Challenge #2 in 2010

Remember that lil' o'weight challenge recently where I lost 20lbs and won?

Well, right after that I ate gluten.  I ate all the normal foods, fast, homemade, bought etc.  I gained about 4-5 lbs I believe.  Yes, in only 1 week.  The thing that really sucks for my body is once i stray from being Gluten Free, my weight comes back with a vengence.  It must miss me. 

So we started a second challenge.  Some returning competitors and some new.  Funny thing is, you think I'd get back to being 100% GF and drop the weight.  I kinda did but not really.  That same morning, I had a Sausage Egg McMuffin w/Iced coffee and hash browns.  Last night I had a slice of pizza and hot wings at my aunts.  The other day for lunch I went and had a burger from Five Guys and a Iced Caramel Macchiato.  DAMAGE!

I did start walking and went to the track after work.  I've been going with my cousin.  He's into working out so I know he won't tell me, 'I'm tired or I'm hungry, let's eat instead and workout harder tomorrow'. Because that never happens. The workout part.  I tend to say ok and give in or look for excuses when I'm feeling lazy. 

I'll have to post an update on http://www.dailymile.com/ on what I've been doing so I can keep track.

I also found out that I have 3 free training sessions at my local gym.  San Jose Athletic Club.  I love it there but haven't made it a good habit to go as much as I should.

I also need to start my squats and build muscle early on before the challenge ends on Nov 1st.  Muscle weighs more than fat, so our deal is, for each pound you gain, you pay $2.00 or if you don't want to weigh in, you pay a flat $5.00 fee.  The pot right now is at $800 i believe.  We have our 1st weigh in Sept 9th.

My old daily routine included 300 situps, 5-9 miles/day and 60 squats (20 Kick, 20 Prisoner and 20 Sumo).

This article inspired me on adding my squats back in because my cousin just had surgery on her ACL & Miniscus.  http://www.adamringler.com/coaching/lets-keep-our-female-athletes-squatting

I have been told I have tight hamstrings.  And not tight as in a lyric a rapper might tell you.

Happy Challenging!

Food Review: Redbridge Beer - Anheuser-Busch

When I started GF, I was told to cut out Alcohol.  It made this lifestyle seem even harder!  I'm not a beer drinker per say, but once in a while I do like a beer.  I prefer Wine or Vodka, maybe Sailor Jerry. 

I was confused at first why it was on my 'No' list.  I'm sure it has something to do with empty calories and all that. 

I realized that beer is made with wheat. DUH! So all beers as I knew it, were out of the question.

I went to dinner one night at Willow Street Wood Fire Pizza and I seen on their wall they noted they had GF beer.  I ordered one and it tasted like regular beer to me.

I found they carry it at Beverages & More and at Whole Foods.  Some restaurants also now that GF is coming out into the world more and more.

So...this is the beer for me if I want one.  I tried another brand from Whole Foods and it was like a thick gross stout.  Not my preference at all.

So, enjoy the weekend with a GF beer! =)

Food Review: Chex

APB: If you see the Chocolate Chex....let me know. I want a box or two.  I can't find that flavor ANYWHERE!

My cousin found this at Safeway and was excited when I came home and said: "Look, Cuz, this cereal is GF!"  =)

I tried it and liked it.  I believe I should stay away from cereals that have

Honey Nut (love it) but I should be staying away from the ingrediants listed: Sugar, Brown Sugar Syrup.
Chocolate (mmm) and the Cinnamon both have: Sugar, Frutcose =(

All these cereals seem to have BHT added to it to preserve freshness.  (I just learned this a minute ago, while reading the ingrediants).  Umm...it says that is primarily used as an antioxidant food additive, which is also used in costmetics, pharmecuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil and embalming fluid! Embaling fluid.  wow.  I'm preserving my internal organs a cell at a time aren't I? 

GOODNESS. well, this just killed my appetite for this. I will stick with my faithful Gorilla Munch.

06/09/2015 NOTE: I updated another post with information that chex will be working on removing BHT in their cereal!!!! http://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i8/General-Mills-Remove-Antioxidant-BHT.html

Food Review: Bob's Red Mill GF Pancake Mix

Bob looks like he should be painting pictures of the ocean like the dude from PBS or something nautical.  Ever since Whole Foods doesn't carry the brand I really liked, I've been skeptical on spending money on other brands to just have them sit in my cupboard for 10 years (okay more like a year and it's one of the brands listed at the end of this post).

