Exciting Announcement

If you were on my Gluten Free Holiday Survival free teleseminar last night than you first got some great tips and the tools that will help you immediately.

You also were introduced to my 7 day Whole Foods, Whole You detox, the Next Level Cleanse that will take your health to the next level!

This will change they way you look and feel in a week.  I say this from personal experience and that of clients who have tried it.   It totally changed my energy by giving it a boost, changed my skin  and complexion so it was clear and glowed, it kickstarted my weight loss, and I felt amazing.

One of the cool things about this cleanse is it’s like getting 3 cleanses in 1.  There are 3 levels so you can pick where you want to start.  If you’ve never been on a cleanse than you may want to start at level one.  Let’s say you do that level and you love it, of course.  Then a couple of months goes by and you want to detox in the spring.  You already have everything you need.  You can repeat level 1 or try level 2 or 3.

What you receive in this cleanse is such a long list that you’ll want to read it for yourself.   Follow this to the Next Level Cleanse and learn more about this opportunity to change your life.

Now just to let you know there is an Early Bird Special going on until midnight ET on Saturday December 22nd that also includes Early Bird Bonuses.  The value of these specials and bonuses is way more than the price of the cleanse.  But you have to register before the 22nd.  So go check it out now.

Read all of the great gifts you’ll be receiving and learn more about the cleanse.  But more importunely than all of the guides, recipes, menu plans and so on, you get to feel and look amazing, get a boost in energy, kickstart weight loss, lose the bloat, feel amazing.  Oh and since it’s a guided cleanse you get me for every day of the cleanse making sure you doing great!  Follow this to the Next Level Cleanse and sign up because spaces are going fast and the class size is limited!

If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This article ran in my newsletter, The WHOLE-istic Life last month.  I don’t usually share the information given in my newsletters on my blog, I keep it exclusive.   But I felt this information was so important that I’ve decided to repost it here in order to help save you from my pain.  If you read this in the newsletter forgive this repeat.  Please leave me a comment if you have ever had any experiences like mine.  Also I’d love to know if you have tried either of the juice recipes shared and what variations you made.

Juicing is a part of my daily easy healthy gluten free living diet.  Read and you will see why.

Juice Detoxing From House Rennovation Chemicals

There are times during the year that are natural landmarks for a detox.  Spring and Fall are the two that most folks use.  Four times a year would be even better would be four times a year.  The more you do the better and deeper they work.

This past couple of weeks, I found another reason to detox – exposure to excessive chemicals that my body couldn’t process.

We are having remodeling work done in our house to bring it up to date.  We’ve put a new granite countertop in the kitchen and are also remodeling our bathrooms with granite tops for the vanities.

I’ve never had a granite countertop and had no idea about the installation process.  It turns out that  the installers use an epoxy glue for the seams, a chemical to seal the top and another chemical to clean off the top to remove excess epoxy and anything else.

I was actually away when the kitchen countertop was installed and arrived home on the evening of May 10^th with my son.  I got ten steps into the house and, even though the smell was overwhelming, I didn’t realize the physical and neurological effects the epoxy fumes were having on me.  Thankfully, my son was with me and as I started to bob and weave he got me upstairs and opened the windows so I could get some fresh air.

I kept the windows open all night.  The next morning when I awoke the effects on me were apparent.  I felt nauseous, tired, and my brain felt detached from my head.  I was at a loss for words, couldn’t string thoughts together, my short term memory was not working and I mostly sat in a dazed state.  I also had sharp headache pains around my temple that migrated to different spots on my head. I also had aches and pains all over my body in random places.

My kitchen was still torn apart so I couldn’t cook myself some good cleansing food.  I spent as much time as I could outside in the fresh air.  Thankfully, the weather was amazing.  We spent most of our meals eating out however whenever I came in the vicinity of any type of cleaning chemicals I immediately become ill.  The nausea, dizziness and disorientation returned in full force within seconds.

My reaction was more severe than anyone else in my family.  They call me the canary in the coal mine because I detect odorless gas before most other humans.  I’m not very happy to have this job but I don’t really have a choice.

Thankfully, I’ve taught my family so much about nutrition and detoxing that they stepped in and helped me when I couldn’t help myself.  Off we went to the grocery store and filled the cart with lots of kale, parsley, cucumbers, beets, ginger, apples, pears, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cauliflower and baby broccoli.  As soon as we got home I started juicing and drinking.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been drinking lots of water and fresh juice to help my body detox.  Regular walks outside for some exercise and fresh air has also helped.

It’s been almost three weeks and I’m finally able to get back to writing and taking care of my family.  I’m not at 100% yet but I know I will be as long as I keep drinking my juice and taking care of myself.

I also know that if you are dealing with anything that could be throwing you off balance that juicing and smoothies full of great vegetables and fruit will do your body good.  Drink these to detox your liver, get your kidneys and adrenal glands in better shape to work as the filters they are meant to be.

Now I’d like to share the detoxing and restorative juices I’m using.  If you don’t have a juicer you can make smoothies in a blender.

If you are looking for a juicer I have to say I am in love with mine.  I have a Hurom Slow Juicer.  http://www.slowjuicer.com/

When I watched the video on the Sur la Table website I was convinced this was the one for me.  It is very easy to use and very easy to clean up quickly.  I’m one of those people if it’s too hard to use or especially clean, I’ll use it once and then it will just sit there.

So, with no further ado, here are two of my favorite fresh juice recipes.  First, you’ll find the Green Elixir of Life which is a great way to mix fresh green vegetables with tasty fruit.

The Golden Joy is a great way to sneak in beets.  The combination is sweet and even wins the approval of my most extremely picky son.   The Green Elixir of Life taste is dominated by the fruit used.  The key is to have some type of citric fruit in the mix and your favorite fruits helps too.  The only way to know what will work best for you is to play in your kitchen.

Just a warning about ginger.  It is extremely potent so use only a small amount.  By small amount I mean a slice the size of a dime both in roundness and thickness.  Taste and you can always add more.  Trust me you won’t have enough fruit and vegetables in the house to reverse too much ginger.

Green Elixir of Life

Ingredients:

1 bunch organic kale

1 organic cucumber

large handful organic parsley leaves

1 organic lemon

1 organic green apple

1Ž2 cup pineapple

1 thin slice of ginger root size of dime

Instructions:

Put it all through the juicer.  I like to run the juice through one more time to get it as clear as possible.  I find when I make a pitcher full for the day that it stays together and more fresh for the entire day and even into the next if there’s anything left.

