to invest in owning it. Stick with the basics you know; exercise, eat smart and get enough rest. Who needs a book to tell you that?

How to Simplify Christmas

I over did it this year, it is Christmas Eve and I realizing there are some notes I want to leave myself for next year. I want this season to be fun and full of memories and as my family grows and changes there are some traditions we can let go, and others that are more important than ever. So here are notes to myself.

1. Stay healthy; I can't enjoy any of the fun if I don't feel well. Take my vitamins, eat regularly, get enough sleep, make sure to meditate and do yoga so I can get the most out of the season.

2. Decorating; whatever I can get up in a day is great but don't spend more than one day decorating (the take down shouldn't take more than a day either)

3. Gifts; think ahead, start buying early. Let my husband help (he is really great at this so utilize him) Make a list and keep it with me so when I see something I will know if I should get it or not. Have the kids draw names if they want to. Make ahead of time neighbor gifts (elderberry syrup or freezer jam, nuts) Shop online if possible. Limit stocking stuffers to 3 or 4 and gifts for the kids to 3 each.

4. Parties; be careful about what you eat and choose two to go to, politely decline invitations for the others.

5. Food; make it easy and include everyone in the preparations, don't get hung up on having a perfect meal.

6. Really think about each day and choose the things that honor the people in my life not the details of having everything perfect. Enjoy each day!

7. Traditions to keep; Christmas cards, tree, breakfast on Christmas Eve, outside lights, decorating inside, neighbor gifts and cards, lunch with the girls, staying over at mom's and shopping with the kids.

8. Things that can go; making truffles, elaborate lights and decorations, homemade cards, lots of shopping trips, elaborate gifts, think simple!

Book Review: The Second Brain

If you are looking for an intense read on the human body's digestion, this is the book for you!
Your Gut Has a Mind of it's Own, The Second Brain a Groundbreaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestine by Michael Gershon, M.D. has given me an education and greater understanding of how my body gets it's nutrients from food and what an amazing wonder it is. Have you ever thought about the acid in your stomach? It can dissolve metal, why doesn't it dissolve the stomach? Did you know that even if you are paralyzed your gut has it's own nervous system and will still properly work without cues from your brain?

This book is written by an M.D. but in a very readable style. It is certainly not leisure reading but I enjoyed finally understanding so much. Dr. Gershon details much of the current research he has been involved in and his own story of wanting to become a researcher, but the bulk of the book is a step by step explanation of what happens to food you eat, called Part II The Travelogue. Information is power so if you need to understand your digestive system better I strongly recommend this book and I just posted my copy on Paperback Swap!

Balance, what it means to me.....

I started this blog thinking it would cover the spectrum of my intestinal life, Healing with good food, Balancing my emotions and hormones, and Living, all the fun things I am finally able to do now that I am once again healthy. I have definitely covered the food portion, out of 145 posts most of them are recipes. There is a whole other part of healing that makes just as much of a difference for me as eating well, I call it Balance.

I am a bit overwhelmed trying to explain, and it will take more than one post to do it. The first thing I want to address as part of living balanced is stress. When I am stressed, I mean really stressed it doesn't matter what I eat, I hurt. I am not talking about the "I forgot to buy some milk" kind of stress. I mean the loss of a loved one, a new baby, or moving, changes that bring in a new phase on the time line of your life. Stress doesn't always come from a negative event either. I have one friend that suffers from migraines triggered by stress. She once found out she was getting a huge tax return and got so excited she got a headache.

The last year I have been reading all I can on Yoga and Meditation, the one book that explained to me how and why I should meditate is "Full Catastrophe Living" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. If you are wanting the benefits of mediation in your life and don't exactly know how to start you need to read this book. It is based on the program of stress reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and has been in print over 15 years. I have been reading and implementing this book into my life over the last 6 months.

I consider myself a beginner at meditation (which is probably why I haven't been blogging about it) and have been pleasantly surprised by it's benefits. I think more clearly and can handle busy times calmly and I have learned to detach from some situations and emotions. It sounds cold in a way but it actually is very helpful to take a step back from out of control emotions and anxiety and put them in proper prospective. When I do this I have more energy available for the areas of my life that are most important, number one right now is healing my digestive system. That is one connection between your mind and body, we can easily tire ourselves out just by being overcome with thoughts and emotions. Staying in that state depletes the body of the energy it needs to stay healthy. We can't sleep well, food doesn't digest, it all culminates in illness.

The part that really surprised me is how much more I am enjoying the joyful times. Because I am calm and open to so much more I am able to enjoy the good times with clarity and gratification. What does meditation involve? Well, there are volumes written on the subject but to distill it all down it is about learning to live with your emotions, feel them and then move on and live in the moment, enjoying the now! It does take time and commitment but will change every aspect of your life for the better. More to come on balance in the future!