Well I said, Bob, I always see you here in the market so let's do this.

I did and it worked out!  I made some GF Banana Pancakes last week and they tasted lovely.  I used Agave Nectar of course as my syrup.  I didn't add oil though (even if it said a teaspoon or so).

Follow their directions to make the batter but here is what I've learned.  Wait about 3 minutes after you've mixed to let it stand and so some magical stuff that it's suppose to do (so i read on the internet).  Then add 1 smashed banana (no peel, duh), a teaspoon of good REAL Vanilla Extract and a dash of cinnamon.  That's my secret.  If I have Macadamia Nuts, I would chop them up nice and add for a lil' crunch.  Serve with Agave Nectar (cheapest at Trader Joe's).

Other Brands I've tried
Arrowhead Mills - ummm I'll pass.  I tried once and it just wasn't the same. bleech.
365 (I want to say but not sure) - this one brand was the best.  The batter and taste were great, but Whole Foods doesn't carry it anymore and I'm sad.

Food Review: Quinoa

Okay, this is not necessarily a food review but this is more of a 'what is Quinoa'.  However, I do love eating Quinoa.  I tried the Red Quinoa and it wasn't doing nothing but making my tastebuds yearn for mouthwash.  I didn't like it.  But the regular (white) Quinoa is really good.  I cook mine with plain water or chicken broth/stock.  Sometimes I buy the Trader Joe's Brand Fire Roasted Peppers & Onions and stick 1/4 cup in the boiling water to flavor and cook with the Quinoa.  Excellent!

From Winkipedia (6/16/10 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa )
Quinoa (pronounced /ˈkiːnoʊ.ə/ or /kwɨˈnoʊ.ə/, Spanish quinua, from Quechua kinwa), a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a member of the grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds. Its leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is currently limited.

Nutritional value
Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods.[4] It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration manned spaceflights.[4]

Preperation
Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous.

Vegetables and seasonings can also be added to make a wide range of dishes. Chicken or vegetable stock can be substituted for water during cooking, adding flavor. It is also suited to vegetable pilafs, complementing bitter greens like kale.


Quinoa can serve as a high-protein breakfast food mixed with honey, almonds, or berries; it is also sold as a dry product, much like corn flakes.

Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-based and gluten-free baking. For the latter, it can be combined with sorghum flour, tapioca, and potato starch to create a nutritious gluten-free baking mix. A suggested mix is three parts quinoa flour, three parts sorghum flour, two parts potato starch, and one part tapioca starch. Quinoa flour can be used as a filling for chocolate.

Quinoa may be germinated in its raw form to boost its nutritional value. Germination activates its natural enzymes and multiplies its vitamin content.[6] In fact, quinoa has a notably short germination period: Only 2–4 hours resting in a glass of clean water is enough to make it sprout and release gases, as opposed to, e.g., 12 hours overnight with wheat. This process, besides its nutritional enhancements, softens the grains, making them suitable to be added to salads and other cold foods.

Almost at my 1st halfway mark *update*

**Update #2: I did it.  Today we 'weighed-out' and I did it.  I lost the 1lb and officially at the 20lb mark. So from Monday til today, I've lost 3lbs in 4 days.  Now I will work on my next 20.  I'm waiting for one more person to 'weigh-out' before I can say who the winner is...so far I'm #1.  Wish me luck.  I need the money....our vet bill is over $800.00 so...it will help.**


I'm telling you...no i'm preaching to you....Gluten free is working.

I've been committing myself to it and this morning when I weighed myself, I lost 2lbs since Monday.  I am officially in another bracket xx9.8 lbs to be exact. So what if it's .2 away from where I was at.  It's whole 'nother number. =)

I have 1lb to go by tomorrow (hopefully) to be at minus 20 for our weight challenge.  I know if I would have worked out as I plan to in my head....i would've blown away everyone else and lost a lot more.  But that's okay.  I still have made huge progress.  Another girl told me she lost 24 as of Monday.  BOO! haha

For myself, changing my eating and sticking to what i am suppose to stick to is priority #1.  There's no sense in workign out and having a crappy eating habit.  For myself, I have to get into my routine and make sure I stick to it or I end up craving all the bad gluten-laden foods and sabotage myself and my thyroid.

So here are some of my competing priorities (because they all one day will be grouped under #1).

