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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Salmon


Although there is no recipe for this particular entree (right from the freezer). Just wanted to throw something easy and very healthy in here for the days that you just don't have time to cook. For those who are on the endo diet, or ones similar, fish high in omega fatty acids are very important for our diet, anyone's for that matter. Eating salmon and fresh tuna no more than once a week (due to mercury scare) will benefit us greatly. So easy to prepare and the whole family is excited (my kids rave when this is made)! And if you are lucky to have leftovers - perfect over a fresh bed of lettuce for lunch!
The Brand is Morey's Marinated Wild Alaskan Salmon, freezer section at Costco.
Just follow baking directions on back.
Serve over brown rice, mangoes (or any fruit) and a nice salad.

Banana Date Cookies

I honestly ate the WHOLE batch! I did 1/2 a cup of dates and 1/2 cup of carob chips (I have yet to find carob chips, or any for that matter, that are soy -free, so use at your own discretion!) just to help entice my kids... but they never even got to try them. I ate them for breakfast, snack and dessert! Another idea, add walnuts- or other nuts!

3 mashes bananas
2 cups of rolled oats
1 cup of dates (the dates really add a nice flavor)
1/3 cup of sunflower or olive oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Bake @ 350* for 20min.
SO easy to make!


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Chips!


Kale Chips
What makes these chips truly satisfying is the crunch! The sound they make as you are biting into them makes these a perfect snack.
Simple to make!
  • 1 bunch of kale cut into bite size pieces washed and dried
  • misto spray with olive oil
  • sea salt
Has any of you seen the MISTO spray bottle. Ingenious! I found mine at TJ MAXX. Just fill the bottle 1/2 way and pump it with air, ready to spray on anything! Great replacement for those chemical "PAM" sprays.

preheat oven to 350*, spread kale onto baking pan. Spray with olive oil and add sea salt to taste. Bake for about 15 min or crisp.
Serve. Yum!

Hot Pink Smoothie


Thanks Kaila for this recipe!
I added a banana, flax seed, and about a 1/3 cup of oats - to sustain me a little longer.

1 ½ cups coconut liquid (best raw, or from a can, both can be found at Asian markets) - I didn't have this on hand so I used coconut dream

1 large carrot (or 5-6 baby carrots)

1/4 of a medium beet, raw, peeled

¼ cup cashews

4-5 dates

2 tsp. vanilla

12 frozen strawberries (I only had 7, so I added wild blueberries)

optional: 1-2 Tbsp. hemp protein or SunWarrior fermented brown-rice protein powder

optional: 2 Tbsp. kefir or yogurt

Puree all ingredients except strawberries and hemp protein in BlendTec for 90 seconds.

Add strawberries and puree on high until smooth. Add hemp protein for the last 5

seconds.

Notes:

Raw beets are an excellent blood purifier, coconut liquid is packed with minerals and

electrolytes. Makes one quart, a 450-calorie breakfast that has 4 servings of fruits

and vegetables, 15 percent plant protein, and good fats in the cashews.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Homemade Refried beans & Tacos









I want to thank my family for all their support in this crazy new life style. Christian requested Tacos tonight for dinner, so here it goes...

Refried Beans:
  • 1 lb bag of pinto beans
  • 1 small onion
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbls olive oil
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbls chili powder
Directions:
Cook beans according to directions on bag. Once they have boiled add chopped onions and garlic, replace lid until beans are soft. Drain beans reserving liquids. Place beans in a food blender and chop/smash till desired texture. In sauce pan heat olive oil and add seasonings and beans, add enough liquid to keep the beans moist. Add sea salt to taste.

Tacos & Toppings:
  • Corn tacos (double check ingredients some may have soy or other unwanted ingredients)
Of course, add what ever toppings you like, here are some I like:
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • avocado/guacamole
  • cilantro
  • diced red onions
  • chopped red lettuce
  • plain Greek yogurt (I did cheat here, but a great sub for sour cream, and I feel it is better than the soy dairy replacements they have)
  • Fresh squeezed lime over the top
Enjoy!

Snack Time!


Finding a trail mix of sorts that is gluten and/or soy free and with out the added sugar has been a challenge. So, I decided to throw one together. Really simple to make, can't mess this one up and change it around to fit your likings!

  • 1 cup of raw coconut meat
  • 1 cup of raw cashews
  • 1 cup of raisins/cranberries (no added sugar)(I did 1/2 & 1/2)
  • 1 cup of pumpkin/sunflower seeds (I did 1/2 & 1/2)
  • 1/2 chopped dates

Stir-fry Bok Choy


This is a real fast and easy recipe! Would be great with any number of vegetables.
  • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons peanut (we are a peanut-free house too!) I went with vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced garlic (about 8 cloves) I doubled this, can't have to much garlic!
  • 2 pounds baby or Shanghai bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 2 teaspoons Asian sesame

    Preparation

    Stir together broth, tamari, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until cornstarch has dissolved.

    Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour oil down side of wok, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat side. Add garlic and stir-fry until pale golden, 5 to 10 seconds. Add half of bok choy and stir-fry until leaves wilt, about 2 minutes, then add remaining bok choy and stir-fry until all leaves are bright green and limp, 2 to 3 minutes total. Stir broth mixture, then pour into wok and stir-fry 15 seconds. Cover with lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in sesame oil, then transfer to a serving dish.

Pizza Night!


It's the simple things that are the hardest to give up. I've played around with several gluten-free pizza recipes. Tonight's is an endodiet style adaptation from my cousins gluten-free crust.



Pizza dough:

1 ½ Tablespoon yeast

1 1/3 cup rice flour

1 cup tapioca flour

3 teaspoon xanthum gum

2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cup warm oatmeal, or unsweetened rice milk

2 teaspoon olive oil

2 teaspoon vinegar

Preheat oven to 425

Blend dry ingredients including yeast. Add warm milk oil and vinegar beat for 2 minutes on high.

Roll out onto greased pan, sprinkling rice flour when needed.

Make edges thicker,

Bake for ten minutes add toppings and bake for another 20-25 min.

For my toppings I sautéed red onions, garlic, and roasted peppers with olive oil, adding some arugula & basil to wilt at the end. I did use some goat cheese, one of my exceptions to the "dairy free" rule. Goat products are easier to digest and cause less inflammation than cows products.


For dessert, yes dessert!

Madeline made a perfect fruit salad, with strawberries, wild blue-berries, pineapple and banana.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Quinoa Salad


This is such a flavorful, yummy salad!

Quinoa Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cups cold water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1 celery sliced thin
  • 1/2 green or red pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 medium ripe tomato
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • Options: Chopped scallions, dried unsweetened cranberries
  • Dressing:
    • 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • Fresh ground pepper
    • fresh minced garlic, minced fresh ginger

      Quinoa Salad Directions

      1. The quinoa can be made ahead of time and refrigerated if you like
      2. Soak the quinoa 15 minutes in cold water
      3. Rinse thoroughly, pour off most of the water and drain through a large fine mesh strainer
      4. Place in 2 qt pot with the water, salt and oil
      5. Bring to a full boil
      6. Cover the pot, let boil another minute, turn the heat down to very low, and cook for 15 minutes
      7. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with lid on
      8. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside to cool. Setting the pan in a sink full of cold water cools the quinoa quickly
      9. Steam the carrots and green veg for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp, drain, rinse in cold water and drain again
      10. Chop the tomatoes, herb and cucumber
      11. Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk or shake in a jar
      12. Gently combine veggies, seeds, quinoa and dressing in a large bowl
      13. Cover and chill

What is endometrioisis?

I have had it explained to me several ways. One of the recent Dr.s described it as a cancer (but not fatal but life consuming) where the cells grow and take over its surrounding organs. Like cancer, there is NO cure. And they do not know the exact cause of this disease as well. Most common speculation is that when the endometrium that grows naturally inside the uterus, sheds like during menstruation , somehow the blood and tissue flows out of the fallopian tubes and attaches itself on to other organs inside the abdomen causing adhesion and scar tissue. Other ideas is that it simply travels through the blood or the lymph nodes. This is why a hysterectomy may not always solve the problem. Endometrioisis can cause a number of symptoms. Infertility being the most devastating. Chronic pain, digestive problems, acne, depression and mood changes. The list goes on.
The reason, at this point, that I ma choosing diet changes over hormones or a hysterectomy is simply because I feel that I would be changing one set of issues for another. If your body is producing way to much estrogen than why would you go to the other extreme and take away all of the estrogen? I know that there is a lot more to it and that they can chemically replace some of the missing estrogen, without even going into all the side effects, I am just interested in a more natural change. I LOVE being in control, and I hope that's what this diet will allow me to do. Take control!

Carob Macaroons



I have to say that these are REALLY good! Mine are more like "haystacks" than balls. But I am sure they taste the same. I enjoyed having these around Easter weekend while everyone else was enjoying their Easter candy, I had SOMETHING yummy to eat!
I have discovered the wonderful benefits of coconut oil! Great oil to add to your diet!

Carob Macaroons
Servings: 18
Prep + Cook = 45 minutes

* 3 cups unsweetened coconut meat
* 1 cup carob, or cocoa or cacao powder
* 2/3 cup organic Blue Agave, melted on low heat (you can use maple syrup or honey- but be careful with honey on the endo diet.)
* 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted on low heat

1. Combine the coconut and carob together in a medium mixing bowl.

2. Melt the coconut oil and honey over low heat until melted. Do not over heat.

3. Add the oil mixture to the coconut and stir well until combined.

4. Form into walnut sized balls. You may need to squeeze the balls with your hands to make them stick together.

5. Place balls on a pan or a plate and place in the fridge. They will harden within 20-30 minutes, but you can put them in the freezer to harden more quickly. If you choose to keep them in the freezer, let them sit out at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Zesty Adzuki Bean Salad




This definitely is zesty! Maybe a little too zesty (vinegary) for me teh first day, but once it sat for a day... very nice! But packed with vitamins, protein and nutrients making this a great feel good dish!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried adzuki beans
1/4 cup arame sea vegetable (found near the seaweed at WF)
1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped ginger
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 1/4 cups basil, finely chopped
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tamari
1/4 cup lime juice
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup grated carrots

Method

Put beans in a large bowl, cover with water and set aside to let soak for 8 hours or overnight.

