The Bottomless Pit Snack Solution

So our middle schooler comes home every day after school starving.  No, I mean starving. In fact, I think he gives new meaning to the word starving.  He wakes up every morning and packs his own lunch.  He also makes his own breakfast.  And they are pretty big meals that he packs and eats.  But as soon as he walks in the door, it's a feeding frenzy.  He is a bottomless pit.  A food funnel.  A snack abyss.  I often lie awake at night wondering how we're going to support this man-child's eating habits.

I've been trying to stay ahead of the game by having something prepared for him when he gets home.  This is to limit the mindless wandering and eating of anything that's not nailed down.  So today I made these Quinoa Power Babies and Fudge Babies.  They are both simple snacks and pack a power house of energy and nutrients your body needs.  The thing I like about them is that neither one contains added sugars or sweeteners and neither one contains refined sugar or refined grains.

Here, let me share.

Quinoa Power Babies:

Ingredients:
2/3 C. dry quinoa
1 1/3 C. water
24 whole dates, pitted and no sugar added
1 C. almonds, dry roasted without added salt
2/3 C. grated coconut, unsweetened

Directions:


First, in a sauce pan, add quinoa and water.  Cover.  Bring to a boil.  When it starts to boil, reduce heat to low.  Put timer on for 15 minutes.  When done cooking, fluff with a fork.  Transfer to a bowl where it can cool to room temperature.  To speed this up, I place it in the freezer for 15 minutes or until cooled.  Don't forget about it!

 Next, place dates in a food processor.   

 Pulse until a ball forms.

 Remove dates.  

 

 Next add almonds to processor.    

 Process until powdery.

  Add dates and shredded coconut to the almonds in the processor.  

Add the cooled quinoa.

 Pulse until all ingredients are blended well.  

 Take a melon ball scooper and scoop mixture into little balls.  Place in a bowl to refrigerate or enjoy immediately.  

Fudge Babies:
 Ingredients:
1 C. walnuts
1 C. dates
1 tsp. vanilla
3-4 Tbs. cacao

Directions:

In the bowl of  a food processor or Vitamix, add walnuts and pulse until powdery.  Add dates and pulse until blended in with walnuts. 

  Add cacao and vanilla and pulse until well combined. 

  

 Scoop up about a tablespoon and roll into a ball.  Place in a dish and refrigerate.  

Or if you can't stand the wait, enjoy immediately!  

Our kids love these!  Which is a great thing.  They are easy to make.  They require no baking.  You can double the recipe and freeze some for later.  They are filling.  But most importantly, they are a healthy snack!

Let me tell you about the health benefits of these yummy snacks.  First I'll tell you about the  quinoa, coconut and almonds.  The benefits of dates are below with the Fudge Babies.

Let's begin with quinoa.  It is the best source of complete protein in the plant kingdom.  It provides all the necessary building blocks for skin, bone and brain regeneration.  Do you have a child who plays sports and aspires to be a professional athlete (what kid doesn't?)?  Well, let them know of the health benefits of this protein packed superfood!  Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids, plus a good range of minerals and the B vitamins.  The protein content of quinoa is used effectively by your body so that it can provide the large amount of energy needed for the constant renewal of your skin, hair, nails, teeth, bones, and organs.  Quinoa is also high in anti-inflammatory omega-6 oils and is ideal for those of us who cannot tolerate gluten.  Quinoa also contains phosphorus which is beneficial for your brain and nervous system.  It contains potassium which balances out sodium.  Quinoa also contains zinc and selenium which offer potent antioxidant protection. 

Coconut-  Coconut is a power house of nutrition and healing!  It is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  It contains high levels of manganese, potassium and phosphorus.  Coconut also has a high fiber content which makes you feel full longer and also help keep you regular.  Coconut is also rich in lauric acid which enhances immunity. Not only does coconut provides a nutritional source of quick energy, but it also boosts energy and endurance which enhances physical and athletic performance.  Coconut has also been shown to improve digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  Coconut has also been shown to improve calcium and magnesium absorption and support the development of strong bones and teeth.  These are just a few of the health benefits of coconut.  The health benefits of coconut really are endless and go well beyond its nutritional content.