1. Commit to being Gluten Free, Soy Free
2. Drink a minimum of 100oz of Water per day
3. Eat more organic (I have started this already with Eggs, Milk, Chicken)
4. Workout a minimum of 5 days then increase to 6 days (this is a need)

 That little list of 4 things will be the foundation of me getting to my goal.

So we shall see who is tomorrow's winner.  Of course, I hope it's me because I can use that scrilla!

Food Review: Colbys Kettle Corn - Cinnamon Sugar

Yesterday we had a big ol' get together.

My cousin brought over this bag of popcorn and told me: "Look it's gluten free! You can have some." haha so funny that my family looks at that and thinks of me.

I tried it and it was really really good!

Her friend from work gave it to her and I have no clue where to buy it locally. 

https://www.colbyskettlecorn.com/corn.html

If you find it.....let me know or you can order through their website.

Vitamin Review: Bee Pollen Granules

I took my mom to her Dr. appt today at Kaiser for an MRI and while she was in the room, I took a quick trip to the Farmer's Market they have every Friday.

I got some fresh fruit, GF cookies and I came up on a midnight clear....wrong song.  I came up on a stand from "Small Bees" http://www.smallbees.com/ (not much up yet but if your in San Jo, go check them out at the Farmer's Market). 

I asked what the bottle was (Honey Bee Pollen) for.  The girl said it' helps your immune system and such.  Take a teaspoon and put in your coffee (which I desperately need to lay off of) or tea and it will dissolve.

I bought a 4oz bottle for $5.00 (good deal and saves me on shipping if you google and try to buy online).  I came back to work, tasted it.  It tasted like nothing really.  I google'd Bee Pollen Granules and some articles came up.

From http://www.bee-pollen-health.com/ (8/20/10 1:45pm):

What's In Bee Pollen? Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. Overall, it's one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth.

What Will Bee Pollen Do for Me?  When you first start taking bee pollen you may feel a significant increase in your energy right away, definitely within a week or so. Over time the consistent use of pollen will improve your energy, stamina, and endurance. You'll also probably notice a greater feeling of general well-being. Over the long-term, regular consumption of bee pollen will help alleviate many different health problems, slow down the aging process, and improve your quality of life.

http://www.bee-pollen-health.com/health-benefits-bee-pollen.html

http://www.bee-pollen-health.com/bee-pollen-info-2.html

The first I looked at was from http://www.livestrong.com/article/97342-benefits-taking-bee-pollen-granules/  (which I really like, they have so much info and it's just great! So go bookmark it).  Here are some snippets from http://www.livestrong.com/ (as of 8/20/10 2:00pm)

Taking bee pollen granules is a form of apitherapy, which means using products from honeybees to promote human health. Although the bees eat the bee pollen granules, they produce an excess that the hive keeper harvests for human consumption.

Energy and Health - With a full spectrum of amino acids and 25 percent protein content, bee pollen may boost your energy levels and contribute to a healthy diet. In addition to protein, the American Apitherapy Society (AAS) reports that bee pollen contains healthy enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients. The AAS suggests that 2 tsp. bee pollen granules equal the nutrition in an entire serving of vegetables.

Allergies - Consuming bee pollen may desensitize some individuals against airborne pollen allergens. By consuming trace amounts of the allergen present in bee pollen, over a period of weeks or months, you may desensitize your body against its allergic effects. This may be more effective if the beehive exists within a few miles of your home, because bees travel approximately two miles on pollen-gathering journeys. Local bee pollen is more likely to contain traces of the specific pollen that triggers your allergies. The Drugs website reports that although bee pollen may reduce hay fever, the risk of a severe allergic reaction exists. (The bottle I got is from a local place in Los Gatos, CA)

Other Medical Conditions - Taking bee pollen may be beneficial in the treatment of other medical conditions, suggests the Apitherapy Society, but consult your physician before using bee pollen to replace traditional medicines. You may experience relief from fatigue, anorexia, obesity, depression, varicose veins, infertility and high cholesterol, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse bee pollen for these conditions.

Side Bustin: So, FDA, hmmm....sometimes I'm not so sure about the approval.  I mean they say that processed junk is ok (Aspartame etc).

Taking Bee Pollen - You may chew the small golden granules; they have a slightly sweet and mildly woody flavor. You can also grind them into a fine powder in a food processor or a coffee grinder and stir into yogurt or add to juices or fruit smoothies

The second site I visited was: http://www.ehow.com/way_5207185_do-bee-pollen-granules.html
Here are snippets from them (8/20/10 2:20pm):

Bee pollen is a superfood that provides you with all of the essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that your body needs to be healthy. That's why bee pollen granules are in such high demand. Even better than other superfoods like flax seed and walnuts, bee pollen granules are a complete food, encompassing essential nutrients.

