As you know I made a beautiful batch of hummus the other day, and so yesterday I discovered the BEST lunch/snack ever! I sliced up some of my fresh Kamut bread, and toasted it, then smothered in hummus, topped with sliced avocado, a few strategically placed sun dried tomatoes (cost-co has a mammoth jar and they are the best!) drizzled with a bit of olive oil and balsamic glaze ( you can't go wrong with De Nigris found at speciality stores) and OMG...this was to die for...Ivan loved it as well. Today we added some fresh tomato, a few spinach leaves and some alfalfa sprouts...wow...absolutely divine...and so healthy to boot!
I must also make mention of our beautiful date night last night! After work we bought some groceries and then went up to the best fish market in our area called 7 Seas. It has some beautiful seafood, and for a snack we had the candied salmon which is a delight (they have 3 different types)...and we bought just over a pound of mussels for dinner. Mussels are such an impressive meal for guests (and just for us). And so economical if you are on a budget...it only cost $7 bucks and it was just the right amount. We arrived back home and started the evening with olives and fresh made mojitos (a la Ivan), then cracked a bottle of vino that we have been saving from our honeymoon in Croatia. We brought it from Croatia and it was almost bitter sweet drinking it....YES it was amazing (as most Croatian wine is), but it was a little sad as that was the last bottle. Croatia does not export their wines (you may find 1 bottle in a speciality store), but its truly the best...they really have the best of the best of most things...food, wine, beaches, culture....you really should go...in fact I have a whole travel review, where you can hear of our adventures in Croatia....if you are ever going there...let me know and Ill send it your way!
Anyway, last night along with our beautiful crisp, white Croatian wine, we enjoyed a spinach salad with fresh blueberries and maple pecans (sounds fancier than it is....simply heat your choice of nut in a pan over medium, and once nicely toasted and fragrant, pour a little maple syrup in the pan and toss around...then place onto a dish covered with parchment paper to cool...and there you go...fancy ass " candied" pecans, walnuts, almonds....whatever you wish...try it on your next salad...or pancakes..yum!! Our salad was dressed with a simple apple cider vinegar and shallot dressing. For the main course, we enjoyed Thai style mussels...lots of garlic, fresh chili's, a little fish sauce, coconut milk, fresh cilantro and mint -WOW..this was amazing if I do say so myself! It called for fresh Kaffir lime leaves to infuse the coconut milk..but these were impossible to find in the near vicinity...Ivan went to Capers, Choices, Meinhardts and one other store and NOTHING! I know my master chef friend Aryn recently bought some from Wholefoods...but that's a bit far away...will have to go there next time. We used lemongrass instead and it really was an amazing dish!
Served over brown jasmine rice...Lundberg makes the BEST so far that I have tasted! A lot of folks hate the thought of brown rice...but this one is excellent..and with a blanket of silky coconut milk, Mussels and fresh herbs....who would even know! If you have never attempted making mussels...find a recipe and Enjoy!
Showing posts with label celiac diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celiac diet. Show all posts
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day-21 Hummus
You must make hummus....its such an easy, delicious and healthy snack to keep in your fridge. It's economical to make...AND even more so since I finally started buying dried chickpeas. The tinned ones are fairly loaded with salt and some with preservatives and can be pricey if you buy organic. But I started buying the dried version (tip from my naturopath)...pop into a pot and cover with water and let soak overnight..then in the morning I throw them in my crockpot with some broth or water, set on low and leave for the day.....so yummy on salads, curries, and creamy hummus. Don't buy it from the store....there are a million recipes online, and its a snap to whip up to smother on your rice cakes (if you are doing gluten free like moi) or dip your veggies in (my faves are sugar snap peas and carrots)..spread on a nice grainy bread and top with avocado and sprouts, stuff into pita with grilled chicken...the uses are endless and it will last about a week in the fridge. The flavours get more intense by day....I added a bit more cayenne to mine tonight, so its nice and spicy! You can add sun dried tomatoes to give it a different spin..or roasted red peppers... olives...just have fun with it and Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day 19- Healthful Living
So I think my new favorite breakfast, besides smoothies, are rice cakes smothered in Almond Hazelnut butter...Aryn introduced me to this delectable combo while camping...and it is like music in your mouth...dollop a little honey on top and you can't help but smile. You can purchase such an item at a ridiculously expensive price (but well worth it) at Capers/Wholefoods, Choices or Meinhardt's.
I must say, we are so lucky to be living in BC. Not only do we get to enjoy the beautiful Ocean and Mountains, lovely beaches and warm weather...but we get the privilege of enjoying some of the best foods in Canada! We have so many Organic stores in BC, who focus on local produce, and items for healthful living. In a pinch I know I can grab a quick quinoa, or Asian broccoli, or wild rice salad in the deli section. Their meats and seafood are the best of the best, their cheese section... mouthwatering..and if my latest recipe is calling for champagne vinegar, or truffle oil...I can find these items with ease. Celiacs delight in these stores...they often have entire sections devoted to you...brown rice noodles, breads and baking made with rice flour, kamut or spelt...the options are plenty.
I feel so fortunate, because I know I have tried to find such items when visiting Calgary or Toronto..or god forbid somewhere in between...but Organic Healthful shopping is not quite as easy in other areas of the world....you have to search for them...drive long distances...embark upon a quest....okay, perhaps I am exaggerating...but my mom just informed me that the only healthful store close by her called Planet Organic recently went bankrupt...how unfortunate.
All I can say, is that today I am feeling very fortunate to live in a city that promotes a healthful and joyous living.