Almonds-  Almonds are a high-fat food that's good for your health.  Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.   Almonds also help lower LDL, the "bad cholesterol."  They contain vitamin E, magnesium and potassium.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce heart disease risk  Magnesium improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.  Potassium is an important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles.  Potassium is also another mineral that is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.  Add almonds to your diet if you would like to promote cardiovascular health.



So now let me break down why I love the Fudge Babies (besides them being yummy).  First, the walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats.  They contain mostly the essential omega-fats in the form of alpha-linolenic acid.   Omega fats have been linked with protection from cardiovascular disease, cancers, arthritis, skin problems and diseases of the nervous system.  If you don't eat fish, the intake of omega-3 fats from walnuts is important for you.  Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and the B vitamins.  They are also a good source of minerals.  Walnuts can also lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure.  They can also increase the elasticity of the arteries.

Second are the dates which are full of health-benefitting nutrients, vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals.  Dates are a good source of fiber which helps keep one regular and prevents bad cholesterol absorption.  Dates are also a good source of iron, potassium and B vitamins.  They also contain vitamins A and K, copper, magnesium, manganese, B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin.  These vitamins are beneficial for your eyes, skin, mucus membranes, lungs, blood, heart rate, blood pressure, and immune system.

Cacao.  This is probably my favorite part.  This information makes me really happy!  The health benefits of cacao...sigh....  Let me mention a few.  Cacao contains antioxidants which reduce cell damage and help prevent a multitude of diseases, including Alzheimer's and cancer.   Cacao also helps improve sugar metabolism.  Cacao also contains polyphenols which reduce the risk of colorectal or colon cancer.   Cacao is a "whole" food with many vital phytonutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, as well as trace minerals, good fats, fiber, and fuel for the body.  Cacao can  lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve platelet function, raise HDL, and decrease LDL oxidation.

So why wouldn't you eat a Fudge Baby or two or three......?  Or indulge on Quinoa Power Babies?   Or like our man-child.... well, he would eat the entire batch if we let him.  I do not recommend that!  So when you are hungry and craving something sweet but want something healthy, whip yourself up a quick batch of Fudge Babies or Quinoa Power Babies!  Your body will thank you for it!  So will your children!

Free of Sugar and Still Alive

It all began, or I should say ended, on Wednesday, March 5th 2014.  I broke up with sugar.  Let me re-phrase that.  I broke up with sweeteners, sweets, refined sugar,  raw sugar, cane sugar, cane juice, date sugar, palm sugar, turbinado sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, molasses, brown sugar, etc. etc.  We've had such a tumultuous relationship that I also broke up with anything that contains these ingredients.  It was so bad that I considered getting a restraining order.  So far, so good.  Only time will tell if I need to take those drastic measures.  I pray I don't have to. 

It just wasn't workout out for us anymore.  We would thoroughly enjoy each other when we were together.  We had such a great time at parties and social functions.  We'd hang out with cake or cookies or brownies.  Sometimes we'd go shopping and grab a Lindt white chocolate truffle.  Three for a dollar at Family Dollar.  Sometimes there'd be reason to celebrate at home with an ice cream social.  Maybe someone did really well at a swim meet or a wrestling match.  Maybe someone got an excellent grade on a test or someone did all their homework.  Or someone did the dishes.  Or someone pushed their chair in without being told.  Wait, did someone turn the light out when leaving the room?  Did someone blink his eyes?  Someone is breathing!  We are going to celebrate and we are going to make it a SWEET celebration!   And so the love affair with sweets continues......

I just had to be with sugar.  Sugar was the first thing I would think about when I woke up in the morning and the last thing I'd think about when my head hit the pillow.  Sugar made me feel great.  Sugar made me want more.  Sugar gave me that instant rush.  I craved sugar all day, every day.  Chocolate, candy, sweets.  What love I had for sugar!

But then things began to change.  It was subtle at first.  I noticed highs and lows in my energy levels throughout the day.  I noticed I would feel tired when I woke up after spending the day with sugar.  I started to feel unsatisfied and hungry after eating sugar.  I started to have mood swings. CRAZY mood swings!   My cravings were out of control.  I needed more and more sugar to make me feel 'normal.'  I was in denial!