Bee Pollen Granules - Bee pollen granules should be taken in full granule form for the best benefits. An adult can take a teaspoon of bee pollen granules each day and see a differences. For a weight lifter or other athletes, 4-6 tsp per day is appropriate. For allergy symptoms, you can take one teaspoon in the morning and one at night. Bee pollen granules are completely safe, so you don't need to worry about taking too many. For a child, you may want to start out with a smaller dosage, like four granules a day, building up to a half teaspoon.


Drinks - If you have problems with taking the bee pollen granules on their own, you can mix them into protein shakes and smoothies. Remember to still use them in a whole granule form. You can try a morning protein drink with one egg, a cup of orange juice, a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of bee pollen granules for a quick morning drink. Anytime you make a fruit smoothie, you can add a teaspoon of bee pollen granules to get the full benefit of a teaspoon per day

Foods - With a little imagination, you can find delicious ways to take your bee pollen granules every day to get the maximum benefit. If you eat cereal every morning, try sprinkling your bee pollen granules on top. You might even try putting your bee pollen in popcorn. Try taking 1/2 C of uncooked popcorn, 1/3 C vegetable oil, 1 tsp of your bee pollen granules and 1 tsp of both salt and sugar. Just heat the oil and then add the popcorn; when it's popped, you can sprinkle the bee pollen, salt and sugar over the popcorn for a treat that is extremely healthy.

And yes, i've even seen recipes for Bee Pollen Granules.


To be safe, ask your doctor before using this....don't want you to break out in hives! ha get it? oh, you'll get it later. =)

GF Dinner Party

Well I considered it a party!

I had some friends over last night for a small dinner party.  I made those min-turkey meatloafs in muffin pans (topped with a tomatoe/chipotle paste mix) and instead of the rolled oats, I used GF Bread Crumbs (Tortilla crumbs) so it was 100% GF!  I also made some Sweet Potatoe Fries (eh, they were ok, but I'm supposed to not eat it so much), broccoli and Quinoa Corn Salad.

My friends have never ever had or tried Quinoa and I made a salad that I had never made before in my life. I tossed cooked quinoa with a can of rinsed black beans and a jar of that Trader Joe's Corn Salsa (No tomatoes) and it was like a sweet and spicy kind of taste.  They liked it and even had seconds!

I also had a flourless GF Chocolae Torte.  I had some organic blueberries that I bought at Sunday's Farmer's Market and some walnuts.  Oh and I made them some fresh whipped cream.

Drinks we had a virgin cocktail.  Trader Joe's Mineral water (which I just love) and some Cranberry Juice (no sugar added).

So that was my GF dinner party. =)

GF Dinner Tonight

My friends had me over for dinner the other night.  I injured my back and went anyhow.  Well my friends wanted to take a walk so I went. Walking. Like a Robot.

I joked and said I should've worn my heels so I'd have an excuse to not walk. lol But it was good, and my back felt a little better.

So because we were eating healthy and they hosted, I suggested that I make dinner tonight.  I'll be making Mini Turkey Meatloafs: http://lo-hypothyroidism.blogspot.com/2009/09/gluten-free-recipe-taras-turkey-mini.html

And yes....we will be walking again tonight after dinner, a little farther but tonight I will have my jacket because it's been a bit nipply in the evening.

Side dishes....not sure. I'm not much into mashed potatoes.  But I have been wanting to try Mashed Cauliflower. I think I'll go google some GF Side Dishes.

Recipe: Quinoa & Corn Salsa Salad

The Title makes it sound gross but really it's not.

This is a broke-down version of a recipe.  I was at Trader Joe's last night with my friend and she grabbed a sample of Quinoa Salad that was just made.  She wasn't adventerous and decided to give it to me.

But I love Quinoa and it was really good.

Recipe: They mixed a can of (rinsed) black beans, cooked Quinoa and Trader Joe's Corn Chili Salsa (no tomatoes).  It was a protein/fiber packed spicy/sweetness taste that was different.

So I bought the Corn Salsa.  I already have Quinoa and Black Beans in my pantry.

I think I'll make it for dinner tomorrow with some baked chicken.