Golden Joy

Ingredients:

2 organic Golden Beet

1 Organic green or red Apple

1 Orange

10 Organic Carrots

Instructions:

Put it all through the juicer.  I like to run the juice through one more time to get it as clear as possible.  I find when I make a pitcher full for the day that it stays together and more fresh for the entire day and even into the next if there’s anything left.

OK I know this is going to sound totally crazy to some and I can’t believe it myself, but this “go insane every spring from seasonal allergies gal” has left this body.  Yep it is now April and where I live all of the trees have bloomed, shed and now have leaves on them.  People are out cutting their grass and flowers are popping up everywhere.  Even the cherry blossoms came early.  What am I doing?  I’m out walking in the beautiful spring sunshine taking deep clear breaths and super excited.

Every year I have spent miserable in the Spring.  I don’t bother to wear eye makeup because I’ll rub it off as I just about rub my eyes out of their sockets.  My ears will itch.  My throat will itch.  My tongue will itch.  My skin will itch.  My nose would run in both directions.  I couldn’t walk around the block without making sure I had something to drink for when I start gagging on the pollen.  Once they changed the laws around my OTC allergy medicines like Claritin, I would be frantic that when I could go get my next box, only one per week,  they would be out.  Sometimes they were and I’d have to drive around to 5 different places looking for them.

So what is this magic cure?

I gave up sugar and started drinking different green smoothies.  Yeah I know that sounds too easy or too impossible.  So by now some of you are rolling your eyes and thinking, yeah like that is going to work.  Well I say what do you have to lose except maybe saving your eyeballs from being rubbed out of your head and your poor nose from too many tissues.

This all started with my detox that I actually started 2 weeks before the one on my blog, and kept refining it as I went.  Actually I feel so much better I’m really not ready to let in too many of the other foods again.  You know that saying, nothing tastes as feeling good feels.

Remove this!

Here is what I removed:

The only sugars I ate were from fruit for the first 3 weeks.  The last week I added a tsp of Raw Manuka Honey to my hot tea.

Taking the sugar out of my body helped keep the inflammation down and not trigger that antihistamine reaction.  Not eating the simple carbs and wine kept the body from converting that to the sugars that cause inflammation and weight gain.

Add this!

Then I did the second part of this equation, I added in antioxidant and anti-imflammatory foods.  This helped the body fight off those horrible allergic reactions to the pollen.  Adding in green vegetables and whole foods makes this even more appealing.  I like adding more than removing but both are key.

Here is what I added to my days:

Now obviously these were not all tossed into a smoothie.  So I’ll share with you the recipe for two of my favorite smoothies.

Like how I snuck in exercise to the list.

Oh and before you get all mesmerized by the green smoothies, let me address your doubts.  First feel free to google avoiding sugar to allevate seasonal allergies.  I did this post experiment and found tons of articles.  Wish I would have read some first.

Next there is one thing you need to know about me, I hate whining.  If something is bothering me or you, then I say let’s do something about it.  If your allergies are any way as close to annoying as mine where they interfere with your life, than what do you have to lose.  Give this a try.   Add in the good food and by all means get rid of that sugar.  Try it just for 30 days.  Give your body time to process all of the gunk out.  I’ll warn you however, once your body realizes you are going to give it amazing foods it will start doing amazing things for you.   Oh and it will ask you keep these on the menu.

Green Ginger Goodness Smoothie

Ingredients:

4 kale leaves ripped into pieces, I love the dino kale

1 organic green apple, cored and cut into chunks

1 organic rib of celery cut into chunks

3-4 inch piece of organic cucumber cut into chunks

1-2 inch piece of ginger peeled and cut into chunks

1 organic lemon, cut the rind off and if you can find the seeds grab them but not necessary

1-2 TB organic chia seeds

4 ice cubes

1/2-1 cup filtered water

Instructions:

toss all of the ingredients into you Vita Mix.  If you don’t have a strong blender you can still make the smoothie you will just need to blend it longer to get that smooth texture.  You may want to add the water slowly until you get the consistency you like.

Pour into a tall glass and grab a straw!

Green Good Morning Smoothie

Ingredients:

4 kale leaves ripped into pieces, I love the dino kale

1 organic kiwi, peeled and cut into chunks

3-4 inch piece of organic cucumber cut into chunks

1 organic green apple, cored and cut into chunks

1 organic lemon, cut the rind off and if you can find the seeds grab them but not necessary

1 grab of organic parsley

1/4- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, just shake it 4-6 times

1-2 TB organic chia seeds

4 ice cubes

1/2-1 cup filtered water

Instructions:

toss all of the ingredients into you Vita Mix.  If you don’t have a strong blender you can still make the smoothie you will just need to blend it longer to get that smooth texture.  You may want to add the water slowly until you get the consistency you like.

Pour into a tall glass and grab a straw!

Now I want to hear from you!

Has anyone else had the same experience?  Do you think I’m totally off my rocker?  Are you willing to give it a try?  What’s your favorite green smoothie?

Soup is great to eat while on a detox.  You can get so much goodness into a bowl, keep it gluten and dairy free and vegetarian and vegan.

I was about to share my tasty Mushroom Vegetable Soup with you which I made using Melissa’s recipe as a starter from Gluten-Free For Good and realized I had not shared my recipe for easy Vegetable Stock.  It’s so easy I don’t really think of it as a recipe but it’s a great time and money saver.

This soup is great for detoxing and fighting those flu and cold cooties Melissa talks about.  Grab her recipe and make it fit your needs.  I wanted to keep mine vegetarian and I also added in more than just shiitake mushrooms.  I added portobello too as they have a hearty flavor.  I also switched out the canned tomato sauce for a box of Pomi Chopped Tomatoes (affiliate link).   I made a nice big pot and then froze it in portions with my soup mugs that have lids.  Great to pull out when I want soup that I know is all good inside.

I love using vegetable stock to add extra flavor when cooking and it’s a must when making a vegetarian soup.  My favorite way to make stocks is in the crockpot and overnight.  So how darn efficient is that.   If you really want to save even more time and money save those scraps as you are cooking and toss them into the freezer to pull out and put into your crockpot or stockpot.  Things like the onions skins, carrot tops and peels both add great flavor.  I wish I could say I remember to do this more than I do.

This recipe will make a light vegetable stock.  If you would like a deeper richer color and flavor, roast your vegetables first and then make the stock.