For the love and stability of my family, I had to admit it and take action.  I had a problem.  I was addicted to sugar.  I was in an unhealthy relationship and needed an intervention.  So I checked myself into Live Well Resources of Wethersfield, CT.  It's this great place in Old Wethersfield where you can be loved and supported and not have to fill yourself up on sugar.  I researched a sugar detox program and signed myself up for it.

Nine days into it I am doing very well.  I still have the urge to indulge, especially with those Cadbury caramel eggs screaming my name as I walk by them in the store.  But seriously, whenever I am having the urge for something sweet I make myself a chocolate banana smoothie.

It's so simple and yummy.  Takes the edge off.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 C. unsweetened coconut milk
1- 2 frozen bananas
2 T. cacao powder
2 T. peanut butter (optional)

Directions:
Place ingredients in your blender.  Add a small handful of ice for additional frostiness. Blend and enjoy.

I find that this gives me a special treat without sabotaging my treatment plan and it's health producing.  Here's why.

Let's look at coconut milk.  The unique fatty acids in coconut milk may improve the condition of your hair and skin, assist with weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease.  These fats have also been shown to improve your immune system.  Remember, it's not fat that makes one fat.  It's the consumption of sugars and processed foods that make you fat! 

The banana is also health producing.  Did you know that bananas are high in potassium?  Did you know that bananas lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke?  Did you know that bananas contain high levels of tryptophan which is converted to seratonin?  Think HAPPY mood!  Bananas are also high in vitamin B-6.  This means they protect against type II diabetes, help with weight loss, and  strengthen your nervous system.

Cacao.  The bean of the cacao plant is the source for all chocolate and cocoa products.  Cacao powder is unprocessed.  Because it is unprocessed, the important, healthful benefits of cacao have not been stripped or destroyed.  Cacao is considered a super food.  In South American cultures, cacao has been used for its healthful properties for thousands of years.  Cacao contains an abundant supply of antioxidants which help protect your body's healthy cells from attack by free radicals which cause disease.  Cacao is also found to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium, flavanols and polyphenols.  You can purchase cacao powder at Whole Foods or on amazon at:
 http://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Naturals-Organic-16-Ounce-Pouches/dp/B001E5E0Y2/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1394726374&sr=1-2&keywords=cacao+powder

Peanut butter is optional.  One may also use almond butter. I did not add peanut butter to my smoothie this morning.  You may want to for that extra boost of flavor.

Peanuts are good sources of niacin, vitamin e, folate,  protein and manganese.  They also contain resveratrol which is an antioxidant that is thought to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.  If you are consuming peanuts, you must make sure they are organic.  Non-organic peanuts and peanut products are high in pesticides, fungus and aflotoxin which is a potential carcinogen linked to cancer. 

Almonds are a better source of healthy fats than peanuts.  They have a better fatty acid profile and are a good source of omega 3's.  Almonds are also a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and potassium and have been found to protect against diabetes and cardiovascular disease.   Did you know that people who eat nuts at least twice a week are  much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat nuts?

So you see, a lot has been gained by my break up with sugar.  Not only have I been freed from the mood swings, addiction, suppression of my immune system, anxiety, and cravings, to mention a few, but I have also gained the above health benefits by substituting 3 - 4 simple real,  whole food ingredients into that place where I would have eaten health depleting sugar laden foods.

Who says change isn't good?

What about you?  What so you struggle with?  How are you coping through that struggle?

Live well!
~Nancy

Easy Breakfast

Experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I'll say it is!  Come morning I am HUNGRY!!!  And I am not a morning person.  I know.  Hard to believe.  Not so much if you live with me.  No comments from immediate family members please!  :) 

My idea of a good breakfast is something fast and healthy.  What's fast and healthy and takes minimal effort in the morning?  SMOOTHIES!  My favorite is a Super Green Smoothie A.K.A. a Shrek Smoothie or The Hulk Smoothie.  If you've ever made one, you know why.  The end product isn't all that pretty. 

