I started eating gluten-free one week ago. Just yesterday, I went and bought brown rice flour to attempt to remake some of my favorite recipes that call for wheat flour.
Until now, I have just been eating what we have. Lots of fruits and vegetables, rice, yogurt, eggs, meat, and potatoes have all been a part of my diet this week. I love grits and I have sought to remake them in different ways.
I have a favorite recipe that calls for polenta, gorgonzola and mushrooms...yum!
I also found a recipe that called for chorizo, grits, tomatoes, spinach and corn and it was delicious.
I can't say I feel different. But, my doctor said that I may not notice until I stop eating gluten for awhile and then eat some and notice if there is a difference. We shall see!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Aluminum Free Baking Powder
Who knew? I had no idea something I have been using for YEARS has aluminum in it...which I have been trying to avoid getting into or onto my body in every other way. Hello? Why doesn't it have a warning on the package! Something! Can someone please fire the FDA and create a new organization. PLEASE?
The only reason I discovered this little known fact is because I was reading a cookbook ("Super Natural Cooking") that called for "aluminum free baking powder" in the recipes. So, I went to look at my baking powder ingredients and sure enough, found aluminum right there... in my baking powder. It is not listed as an ingredient in my Arm & Hammer Baking Soda; but, they do also sell aluminum free baking SODA...so, it makes me wonder.
Just thought I would share! We need to be more diligent consumers!
The only reason I discovered this little known fact is because I was reading a cookbook ("Super Natural Cooking") that called for "aluminum free baking powder" in the recipes. So, I went to look at my baking powder ingredients and sure enough, found aluminum right there... in my baking powder. It is not listed as an ingredient in my Arm & Hammer Baking Soda; but, they do also sell aluminum free baking SODA...so, it makes me wonder.
Just thought I would share! We need to be more diligent consumers!
Going Gluten-Free
Well, well, well. Many of the recipes on this site may soon be altered if my gluten-free diet helps with some odd allergy symptoms and fatigue I have been feeling. My doctor recommended I try a gluten-free diet for one month to see how I do.
I am on Day 4 of eating gluten-free. It is actually not too hard. We have always eaten a lot of fruits and vegetables, brown rice and other healthy, gluten-free foods. I am discovering wonderful, delicious gluten-free recipes all the time.
I will soon become more acquainted with quinoa (I still have to buy some) and possibly the likes of amaranth flour, teff and rice flour.
I still make pasta for my family. I just eat what I put on the pasta. I should probably cook up some rice to keep on hand... We do love our Mexican food and tortillas are gluten free (I am pretty sure).
I hope to keep you updated on my progress as I am jonesing for some pie at the moment.
I am on Day 4 of eating gluten-free. It is actually not too hard. We have always eaten a lot of fruits and vegetables, brown rice and other healthy, gluten-free foods. I am discovering wonderful, delicious gluten-free recipes all the time.
I will soon become more acquainted with quinoa (I still have to buy some) and possibly the likes of amaranth flour, teff and rice flour.
I still make pasta for my family. I just eat what I put on the pasta. I should probably cook up some rice to keep on hand... We do love our Mexican food and tortillas are gluten free (I am pretty sure).
I hope to keep you updated on my progress as I am jonesing for some pie at the moment.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Our Favorite Pancakes
We have a few "go to" recipes for pancakes in our house (we love breakfast!). This is the simplest one and I almost always have all the ingredients! I only recently started using agave nectar and almond milk; and, this recipe makes these healthier substitutions shine. I have often altered this recipe with banana puree and other liquids and solids (blueberries) and they always turn out great. I adopted this recipe from one I found at Cooks.com.
Ruvalcaba's pancakes
2 eggs, separated
2 c. sifted white wheat flour
1 T. agave nectar (when using banana puree or sweetened almond milk, I leave out the sugar)
1 t. sea salt
2 c. almond milk (or regular milk)
1/2 c. butter, melted (I prefer unsalted)
1 T. baking powder
Beat egg yolks. Add agave nectar. Sift flour & salt. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to egg yolks. Stir in butter. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into batter. Add baking powder last. This batter keeps well in the fridge. If it gets too thick, thin it with milk. Drop onto dry, heated skillet. We serve with 100% pure maple syrup, applesauce or fruit preserves. YUM!