Enjoy
I must say, we are so lucky to be living in BC. Not only do we get to enjoy the beautiful Ocean and Mountains, lovely beaches and warm weather...but we get the privilege of enjoying some of the best foods in Canada! We have so many Organic stores in BC, who focus on local produce, and items for healthful living. In a pinch I know I can grab a quick quinoa, or Asian broccoli, or wild rice salad in the deli section. Their meats and seafood are the best of the best, their cheese section... mouthwatering..and if my latest recipe is calling for champagne vinegar, or truffle oil...I can find these items with ease. Celiacs delight in these stores...they often have entire sections devoted to you...brown rice noodles, breads and baking made with rice flour, kamut or spelt...the options are plenty.
I feel so fortunate, because I know I have tried to find such items when visiting Calgary or Toronto..or god forbid somewhere in between...but Organic Healthful shopping is not quite as easy in other areas of the world....you have to search for them...drive long distances...embark upon a quest....okay, perhaps I am exaggerating...but my mom just informed me that the only healthful store close by her called Planet Organic recently went bankrupt...how unfortunate.
All I can say, is that today I am feeling very fortunate to live in a city that promotes a healthful and joyous living.
Enjoy
Monday, August 2, 2010
Days 15-18 + GIRLS GONE CAMPING
I do love camping....as much as I love my creature comforts of home, shelter, warm bed and clean body...there is something just so fu*kin awesome about CAMPING!!!! Yes, in my every day life, I enjoy putting on my make up, and rock n republic jeans, curling my eyelashes and hair..but in the same breath there is something pretty darn amazing about sleeping outside in the fresh air in a tent, that reminds you of the forts you used to build in your living room as a child, cooking outside, and hearing the calm sounds of nature......OR the beating of your heart when everywhere you see big, bright yellow signs saying BEAR IN AREA, BEAR WARNING, BEARS, BEARS, BEARS...effffff....I totally freaked!!!!
I was invited on my very first Girls camping trip over the August long weekend, and was already a little nervous about it, because I have only camped a few times with Ivan and groups of friends (not counting the times in my parents luxury motorhome)....and I seriously doubted their abilities to save me from such things as spiders and BEARS! Camping with Ivan is easy, because he does all of the "man" stuff (aka. chopping wood, setting up the stove, pitching the tent, setting up tarps etc) and I just cook, relax, and drink wine for the most part. So knowing I would have to do all of my own stuff...and not have my big strapping hubby there to protect me from the scary woods...well, it was a little freaky to me. Luckily enough, I found to be in good hands with Aryn and Christine who are fearless females, and actually picked up the spiders to find them new homes...and I'm pretty sure if confronted by a Bear...they would beat the shit out of it!
We were at a place called Cat Lake, near Squamish BC, and it is beautiful, but apparently they have had 2 BEAR incidents in the last month which did not sound pleasant...so there was a 0 tolerance level there..and camp Nazi as we so affectionately called him, drilled this into our brains! Not only did we have to hike all of our stuff INTO the site...but now each night we would have to hike it all back out! Thank god for the fun little food cache's! Never seen one in my life...and thought it was the coolest thing ever! These buckets suspended by wire pulleys...so you fill them up with food/supplies, close the lid and hoist them into the air, where they dangle away from your campsite and out of Papa Bear's reach...scary..but fun.
I was able to stick to my dietary restrictions quite well...ensuring I packed lots of homemade hummus and fresh veggies, roasted nuts, and quinoa salad to keep me totally satisfied and happy. Camping with women 101...you eat WELL! There's no chips, beans and wieners, cookies, cheesies or another sort of crap, you would most likely encounter if camping with a group that included men. Instead we feasted on Thai vegetable coconut curry over purple rice with lots of fresh cilantro, Spaghetti Quattro (recipe from the excellent Italian hotspot on West 4th), and turkey, cranberry sausages (these were amazing...from Save-On Foods) with grilled veggies...Aryn is such an amazingly awesome gourmet chef, and camping is nothing like I had experienced before in my life!!!! We played cards, dice, talked, giggled and learned from one another. Each day we would have happy hour with some beautiful olives and Gin martini's (Aryn made em dirty and man were they wicked), before we dove into the luscious wines with our fabulous dinners. I know, I know...you wish you could come camping with us....believe you me, I feel privileged that I got the invite!
The trip was fabulous, all until the last night which was a little deliverance-esque. Already feeling quite freaked out each night I lay down to sleep that a bear would eat me....this particular night I am sleeping and become conscious of a noise outside the tent...and I'm unsure of what it is...but then I wake up to realize that there is a radio outside with a fuzzy news station on...and its loud and I almost LOSE it!!!! WFT...why is there all of a sudded a fucken radio playing outside the tent in the middle of the flippen night...OMG, I totally start to panic..the girls are both sound asleep...but after whispering for them to get up..I finally hit Christine who wakes up and say...sushhhhh...listen....and she hears the radio playing...so quickly says....oh quit scaring yourself for no reason...grabs the flashlight and starts yelling..get the fuck out of here...hops out of the tent, and there is nothing to be seen...grabs the radio and puts it inside the tent and totally saves the day...I felt grateful...but as the gals fell back to sleep...my eyes were wired awake like that sick scene from Clockwork orange...I couldn't even blink....THEN....we hear someone yelling across the lake EVAN...EVAN...over and over and over...really loud, we hear faint voices in the distance..and then after about 5mins of horror and yelling...we hear this guy yell to god knows who.....DON'T YOU SEE THAT PERSON WALKING BEHIND YOU...OMG...BARF....my heart is now beating in my eye and I feel sick. Of course in situations like this, I don't tend to think rationally like the girls do (oh its just some guy probably hopped up on mushrooms or some type of drugs), my brain immediately thinks of every single ghost story I have ever heard....every news story (which is pretty much like a horror story)..just waiting for some type of ax murder to bust through the tent....but then it was quiet...the yelling went away...and eventually I somehow managed to fall back asleep...because when I woke up again, it was morning, and I was alive....nothin like a good scare to bring you in touch with reality I say!