So you start with a high powered blender.  If you don't have a high power blender you will want to chop your kale and spinach up into little pieces before adding them to the blender unless you don't mind chewing your smoothie, but we'll get to that part in a minute.

You'll begin with a "milk" base, about 1.5 C.  I use coconut milk or almond milk.  I make my own.  It's cost effective and really easy.  Plus you don't get any stabilizers or thickeners which can be gut irritants or hidden food allergens such as gluten or corn products. Coconut products have been shown to help with digestion, assist with thyroid function, and regulate metabolism and mood.  The fat in coconut products is a very healthy fat and it's great for your brain function.  Who wouldn't like to enjoy a breakfast while boosting your brain?  That's a true no brainer! 

Next you add 1 c. frozen strawberries (or a berry blend) and 1/2 C. frozen blueberries.  Did you know that blueberries are one of the riches of all fruits in antioxidant compounds, which could help to protect your body from coronary heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers?  They have also been found to help keep your eyes healthy.  You'll want to make sure your berries are organic otherwise you will be drinking pesticides with your smoothie.  Berries are on the list of foods that are laden with pesticides! 

Next add 1 C. organic spinach and 1 C. organic kale.  I LOVE kale.  It is one of the most nutritious greens you can add to your diet.  It's loaded with calcium, antioxidants and vitamin C.  It is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which help to fight cancers.  It contains indoles, which can help lower bad cholesterol and also helps prevent cancer.  Kale is also very rich in carotenes which protects your eyes.  The health benefits of kale are endless.  Greens are also one of those foods that are high in pesticides.  Make sure they are organic!

To the above, add a banana and a splash of vanilla.  Blend until all the ingredients are combined.  If you have a high powered blender, such as a Vitamix, you do not need to chop the greens into little pieces before blending.   The high powered blender does all the work for you.  If you don't, be sure to chop before adding unless you don't mind chewing a little bit of your smoothie

. 

Yes, the color of the smoothie is unappetizing.  Think Shrek or The Incredible Hulk.  Or just don't think at all.  Put it in a coffee mug and drink it down!  Your body will thank you.  You will feel full, healthy and energized!  And you'll be pleasantly surprised at the taste too!  Trust me.  Would I steer you wrong?  Enjoy your breakfast!  Live well!

I've Gone Paleo!

So I am trying this new thing.  Well it's not exactly new; however, it is new to me.  New in practice, not in knowledge of.  I  have gone  Paleo.

What's Paleo?  It's a way of eating which includes nutrient dense fresh vegetables and fruits, meats, poultry, and seafood.  Because I am not a fan of seafood, I won't be eating any.  I try to like fish.  I really do, but my taste buds just do not cooperate.  The Paleo Diet encourages participants to eat clean animal sources of protein- fish, meat, poultry- and replace dairy, legumes/beans, and  grain products with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits – foods that are more nutrient dense than whole grains or dairy products.  These nutrient dense vegetables and fruits are great sources of soluble fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, and are low-glycemic carbohydrates, which means you gain great control of your blood sugar levels and encourage your body to go into fat loss mode. 

Why Paleo?  First of all, it's nutrient dense if you are loading up on nutrient dense vegetables and fruits.  Secondly, who doesn't enjoy meat and poultry or hamburgers and bacon?!  Grass-fed, pastured meat/poultry of course.  But more importantly,  I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Some symptoms of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis are:

• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• A puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• An elevated blood cholesterol level
• Unexplained weight gain — occurring infrequently and rarely exceeding 10 to 20 pounds, most of which is fluid
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips
• Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet
• Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities
• Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Depression
• Hair loss or thinning
• Decreased concentration
• Brain fog

What's an autoimmune disease?  As medical researcher, medical biophysicist, author of The Paleo Approach and The Paleo Approach Cookbook, Dr. Sarah Ballantyne states, "Autoimmune disease is caused by the immune system losing the ability to differentiate proteins belonging to your own body with proteins belonging to a foreign invader (like a bacteria, virus or parasite). What causes symptoms is the build up of damage to cells, tissues and/or organs in the body–damage caused by your own immune system attacking those cells. Which proteins/cells are attacked is what separates one disease from another. In Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, the thyroid gland is attacked. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the tissues of your joints are attacked. In psoriasis, proteins within the layers of cells that make up your skin are attacked. However, the root cause is the same."  According to Rob Wolfe, former research biochemist and author of The Paleo Solution – The Original Human Diet,  autoimmune diseases share a common cause: damage to the intestinal lining which allows large, undigested food particles to make their way into the body. This is called “leaky gut and the autoimmune response”.