Ruvalcaba's pancakes
2 eggs, separated
2 c. sifted white wheat flour
1 T. agave nectar (when using banana puree or sweetened almond milk, I leave out the sugar)
1 t. sea salt
2 c. almond milk (or regular milk)
1/2 c. butter, melted (I prefer unsalted)
1 T. baking powder
Beat egg yolks. Add agave nectar. Sift flour & salt. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to egg yolks. Stir in butter. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into batter. Add baking powder last. This batter keeps well in the fridge. If it gets too thick, thin it with milk. Drop onto dry, heated skillet. We serve with 100% pure maple syrup, applesauce or fruit preserves. YUM!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Ok, I did not know (until very recently) about the harm that I could cause to my body by using an anti-perspirant. I also did not know that almost all (if not all) anti-perspirants (and some deodorants) contain aluminum. I have NEVER cooked in an aluminum pot because of the possibility of having it leech into my food. Why, oh why, did I not know I was putting it on my body?
I hope the difference between an anti-perspirant (keeps you from perspiring/sweating) and a deodorant (conceals the odor of our sweat) is clear.
We are really interrupting our body's natural functions when we use ANTI-perspirants. We are supposed to sweat...that is what our glands do. But, still, I feel like I sweat A LOT (too much information, sorry). I still use an anti-perspirant...but, I am constantly bothered by the possible harm I could be doing. So, I recently started trying Tom's of Maine Apricot Deodorant (aluminum-free, of course). I love the scent; but, it lasts a maximum of three hours before re-application is necessary. I have yet to use it for a whole day; but, I often use it after I bathe at night. I am working toward trying it for a whole day (this might be more likely when it is not 95 degrees in the shade).
I plan to work toward ensuring ALL of my family's personal care products are not harming us. It is important to ensure what we put ON are bodies is as safe as what we put IN our bodies.
I hope the difference between an anti-perspirant (keeps you from perspiring/sweating) and a deodorant (conceals the odor of our sweat) is clear.
We are really interrupting our body's natural functions when we use ANTI-perspirants. We are supposed to sweat...that is what our glands do. But, still, I feel like I sweat A LOT (too much information, sorry). I still use an anti-perspirant...but, I am constantly bothered by the possible harm I could be doing. So, I recently started trying Tom's of Maine Apricot Deodorant (aluminum-free, of course). I love the scent; but, it lasts a maximum of three hours before re-application is necessary. I have yet to use it for a whole day; but, I often use it after I bathe at night. I am working toward trying it for a whole day (this might be more likely when it is not 95 degrees in the shade).
I plan to work toward ensuring ALL of my family's personal care products are not harming us. It is important to ensure what we put ON are bodies is as safe as what we put IN our bodies.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Natural Bug Repellent
I wish I could say I was a natural at repelling bugs! Alas, I have read a lot about what is the best thing to do to keep those bugs (especially mosquitoes!) from biting me and our kids. Unfortunately, the three of us (my two boys and I...my husband is not as sensitive) have a strong reaction to mosquito bites. So, anything we can do to keep them away (that won't harm us more), we try to do.
The bug repellent we have been using for the last two years is made by Repel. It is an all-natural mix of lemon and eucalyptus oils. It works! I never put it on my baby, though! Now that he is one, we will see how he does.
Your body chemistry has a lot to do with what will work for you. Unfortunately, I have not found a lot of choices at mainstream stores. I buy Repel online. Read up and keep those bugs off (I really wanted to say, "bug off!").
The bug repellent we have been using for the last two years is made by Repel. It is an all-natural mix of lemon and eucalyptus oils. It works! I never put it on my baby, though! Now that he is one, we will see how he does.
Your body chemistry has a lot to do with what will work for you. Unfortunately, I have not found a lot of choices at mainstream stores. I buy Repel online. Read up and keep those bugs off (I really wanted to say, "bug off!").
Friday, June 4, 2010
Road Trip
We had taken my six-week-old baby to my husband's work conference in Dubuque, IA last year (I think we were in the car for about three hours). But, at that age, he slept the whole time.