Now I’d like to hear from you.

How is Diane’s Detox going?  Have you been trying anything new?  How do you feel?  Have you had some soup too?

Ok it’s the weekend and you’ve had all week to talk yourself in and out of joining me for a Spring detox.  So what’s it to be?  It’s only two weeks or 14 days or however you want to look at it.  In the greater scheme of the timeline of your life it’s a blip.

However it could be a very important blip.  It could go from being a blip to being a life changing experience.  You might find a few more fruits and vegetables you like to eat.  Maybe you find that eating no grains at all really makes your body happy.  You could make new friends while talking about the detox on The WHOLE Gang Facebook page or reinforce a current relationship by pairing up to do it together.  The possibilities are endless.

So let’s make the commitment together.  Print this detox pledge out and sign it, post it on your frig, bulletin board, Pinterest Board or your dog.  Somewhere you’ll see it everyday.  Please read the disclaimer at bottom.

Now if you’re a sharing person, grab this badge below and post it on your Facebook or website.  Let people know you are working on your health and encourage others to do the same.  One little change is what leads to the next little change and before you know it you turn around and see how many great things you are doing for your health.  Make sure you visit The WHOLE Gang Facebook page for additional tips and encouragement along the way.  We’re in this together!  Click here to grab the badge!

Let’s get to your Weekend Prep for Diane’s Detox.

There are two main things I would recommend you do in preparation for the next two weeks.

1.  Plan out what you want to eat and then make sure you have it in stock.

2.  Clear out, hide, give away what you are going to avoid for the next two weeks.

OK so let’s start with step number 1.  Grab your calendar and see what you have planned for these next two weeks.  Are there events that include food outside your home like business meetings, parent teacher gathering, birthday party at the office or anything that might come up on the spur of the moment like your office mates invite you out to lunch.  If you plan for how you will handle these events, then you will be prepared with your response to their questions or you’ll know what you’re going to eat.

Grab my menu planner and let’s get started creating a delicious menu that will have you eating like royalty.  The WHOLE Gang Weekly Menu 2012

Note anytime you won’t be making your own foods or know exactly what you are eating.  Look at the list for Diane’s Detox and see what you will be working towards.  Are you going for the whole list or maybe this is your very first detox so you’re going to pick a few.  It’s totally up to you.  For instance if you already live gluten free you may want to try eating no grains at all.  Whatever you are going to include in your detox keep that front and center.

Now I like to make a list of all the foods and drinks I will be eating for the next two weeks.  I always like to focus on the postive and what I can control.  A good list already available is the Primal Blueprint Shopping List.  On that page you can find a listing and a link to a pdf of that list.  If you are not familiar with Mark Sission he is the creator of the Primal Blueprint which is his version of a Paleo Diet.  I’m not here today to talk about this diet, but I do like his pdf list of foods.  Something I need to make for myself with foods I like to eat.  I took this list and crossed off anything with dairy as the list is already gluten free.  I underlined any foods I either don’t like yet or have not tried yet.  The rest of the foods left were fair game for my quick menu.  As this goes on I may try some of the new foods or the ones I don’t like yet.

I find it’s so much easier to look at a list of what I can eat and go from them when planning a menu.  I took this list and checked out what was in my refrigerator and freezer.  Was there anything from the list that I could use as a starter for my menu.  Yep, lots of frozen organic meats and wild caught seafood in my freezer so I was set.  I however was low on fruits and vegetables so I need to stock up on those after I create the menu.

So what’s a gal to actually eat on this detox?  Lots of fresh veggies, fruits, some nuts and seeds along with lean proteins.  It’s really easy to keep myself satisfied while doing this as long as I pay attention to what my body is telling me.  Make sure you take the time to listen to your body.  If you feel hungry, wait a little and see if it stays or did it pass.  If it passed you may have been bored, tired or maybe distracted.  If it stays than your body is really hungry and you should feed it.

During the next couple of weeks I’ll share recipes and menu plans that we will be eating around my house.  One thing you can count on is big plates of amazing salads.  Here’s my tip to make this super easy.

Go shopping and grab a bunch of veggies you’ll want in your salads and then do a little prep.  I bought one of the plastic rectangular containers of Organic Power Greens.  It had baby spinach, baby kale and baby chard and is a great salad base.  I’m totally recycling that container and making it into my salad bar.  I’ll prep my ingredients and put them into zip plastic bags and put them all into that container.  Then all I need to do is grab my new container of greens and then my new salad bar with all the fixings.

Here are my leafy greens which I only buy organic:

Here is what is in my salad bar:

I keep the tomatoes on the countertop as you shouldn’t refrigerate those.

Also on hand will be my jars of:

I won’t use many of these in my salads but with a large variety no two salads will be exactly alike.

I also like to have a can of Pole Caught American Tuna on hand to toss some of that in my salad one day.

So what’s in your salad bar?  I’ll warn you once you give this a try you’ll make a new salad bar every week and you’ll never look back.  You’ll never head to one of those weigh your salad, salad bars and spend a fortune on something that you can make at home.

Oh and for my salads I usually make my mason jar dressing.  Here’s the recipe:

Almost forget the clear out which was number 2!  This is the easiest part unless your house is your food trap.  Grab those chocolate bars, bags of sugar and anything on that list of what you don’t want to eat for these two weeks and bag it up.  Put it in another room, give it to a family member to hide or whatever works for you.  For me out of sight out of mind.  I put it down in the basement in a bag because that’s too much effort to go grab it for a quick thoughtless pop into my mouth without thinking before I realize I ate way too many.  I would have to make an extra effort to go and get it which gives my brain time to make another choice.

So are you ready!  Make a menu, go shopping so you have those ingredients on hand and prep your salad bar.  You’re setting yourself up for success!

Disclaimer

The assistance provided by The W.H.O.L.E. Gang is for informational purposes only. Neither The W.H.O.L.E. Gang nor Diane Eblin is a licensed registered nurse. Any information shared by us is not intended to substitute medical advice from a licensed health care professional. The W.H.O.L.E. Gang makes every attempt to provide accurate information on gluten free foods and lifestyle. However, neither The W.H.O.L.E. Gang, nor Diane Eblin assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information provided or make any warranty that the advice or information offered will result in improvement of your health or well-being.

You agree that you will not under any circumstances disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking such advice in reliance on any Content provided on or through the The W.H.O.L.E. Gang and Diane Eblin. Reliance on any such Content is solely at your own risk.  