What does going Paleo have to do with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?    Gut health is the basis to thyroid health.  By removing the foods that cause leaky gut and inflammation and  by adding nutrient dense foods that support optimal gut health, you can create the best opportunity for your body to heal.  Going Paleo does just that.  When you go Paleo you automatically remove grains, gluten, eggs, beans, processed foods, sugars and other inflammatory agents from your diet and your gut.  This is the first step if you have Hashimoto's.  Numerous studies show a strong link between gluten intolerance and Hashimoto’s.  Optimal health is the result I am hoping for.   Right now I am not on any medications for Hashi's.  I'd like to keep it that way. 

So will this Paleo way of life be challenging?  Yes.  Very.  Much.  So.  My biggest challenge as I embark on this journey will be figuring out breakfast and sandwiches..... Who am I kidding?   Really it's the chocolate thing and the sugar thing.  I have to say goodbye to my two faves.  Sigh.  Sniffle.  Sniffle.  Well, it was fun while it lasted.  I have wonderful memories.   I will miss them dearly.  I'm not sure I will ever completely get over them..... But with the support of my network of loving, caring, thoughtful friends and family I will get through this, right?  HELP ME PLEASE!

That's part of the reason why I wrote this post.  For support and encouragement.  By putting this out there, I am hoping to share my struggles and challenges with you.  I am also hoping for encouragement and understanding.  If I seem crabby, well, it's because I am.  I miss my sweets and breads and quinoa.  But I know I will feel great in my body and I'm on the path to optimal health.

I am worth a few "sacrifices" and the time it takes to be well.  Aren't you too?  

Choose Chocolate

Hi, my name is Nancy and I'm a sugaraholic.  Oh, sorry, I was confused for a second there.  I thought I was at my meeting...  So I am a recovering sugaraholic.  Sugar. Sugar. Sugar.  LOVE it!  And completely hate it too.  It's the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep.   Well, okay maybe not the first thing, but when something sweet is in the house it's really hard for me to not plot out when I'm going to get it.  I'm always on the hunt for sugar.  Drives me crazy.

I love sugar.  But sugar hates me.  I feel so good while I'm eating it.  Really good.  Blissfully happy.   In fact, when I was visiting my brother in Maine, we stopped in at the Lindt chocolate factory in Freeport.  Well, he was the one who actually went in and bought some of the white chocolate truffles/balls.  It was a rainy, gloomy day.  We were soaked from walking around all day and getting poured on while eating lunch outside.  My husband and kids were great about it, but I wasn't so happy.  I was downright grumpy.  And because I'm not good at suppressing my feelings or pretending life is wonderful when it's not (it was raining on my parade), my super-brother surprises me with this bag of white chocolates.

Now I'm not supposed to eat these things.  They have milk in them.  Milk hurts me.  Again, love-hate relationship.  I used to be addicted to milk B.C. (Before Children), but that's another story for another day.  Back to the white chocolate delivery.  So my brother shows me this bag that he bought (sounds like a drug deal), and it was if my hands had a mind of their own.  Next thing you know I am reaching into the bag, grabbing a "couple" of pieces,  hiding them in my purse, walking to a corner of a store while my brother and husband keep the kids occupied, and stuffing my face full of white chocolate heaven!  Yes, I have a problem!  But oh, those white chocolate truffles were so good in so many ways!  Instant happiness.  What a mood lifter.  They hit the spot.  I was soooooooooo happy.  Well, what's the problem then?  The after-effects.  Sugar hates me.

Soon after eating anything containing refined sugar, the good mood turns ugly.  I hit a wall.  I get extremely irritable and moody. I am just not a pleasure to be around.   My oldest son will warn me before I eat a sweet that I'm going to regret it and that I'll be grouchy....  It's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  It's like the Incredible Hulk.  It's like Popeye when he eats spinach.  And I need more of it to get back to that place of  'sugar happiness.'  Can you relate?