Back home now, where I can take a leisurely crap in a real toilet, and not worry about gagging to death on the hangover-pooh fumes of others in the outhouse, wash my smelly body, clean the grime from my nails..and enjoy the fun memories of girls camp...yet be equally happy to be in my cozy warm, bear free bed snuggled up to my hubby!
Enjoy!
I was invited on my very first Girls camping trip over the August long weekend, and was already a little nervous about it, because I have only camped a few times with Ivan and groups of friends (not counting the times in my parents luxury motorhome)....and I seriously doubted their abilities to save me from such things as spiders and BEARS! Camping with Ivan is easy, because he does all of the "man" stuff (aka. chopping wood, setting up the stove, pitching the tent, setting up tarps etc) and I just cook, relax, and drink wine for the most part. So knowing I would have to do all of my own stuff...and not have my big strapping hubby there to protect me from the scary woods...well, it was a little freaky to me. Luckily enough, I found to be in good hands with Aryn and Christine who are fearless females, and actually picked up the spiders to find them new homes...and I'm pretty sure if confronted by a Bear...they would beat the shit out of it!
We were at a place called Cat Lake, near Squamish BC, and it is beautiful, but apparently they have had 2 BEAR incidents in the last month which did not sound pleasant...so there was a 0 tolerance level there..and camp Nazi as we so affectionately called him, drilled this into our brains! Not only did we have to hike all of our stuff INTO the site...but now each night we would have to hike it all back out! Thank god for the fun little food cache's! Never seen one in my life...and thought it was the coolest thing ever! These buckets suspended by wire pulleys...so you fill them up with food/supplies, close the lid and hoist them into the air, where they dangle away from your campsite and out of Papa Bear's reach...scary..but fun.
I was able to stick to my dietary restrictions quite well...ensuring I packed lots of homemade hummus and fresh veggies, roasted nuts, and quinoa salad to keep me totally satisfied and happy. Camping with women 101...you eat WELL! There's no chips, beans and wieners, cookies, cheesies or another sort of crap, you would most likely encounter if camping with a group that included men. Instead we feasted on Thai vegetable coconut curry over purple rice with lots of fresh cilantro, Spaghetti Quattro (recipe from the excellent Italian hotspot on West 4th), and turkey, cranberry sausages (these were amazing...from Save-On Foods) with grilled veggies...Aryn is such an amazingly awesome gourmet chef, and camping is nothing like I had experienced before in my life!!!! We played cards, dice, talked, giggled and learned from one another. Each day we would have happy hour with some beautiful olives and Gin martini's (Aryn made em dirty and man were they wicked), before we dove into the luscious wines with our fabulous dinners. I know, I know...you wish you could come camping with us....believe you me, I feel privileged that I got the invite!
The trip was fabulous, all until the last night which was a little deliverance-esque. Already feeling quite freaked out each night I lay down to sleep that a bear would eat me....this particular night I am sleeping and become conscious of a noise outside the tent...and I'm unsure of what it is...but then I wake up to realize that there is a radio outside with a fuzzy news station on...and its loud and I almost LOSE it!!!! WFT...why is there all of a sudded a fucken radio playing outside the tent in the middle of the flippen night...OMG, I totally start to panic..the girls are both sound asleep...but after whispering for them to get up..I finally hit Christine who wakes up and say...sushhhhh...listen....and she hears the radio playing...so quickly says....oh quit scaring yourself for no reason...grabs the flashlight and starts yelling..get the fuck out of here...hops out of the tent, and there is nothing to be seen...grabs the radio and puts it inside the tent and totally saves the day...I felt grateful...but as the gals fell back to sleep...my eyes were wired awake like that sick scene from Clockwork orange...I couldn't even blink....THEN....we hear someone yelling across the lake EVAN...EVAN...over and over and over...really loud, we hear faint voices in the distance..and then after about 5mins of horror and yelling...we hear this guy yell to god knows who.....DON'T YOU SEE THAT PERSON WALKING BEHIND YOU...OMG...BARF....my heart is now beating in my eye and I feel sick. Of course in situations like this, I don't tend to think rationally like the girls do (oh its just some guy probably hopped up on mushrooms or some type of drugs), my brain immediately thinks of every single ghost story I have ever heard....every news story (which is pretty much like a horror story)..just waiting for some type of ax murder to bust through the tent....but then it was quiet...the yelling went away...and eventually I somehow managed to fall back asleep...because when I woke up again, it was morning, and I was alive....nothin like a good scare to bring you in touch with reality I say!
Back home now, where I can take a leisurely crap in a real toilet, and not worry about gagging to death on the hangover-pooh fumes of others in the outhouse, wash my smelly body, clean the grime from my nails..and enjoy the fun memories of girls camp...yet be equally happy to be in my cozy warm, bear free bed snuggled up to my hubby!
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Days 13 and 14 Dim Sum Baby!
Wow...what a fully packed and fabulous day yesterday!!! Still absolutely loving my breakfast shakes...you really must try one! I was treated to a fabulous Dim Sum lunch by one of my clients yesterday at Kirin on Alberni. It has such a beautiful entrance and you must reserve, because this place gets packed!
I LOVE Dim Sum....my whole family does...my dear father thinks we must have some sort of Chinese in our ancestry because we love Chinese food so much...I think he knows of a good Chinese restaurant in every city in Canada...and many in the US and a few in other areas of the world....if there's a dumpling to be found....he will find it!
Kirin is fantastic for Dim Sum (and have quite a few locations around town)...I tried shark fin soup for the first time and it was delicious, we also enjoyed a heaping plate of steamed garlic pea tips (always a favorite!), tender and flavourful sticky rice, followed by an assortment of steamed dumplings (in rice paper)...everything was absolutely awesome! They keep the tea flowing and set atop a little burner to keep it warm...a tip for ya....flip your teapot lid over when you want a re-fill. Their Dim Sum menu was pretty extensive and had a good variety. The steamed shrimp, scallop and squash dumpling was a nice twist, and their spicy condiments were full of flavour and heat!