We highly recommend that you always carefully read labels before using or consuming any food product, supplement or medicine and consult with your own physician or medical advisor on any matter relating to your health and well-being or any medical condition you may have.

The W.H.O.L.E. Gang and Diane Eblin expressly disclaim all liability arising out of the use by you of any information provided. 

How’s you’re eating plan coming along?  Are you eating what your body loves?

Sometimes by this time of year some of my New Year’s Eve resolutions have worn off and what I said I was no longer going to eat has crept back into my diet. Has that happened to anyone else? OR, maybe you’ve done great with those resolutions and you’re ready to take the next step, a detox!

It’s time to start planning that spring time detox.  It will have to be this month for 2 weeks.  I’m thinking the last two weeks of this month starting on March 19th.  That will give us a little time to get prepared get and maybe clear out a few things from the refrigerator and freezer (anyone want a few bags of chocolate chips). Maybe I’ll throw in a little spring cleaning for my house during those two weeks too.  Yeah, that’s what I’m doing for sure.  Spring Detox for the body and spring clear out for my house.  Getting rid of all the junk that accumulates in both places.

OK, so will you be joining me for the spring detox?  Maybe the spring clear out of the house too?  Don’t be scared to detox but also don’t jump into one without knowing your body.  You might want to talk with your doctor to make sure your body can handle it.  I don’t do radical detox process.  I start with really just getting rid of the things we know can adversely affect our bodies.  If you know your body, design your own detox.  Think about the things that you know if you didn’t put into your body would make your body very happy.  That’s a great start.

My wonderful nutritionist friend Melissa McLean Jory works on this with her clients.  She has shared some in her post Spring Renewal and Detox.  I’ve taken that and made it work for me.

Diane’s Spring Detox:

No chemicals- this means eating organics and what people refer to as clean foods

No sugar unless in fruit and not much of that either

No processed foods from a box, bag, wrapper, can or anything manufactured

No alcohol

Not very much meats, condiment size portions and only organic poultry or wild caught seafood

Lots of organic green vegetables – love that fiber!

Lots of organic colors like beets, red cabbage, blueberries, pomegranates, radish and radiccho to name a few

Green smoothies daily- green juices if I had a juicer

Only green tea and no black tea with caffeine

Of course no gluten or dairy (easiest part for me) but I’m extending this to no grains or starches like potatoes, peas and beans

Daily movement to include dancing, yoga, walking

Daily meditation- I use a 5-10 minute meditation to reduce stress, longer some days

Drink lots of filtered water

Sleep 7-9 hours – this let’s the cleaning crew come in at night and clean up my body  (wish they would do my windows)

This list may be too much or not enough depending on your current habits.  Don’t be overwhelmed but pick which ones you can try and if you have more to add let me know!

I know at first I may be a little tired as my body is processing out the yuck but that’s what I want out and that is why I do a detox.

Be kind to yourself during this detox.  Grab a friend and encourage each other.  Make sure you get your rest.  Take that nice long hot bath you keep threatening to take.  Wrap yourself in those comfortable huggable clothes.  And speaking of hugs make sure you’re giving and getting those daily too.

OK ready, set, go!  Monday March 19th and we’re off and running!  During these two weeks I’ll be sharing recipes of what I’m eating and resources for other recipe ideas.  If you make a great smoothie or meal, please share it!  I’ll also share a few extras in my newsletter this month, The WHOLE-istic Life so make sure you’re on the list.

Now I’d like to hear from you!

Have you tried any type of detox before?

What was it and how did you feel?

Which items on my list are you willing to give a try for just the two weeks?

Update with related posts for Diane’s Detox

Weekend Prep

Vegetable Stock Recipe

Chocolate Frogs in Hogsmead (Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

A new year and a new menu with a new way of eating.  For the past week I’ve been doing a gentle detox that my body has fallen in love with.  It’s really gentle on the body compared to some things I’ve read.  I basiclly eat fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.  No grains, dairy, processed foods or processed sugars, and no alcohol.  Oh and no Chocolate Frogs.  I do eat wild caught fish and organic chicken but condiment size portions.  I’m drinking lots of water, green smoothies, and 1 cup of tea a day.   This is what my nutritionist, Melissa McLean Jory who writes Gluten Free for Good, suggested for me at this time.  If you are looking for a good detox check out her post on Detox.  You’ll be to see all the information and the few modifications I made.

This detox was not harsh for me because I had already moved to more fresh fruits and vegetables making up most of what I ate each day.  If you live on gluten free food from boxes then it will be a little more of a shift for you.  But, this is an important shift to make.

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to start eating healthier then please take the time to make that more specific.  Make statements like I will eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less processed foods, sugars and alcohol.  Both say the same thing, it’s just the later statement is more actionable.

I will warn you however, your body will LOVE it.  If you’ve been living gluten free for some time now think back to when you first gave it up.  Your body started to feel better and rejoice.  Now think about when you accidentally ingest gluten and how your body is totally pissed off and lets you know.   Same thing.

I also went back to  yoga.  I kept waiting for when I felt better and then remembered that going to  yoga helps you feel better.  Gheeze why do I forget these things.  So I went to the noon hour long classes.  One of the great things about yoga is you can really see the incremental improvements you make better than anything else I’ve ever done.  It’s wonderful.  On Monday I took a nice long nap in the afternoon.  As the week went on I didn’t need a nap and my body was really starting to get happy inside.  In just 3 classes.  Now in my book that’s pretty cool.

Melissa always tells me, “it’s all about food and movement…”.  This week I finally totally got what she meant.  My wish for you in 2011 is that you also have the opportunity to really “get” what that means.  It’s life changing.

So, here is my menu for this week.

Monday- Turkish Seasoned Black Bean Patties, hummus with Zaatar, Salad with Avocado and Pumelo

Tuesday- Sloppy Lentil Joes from Stephanie O’Dea’s new cookbook- More Make It Fast, Cook It Slow: 200 Brand-New, Budget-Friendly, Slow-Cooker Recipes

Wednesday- Vegetable Frittata, fruit salad

Thursday- Maple & Red Pepper Flake Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Arugula from Power Foods Cookbook, with Grilled Trout

Friday- Kiwi Lime Relish Shrimp with black lentils from Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with the 38 Healthiest Ingredients

Saturday- Grilled Portobello Stack with grilled onions, roasted red peppers, hummus and rocket

Sunday- Braised leeks with prosciutto and a porcini mushroom topping, papaya kiwi and cashew salad

Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with the 38 Healthiest Ingredients

This menu was shared on OrgJunkie.