So what do I do?  I'm human after all.  I'm going to make mistakes.  I'm going to lose a couple of battles in the war against sugar.  So I try to think before I take that sweet.  I remind myself that the bad mood will be more intense and longer-lasting than the good taste and short-lived good feeling of that sweet that is calling my name.   I remind myself how much I love my family and that they deserve a sane Mommy.  I play through the scenes of previous sugar disasters and how long it took me to feel better.  I list all the ways sugar harms me.  And then.... I choose chocolate....

What?  Choose chocolate?!  I thought you just said that chocolate or anything containing refined sugar more or less makes you crazy.  And if mama's crazy, well then everyone is crazy.  So choose chocolate?

Yes,  I choose chocolate.  Actually it's 1 T. of cacao (unprocessed cocoa), 1/2 C. of dates, 1/2 C. of walnuts, and a splash of vanilla that I choose.  All mixed together.  Pulverized in my Vitamix.  You can use a food processor for the same outcome- yumminess.  No refined sugar.  Just sweetness.  I roll mine into "fudge balls."  Everyone loves them.  This is enough chocolatey sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth without the harmful side effects of refined sugar.

Your body will thank you for the vitamins and minerals in the dates.  You will also reap the benefits of the protein, vitamins, nutrients, phyto-chemicals, anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, and minerals in the walnuts.  Cacao?  Well, it's considered a super-food, containing anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, sulphur and magnesium.  Health benefits of this mixture far outweigh any refined sweet.  You will feel energized and happy knowing you are doing your body good!

So it is all about choices.  Some you can make on your own.  Some your mind and body "make" for you.   Food vs. Mood.  In my case, Food = Mood.  Tune into your body.  Tune into your food.  Tune into your moods.  Your body is always telling you something.   I'm not saying it's going to be easy.  But I am saying it's going to be worth it.  Choose chocolate and no one gets hurt.....

What's For Breakfast?

We all know or have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  There's a lot of pressure to make it count.  Nutritional experts say that if you skip breakfast you will have problems with concentration, metabolism, energy, mood and weight loss/gain.  Now I have your undivided attention!  Unless of course, you skipped breakfast this morning which caused you to have problems concentrating on reading this.  Because of your difficulty concentrating, you probably don't even give breakfast a second thought.  But you will once that muffin top turns into a full blown pound cake!  So I suggest that for the health of you and your purse or wallet  (cost of new wardrobe, visits to doctor, etc.) that you eat breakfast daily. 

So, what's for breakfast? 

For a quick, nutritious breakfast I reach for a smoothie.  My favorite smoothie recipe consists of 1 1/2 C. of vanilla rice milk (or coconut milk or almond milk), 1 C of strawberries, 1/2 C. blueberries, 1 banana, 1 C. kale, 1 C. spinach, a pinch of stevia.  Sometimes, I add cacao.  Yum.  Put it all in the Vitamix, and there you have it.  Of course, if the kids are around to witness this, I make up a huge story about the Hulk and how this is a Hulk smoothie, and it will make you SOOOOOO strong, not angry, just strong!  And they gobble it up,  the story and the smoothie!

Another favorite breakfast of mine is a kale omelet.  Back in August we bought 9 egg-laying hens.  So each day we typically get 8-9 fresh eggs.  And believe me it is no problem at all to put them to good use!  So I saute one small onion, chopped,  in oil.  Add 2 C. shredded kale.  Saute until wilted.   Take about 3-4 egg whites and mix them with one whole egg.  Add to skillet.  Cook, flipping eggs when set.  Yum!  Now that's a nutrient dense omelet.  I have substituted other nutrient dense greens for the kale.  Sometimes I add salsa.  Mmmm-mmmm.  Now I'm ready to take on the day!

