Tuesday

February 2012

Go Green

I went to the University of Michigan…but lately I’m not going Blue.

I’m going Green!

Green Juice in our Go Blue cup!

Going green for Juice! Not for Michigan State. Sorry Spartans. I’ll always be a Wolverine at heart. But to get down to business, I’ve been starting my day with a green juice lately, and I’ve never felt better. I gulp it down with a dash of cayenne pepper stirred in and savor the green goodness. When you make your own juices, the nutrients are all intact, fresh, and easily absorbed. Store bought juices have little to no nutritional impact by the time you buy them and consume them. Here’s the recipe for the organic green juice I made today.

2 cups Arugala
1 cup celery
1 cup kale
1 cup parsley
3 strawberries
1/2 medium tomato
Dash of salt, black pepper, ground cayenne pepper.

All ingredients I used were organic, since many of them are listed on the dirty dozen list. I’m getting more and more into juicing my veggies and fruits, and am glad it’s turning into a habit–finally a good one!

I also want to share a little something that I love doing.

Long, slow hours at work mean teaching myself a new skill–Origami Cranes.

I’ve been enjoying making Origami paper cranes, and recently got artsy with it during some down time at work (shhhh! Don’t tell on me..) I printed the words “I love you” multiple times on a blank sheet of paper and folded the crane as usual. I gave it to Yan as a cute gift, and now it proudly sits on top of our bookshelf. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest impact.

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Monday

February 2012

Healing with Allergies, Embracing Life

Claritin 24 hour tabs
Benadryl Liquid Gels
Eternal Naturally Alkaline Water–for re-hydrating and cleansing the body post-allergic reaction.
Now Solutions 100% Shea Butter–to soothe the skin when I have a rash break out during my reaction. Warning! Shea Butter does come from the tree nut, so if you are sensitive to tree nuts, I really don’t recommend it. The only nuts I am sensitive to are peanuts. And of course, nutty people
Epinephrine (Epi-Pen) –I carry this with me at all times.

Relaxing and healing in our favorite cozy spot.

Today I had some accidental exposure to soy while at work. There was a bustling conference of about 30 people zooming around the front lobby I was working in, and they had just ordered a plethora of pizzas, breads, sauces, steaming wings, sandwiches, and more. It wasn’t the first time I’d been around a lot of allergens so I thought I’d be pretty much fine…and I was for a short time. That changed quickly when a few people approached my counter with steaming plates of allergen filled food and asked me for some favors. I served them quickly as I felt my throat tightening from inhalation of the steaming food. I made a run for my allergy medication.

The reaction got severe enough to cause twitching, shaking, numbness in the limbs and chest pains even after the throat swelling went down. I actually sat with my EpiPen in my lap for the first time in months. Right now, I’m bringing myself back to health and a good mindset from the safety of my favorite worn in seat on our cushy couch. After a food allergy scare, I remind myself it’s okay to feel vulnerable and it’s normal to recoil to a safer place. Nourishing myself with freshly made green juice with ginger (natural anti-inflammatory), hot water with lemon, and a comforting plate of buckwheat pilaf is a nice way to return to my spirited self. I find taking some time to heal physically and mentally, or in whatever way suits you best, is more beneficial in the long run than simply trying to play tough and reckless by just “powering through” a reaction and the aftermath. I don’t take my health for granted. Not anymore. I treasure myself.

This video by the Food Allergy Initiative illustrates the life of an extremely food allergic young boy. His father speaks of the importance of being aware, growing as a food allergic individual, and trying to find that sacred balance between being careful and thriving happily. It’s true to say that food allergic children are different from others, but I believe it’s a difference that gives strength eventually, instead of initial fear. A stronger individual emerges from every challenge faced in life, and food allergies are no exception. I have hope for food allergic children (and adults) everywhere, that we will grow brighter in spite of setbacks and supposed limitations. I love this video, and it is very eyeopening to these realities. Let’s rally our strength in hopes of a brighter future for our kids and for a food allergy cure.

Watch the video below, or Click the Link here.

What are your thoughts?

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Sunday

February 2012

Peppered Breakfast Bake

A fresh way to start a sunny Sunday.

A late breakfast, early lunch that makes for great energy all day.

Usually my attempts at frittatas turn into something better–a scrambled breakfast bake! My refusal to use teflon frying pans (the non-stick that lets off toxins if it gets heated too much) results in the frittata breaking apart. I don’t mind though, as I then get to add all my favorite fresh ingredients and have control over how long I cook them. I like to keep things fresh and not cook out too many of the nutrients. The exception is the spinach, which I usually add first since more nutrients are absorbed when it is slightly sauteed.