A couple of weeks ago, we took our now 1-year-old and our 4-year-old on our first "official" road trip. We went to Tennessee to visit some family and the trip took about 12 hours from our home to theirs. Ummm...it was a nice trip...but, what were we thinking?? Overall, a good experience for us all...but, not easy.
We departed for our trip shortly after lunch (nap time) and the boys slept in the car (but, not for long)...after about 3 hours, we needed to run around. Since it was raining, we stopped at an exit that looked promising...and, we found a mall to run around in and go to the bathroom. When we got back into the car, it was "snack time"...neverending snack time, that is. The boys played for a bit and started getting antsy again. So, we stopped for dinner at a Cracker Barrel. After that, it wasn't long before they both got tired (we also brushed teeth and put on pjs at the restaurant...er, actually in the parking lot because the bathrooms weren't suitably clean). We arrived in Tennessee pretty late and got everyone settled into bed.
We very much enjoyed spending time with family for three days; and, then it was time to go back home. This time, we left early in the morning (at about 8:30...we had tried to leave earlier) and we were able to stop for a special lunch in Paducah, KY. We went to an amazing bakery, called Kirchoff's...wonderful cranberry walnut bread with chicken salad (no onions!) for me, a cuban sandwich for my husband, a reuben for my sister and the boys had grilled cheese and fresh bread. We saved room for ice cream (as recommended by the lovely lady at the visitors center)...homemade ice cream, that is (peach & banana for me in a homemade waffle cone...chocolate with sprinkles for my son (as always!)....my sister had cookies and cream and I can't remember what flavor my husband had). This ice cream was AWESOME; and, I am embarrassed that I can't remember the name of the place. Paducah was a lovely stop.
Now, we could've just packed sandwiches and eaten them anywhere along the way; but, food is a very important part of our memories (our sense of smell is somehow connected to our memories...which is why smells invoke memories). So, we often try to tie in some special food memories, especially on "journeys".
The rest of the way home was taxing (forgive me); but, I would totally do it again. The experience of the road trip, the memories of being in the car, the places along the way (the food!) and of course, for the destination (in this case, family!).
A couple of weeks ago, we took our now 1-year-old and our 4-year-old on our first "official" road trip. We went to Tennessee to visit some family and the trip took about 12 hours from our home to theirs. Ummm...it was a nice trip...but, what were we thinking?? Overall, a good experience for us all...but, not easy.
We departed for our trip shortly after lunch (nap time) and the boys slept in the car (but, not for long)...after about 3 hours, we needed to run around. Since it was raining, we stopped at an exit that looked promising...and, we found a mall to run around in and go to the bathroom. When we got back into the car, it was "snack time"...neverending snack time, that is. The boys played for a bit and started getting antsy again. So, we stopped for dinner at a Cracker Barrel. After that, it wasn't long before they both got tired (we also brushed teeth and put on pjs at the restaurant...er, actually in the parking lot because the bathrooms weren't suitably clean). We arrived in Tennessee pretty late and got everyone settled into bed.
We very much enjoyed spending time with family for three days; and, then it was time to go back home. This time, we left early in the morning (at about 8:30...we had tried to leave earlier) and we were able to stop for a special lunch in Paducah, KY. We went to an amazing bakery, called Kirchoff's...wonderful cranberry walnut bread with chicken salad (no onions!) for me, a cuban sandwich for my husband, a reuben for my sister and the boys had grilled cheese and fresh bread. We saved room for ice cream (as recommended by the lovely lady at the visitors center)...homemade ice cream, that is (peach & banana for me in a homemade waffle cone...chocolate with sprinkles for my son (as always!)....my sister had cookies and cream and I can't remember what flavor my husband had). This ice cream was AWESOME; and, I am embarrassed that I can't remember the name of the place. Paducah was a lovely stop.
Now, we could've just packed sandwiches and eaten them anywhere along the way; but, food is a very important part of our memories (our sense of smell is somehow connected to our memories...which is why smells invoke memories). So, we often try to tie in some special food memories, especially on "journeys".
The rest of the way home was taxing (forgive me); but, I would totally do it again. The experience of the road trip, the memories of being in the car, the places along the way (the food!) and of course, for the destination (in this case, family!).
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