I do however, miss the old school Dim Sum style, where they bring the fun little carts around and you can feast your eyes on each little dish before you choose. I haven't found a restaurant in Vancouver yet, who does this. They still do it in Calgary...where I have to say has some of the truly BEST Chinese food I have ever tasted! Silver Dragon has been a family favorite for over 20 years (sorry no web link...but its at 106-3rd ave SE). They have a very authentic variety of delectable foods..their Ha Gow (steamed shrimp dumplings) and Siu My (steamed pork dumplings) are to DIE for, as are the pot stickers and won ton soup! Every single dish we have ventured to try is really awesome...you have to go here!
Dinner was a quick salad and then off to a fabulous fireworks party at the ever so swank Shangri La....tough life eh....its really hard for me not to simply Enjoy!
I LOVE Dim Sum....my whole family does...my dear father thinks we must have some sort of Chinese in our ancestry because we love Chinese food so much...I think he knows of a good Chinese restaurant in every city in Canada...and many in the US and a few in other areas of the world....if there's a dumpling to be found....he will find it!
Kirin is fantastic for Dim Sum (and have quite a few locations around town)...I tried shark fin soup for the first time and it was delicious, we also enjoyed a heaping plate of steamed garlic pea tips (always a favorite!), tender and flavourful sticky rice, followed by an assortment of steamed dumplings (in rice paper)...everything was absolutely awesome! They keep the tea flowing and set atop a little burner to keep it warm...a tip for ya....flip your teapot lid over when you want a re-fill. Their Dim Sum menu was pretty extensive and had a good variety. The steamed shrimp, scallop and squash dumpling was a nice twist, and their spicy condiments were full of flavour and heat!
I do however, miss the old school Dim Sum style, where they bring the fun little carts around and you can feast your eyes on each little dish before you choose. I haven't found a restaurant in Vancouver yet, who does this. They still do it in Calgary...where I have to say has some of the truly BEST Chinese food I have ever tasted! Silver Dragon has been a family favorite for over 20 years (sorry no web link...but its at 106-3rd ave SE). They have a very authentic variety of delectable foods..their Ha Gow (steamed shrimp dumplings) and Siu My (steamed pork dumplings) are to DIE for, as are the pot stickers and won ton soup! Every single dish we have ventured to try is really awesome...you have to go here!
Dinner was a quick salad and then off to a fabulous fireworks party at the ever so swank Shangri La....tough life eh....its really hard for me not to simply Enjoy!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Days 10 and 11
My goodness this summer is just whipping by! We had such a fantastic weekend filled with lots of friends, food and laughter! Saturday evening we had dinner at friends house and, it was our first time going over there, so I certainly did not want to make fuss about my food restrictions...because heck, we want to be invited back!!!
The dinner was fantastic!!!! We started with chocolate and raspberry martinis, with a platter of deliciously plump fresh fig halves, prosciutto, Parmesan shavings and fresh thyme, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Such a fresh and simple appie...I can't wait to make this at home. Salad course to follow (and more martinis) which was very inventive and super awesome...watermelon wedges, on top of a bed of lemony arugula, with olive tapanade, and dotted with chevre. The main course was flank steak topped with a salad of roasted garlic and heirloom tomatoes. Fresh green beans (tis the season!) and rosemary new potatoes were perfect sides...OMG we were so spoiled! We enjoyed some delicious wines throughout the meal, and finished with some sparkling wine to go with the homemade cherry ice cream and gourmet biscotti. Excuse me dietary restrictions, but F-You! This was a meal not to be missed. And truly, it was only the small bit of cheese, and small bit steak that was on my do-not eat list...but I'm thrilled we have such wonderful new friends!
Sunday was easy, as I was at home, so made Gluten Free pancakes...Bob's Red Mill makes a fabulous mix...even Ivan liked them. I added a bit of Cinnamon, and simmered some fresh blueberries in pure maple syrup to go on top...delish!!! Lunch was a smoked salmon salad and dinner was fantastic if I do say so myself! we had dinner guests over, so I made bruschetta to start with some gluten free crackers from Safeway called Mary's Organic Crackers which were pretty good. Roasted plum salad, and then for a main, I made bbq ribs for the guests, the best potato salad I've ever had (and made myself) that had almost a "thousand Island dressing" type flavour, and green beans that I had blanched earlier in the day, and then quickly sauteed in butter and salt right before serving. For myself and one of our other guests who is a vegetarian, I made baked portebello mushrooms topped with tomatoes and basil...delish!
Today was another great and easy day, as we had a bunch of left overs which made for some quick and simple meals. We brought dinner down to the beach tonight and gathered with a few friends to eat and watch the sunset.....living in Vancouver is such bliss in the summertime and so easy to simply ENJOY!
The dinner was fantastic!!!! We started with chocolate and raspberry martinis, with a platter of deliciously plump fresh fig halves, prosciutto, Parmesan shavings and fresh thyme, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Such a fresh and simple appie...I can't wait to make this at home. Salad course to follow (and more martinis) which was very inventive and super awesome...watermelon wedges, on top of a bed of lemony arugula, with olive tapanade, and dotted with chevre. The main course was flank steak topped with a salad of roasted garlic and heirloom tomatoes. Fresh green beans (tis the season!) and rosemary new potatoes were perfect sides...OMG we were so spoiled! We enjoyed some delicious wines throughout the meal, and finished with some sparkling wine to go with the homemade cherry ice cream and gourmet biscotti. Excuse me dietary restrictions, but F-You! This was a meal not to be missed. And truly, it was only the small bit of cheese, and small bit steak that was on my do-not eat list...but I'm thrilled we have such wonderful new friends!