Food Review: Enviro Kidz Organic Gorilla Munch Cereal

OHMG, I just realized why I was so infatuated with SilverBack Gorillas!  Because I LOVE Gorilla Munch Cereal!

There are no artificial preservatives or additives.
It's Gluten Free (however it is made in a facility that uses peanuts, tree nuts & soy).
Low Sodium.

Ingredients: Organic Corn Meal, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Sea Salt

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 Cup = 120 cal; 5 cal from fat; total fat: 0g; 2g Fiber; 8g Sugar; 2g protein

Now, I know I previously have said, No Evaporated Cane Juice, but I don't eat it much, it's not a sugary cereal and yes i'm bending my own rules. =)

It's really good though.  Like a grown-up version of Kix cereal (if you were ever on welfare, that's the cereal you would love to get!....well for me at least).

They have other products too that I like and have bought .  Check them out at: http://www.naturespath.com/

This is not just Indigestion....

My day started off with me waking up at 4:30am.  Don't mind the fact that I couldn't go to sleep until about 2am.

Phones were down at work today, I got a call at 7am.  I don't start work until 9....so my day was early!

I made a pot of Coffee(1), although i put a little more than 4 cups of water, it made barely 2 cups of coffee.  I had Vanilla Nut Creamer(2) and I admit a spoonfulandahalf of Sugar(3).

I went to work on getting my curls straightened and then i noticed some breakage in my hair.  Either A...it was new hair a'growin' or B...part of the strand said I'm out this...and skee-daddled.  I arrived at work and told my friend to check out my findings...while I was looking for them in her mirror our manager walked and i was so embarrased.  I just had to tell her why I was standing in an office at 9am in the morning with both me and my friend checking my scalp. lol  We washed our hands okay?!

hmmm i kinda lost my thought about why im writing this.

Okay, so I had nothing but that Coffee(1) to drink and at 11am I was starvin'!  My first...ok...second mistake was asking my pregnant friend-worker (that's gonna be my new word for friends who happen to be co-workers) to go get something.  We did major damage. We went to Five Guys Burger and Fries.  I know! I know! Just the name should have scared me off.  What healthy, gluten-free, soy-free, non-processed, organic choices are really on that menu?  Nada.  Although it was good when i first ate it.  My stomach feels like....well you know the saying...a picture is worth 1,000 words? Well:

What that looks like is what if feels like.  I had the Bacon(4) Cheese(5) Burger(6) of course on regular white bun(7) and cajun(8) fries. 

And because I feel the need to burp to feel better, I had to get a Pepsi(9)

 to help the burping process since there are no Trader Joe's close enough for me to drink their fabulous Mineral Water.

I should have followed the voices in back of my head that told me to eat like:

You may be wondering why my sudden fascination with Silverback Gorilla's.  I have no answer except all the pictures I see lately pretty much explain what I'm trying to say.  So I'm going with it.

Also...the numbers [(1) through (9)] are meant to represent areas that need to be paid special attention to at a Crime Scene.

I learned something new today from Mary's Gone Crackers Blogspot

Take a gander: http://marysgonecrackers.blogspot.com/2010/04/conscious-eating.html

Food Review: Mary's Gone Crackers

I went to see my Doctor this past week and I told her I started to change my diet by going Gluten Free.  She said hold on and walked out of the office.

Although I know i didn't win Publishers Clearing House.....she came back in with a little box.  She said for me to try these Gluten Free crackers. 

I did.  And they were good.  It's made with Brown Rice, Quinoa, Flax Seed and Sesame Seed.  It has a really nutty crunch to it.

She said she's Gluten Free and she bought them at Whole Foods.  So last night I was at Whole Foods looking for a Vanilla Bean and I found the crackers.  They come in a couple of other variety's but these were good to start off with.

Looking at the box she has some links: http://www.marysgonecrackers.blogspot.com/ and http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/

I love how on the side bar it says: Organic, Kosher, non-GMO, whole grain, made with love...etc

It contains 450mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving (6 crackers per serving; 140 cal, 45 cal from fat, 3g fiber, 0g sugar, 3g protein)

I suggest you try it.  Its cruncy and tasty.  I will be buying these again.

How to Kick Start Your Metabolism: Gluten Free Yes, No and Alternamtive Foods

Simple Ways to Kick Start Your Metabolism Detox Diet

Recommendations:

Pay careful attention to labels, buy foods which have minimum processing and preservatives.

Avoid anything which has a hydrolyzed ingredient, MSG, yeast extracts, corn syrup, evaporated cane juice etc.