January is Detox month over at G-Free Mom.  Every day this month a different blogger is sharing a recipe with you to help you eat fresh fruits and vegetables.  All the recipes will be gluten free juices, smoothies or soups.  I’m happy to be contributing to this event.  January is a great month to get ourselves back onto this path and using a detox is a great way to to jump start that.

You know there have been two words that have put fear into me, detox and green smoothie.  Detox sounded hard to do, restrictive and painful and green smoothies well those are just two words that didn’t go with each other in my mind.  Well that is until I’ve started on both.

I started making green smoothies after Ali at The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen shared one that didn’t seem too far out there so I gave it a try.  I actually liked it because it tasted more like the fruit than the vegetables.  I didn’t have a very good blender so I had to let it run a long time to get a smooth drink.  Now that I have my VitaMix I can make amazing smoothies in no time at all.  A fast and easy way to get really good nutrients into my body.

I’ve realized you can just about put any fruit or vegetable combination and come up with something that tastes good.  If you have an over powering taste, adding some cinnamon is a great trick to tame that taste and move it to something you’ll enjoy.  Oh and cinnamon is really good for you too!  I have gotten my husband hooked on these smoothies and now I’m working on my youngest son.

This kid does not like vegetables.  I have to get very creative to make something he’ll eat with vegetables and I have lots of secrets on that topic (promise to share soon).  We have over the past year increased his list of vegetables he’ll eat, but it’s not going to include a green smoothie in a glass right now.  So this smoothie has more fruit than vegetables but it’s a start.  I have gradually added in more darker green vegetables to this recipe and it has still maintained the good taste he’ll eat.  I add kale and spinach and serve it in a tall thermal cup from Starbucks and a dark colored straw.  He knows not to open the lid.  My hope is that he never reads this post or the gig is up on how many vegetables he’s really eating.

When you make a smoothie I think it’s more of an art than a science.  What I mean by that is you don’t have to put in exactly what you read in a recipe.  You add what you like or what you have on hand.  Just make sure you give it a taste before serving, especially if you are trying to hide something.

So this smoothie I’m sharing was first created by Melissa on Gluten Free For Good as Cherry Cabbage Chia Recovery Smoothie.  I’ve made it so much it felt like mine but it’s really her creation.  She adds yogurt and uses napa cabbage in hers.  I changed those items up according to our needs.  If you are looking for more smoothie ideas, food that’s not only good but good for your body and want to know why, go to her blog.   Everything she creates has been great.  Our family particularly loves her Healthy Power Bars.  Melissa is amazing and creates recipes that are packed with ingredients that are good for you on so many levels.

After much anticipation I finally went to my first heated vinyasa flow yoga class.  I’ve been to a few different yoga classes at the gym I belong to and really didn’t like them very much.  My sinuses always seemed to give me troubles and the hour long class was way too long for me to keep up with what they were doing.   The classes at the gym were always crowded, people coming in late and the regulars had their “spot” that they didn’t appreciate if you took.

I knew yoga was great for our bodies and something I really needed to work into my life, but I needed to find the right fit for me.  Melissa (Gluten Free for Good) told me, “The yoga piece aids everything else (digestion, thyroid, sleep, de-stressing, immune function, hormones, etc.).  It just doesn’t happen overnight.”  When she shared that with me it was like I was hearing it for the first time but at the same time hearing something I’ve known all my life.  Love that gal!

So I stalked this local studio that opened about a year ago, Down Dog Yoga.  Of course I didn’t stalk them in person, just online. They have a really good website with lots of information on their classes, mission and founder Patty Ivey.  One of their studios is really close to my house and in a shopping center where I frequent. 

Finally I decided that I was going to not just show up to get my free week of classes but purchase a specific class online.  I knew if I waited for the perfect time to try a class I would never find it.  I had to have a paid reservation and their online system makes that very easy.  One thing that was a big concern for me was all of the classes, except the power hour, were 90 minutes long.  In the past I couldn’t keep up with the hour class and the Rodney Yee video tapes that are 30 minutes were too challenging.  I thought there would be no way I could do a 90 minute class.  But with the encouragement of my awesome nutritionist Melissa and my wonderful husband Scott, and my workout partner JoAnne, I signed up. They reminded me if I could only do 15 minutes than do the 15 and not worry about it. Everyone has to start somewhere.  I would never get to 90 minutes if I didn’t get moving.

Child Pose from Down Dog Yoga website

My first class was last Friday.  I arrived early to the class so I could talk to the instructor.  I have frozen shoulder and I’m in physiotherapy for that.  It’s getting better and I was told I could do anything that didn’t hurt me.  (there went that excuse)  Jeanne the instructor made me feel very comfortable going at my own pace.  Both she and Melissa reminded me that yoga is a practice, not a performance.  Listen to my body.  It’s perfectly acceptable to take a break and rest in Child Pose.

As soon as you open the door to the studio the 90 degrees rushes over you.  It’s not enough to make you start to sweat immediately but it does make me relax.

So I set up my mat right in front of this wide pillar in the room.  I thought when I could no longer participate in the class I would have a wall to lean back on.  It was also in the center of the room in the second row.  This way I had a clear shot to the instructor and I had others in front of me if I needed an example of something I didn’t understand.

Jeanne the instructor talked us through the opening stretches, breathing and poses.  It didn’t take long for me to start to sweat but it was a slow moderate sweat that just continued throughout the class.  Jeanne was great at offering me alternatives for my shoulder.  Instead of the down dog pose I would often be on hands and knees. This worked great.  I could keep going and not hurt my shoulder.  I did take some time in childs pose and towards the end I just sat for one pose.  But other than that I was shocked when class was over.  I had been there for 90 minutes and participated in most of that class.  I had sweat, twisted, opened, lunged, reached, balanced, stretched, and gasped and I felt amazing.

Down Dog Pose

But of course that *IBSC in my head said yeah, but what about when you wake up tomorrow.  You’re not going to be able to move for a week.  But that *IBSC was wrong.  I did have some soreness but not very much.  I knew I had worked muscles that I had not moved in some time, but they were only a little sore, no big deal.  I’ve slept in the wrong position and felt worse.