Sunday was easy, as I was at home, so made Gluten Free pancakes...Bob's Red Mill makes a fabulous mix...even Ivan liked them. I added a bit of Cinnamon, and simmered some fresh blueberries in pure maple syrup to go on top...delish!!! Lunch was a smoked salmon salad and dinner was fantastic if I do say so myself! we had dinner guests over, so I made bruschetta to start with some gluten free crackers from Safeway called Mary's Organic Crackers which were pretty good. Roasted plum salad, and then for a main, I made bbq ribs for the guests, the best potato salad I've ever had (and made myself) that had almost a "thousand Island dressing" type flavour, and green beans that I had blanched earlier in the day, and then quickly sauteed in butter and salt right before serving. For myself and one of our other guests who is a vegetarian, I made baked portebello mushrooms topped with tomatoes and basil...delish!
Today was another great and easy day, as we had a bunch of left overs which made for some quick and simple meals. We brought dinner down to the beach tonight and gathered with a few friends to eat and watch the sunset.....living in Vancouver is such bliss in the summertime and so easy to simply ENJOY!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 9- Meal Plan
So I just have to tell you about my second visit to my Naturopath Sonya at Divine Elements , I was really impressed. From the information I had given her during our first visit, she compiled the info and test results (written questionnaires) and created a wonderful plan just for me, complete with daily meal ideas!
She also provided me with some basic tips to incorporate...many of which I already do..ex. Warm water with honey/lemon each morning, Extra Verg. Olive Oil vs. Canola, Sea Salt vs table, Steam Veggies vs. Fry, decrease use of condiments, increased whole foods and water intake. Some of the tips I had not heard of... take 1tbps of apple cider vinegar before meals....odd, but she says it will get my tummy prepped to receive food and assist in digesting it properly...I put some in my salad dressing today, as downing a tbsp of straight vinegar is too harsh. Also she suggested sushi be eaten in low moderation, because apparently some sushi restaurants use corn syrup to make their rice stick together!
Her meal plan is also fantastic.....I have a naughty habit of hearing what the latest fad is..or reading something in a health magazine and following it by rule etc. etc. So I had read that Internet piece about just eating fruit on an empty stomach for breakfast each day...so I had been doing this for about a month...and feeling horrible and bloated and just a sour tummy all day...but I figured..well this is "healthy" so I'd better stick with it....but Sonya really blew that theory apart, reminding me that we are all different and our bodies may process foods differently. Suggesting I try a breakfast smoothie, or some steel cut oats with almond milk and fresh berries instead (holy crap, who knew that you could actually pay $13 for oats!).
So this morning I made my first shake:
big bunch fresh blueberries
1 banana
Almond Milk
Whole Pecans
Phase 3 powder (ask your naturopath if you need this)
A few ice cubes
Toss everything into the blender, wiz it up and I must say it was delicious, and I felt totally fulfilled. This week I will try adding Almond butter and experiment with different fruits...fun!
I bought some smoked salmon tips today so for lunch I had a beautiful salad composed of spinach, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, and salmon tips with a simple dressing of
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey
Squeeze of lemon
Salt and Pep and dried Dill
It was just awesome...a beautiful summer salad! Dinner tonight will be a little more difficult once again as we are going over to friends house for dinner. They are new friends and we want to get invited back...so I am not going to fuss (as they don't know I am on this "restricted meal plan"...I will enjoy everything and do my best....hope you have a fabulous night as well and really ENJOY!
She also provided me with some basic tips to incorporate...many of which I already do..ex. Warm water with honey/lemon each morning, Extra Verg. Olive Oil vs. Canola, Sea Salt vs table, Steam Veggies vs. Fry, decrease use of condiments, increased whole foods and water intake. Some of the tips I had not heard of... take 1tbps of apple cider vinegar before meals....odd, but she says it will get my tummy prepped to receive food and assist in digesting it properly...I put some in my salad dressing today, as downing a tbsp of straight vinegar is too harsh. Also she suggested sushi be eaten in low moderation, because apparently some sushi restaurants use corn syrup to make their rice stick together!
Her meal plan is also fantastic.....I have a naughty habit of hearing what the latest fad is..or reading something in a health magazine and following it by rule etc. etc. So I had read that Internet piece about just eating fruit on an empty stomach for breakfast each day...so I had been doing this for about a month...and feeling horrible and bloated and just a sour tummy all day...but I figured..well this is "healthy" so I'd better stick with it....but Sonya really blew that theory apart, reminding me that we are all different and our bodies may process foods differently. Suggesting I try a breakfast smoothie, or some steel cut oats with almond milk and fresh berries instead (holy crap, who knew that you could actually pay $13 for oats!).
So this morning I made my first shake:
big bunch fresh blueberries
1 banana
Almond Milk
Whole Pecans
Phase 3 powder (ask your naturopath if you need this)
A few ice cubes
Toss everything into the blender, wiz it up and I must say it was delicious, and I felt totally fulfilled. This week I will try adding Almond butter and experiment with different fruits...fun!
I bought some smoked salmon tips today so for lunch I had a beautiful salad composed of spinach, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, and salmon tips with a simple dressing of
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey
Squeeze of lemon
Salt and Pep and dried Dill
It was just awesome...a beautiful summer salad! Dinner tonight will be a little more difficult once again as we are going over to friends house for dinner. They are new friends and we want to get invited back...so I am not going to fuss (as they don't know I am on this "restricted meal plan"...I will enjoy everything and do my best....hope you have a fabulous night as well and really ENJOY!