 Again check labels for amounts of added sugars. Don’t eat while dehydrated….drink water first. This will help you from slipping and eating something sweet or from the “no” list.

If you have a thyroid problem, I suggest staying away from Soy and Gluten as much as possibe.  I was reading up on this (because I have a low metabolism due to underactive thyroid) and click on the following:  Article #1  and/or Article #2

Now, I'm not saying I have Celiac Disease but I feel a lot better Gluten free, my skin is clearer, I'm less bloated, I have more energy and i lost a lot of weight.   Also I will be posting something on Edocrine Distrupters AND Goitrens. BAD BAD BAD! for Thyroid issues or persons with any other Auto-Immune Diseases.

Foods prohibited on a gluten-free diet:

Any bread, cereal or other food made with wheat, rye, barley and oat flours or ingredients and byproducts made from those grains.

Processed foods containing wheat, gluten-derivatives, or thickeners. These foods include hot dogs, ice cream, salad dressings, canned soups, dried soup mixes, non-dairy creamers, processed cheeses, cream sauces, and hundreds of other common foods.

• Alcohol
• Any breads or wheat products such as wheat tortillas
• Anything that does not say GLUTEN FREE on the packaging
• Barley, bulgur, couscous, kamut, Oatmeal/oats, rye, spelt, wheat, sprouted wheat
• Beef (all kinds)
• Butter
• Caffeinated beverages (Soda’s of any kind, & Coffee)
• Canola oil
• Cheese (all kinds)
• Deli Meats
• Dried Fruit
• Fruit Juices, all fruit juices
• Ham
• Hot dogs and buns
• Miso
• Oatmeal/oats
• Peanut Butter
• Pistachio’s and Peanuts
• Sausage
• White Flour Foods – Pasta, Bread, White Rice

  

YES FOODS

BEANS & GRAINS – All Beans, Amaranth, Brown & Wild Rice, Brown Rice Pasta, Buckwheat, Corn Tortillas, Edamame, Millet, Quinoa

BEVERAGES – All Unsweetened: Water, Soymilk, Rice Milk, Green & Herbal tea, Coconut Milk/Water

DAIRY – Eggs, Milk (Fat Free – 2%), Yogurt (Plain, Low/Non Fat & Unsweetened) ( I Love using Greek Yogurt Fat Free Plain from TJ's and I have recipes for dips too.)

FRUIT – Berries (Fresh & Frozen good for shakes & Breakfast Options), Fresh Fruit (all kinds; keep Grapes & Watermelon to a minimum due to sugar content)

PROTEIN – Chicken Breast (Organic, No Skin), Cornish Hen, Lamb, Fish/Seafood (Any kind), Turkey

SNACKS – Hummus, Gluten & Wheat free bars, Gluten & Wheat Free Cereal (WF has a great selection of Gluten Free Cookies, especially the Pecan Cookies)


SPICES/EXTRAS – Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate (1oz & must be over 80% Dark), Flax Seed, Honey, Nuts (Fresh & Raw only...NO Peanuts or Pistacios), Olive Oil, Salsa (Homemade, if store bought make sure it’s wheat & gluten free), Sesame Seeds, Vegetable Soup, Wheat & Gluten Free crackers

VEGETABLES – All, Avocado, Edamame, Olives

 NO Foods Alternatives:

Alcohol

  Well there is no alternative so just stay away from the hooch.

Any breads or wheat products such as wheat tortillas
  Whole Foods has Brown Rice Tortillas and Gluten Free Bread (it's kinda dense so I just stayed away from the bread period).  If I did have an urge, for a burger I'd use the Ezekiel 4:9 Sesame bread which is really good and you can freeze portions you do not use.  Corn Tortillas are the best and are on the YES food.  GF Bread options are not available yet at Trader Joe's. 

Anything that does not say GLUTEN FREE on the packaging
  Just stick to Gluten Free.

Barley, bulgur, couscous, kamut, Oatmeal/oats, rye, spelt, wheat, sprouted wheat
  I've used a mixture of Amaranth & Millet as an alternative to a nutty flavored kind of breakfast meal.  You can also use Quinoa which is high in Calcium (1 Cup cooked is equivalent to the calcium in 1 gallon of Milk.)

Beef (all kinds)
  I know, I know but just stick with this.

Butter
  I sometimes would use Vegan butter.  It's not processed and still taste really good. I use Earth Brand or Earth Something from Whole Foods.