So I headed back to class on Monday for my free week.  Jeanne was the instructor again.  She’s really good at quietly coming by and helping you get into the right position so you are safe and you are getting the most you can out of that pose or stretch.  This time I could do even more during the class.  She was great to notice and compliment me.  The students that were there on Friday and Monday welcomed me back.  They are all so nice.
So I am totally hooked.  Melissa has suggested going three times a week.  That will be an amazing experience for my body.  I can feel the toxins leaving my body.  I feel the energy and at the same time the calmness entering.  I can feel my body healing.  Even my shoulder is getting better at a faster rate.  I am so glad I didn’t give up looking for the right yoga class for me. It would have been so easy to just  write it off and say, yeah I’ve tried that before and I didn’t like it.

Do you know how many different types of yoga there are?  Well I don’t know exactly but I do know there are many to choose from.  I trusted Melissa and I’ve seen what yoga has done in her life.  I really wanted a piece of that.  My desire to become healthy and calm exceeded my fear.   Sometimes you have to just trust it will all work out.

If yoga is new to you too and you are looking for a class, ask around.  See who you know that might already go to a studio and hear what they have to say.  I’ve only gone to two classes and already I feel and see the difference.  For the first time in a long time I awoke this morning feeling rested and ready for the day.  I wasn’t dragging my butt out of bed.  I even woke up before my alarm.  Now that might not seem like earth shattering news to you but I have to say I was getting really tired of waking up and wishing I had more time to sleep.  Tired of being tired.  I know that is the yoga.  I also am really loving this feeling that I can’t totally describe.  It’s calm but excited.  It’s really different for me and I can see and feel the benefits.  I can only imagine what this will be like over time.

Do you currently practice yoga?  If so what type and how often?  What benefits have you noticed?  If you have not tried yoga, are you willing to give it a try?  Don’t listen to your *IBSC, listen to others who can share the benefits they’ve experienced.  I can’t wait to hear your experience.

Oh and in case you don’t remember what the *IBSC is:

*itty bitty shitty committee- that voice in your head that cuts you down and tells you that ugly word, can’t.

I’m very pleased to introduce Susan Lord as a guest blogger.  Her new book Getting Your Kid on a Gluten-free Casein-free Diet
releases this Sunday February 15th.  What a great gift to give to those you love this Valentine’s Day, well the day after.  Her book is our featured book so if you would like more information click on that book.

Susan Lord

Susan Lord is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association. Her daughter was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at the age of five and has been on a gluten-free, casein-free diet for almost nine years. Her diagnosis now falls into the more general category of ’cognitive disability’. Susan lives in the Washington D.C. area with her husband and two daughters.

My daughter Jenny has a cognitive disability and has been on a gluten free dairy free diet for about nine years now, and I truly believe that she has progressed so wonderfully because of the major changes in her diet.  Yes, indeed it is hard to carry out day after day, and yes, the school parties are a challenge, as well as the pancake suppers, the spaghetti dinners and just eating out in this fast paced, “I want it now” America that we live in.

I was completely overwhelmed by the thought of removing wheat and dairy from Jenny’s diet in the beginning, and wondered how I would possibly accomplish it.  From screaming at my husband, “I need a bigger kitchen!” to accidentally using 2 cups of salt instead of 2 cups of sugar in a “decadent” (not very!) chocolate cake recipe, our gluten free, dairy free journey has added a whole new dimension to our family life.  A dimension that has challenged us but that we have met head on with a robust sense of humor and a new appreciation for accepting ourselves just the way we are right now.

I have eaten my fair share of pasta, believe me, but I had never made pasta from scratch, let alone gluten free pasta, in a brand-new-never-been-used pasta maker.  Never having taken a home economics class, in a kitchen the size of a closet, I approached the task.  Uncomfortable feelings, “you are a failure” feelings welled up inside me: never good enough.  In the middle of the process, when the skinny spaghetti strands were sticking together to make one big fat cord of gluten-less mess, I wanted to throw the dough and the pasta maker in the trash.  The noodles were too sticky, my hands were webbed with dough and no amount of potato starch flour would help.  This time I was motivated by passion- my kid would have spaghetti tonight!  I separated the strands from the cord as best I could and boiled that salted water.  I plunged the spaghetti into the rolling oiled boil and about 9 minutes later, I had a slightly less than perfect product that tasted like a dish from the Italian “North-End” of Boston.  Jenny ate all 4 servings in one sitting.

Through my child’s special needs and restrictive diet, I have learned so much about life, love and my own self.  When it comes to my kid and the progress she is making, I am learning to accept less than perfect from her, from me, and from my spaghetti.

]]> http://www.thewholegang.org/2009/02/the-gift-of-a-gluten-free-casein-free-diet/feed/ 3 http://www.thewholegang.org/2009/01/how-changing-your-food-changed-your-lives/ http://www.thewholegang.org/2009/01/how-changing-your-food-changed-your-lives/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:01:31 +0000 Diane Eblin http://www.thewholegang.org/2009/01/how-changing-your-food-changed-your-lives/

©Diane Eblin

I’ve been reading the comments that have been left for the post Health Builders and I am so amazed and thankful by the good health found.    Babies, children, and adults have had their lives changed after going to Dr. Hai Jin Kim at Health Builders.  I am included in that list.  I know firsthand the difference eating gluten free, dairy free, yeast free, and sugar free has made in my life but hearing others share their stories really touches my heart.  I am so happy that people are seeking and finding the road to being healthy.  Getting rid of things like asthma, migraines, stomach and intestinal issues, depression, fatigue, sensory disturbances, muscle pain, memory loss and irritability just to name a few.  Thank you Dr. Kim.

Thank you all for sharing your stories.  I hope the post on Health Builders will continue to have wonderful stories added on how their health has changed and improved their lives.  Please feel free to add your story.

Back to winging it with food, losing weight, self care and your health.  This is something I just would not recommend.  Say you are going out to eat with some friends and you decide to just wing it.  Most likely you’ll either be sitting and watching everyone else eat or you could get sick.  If you’re going out it’s best to call ahead and talk with the chef to find out if they can accommodate your food needs.  You also might like to have a little input into where you are going.  There are also great resources like the books The Essential Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide, 3rd Edition
or Let’s Eat Out!: Your Passport to Living Gluten And Allergy Free
.

What if you are trying to lose weight and you just wing it.  Chances are you’re not going to pay attention to what you eat or how much and what you’re doing to burn those extra calories.  Writing down what you eat has been proven over and over to be a key tool in success.  So is planning your menus.  Every month I share my menu and every week Menu Planning Monday is posted.  For more than 400 blogs that practice Menu Planning Monday check out OrgJunkie.