Day 8-Fresh Salads and Chill Winston
I just knew it would be a packed day yesterday, so had no time to write....but it was a great day! Started off the morning with my usual warm water with honey and lemon, then enjoyed some eggs and rice cakes with butter and honey. I was so busy with work, I had no time to prep a lunch, so ran across to old faithful Greens and Gourmet (2582 W Broadway...sorry no webpg). This is a great hidden treasure for fresh and yummy vegetarian foods...so I know I would have options there. It was hot out so I just wanted a quick salad. This is a cafeteria style joint, so you pay per weight. Fabulous salad bar with the works, plus a fantastic hot buffet filled with all sorts of creative dishes and desserts...tofu cheesecake, sugar free blueberry crumble, pies and cookies....all with a healthful twist!
For a snack, I went back to the old school days, when mum used to pack ants on a log in my brown paper bag...but I didn't have any raisins so I just filled a few celery sticks with almond butter and drizzled with honey and it was delish!
We went out to a friends birthday party for dinner last night...which was a bit more challenging...but the menu at Chill Winston was fairly accommodating...they had a veg, quinoa and tofu dish that looked amazing..but no soy for me. So I opted to share a batch of garlic/wine mussels with Ivan, which were pretty good...but I make better! This is a trendy little place...lots of twenty somethings...I think their patio would be fun on a hot day...but I probably wouldn't go back just for dinner.
For a snack, I went back to the old school days, when mum used to pack ants on a log in my brown paper bag...but I didn't have any raisins so I just filled a few celery sticks with almond butter and drizzled with honey and it was delish!
We went out to a friends birthday party for dinner last night...which was a bit more challenging...but the menu at Chill Winston was fairly accommodating...they had a veg, quinoa and tofu dish that looked amazing..but no soy for me. So I opted to share a batch of garlic/wine mussels with Ivan, which were pretty good...but I make better! This is a trendy little place...lots of twenty somethings...I think their patio would be fun on a hot day...but I probably wouldn't go back just for dinner.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Day 7- Think Like a Blond
Today was such a lovely day! Sometimes working on the Island is like play. My clients over there are just so casual and happy and very relaxed. I enjoyed a fantastic Thai lunch in Langford at The Little Thai Place which was excellent. I slurped a big bowl of spicy soup with broad rice noodles, prawns, chicken and veggies...it was excellent...the noodles are so fat and wide though...when they slipped out of my chopsticks they really slammed back into the bowl splashing broth all over my boobs (the closest body part to the bowl). I was a mess by the time we left...but if you just pretend that your clients never saw the 16 splashes and speckled silk blouse...then you can carry on and enjoy the meal. The service wasn't great for a quick lunch..perhaps they were understaffed, and the little fixtures on each table feature a small button to summon the server...perhaps it was broken. But they are really friendly, and it was totally worth it for a nice lunch, with a great price tag.
Ivan and I caught a late ferry back to Vancouver, and the sun was shining and it was just beautiful out....but maybe the sun was a little too hot, and burnt my brain cells a little....why you ask? Well I was in the middle of a conversation on my phone, while frantically searching and searching the car....Ivan whispers...what are you looking for??? I mouth back to him....so not to interrupt my conversation to say "my blackberry" he just looks at me dead pan...and says uhhhhhmmmm you are talking on it!!!! OMG WTF...how embarrassing.....I had to end the conversation promptly because I had to burst out laughing at myself. Seriously...we all have those "blond" moments, right????
Dinner was a quick little sushi, before our twilight golf...at Broadway Sushi...no link, and not worth going to...we do have a favorite place we like, but the name escapes me now...I'll let you know later. At dinner, came the next blond moment....we are eating away....dousing our soy with Wasabi, munching on rolls, and Ivan asks if I would like to share the soup...and I quickly reply...no, I am not able to eat soy on this diet...."oh" he replies....well why are you using soya sauce? OMG...really Heather.....like I'm clever enough to not eat the soup because it has micro chips of tofu in it...but, yeh...drink the fricken SOYA sauce why don't ya....it wasn't even a hidden, tricky food...name is right on the bottle SOY....well, I think I will tuck myself into bed so I can wake up a clever brunette again...have a good sleep yourself and Enjoy!
Ivan and I caught a late ferry back to Vancouver, and the sun was shining and it was just beautiful out....but maybe the sun was a little too hot, and burnt my brain cells a little....why you ask? Well I was in the middle of a conversation on my phone, while frantically searching and searching the car....Ivan whispers...what are you looking for??? I mouth back to him....so not to interrupt my conversation to say "my blackberry" he just looks at me dead pan...and says uhhhhhmmmm you are talking on it!!!! OMG WTF...how embarrassing.....I had to end the conversation promptly because I had to burst out laughing at myself. Seriously...we all have those "blond" moments, right????
Dinner was a quick little sushi, before our twilight golf...at Broadway Sushi...no link, and not worth going to...we do have a favorite place we like, but the name escapes me now...I'll let you know later. At dinner, came the next blond moment....we are eating away....dousing our soy with Wasabi, munching on rolls, and Ivan asks if I would like to share the soup...and I quickly reply...no, I am not able to eat soy on this diet...."oh" he replies....well why are you using soya sauce? OMG...really Heather.....like I'm clever enough to not eat the soup because it has micro chips of tofu in it...but, yeh...drink the fricken SOYA sauce why don't ya....it wasn't even a hidden, tricky food...name is right on the bottle SOY....well, I think I will tuck myself into bed so I can wake up a clever brunette again...have a good sleep yourself and Enjoy!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 3- rice noodles
Today was another success! I was a bit worried, as we were taking our little nieces out for the whole day to the aquarium...worried a bit about food, but more worried about what to do with the little chickies!
Everything turned out perfectly on all accounts...kids were a dream...and wow the Vancouver Aquarium is really spectacular and a fun family event all around. The only real tough part....putting the girls on our shoulders so they could watch the dolphin event....OMG...how do parents do that....they lean forward with their little tummies squishing into the back of your head and I really thought it would snap off! Massages tonight for sure!