Caffeinated beverages (Soda’s of any kind, & Coffee)
  I kicked the Soda habit long ago but Coffee was hard but it's better you have less of an addition to it for the mornings.  I switched to Tea and used flavor infused honey sticks (from Target) for my tea or Agave Nectar as a liquid sugar substitute (you can get this for $2.99 approx at Trader Joe's).

Canola oil
  Not a problem since I love Extra Virgin Olive Oil so much that I take 1TBSP with lemon juice in the AM when doing gluten free.  Helps your digestive system and your skin looks FABULOUS!

Cheese (all kinds)
  Two words: Whole foods.  They have vegan and Almond Cheese (cheeder, Mozzarella and American).  You really don't notice the differnce.  It may take a little longer to melt but the taste is really the same and it's NOT PROCESSED like other cheese.

Deli Meats
  Anytime I want Deli Meats, I just think of how Head Cheese Deli Meat is made.  Processed and chopped.  Not for me.

Dried Fruit
  Fresh is better.

Fruit Juices, all fruit juices
  I admit around the time I have my montly visitor I CRAVE all the bad things.  So i do splurge in the occasional Orange Juice to calm down my cramps.  But during Gluten free times....I measure my cups.  I dont chug it out of the jug like a sailor.


Ham
  I love me some ham..Ham Sammich's, hambones, hamhocks.  JK.  I do like ham but I don't love it like a newborn baby so go without it.

Hot dogs and buns
  Well there goes my bread pudding.

Miso
  I love me some Miso Soup, but stick with the plan man!

Oatmeal/oats
  I switched to Amaranth and Millet.  It may be an acquired taste but it's really good and filling!

Peanut Butter
  Almond Butter, Cashew Butter and other butters (but not butter butter) seemed to work for me.  I would spread 1 TBSP Almond Butter on a Brown Rice Cake (TJ's and WF) with fresh fruit is a good snack.

Pistachio’s and Peanuts
  I never liked Peanuts anyhow and Pistacio's hurt my braces.  I buy the snack packet sized nuts from TJ's in Almond or Walnut and I don't have to measure and they are not on the NO list.

Sausage
  I will keep my dirty mouth shut.  I love sausage though.  (I willl keep my dirty mouth shut).  I switched to sticking to Turkey. Turkey Sausage, Turkey Bacon, Turkey Ground.

White Flour Foods – Pasta, Bread, White Rice
  Pasta: Brown Rice Pasta, Corn Pasta, Quinoa Pasta (WF and TJ.  TJ has cheaper Brown Rice Spaghetti Pasta, Fusili and Penne).
 
  Bread, this was covered earlier.  They need to come up with a not so dense form.  HOWEVER, however, they do have these AWESOME "Cream Biscuits" at WF that are great to crumble up as an alternative to mashed potatoes, or you can split in half and toast it and taste great with vegan butter or plain or as a bkfst sandwich with turkey and eggs/egg whites. 
 
  White Rice well, I swtiched to Brown Rice and Quinoa.  I have a great recipe for Carmalized Onions with Spinach and musroom that goes great with Quinoa or Brown Rice.  Plus no need for Soy Sauce so less sodium in your diet! YAY!

Gluten Free Recipe: Breakfast Bowls (Millet/Amaranth)

Cooking Millet/Amaranth:

I usually mix 1 Cup Millet and 1 Cup Amaranth to 2 cups liquid.


Dry roast the Millet and/or Amaranth on med to med-high heat in a pot or deep pan until lightly brown. About 3-5 min.

Then Pour as little water as possible (it comes out fluffier this way-therefore I would use mabe 1.5 cups to begin w/ and reserve the 1/2 cup if necessary) and let boil for 20-30 min until is fluffy and soft (I try it to see if its ready). Turn off heat and let sit for another 10 min. Fluff w/ fork.

I found millet to be best warm. So i think it would work best as warm cereal bowl, in casseroles, as a warm side dish, etc. When it is room temp or cold, it clumps together and is not as tasty.

You can use water, broth, or milk to boil it depending on its intended use.

If you use milk, you can kind of do an aroz con leche type thing.

Keep it stored in an air tight container or ziploc bag in fridge and grab from it to create your breakfast bowl each morning:

For El Breakfast Bowls:

3/4 to 1 cup millet/amranth, broken up w/ fork ( i usually take it from the fridge so its clumpy) Add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup organic milk OR you can use greek yogurt, dash of Cinnamon Raw (or toasted) Walnuts (you can use any nut you enjoy) I use raw walnuts.