What if you want to take some time for your extreme self care and you just wing it.  Chances are you’ll continue to be at the bottom of your to do list and there are many things to keep bumping you further down.  Now if you took some time and found out the ways you want to take care of yourself then you can plan the how.  Cheryl Richardson’s book The Art of Extreme Self Care is a great guide for that.  She even has on online radio program you can do with her once a month.  Great stuff but she says do the work.  Don’t waste her time or yours by winging it. You can also get together with a group and support each other.  Here’s our meetup group doing just that.

There’s an old saying if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  You just can’t wing it when it comes to your health, losing weight, eating the right foods or practicing Extreme Self Care.

Dr. Hai Jin Kim

Migraine headaches, affecting an estimated 28 million people in the US, are a classification of headaches which are typically severe and often disabling.  They are usually characterized as throbbing, intense, usually one-sided, often accompanied by sensitivities to light, sound or smell.  They can be preceded by warning symptoms, called an ‘aura’.  These are typically visual.

Possible triggers include foods (chocolate, citrus, MSG, red wines), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), change in barometric pressures, estrogen (hormonal fluctuations with a menstrual cycle, hence ‘menstrual migraines), stress, lack of sleep and strong scents (perfumes, etc).

Migraines are thought to be a brought about by abnormal vascular (blood vessel) changes in the brain.  There is an initial constriction or narrowing of the vessel followed by a dilation or relaxation of the vessel wall, creating that pounding pressure.

Current treatments involve trying to abort this process.  Triptans, the first being Imitrex marketed in the US, presumably help with interrupting the vascular dilation.  For migraine sufferers, some of these medication have worked fairly well, if taken early.  Others experience significant side effects of nausea, dry mouth, flushing and drowsiness.  The various triptans have different onset of activity, duration of effect and different metabolisms which distinguishes one from another.

There are herbal remedies in the literature that have had some effect on migraines.  Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been used for centuries for multiple ailments.  It works as an analgesic by reducing muscle and tissue spasms and reducing inflammation of affected blood vessels.  A safe brand I am aware of available in health food stores is Petadolex by Enzymatic Therapy.

I have also had a patient try a mixture of peppermint oil and ethyl alcohol and dabbed it onto her forehead, which would always immediately lessen her headache.  She would mix these together before applying it.  I was surprised to find a small study from the University of Kiel in Germany of 32 participants in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to support this remedy!

Dr. Bahman Guyuron, an American Plastic Surgeon discovered that 80% of his patients reported their migraines either disappeared or lessened after surgical removal of the muscles that lie underneath the eyebrows.  As a desperate measure, he has had patients request this to rid themselves of their migraines.  To be reasonably certain that the surgical procedure would produce long-lasting results, he first has them paralyze these muscles with botox to see if the effect can be achieved.  I am definitely not suggesting surgery, as I think this is radical, but thought it was an interesting finding.

I have also talked with biological dentists (dentists who practice holistically) who have mentioned some success with use of oral appliances or night guards.  Dr. Phillip Lamey, professor of oral medicine at the Royal Hospital in Northern Ireland discovered migraine sufferers have elevated saliva peptide (protein) levels while non-migraine sufferers had about ten times less.  As long as the upper and lower teeth did not make contact, 70% of his patients after wearing the appliance nightly for one year no longer suffered migraines.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Magnesium and Betaine hydrochloride (a supplement that helps increase stomach acidity) have been studied and been effective with good tolerability.  These are used primarily for prevention, but can also be used used intravenously to abort a migraine.  Meyers’ cocktails, an intravenous concoction of Magnesium, Calcium, B vitamins and Vitamin C have had anecdotal success  for aborting migraines.

While I have listed many approaches to remedy this condition, the question still begs to be asked:  why does this vascular phenomenon occur?  In my experience, certain food sensitivities and food allergens can be a culprit (gluten and dairy being the primary offenders).  I have had several patients who have completely eliminated their migraines by eating the foods that were not irritants to their gastrointestinal system.  When the upper digestive system becomes imbalanced, there are nerve signals to the brain which create chemical changes that can potentially trigger those vascular changes creating a migraine.

Hormonal changes are tightly regulated by the pituitary/hypothalamus which also have an effect on upper digestive function.  If upper digestive function (stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas) is imbalanced or not functioning optimally, the hormonal fluctuations could create a trigger for migraines.

As an example of a patient of mine who suffered migraines, once we got her off her acid blocker, restored normal function to her stomach, her migraines disappeared.  While acid blockers help relieve symptoms, it doesn’t rectify the situation which created the symptoms.  Many folks who have heartburn actually suffer from having inadequate stomach acid, not too much.  Without adequate acid, proper digestion of proteins do not occur, creating putrefecation and creation of organic acids translating out to ‘heartburn.’  Acid blockers do help with neutralizing the organic acids, but only perpetuates the problem, namely improper digestion.  Many are simply unable to come off the acid blockers after long-term use.  I surmise that downstream effects, like migraines, can come from creating an imbalance by use of long-term acid blockers.

I have tried to propose some likely scenarios of why migraines may occur in addition to offering remedies that may be better tolerated than traditional triptans.  Any questions or comments are welcome!

–Hai Jin Kim, MD

Using the book as a guide, and HayHouseRadio.com Internet radio technology, Cheryl is connecting with people from around the world leading a live monthly Web class based on each chapter of the book.  This will take place around the first Thursday each month with the next falling on February 5th, however last night was the first in the series.  I was in the class last night with 600 other people.  It was wonderful.  Cheryl has an amazing gift that she shares with us and teach us.  We could all learn so much.  I will share my notes at our Meetup this Saturday.  If you are interested in joining our Meetup you must register.  There are limited spaces. 

If you’re wondering who should read this book or join her online web class here is a list of questions she suggests you ask yourself (from the back cover of the book).

Are you ready to join renowned life coach and best-selling author Cheryl Richardson for a year of Extreme Self-Care? To find out, notice how many “yes” answers you have to the following statements:

__ I carry a lot of resentment, feeling angry with others who don’t meet my needs.
__ I expect people to read my mind and know what I need or want.
__ I often feel like a martyr who lives my life for everyone else.
__ I have many one-sided relationships where people take more than they give.
__ Sex feels like one more task on an already long “to-do” list.
__ I break too many promises to myself.
__ I have trouble getting others to share in the work load at home.
__I give to others in an effort to feel needed, important, or worthy.
__It’s rare for me to relax or to enjoy things that are fun.
__ I tend to settle for crumbs, yet I’m desperate for a whole meal.
__When I’m overwhelmed, tired, or stressed, I rarely think to ask for help.
__I secretly long to be acknowledged for all the helpful things I do.
__People who act “entitled” make me cringe; I’m never like that.
__ I sometimes feel foolish about the ways in which I’ve put the needs of others before my own.
__Because it’s not worth the hassle, I don’t bother to ask for help.
__I hate disappointing people.