I had packed left over Quinoa salad in a tub to take and stupidly forgot it in the car...but wow...even the Vancouver Aquarium has a gluten free option! A rice noodle salad with chicken, carrots and lettuce, with an Asian style dressing...its huge...you only need one to share between two people..and it wasn't half bad!
Dinner was the forgotten Quinoa Salad, with chicken and Veggies...yet another day in Vancouver to simply Enjoy!
Everything turned out perfectly on all accounts...kids were a dream...and wow the Vancouver Aquarium is really spectacular and a fun family event all around. The only real tough part....putting the girls on our shoulders so they could watch the dolphin event....OMG...how do parents do that....they lean forward with their little tummies squishing into the back of your head and I really thought it would snap off! Massages tonight for sure!
I had packed left over Quinoa salad in a tub to take and stupidly forgot it in the car...but wow...even the Vancouver Aquarium has a gluten free option! A rice noodle salad with chicken, carrots and lettuce, with an Asian style dressing...its huge...you only need one to share between two people..and it wasn't half bad!
Dinner was the forgotten Quinoa Salad, with chicken and Veggies...yet another day in Vancouver to simply Enjoy!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day- 2 Quinoa to the resue
Today was great! I stuck right on plan!
Warm water with honey and lemon
kamut toast with almond butter and fruit for breakfast
rice cake for snack with honey and butter
I thought lunch might be more difficult as we were going down to kits beach to have a picnic ...but nope...easy peasy with a Quinoa salad and a veggie burger!
What??? You've never heard of Quinoa!!! Well, its probably one of my most favorite super grains! Loaded with protein and also has been heard to help with headaches (don't quote me as I've never had a headache!) this lovely little grain can now actually be found in Cost-Co!
It's a snap to prep...1 part Quinoa to 2 parts water or broth...bring to a boil, cover and reduce to low and simmer for 15mins and voila!
Now I prefer my Quinoa chilled, in salads....but you can have it warm...as a substitute for a starch. But for some reason I think it has a better texture when chilled...kinda looks like couscous (easy to trick your husband this way). I like to chop up a bunch of raw veggies...cucumber, sugar snap peas, tomatoes etc. sometimes add a can of mixed beans...and whip up a nice salad dressing....pour over and mix and let it sort of marinate....its just perfect for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to starch or wheat! Just give it a try and experiment with different recipes on the net.
Dinner was veggie Kabobs with a grilled chicken smokey....now I don't often eat smokies..and never eat hot dogs...but if we are bbqing at the beach or the need calls for it...I will only use Frebey products as they are well made, without preservatives, artificial flavors, gluten or lactose...have a wide variety of options and are delicious.
I may have another rice cake for a snack later on...and an early bed time for moi tonight as we are taking our little nieces out for the day tomorrow, and I think we will need all the energy we can possibly muster!
Enjoy
Warm water with honey and lemon
kamut toast with almond butter and fruit for breakfast
rice cake for snack with honey and butter
I thought lunch might be more difficult as we were going down to kits beach to have a picnic ...but nope...easy peasy with a Quinoa salad and a veggie burger!
What??? You've never heard of Quinoa!!! Well, its probably one of my most favorite super grains! Loaded with protein and also has been heard to help with headaches (don't quote me as I've never had a headache!) this lovely little grain can now actually be found in Cost-Co!
It's a snap to prep...1 part Quinoa to 2 parts water or broth...bring to a boil, cover and reduce to low and simmer for 15mins and voila!
Now I prefer my Quinoa chilled, in salads....but you can have it warm...as a substitute for a starch. But for some reason I think it has a better texture when chilled...kinda looks like couscous (easy to trick your husband this way). I like to chop up a bunch of raw veggies...cucumber, sugar snap peas, tomatoes etc. sometimes add a can of mixed beans...and whip up a nice salad dressing....pour over and mix and let it sort of marinate....its just perfect for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to starch or wheat! Just give it a try and experiment with different recipes on the net.
Dinner was veggie Kabobs with a grilled chicken smokey....now I don't often eat smokies..and never eat hot dogs...but if we are bbqing at the beach or the need calls for it...I will only use Frebey products as they are well made, without preservatives, artificial flavors, gluten or lactose...have a wide variety of options and are delicious.
I may have another rice cake for a snack later on...and an early bed time for moi tonight as we are taking our little nieces out for the day tomorrow, and I think we will need all the energy we can possibly muster!
Enjoy
Friday, July 16, 2010
Day 1
So I have wasted no time and decided today should be Day 1...and I did pretty darn good...not perfect mind you...but pretty darn good.
Before breakfast, on an empty stomach was a cup of warm water with lemon and honey. I had questioned Sonya (the gorgeous naturopath who is assisting me) on the lemon as my diet says no citrus...but she says in Eastern practice lemons and limes are like the gods of all foods....so I just have to skip oranges etc.
Hot water is an easy one for me, as I've been drinking just that (or Silver Tea as some like to call it for fun) for about the past 10 years. My grandma, who is 91, and still has great skin got me onto it..helps with digestion and supposed to be good for the skin...now I am just adding some jazz!
After that followed a slice of Kamut toast...okay, yes this loaf is so heavy and dense that if I threw it at you, your head would most likely fall off...but its not all that bad, and you can buy a variety of gluten free breads at Kitsalano Natural Foods (sorry no link...2696 W. Broadway). This is actually an awesome store to hit up for grains, bulk nuts, rice noodles..or any type of noodle for that matter, snacks and dried fruits. I slathered on a thick layer of Almond butter (buy a big jar at Cost-C0...its great) and it was pretty good. I also enjoyed some fresh local raspberries on the side.
Lunch was pretty easy too...I had a business luncheon, and most restaurants these days are pretty good with a gluten free diet.... we went to Cactus Club and I ordered the Raincoast greens sans cheese...and it was awesome...even ordered some shrimp on top which was just perfect and I felt totally fulfilled!