How to Light the Fire and Keep it Lit or I Hate to Cook

I can't tell you how many times someone has said to me, "I could never be on that diet because I just hate to cook". Well, I do like to cook, but I do understand what they mean. After years of cooking most every meal and so many things from scratch (2 of my 4 kids eat gluten free) I have days, sometimes a few in a row, where I just hate to cook.

I have found a few tricks to help me "get in the mood" for cooking and they really do work. If you absolutely hate to be in your kitchen, cook a meal, or even attempt cooking for others, here are a few things to try:

1. Create an Atmosphere
Hang your favorite art in your kitchen, have some kind of music player with your favorite tunes in your kitchen, light a candle, paint the walls red, heck install cable TV if you need to but make the kitchen a fun place to be.

2. Keep it Clean
This is a challenge in any kitchen but at my house everyone uses the outside door that leads right into the kitchen. I home school 3 kids who are eating all day long and keeping it clean enough to cook is my biggest challenge. I love the book Organic Housekeeping it has great suggestions for keeping the kitchen sparkling. Also if you really struggle Fly Lady is a great place to get some help creating cleaning habits and keeping them. But really the best advice I have here is to clean up as you go. Fill the sink with soapy warm water and as you cook put the dirty dishes into it to soak. When you are done everything either goes right into the dishwasher or gets washed and put away. Never go to bed with a dirty kitchen, just bite the bullet and leave it clean for the following morning.

3. Invest In Yourself

Buy some quality basics; measuring cups and spoons, dishtowels, nice smelling cleaners, a good knife, cutting boards, a nice mixer and blender all help make cooking a pleasant experience.

4. Organize

Try to group the items you use the most near one counter so everything is within easy reach. The picture above is my "cooking station". The canisters hold flours, baking soda and salt. The cupboard to the left holds oils. The measuring cups are in the blue basket, I am standing right next to the refrigerator so for the most part I don't move from that counter while I am mixing and baking. If this is not possible for you, get everything out you will need first and put it away as you use it.

5. Have a Recipe Filing System

I have tried many different ways and have come up with this system that works for me. A filing folder holds my "recipes to try". Another holder holds recipes I am perfecting, usually I have made them and want to try them again with some kind of changes. A good old plastic box holds my tried and true recipes on 4x6 cards. I type them on my computer in Word, print them on a card and save the file in case I ever need a new copy (this comes in very handy when someone asks for a recipe, I can usually just e-mail the file to them). It just happens that my microwave is metal so I can hang the recipe I am currently using from the microwave with a magnet.

6. Take Some Time Off Once In a While

There are times I am too busy or too tired to cook. Hopefully I have something in the freezer we can eat, my kids sometimes cook, or on some occasions we go out to eat. If you need time off once in awhile take it.

7. Always Make Extra

I don't know if this strategy would work for everyone but with two growing boys food never goes to waste at my house. I always plan on leftovers, if no one eats them in a few days they go into the freezer, most often we eat them for lunch. Sometimes we all choose a leftover and heat it up for dinner and I don't have to cook that night.

8. Get Everyone Involved

I learned this one from my mom. I am sure it wasn't every week but in my memory most weeks after church we made tacos. Everyone helped by making one or two parts of the meal (someone had meat, someone else cheese and lettuce...etc.) and in a few minutes dinner was ready.


9. Make a 6 Week Menu/Shopping List

I have not been on this diet long enough to have collected enough recipes to do this yet but I am getting close. Write down what you cook and eat for 6 weeks and keep a list of ingredients. Then recycle the list using the ingredient list for a shopping list. I think I will do this for seasons as well. We are eating so much fresh produce and grilling outside now our meals are very different from the other times of the year.

10. Enjoy

Find a reason to enjoy cooking. It can be a meditative experience to take a break from everything else and just focus on the food. Chopping is very cathartic. You are feeding your body the nutrients it needs, focus on the food and enjoying the process.

11. Last But Not Least...Start a Blog

It is really fun to have all your recipes with pictures in one place, to share with others and to meet such nice people online. When you do send me your website address!

Time Marches On.......

At the risk of this looking like an Oprah hairstyle montage I am posting these pictures of myself to illustrate the changes you can see in my face through the past few years. The first picture is from 2006, before I made any permanent dietary changes. The second picture is from February 2009 at my daughter's wedding. In this picture I have been gluten and casein free for 18 months and you can see my skin is much clearer and not ruddy like it was in the earlier picture. The last picture is from just a few days ago, July 2009, just 4 months into the SCD diet. I have a lot I would like to say but really the pictures say it all.

Diet does affect the way you look and feel, as you can see from this post my cholesterol is down and my energy is up. I eat more calories and more fat and I really don't worry about portion control right now. I realize that may be in my future but I am taking it one step at a time and right now my focus is on enjoying what I can eat and putting together an array of recipes I can use to feed myself and my family that work for me on this diet. I do see it as a lifestyle, not a temporary diet, and I feel blessed to have discovered it.