Nourishing Zen

Nourishing YOU. Adventures to Healthy, Happy, and a Fulfilling Life! Food is our medicine.

Category Archives: Health Journal


by 3 Comments

Diabetes Lab Results Update


True statement.

True statement.

”

So I am getting more and more blood test results back. I worry because of the fact that I was doing so well previously, and now, am slightly more at risk. Isn’t it crazy how fast these things can change? It still surprises me every morning. I think about this every day now. It is on my mind, and I am worried. As of now, it seems as if all other tests are coming back normal. Some of these tests include:

Serum Potassium
Serum Sodium
Hemoglobin A1C
HDL
LDL
Microalbumin, Urine
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Prolactin

These are routine and should be done once every 6 months. Though I am worried, I am appreciative of the fact that I can have these tests done.

From my doctor:

“After reviewing our past visits, I see that one of the main reasons you did not need insulin with meals was that you were working out so much. At the time I saw you, I noted you were exercising (average) 2-3 hours daily.
Diabetes is a very individualized condition and requires individualized treatment plans. In your case, your body was making a normal amount of insulin last time we checked, (August 2013), and the problem was insulin resistance, meaning the insulin was not working well.
Exercise is the best medicine for this condition, and exercise coupled with metformin usually works very well to decrease insulin resistance.”

I am determined to not have to take more medicine if I can help it. There is no other option. I need to stay motivated.


by Leave a comment

Flour Substitutions


Good morning! Happy Monday!

Following the previous post of coconut oil cooking spray, I decided to post what we use to substitute white or wheat flour. For the most part, I really try and stick with recipes with the least amount of flour. When I do use flour, I mainly use coconut flour and almond flour. However, using all of one kind, there is a texture difference. If you’re a texture person, try and mix these in, in parts. Always, if combining different types of flours, combine gently and beware of texture.

The coconut flour has a slight coconut flake, grainy texture. It isn’t as smooth as white or wheat flour. Almond flour also has a very nutty flavor that can be overpowering depending on your recipe. Almond flour also does not rise as well either.

Here is what we currently have at home:

20140414-075619.jpg

20140414-075949.jpg

There are also a number of other flours I would like to use. I’m interested because they have a lower amount of carbohydrates, more protein, and more fiber than the average flour. These being:

20140414-080032.jpg

20140414-080039.jpg

20140414-080723.jpg
(Also called Garfava flour – silly name, isn’t it?)

Use these in baking, thickening up sauces, and coating/baking your protein. Choose your flour substitute wisely based on your needs and tastes. For instance, I will commonly mix 1/3 equal parts of wheat, almond and coconut flour in my carrot spice bread.

Don’t forget, these flours are also great for treats for your pets! Check out this link for more information.

Diabetic Living: Flour Substitutions!


by 12 Comments

Diet & UC / Crohn’s


What's the difference between Crohn's & Colitis?

What’s the difference between Crohn’s & Colitis?

The article I was reading this morning intrigued me because it said that eating certain foods may not trigger IBS, but that it will irritate symptoms. This makes perfect sense, but I never thought of it like this. Foods may not trigger the disease itself but only a symptom. A symptom is a feeling or observation made by an individual. Interesting…

Symptoms of IBS, food allergies and intolerance’s are very similar. These include stomach cramping and pains, nausea, loose bowels, and urgent bathroom trips. Food allergies and food intolerance’s should be watched carefully as there is actually quite a difference. People with UC have an immune system that is switched on very easily, causing major inflammation, which then causes the body to want to eliminate any waste or potential harm to the body. This is a normal reaction, however not to the extent of time a person with UC has it. Their bodies stay in ‘fight or flight’ mode for a long time after the potential threat is eliminated.

Everyone is different. For Tom, Popcorn is the culprit. Nothing else seems to do it like popcorn does. The symptoms get so bad that he’s not even tempted by it! That would be like me drinking a glass of milk. Geez that would hurt and cause SO much discomfort! But I know it would be gone within a day or two. That popcorn for Tom makes the discomfort drag on for an entire week! We believe that because popcorn kernels are more difficult to digest, it may irritate the intestines during digestion causing his symptoms to flare up. Of course, this is just our speculation.

I wonder… what other foods trigger the symptoms of IBD/UC/Crohn’s?

Key:
IBD = Irritable Bowel Disease
IBS = Irritable Bowel Syndrome
UC = Ulcerative Colitis

Visit the link below for more useful information. I have been reading more on the recent studies as well the causes, triggers, and treatment.
http://www.ccfa.org/resources/diet-and-ibd.html


by Leave a comment

A Zesty Start to the Week – Happy Monday!


With warm lemon water! It was an awesome weekend away I a beautiful place with delicious foods – but one it’s time to get back to that wonderful 80/20 rule. Lemon water has many health benefits such as balancing pH, kick starting your metabolism, getting your digestive system moving and cleansed as well (if you know what I mean!).

20140407-072345.jpg


by Leave a comment

Morning Run & Commitment


Ok, I’m not a runner. Let’s be honest, I hate running. I am that person that thinks about how much I dislike running, while running. I’m sure I’m making it worse for myself but gosh darn it I am not a fan like I am of the Giants. (GOOO Gigantes!). Ok so I know it’s the fastest way to lose weight and so forth. But c’mon, if ya don’t love it, it’s a hard thing to force. So I’ve turned the tables in my motivation(s).

From the previous post, you know we have three adorable dogs. My personal goal is to run/walk them 3-4 times a week. I’m not going based off distance, but time. 40 minutes or more depending on schedule of sprinting, running, walking or a combo! The world is my oyster, right?

There are several motivations here ; 1. Exercise the dogs – especially the puppy who likes the feel of my nice shoes between her teeth when not entertained. 2. Getting outside. Nature is gorgeous and breathing the fresh air when you’re inside for work most of the day is a true gift. Sure I go in the gym and workout but there’s always something reviving about spending time outside that I love. 3. Get in better shape – for my diabetes and also for our wedding in September. 4. Feel better all day. There’s just something about getting a workout done in the morning.

So there you have it. I’m putting it out there and I officially have no excuses.

On our run this morning, stuff like this makes it more fun. Potty break?

20140402-074600.jpg


by Leave a comment

An awesome reminder…


20140328-064534.jpg

I have always been very weight-conscious my entire life. For the past 12 years I was misdiagnosed as Type 1 instead of a Type 2, and provided with the incorrect dosages and medications. This caused a huge weight problem due to excess insulin in my body. The extra insulin I was taking (Novolog in particular) was stored as fat which caused me to be unable to lose weight. I was exercising 3-4hrs a day, and eating Paleo style 90% of the time. I didn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I felt fat, confused, frustrated and helpless. Through a change in the way I was eating, as well as seeing the right doctors, this has subsided. To this day I still feel very conscientious of my weight, but at least now I have control of my body – not diabetes! 🙂

This photo, to me, reminds us that our society puts too much pressure on appearance, and doesn’t see the truth behind an image. There is always so much more than what meets the eye.