Dinner was tougher as we went over to friend's who cooked us a beautiful summer dinner and they didn't know I had just started a restricted diet....but it worked out just fine. I did try one of Angies amazing baguette topped with roasted tomatoes and Parmesan...they were delish...but I only had one....supper was fabulous with grilled kabobs...chicken, shrimp and veggies, plus a big delicious salad and a small bit of couscous....so I wasn't perfect tonight, as I had a bit of wheat/gluten with the bread and couscous...but everything else was a green light and just lovely.
Thank god for friends who make you meals...what a nice treat for a Friday night...we really did Enjoy!!!
Before breakfast, on an empty stomach was a cup of warm water with lemon and honey. I had questioned Sonya (the gorgeous naturopath who is assisting me) on the lemon as my diet says no citrus...but she says in Eastern practice lemons and limes are like the gods of all foods....so I just have to skip oranges etc.
Hot water is an easy one for me, as I've been drinking just that (or Silver Tea as some like to call it for fun) for about the past 10 years. My grandma, who is 91, and still has great skin got me onto it..helps with digestion and supposed to be good for the skin...now I am just adding some jazz!
After that followed a slice of Kamut toast...okay, yes this loaf is so heavy and dense that if I threw it at you, your head would most likely fall off...but its not all that bad, and you can buy a variety of gluten free breads at Kitsalano Natural Foods (sorry no link...2696 W. Broadway). This is actually an awesome store to hit up for grains, bulk nuts, rice noodles..or any type of noodle for that matter, snacks and dried fruits. I slathered on a thick layer of Almond butter (buy a big jar at Cost-C0...its great) and it was pretty good. I also enjoyed some fresh local raspberries on the side.
Lunch was pretty easy too...I had a business luncheon, and most restaurants these days are pretty good with a gluten free diet.... we went to Cactus Club and I ordered the Raincoast greens sans cheese...and it was awesome...even ordered some shrimp on top which was just perfect and I felt totally fulfilled!
Dinner was tougher as we went over to friend's who cooked us a beautiful summer dinner and they didn't know I had just started a restricted diet....but it worked out just fine. I did try one of Angies amazing baguette topped with roasted tomatoes and Parmesan...they were delish...but I only had one....supper was fabulous with grilled kabobs...chicken, shrimp and veggies, plus a big delicious salad and a small bit of couscous....so I wasn't perfect tonight, as I had a bit of wheat/gluten with the bread and couscous...but everything else was a green light and just lovely.
Thank god for friends who make you meals...what a nice treat for a Friday night...we really did Enjoy!!!
A trip to the Naturopath
So I went to see a naturopath yesterday! After 3 years of working at the same company...I have never used my benefits plan and I thought it was about time to dang well start!
This particular place is called Divine Elements and I absolutely love the space, their concept and that they are a young and beautiful, happy, healthy married couple who own it!! My last experience at the Ayurveda place was not quite as pleasant...as I was greeted by an overweight, disheveled lady....and the office SMELLED like shit. She brought her ginormous dog to work every day, who probably weighed 500lbs and she had a bird and I think a cat....sick! Uh...Sorry I didn't realize I had come to the fricken Vet!
So Divine Elements was quite the opposite, and a wonderful experience! I am so excited to find out what the EFF has been up with my stomach for so many years, feel more vibrant and energetic..amongst a few other things. The first meeting was an hour long...I filled out an fairly extensive questionnaire, tracked my eating habits for a few days and, the result...for the next 8 weeks we are going to eliminate all major allergens from my diet...see how I feel, then gradually introduce them back, one at a time. Yikes!!!!
So for the next 8 weeks (56 days)...putting me at September 9th 2010, I am no longer able to eat soy, peanuts, citrus, gluten, sugar, red meat, wheat or DAIRY (that's gonna be the toughest for moi...I Love cheese). I have done something similar to this prior to my wedding...and did it for 3 months...so I know I have the discipline..and I'm pretty excited for the challenge...I am doing my best to get Ivan on board...but he really loves cookies, so not sure how long he will last! Plus we have a few dinner parties to look forward to over the summer (one being tonight!)..all I can do is my very best!
So for all you Celiac's out there...you may want to follow along for the next 8 weeks, so I can share my experiences with you... perhaps uncover a few tips along the way and find a way to still Enjoy!
This particular place is called Divine Elements and I absolutely love the space, their concept and that they are a young and beautiful, happy, healthy married couple who own it!! My last experience at the Ayurveda place was not quite as pleasant...as I was greeted by an overweight, disheveled lady....and the office SMELLED like shit. She brought her ginormous dog to work every day, who probably weighed 500lbs and she had a bird and I think a cat....sick! Uh...Sorry I didn't realize I had come to the fricken Vet!
So Divine Elements was quite the opposite, and a wonderful experience! I am so excited to find out what the EFF has been up with my stomach for so many years, feel more vibrant and energetic..amongst a few other things. The first meeting was an hour long...I filled out an fairly extensive questionnaire, tracked my eating habits for a few days and, the result...for the next 8 weeks we are going to eliminate all major allergens from my diet...see how I feel, then gradually introduce them back, one at a time. Yikes!!!!
So for the next 8 weeks (56 days)...putting me at September 9th 2010, I am no longer able to eat soy, peanuts, citrus, gluten, sugar, red meat, wheat or DAIRY (that's gonna be the toughest for moi...I Love cheese). I have done something similar to this prior to my wedding...and did it for 3 months...so I know I have the discipline..and I'm pretty excited for the challenge...I am doing my best to get Ivan on board...but he really loves cookies, so not sure how long he will last! Plus we have a few dinner parties to look forward to over the summer (one being tonight!)..all I can do is my very best!
So for all you Celiac's out there...you may want to follow along for the next 8 weeks, so I can share my experiences with you... perhaps uncover a few tips along the way and find a way to still Enjoy!
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