Peppered Breakfast Bake

4-5 Soy free eggs
1 cup Spinach
1 cup Kale (the greens look like a lot at first, but they cook down to a smaller amount).
1/2 medium sized onion, roughly chopped or diced.
1 Poblano pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced tomato
2 sprigs fresh dill, minced
3 sprigs fresh parsley roughly chopped.
Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme, and a Dash of Cayenne.

Saute onions, poblano pepper, and garlic in a pan with olive oil (or coconut oil) over medium heat. Add the spinach after a few minutes, and the kale just afterwards. When the greens begin to wilt, add the tomato and the 4 or 5 whisked soy free eggs. Mix around in the pan just as you would to scramble the eggs, but making sure the veggies and greens are incorporated. Add the salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Take the pan off the heat and add the fresh herbs.

Savory and slightly Spicy

What’s your power breakfast? Leave a comment below.

Wishing a sunny Sunday to all.

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Thursday

February 2012

A Chocolate Affair

Recently, I received two new chocolate products from Enjoy Life Foods:

Double Chocolate Chunk Granola, and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks!

They are both fabulous, pure chocolate goodness on their own, and were equally as delicious when I incorporated them into some of my own original concoctions. While I received these products to try from Enjoy Life, I was not compensated in any way for these recipes or this post. This is my true opinion of these products, and my opinion is that Enjoy Life rocked it yet again for all of us allergen free folks! Enjoy Life makes products free of the top 8 allergens and gluten free. They consistently make my allergic life easier (I have Celiac Disease/gluten intolerance, and I’m highly allergic to Soy, Peanuts, and all Legumes [peas, beans, lentils, etc]). Thanks Enjoy Life!

My recipes that used the new products are as follows:

Double Chocolate Chunk Fruit & Coconut Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

1/2 cup So Delicious Plain Coconut Yogurt
1/4 cup Organic Blueberries & Organic Strawberries
1/2 cup Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Chunk Granola

Assemble ingredients in layers starting with the yogurt at the bottom of a decorative glass. Layer granola, fruit, more yogurt, and top with the rest of the crunchy yummy granola. Looks and tastes gourmet in less than 5 minutes!

I received these new chocolate products from Enjoy Life Foods.

My second recipe features the new Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks:

Cacao and Mega Chocolate Chunk Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 package Namaste Waffle & Pancake Mix
2 Soy free Eggs (I get mine from Tropical Traditions)
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons oil (I use coconut or extra virgin olive oil).
About 2 Tablespoons Navitas Naturals Raw Cacao powder
Dash of Cinnamon
Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks to taste (I used about 5 or 6 per pancake).

Combine ingredients and follow the recipe for the Pancake Mix on the Namaste Package. Add the raw cacao powder, cinnamon, and chocolate mega chunks. Fry each pancake in a bit of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil until slightly crispy edges form. Top with fresh organic strawberries and use raw local honey for a light syrup.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy allergy free chocolate?

These have to be some of my favorite ways so far.

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Monday

February 2012

Beauty Bag

My picks for the best soy and gluten free beauty products and body care. All of the following have been stated as soy and gluten free either on the website, package, or by my personal inquiries.

RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream
RMS Beauty “Un-cover up”. I use shade 22 usually, but sometimes 33 depending on my skin tone.
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer–A staple for natural, simple beauty.
Ultrapure Cosmetics Light Reflecting Blush–I prefer Simmering Plum, but there are 6 shades to choose from.
Ultrapure Cosmetics Synful Lips Lipstick in Smooch. There are 10 shades to choose from.
Ultrapure Cosmetics Omega Brilliance Lip Gloss in Melon Sorbet–SF, GF, Vegan, dye free. Available in 10 shades.
RMS Beauty Lip Shine in Moment.
Ultrapure Cosmetics Perfectly Natural Eyeliners–Available in 8 shades.
Kiss Me Costmetics Mineral Eyeliner–SF, GF, Vegan. Available on Etsy.
RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Magnetic.
RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Spark.
Refreshingly Free Nail Polish–Around 35 shades!
Piggy Paint Nail Polish in Somtimes Sweet–Stated gluten, soy, and nut free in the FAQ.
Now Foods Virgin Coconut Oil–I use it all over my skin. It’s the best moisturizer I’ve found so far.
RMS Beauty Lip and Skin Balm
CocoCare 100% Cocoa butter “Yellow Stick”–A great moisturizer and smells so yummy. Be careful with the non-100% versions as I haven’t confirmed their soy free status.