Frozen organic blueberries (can use any type of berry, strawberries, blackberries, etc) Sliced Banana (if i want it really hearty). 

Drizzle of raw organic agave nectar

Pop it all in microwave for 1-2 minutes and eat up!

I usually just warm up the millet/amaranth with milk and add the nuts, agave nectar and frozen blueberries after.

mmmm makes me want some of this now!

Gluten Free Recipe: Baked Chicken over Brown Rice & Zucchini Corn

Baked Chicken Breasts over Brown Rice & Zucchini Corn

This is a great Sunday recipe! Prepare ahead of time and just place in the oven for a fabulous lunch or dinner.

4 large boneless (skinless) chicken breasts

Salt

Pepper

1 c white brown rice

1 stick of butter or butter sub Vegan Butter

14 oz beef broth

14 oz chicken broth

dash of garlic powder

1/2 lb white button mushrooms, sliced (optional)


Zuchinni Corn

kernels from two ears of sweet corn

(or 1 1/2 c corn kernels, if using canned or frozen)

2 med zucchini, cut into half moons

feta cheese (opt.)


Cooking Directions: Melt vegan butter over low heat in a large nonstick skillet; add mushrooms and sauté for two minutes. Add broth, garlic powder and rice. Mix well and spoon into 11 x 7 or 9 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with chicken breasts and sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cover with loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until chicken is done.

Zuchinni Corn - Saute zucchini and corn in a skillet over medium-low medium heat. Add a little water to the skillet if needed. The corn and zucchini will give off their own water so you won’t need much. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until you can easily stick a fork through the zucchini. Top with feta cheese. (mmm my mom would make this but instead of corn she'd add either fresh chopped tomatoes or stewed tomatoes).

Gluten Free Recipe: Cashew Nut Chicken

Cashew Nut Chicken

3/4 lb chicken breast

2 Tbsp canola oil (you can sautee in EVOO)

1 small onion, cut into wedges

2 bell peppers, cut into strips

1 1/3 Tbsp GF tamari or soy sauce (I use Dark Sesame Seed Oil mmmmm)

1 1/2 tsp sugar

2 c chicken broth

2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 c cashews

Cooking Directions: Prep all ingredients first. Slice the chicken breast crosswise into 1/2 inch wide strips. Cut the onion into wedges and the bell peppers into thin strips. Mix the tamari, sugar, broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it changes color and is cooked through (about 2 minutes). Set the chicken aside and turn the heat down to medium. Add the peppers and onions and sauté until tender. Add the chicken back into the skillet along with the sauce mixture. Stir regularly until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with cashews prior to serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve over white or brown rice.  Maybe even Mung Bean Noodles since it's made from Bean Sprouts (I believe).

Gluten Free Recipe: Summer Veggie Quesadillas

This guy who's website I got this recipe from is kinda twisted cause i noticed his recipes have regular potatoes and packaged seasoning.  Omit as noted or as possible.

Summer Veggie Quesadillas (4 large servings)


1/2 medium onion

2 medium zuchinni

2 medium yellow summer squash

2 small red bell pepper

2 Tbsp. canola oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil works fine)

2 Tbsp. McCormick Fajita Seasoning (Skip this it has preservativesm additives and other bad stuff)

16 oz. grated cheese (opt.) (I use Almond Cheese and you can buy it at Whole Foods)

16 corn tortillas

cilantro

sour cream (opt.) (I use Greek Non-fat Plain Yogurt)

salsa

Cooking Directions: Dice the veggies into small pieces so that the smaller than normal corn quesadillas will stick together. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the veggies and fajita seasoning and sauté until tender. Remove veggies to a bowl so that you can use the skillet to cook the quesadillas.

Turn the skillet down to medium-low. Place one corn tortilla on the skillet; sprinkle it with cheese; spread two heaping spoonfuls (I used one of our soup spoons) of veggies on top of the cheese; sprinkle some more cheese on the veggies; top with another corn tortilla. Let the tortilla cook until you see that the cheese on the bottom of the quesadilla has melted. Then flip the quesadilla and let the other side cook until its cheese has melted too. Remove the quesadilla to a serving plate and repeat for the remaining quesadillas. Top the quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro and then enjoy their yummy goodness!

*If your family is casein-free you can omit the cheese and sour cream and serve this as fajitas.