Drain beans and put in a large pot with 8 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, 45 to 60 minutes. Drain and rinse gently under cold water. Set aside to let cool completely. Meanwhile, soak arame in cold water for 15 minutes; drain and rinse well.

Put oils, ginger, garlic, basil, vinegar, pepper flakes, tamari and lime juice into a large bowl and whisk to make a dressing. Add cooled beans, arame, green onions and carrots and toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 4oz/116g-wt.): 220 calories (60 from fat), 7g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 32g total carbohydrate (6g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 9g protein

Bagels, wheat-free, dairy-free, sugar-free Bagels





Many thanks to various friends and family who are gluten-free, others who are dairy-free, and some who are vegan, I am able to put together some recipes of things I can eat! Tonight I am trying BAGELS. This recipe I got from my cousin whose husband has celiac disease.

The only alterations I had to make to make it an "endo diet" was to supsitute the honey for organic bue agave necter, and the veg oil for olive oil and I omitted the sugar. Th

e only problem I had with this recipe was that I needed to spray olive oil onto the tray, my bagels stuck! But are still tasty!

Bagels

• 3 cups gluten-free Multi-Grain Flour Blend

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons flax meal

• 1½ teaspoons egg replacer

• 1 tablespoon xanthan gum

• 1 tablespoon yeast

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon cider vinegar

• 1¼ cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Brown rice flour, for rolling bagels

• Cornmeal, for dusting pan

• ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• Multi-Grain Flour Blend

• MAKES 9 CUPS

• 1¼ cups garfava flour

• 1¾ cups super-fine brown rice flour

• 2 cups potato starch or arrowroot flour or chestnut flour

• 2 cups cornstarch or potato starch

• 1 cup tapioca starch/ flour

• 1 cup sorghum flour or amaranth flour

• Mix all ingredients together. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator until used.


Directions

1. Line a baking pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle it with cornmeal. Put some brown rice flour on a second baking pan or cookie sheet.

2. Put Multi-Grain Flour Blend, salt, flax meal, egg replacer, xanthan gum and yeast into a mixing bowl and whisk together.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, oil, cider vinegar, and 1 cup warm water.

4. Using the paddle attachment of the mixer, slowly incorporate the liquid mixture into dry ingredients. Add more warm water, if necessary, to create a smooth consistency. Mixture should be quite thick. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.

5. To shape the bagels, use a large spoon to scoop out the batter. Drop a spoonful on to the baking pan or cookie sheet sprinkled with the flour.

6. Lightly roll dough in the flour to coat it and then shape into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly and using your index finger, create a hole in the center, large enough not to close during rising and baking. Repeat until all the dough is used.

7. Place each bagel on the baking pan sprinkled with cornmeal. Lightly cover bagels with an oiled piece of plastic wrap and place pan in a warm place for bagels to rise, about 20 to 30 minutes. When bagels have risen, bring a skillet of water to boil. Add 1 teaspoon sugar to the water. (Sugar helps create a shiny crust.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

8. Drop a few bagels into the boiling water. Simmer for 30 seconds, turn over and cook for another 30 seconds.

9. Using a slotted spoon, remove bagels, drain away excess water and put bagels back on same baking pan. Once all bagels are boiled, bake them for 25 minutes in preheated oven.

10. Cool on a rack

Endometriosis...

is a very bad word. As I have been learning more and more about this "auto-immune diseases", I am feeling more and more over whelmed. There is no "cure" just a lot of "what-if". The most drastic "what-if" is a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy will produce the highest percentage of a "fix" being 80-90%. Not bad if you are emotionally and physically prepared to go through menopause. Not at 34! I am determined to fight this. At least for a little while....

The Dr. I saw today has highly suggested a series of hormone injections called Lupron. Basically the drug will stop my ovaries from producing estrogen, estrogen is what "feeds" endometriosis, putting me into a menopausal state. Again, not happy with that idea. I meet with another Dr. tomorrow to see what other hope is out there.

MEANWHILE... I have decided to put myself on the "Endometriosis Diet" in hopes to shut down any supply my body has to producing, feeding, inflaming or irritating the estrogen in my body.

The RUES:

NO wheat or wheat products & no rye

NO Meats (there are a few exceptions, some seafood and once in a great while, organic eggs and chicken if it is skinless, organic, and hormone free.) I haven't been ready to bring myself to eat chicken yet. Maybe one day I will be able to stomach it?

NO sugar/honey

NO dairy

NO soy

NO caffeine of any sorts

NO additives, no refined foods and

NO convenient foods

So! What do I eat??? Great question.

I have successful given up meat (except some seafood) for about 4 months now. Refined sugars, 2 months - although I need a lot of improvement here. Now that I am working on the "no wheat" thing and no soy (soy is in everything!!!) I am feeling really overwhelmed. And now that I can't eat "anything" I am eating "everything" (of things I can eat.) Ive even gained the 5lbs I initially lost when giving up sugar and meat... darn.