If you feel uncomfortable or find yourself smiling at the number of “yes” answers, it might be time to create a radical shift in how you care for yourself this year. It’s time to practice Extreme Self-Care with Cheryl.

So how many “yes” answers did you have?  I had 10.  So I’m very excited to be reading this book and embarking on this journey with Cheryl and with my Meetup group.

If you have any questions about the meetup group feel free to email me.  Email link is on the right.  If you want, leave a comment with the number of “yes” answers you had.  We'll start a tally. By the end of the year I hope we both have 0!

My gift to you is to share this wonderful book.  The Art of Extreme Self Care by Cheryl Richardson.  It’s a wonderful way to take each month and so something different to improve your life.  It takes you away from the old thinking that doing something for yourself is being selfish.  Probably sounds like a strange thing to talk about during the season where we give so much to others.  While I believe that is important for both you and the success of our society we must also give to ourselves and take care of ourselves.  This will lead to things much greater than ourselves.

If you still need a gift for someone or for yourself I highly recommend picking up this book.

If you would like to get together with a group of others to read, work through each month’s challenges and support each other along the way please join us.  If you live in Fairfax County, VA we’re meeting at 8:30am every other Saturday.  If you are interested click on the Meetup button on the right or the email me button.  If you would like to form a group that meets virtually, please contact me and we’ll find a day and time zone that works for everyone.

This could be a change your life experience.  One decision, just as important, as you deciding to eat and use more organic products or getting an ALCAT and deciding not to eat the foods that your body can’t tolerate that could make the biggest difference for you.

As we race towards the end of 2008 I hope you will take time to reflect on this year.  Think about what you enjoyed and want to keep doing.  Think about what you want to stop doing and also what you want to start doing in 2009.  I hope your self-care is at the top of the keep or start doing list.

Happy New Year!

I can tell you from firsthand experience how great it is to go to their offices.  I’m actually headed there today for acupuncture.  This is something new for me but let me tell you, it’s working wonders.  Dr. Fuller discovered I have Tendonitis and Bursitis in my shoulder.  Now I’ve had this for over a year and the previous medical group I saw never figured this out.  I’m very glad the team at Health Builders has and is treating me.

They offer many services for the “whole” you.  I really appreciate their approach.  First they take the time to assess your needs with both traditional and nontraditional diagnostics.  This combination was the key for me.  This is how I discovered what was making me so sick, tired, sore, swelling all the time, no energy and just not right.  This combination of diagnostics found what only using one form of diagnostics would not have found for many more years.

The next step in the approach is to reduce the toxins in the body.  It’s amazing the effect this has had on me.  Once I could get those out of my body the systems in my body started to function the way they are supposed to.  Imagine that!  Take care of the underlying problems instead of just giving me a prescription medicine to take to mask the problems and I got healthy.  This must be breakthrough thinking or maybe just the way medicine is supposed to be practiced.   Supporting my health through a custom designed program is the key.  There is nothing as important as good health.  I think Health Builders is a great name for this group.

I hope you spend some time reading through their website and contact them.  If you have a group that would love to hear more about this Dr. Kim has just agreed to speak to groups and organizations on this approach to health.   You can contact them by phone or email.

If you have had experiences with Health Builders please leave a comment here so we can all learn from you.

I’m very excited about a new way to connect with others.  Shelfari is a gathering place for readers, bloggers, authors, publishers and anyone who wants to connect about the published word.  They’re based in Seattle, started in October 2006 and acquired by Amazon.com in August 2008.

Once a member (free) you can:

• Build your own virtual bookshelf
• Join a group like ours and share ideas
• Discover and learn from people with similar reading tastes
• Interact with authors

If you’re like me I’m always searching for new information to spark creativity or just tell me how to do something.  Things like new gluten-free recipes, great new organic finds or how to recycle my old bike.  You probably have many areas of interest and your bookshelf can reflect that.  Then you can join the groups that share those many common interests.  If you blog you can even put your bookshelf on your blog.  They walk you through creating your own widget.

I’m excited for you join our group and share your great book finds, join in the discussions and start some new ones.  You can rate your books, write a review, add tags and mark books that are your favorites.   We can all learn from each other and what better gift to give.

Please check out The W.H.O.L.E. Gang Group and let me know what you think by either leaving a comment here or on the book group discussion board.

You shouldn’t settle for not feeling good.  Heck, you should want to feel great!

Well, there may be a number of reasons this could be happening.  Here is what I found out about me.  My body was fighting itself because in addition to the gluten there were lots of other things it couldn’t tolerate.  Also that fighting was continuing to keep my body from absorbing the nutrients I was giving it.

First:  I took a simple blood test, ALCAT.  It showed me in bright colors what foods I was severely, moderately and mildly intolerant to.  So I gave up both the severe and moderate and started a 4 day rotation of the mild items.

Second:  I took a Spectracell blood test that showed what my body was lacking in nutrients.  Dr. Hai Jin Kim then worked with the Village Green Apothecary so they could compound vitamins specific to my needs.  Let me just say WOW!  What a difference that has made.  I feel great.  So big I’ll say it again, WOW!

Don’t let yourself get stuck in the fog of trying to decide if you really feel bad or if it just a bad day.  Get yourself a small weekly planner.  Every day take good notes:

• what you eat, every single thing that passes your lips
• what time you got up
• what time you went to bed
• what activity you did
• naps if you took them
• vitamins and supplements you are taking
• how do you feel and at what time of the day you feel it
• If you had constipation or diarrhea

This way you won’t have to rely on your memory which could be altered by imbalance in your body.  This journal will show you in black and white what your life is like.  This is a very valuable tool for both you and your doctors.  If your doctor is not getting you any further along the path to good health, find another one.  Search for a Functional Medicine doctor.  Someone who looks for root causes to your problems and doesn’t just hand you a pill or tell you you’re just depressed.

Your good health is very important.  You are very important and you are worth it.  Don’t give up searching for good health.  Get that planner today!