What about  those mornings when you are running out of time or aren't that hungry?  I know, it's hard to believe that a human being may not be hungry.  That never happens to me.  In fact, there are many moments in time that I wish I were taller so that I could eat more without worrying about whether or not I'm going to have to unbutton that top button of my pants or change into sweats altogether...  Tall people = more food.  In any case, a simple breakfast would be to grab about a quarter cup of nuts and a piece of fruit.  The nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients.  They help to lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" and increase HDL or "good cholesterol."  If you are allergic to nuts or simply can't tolerate them, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a healthy choice.  And fruit?  Who doesn't enjoy a good piece of fruit?  Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, micro-nutrients, and anti-oxidants which remove free radicals from the body, and are believed to offer protection against cancers.  Fruit also boosts immunity which is extremely important this time of year.

So when you are waking up from your dream land and considering sleeping in for a few more hits of that snooze button, consider the good you could do that temple of yours by simply eating breakfast.  That body will thank you and so will the people around you when they notice your newly found focus and energy!  Not to mention the boosted mood you will bless those around you with.  Most importantly you will be making a healthy choice in your journey to wellness.

All this talk about food has made me hungry.....

What's your favorite, healthy breakfast?

Who Am I?

Well who am I?   Nancy is my name and eating is my game.  I LOVE to eat.  I LOVE food.  I LOVE pretty much all food.  So what?  What's wrong with that?  Well, there are a couple of things that may rain on one's food festival parade when one enjoys food as much as I do.  First, I am only 5' 3" tall.  I wish I was taller. Let's say 6 or 7 inches taller.  No, not so I can play basketball or see over the crowd at a concert or reach things on a high shelf or even become a famous wrestler.  Nope, none of those reasons.  I truly wish I was taller so that I could eat more.  I want to eat more.  I could easily eat more.  A lot more.   But I don't want to weigh more.   I want my clothes to fit.   You see, I not only love food, but I am also extremely health conscious.  I have to be.  I have 3 active food-allergic children and a very active husband.  I want to be here for a long time for them.  With that in mind,  I try to fuel my body, our bodies, with the most nutrient-dense foods I can so that I/we can feel great and have lots of energy.  I don't want to create any undue health problems.  You know what I mean?   Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, inflammation, etc.

The other factor that rains on my food festival parade?   I have multiple food allergies/intolerances.  I LOVE food, but not all food loves me.  Gluten doesn't like me, nor does dairy, nor does soy.  But it wasn't always like that.  I remember days of long ago.... Way back in the 1900's..... B.C. (Before Children) ..... I could eat anything (and I did) without getting sick, without having stomach pains, without worrying how I was going to feel after eating the delicious culprit.   To make a long story short, with the birth and nursing of each child, I had to eliminate common food allergens from my diet.  I chose to do this to stop the painful G.I. symptoms my babies were experiencing.  When the third child was weaned I tried unsuccessfully to re-introduce each offending food to my diet.  My body rejected dairy, gluten, and soy.  Ugghhh!   Sigh...  Life, as I knew it, was never going to be the same.   My love affair with my favorite foods was over!

Fast forward 12 years of eating gluten free, soy free and dairy free.   Fast forward 12 years of planning allergen-free meals for my family.  Yes, my children still have food sensitivities/intolerances.  No, not each one is intolerant of the same food.  That would be too easy!   My husband is gluten-free and dairy-free by default.  Oh and did I mention that I get "little reminders" when I cheat or accidentally ingest something that contains one of my fave allergens?  Yes, it can drive one crazy!  But that's okay, because I was crazy before!  I look at it as a blessing in disguise.  We are forced to eat healthy.  I am forced to plan ahead and be extremely organized and work hard at budgeting my time and money.  I also changed careers.  I took my experiences of being an elementary school teacher and middle school guidance counselor and my passion for health and nutrition and furthered my education to become a certified holistic health counselor.  I love helping my clients create healthy lifestyles.  I love helping people add nutrient dense foods to their diets.  And I love hearing how great people feel when they make simple changes.

So now here I am blogging about my experiences, recipes, challenges, struggles, successes and experiences on this journey of healthy living. My hope is that my sharing will help you on your journey toward wellness.  Maybe it will help motivate you, encourage you, inspire you.  Maybe you'll just get a few laughs out of this.  Maybe you'll just think I'm crazy and how could anyone possibly live this way!  That's okay too.  In any case, I hope you enjoy the journey!  Please feel free to give me some feedback.   Thanks!