Picking Fresh Herbs…
Creating A Home for our Peas…
Who loves Game of Thrones? We started watching it from the very beginning and we are hooked! Just bought the books today too 🙂
Oh you know, the average day at work teaching tennis to bucket-headed kids…
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.
I recently had blood tests done and found that my diabetes has gotten slightly worse due to not being able to exercise as much. I worked as a tennis pro full time until December when I accepted work in the Billing & Accounts department. I am now more in operations and teaching less which means less time to exercise. These are all great moves for my career. But this means a difference in my daily activity level. So now, it has proven that I need to make more time to be active. Three days a week running with the wolfpack and one to two days doing spin, three to four days doing weights at home – this is what I am committed to. My doctor writes, every person and each treatment is specialized based on the individual. For me, and many others, exercise is key to insulin absorption, and burning off the carbohydrates/sugars that I consume. If I do not exercise more, my medications will need to be adjusted accordingly. So, I am determined to make my health right and consistently above par.
Running is my mission.
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:
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:
(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.
Love this stuff. We use it in place of olive oil quite often. Try it out and get some at Costco!
And this is only 1/5 of the amount of meat we had! Tri-tip, chicken thighs, sausages, and a whole chicken!!
Penn aka Pennce.
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
Check this article out. It is true that weight loss is not always dependent on food or exercise. A lot has to do with your mindset, and understanding yourself, your boundaries, your emotions/feelings and determination to get to where you want to be.
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13260/5-tricks-to-lose-weight-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-food.html
If you know me, there are two things that I can eat endlessly – soups and seafood. I love soups because not only are they delicious, but filling and healthy when made right. Great for the digestive system might I add. When ‘cleansing’ I will have it as my lunch or dinner – a very simple soup intermixed with fresh juices using fruits and veggies with a low glycemic index. Check it out!
Ingredients:
4T Butter.
1.5lbs Broccoli – fresh or frozen.
1.5 Carrots chopped. Or 12-15 baby carrots chopped.
3T Flour – we usually use coconut or wheat.
1/2 cup Almond/Coconut Milk.
1/8t Cayenne Pepper
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
5 cups Chicken Stock. (Use low/no sodium stock!)
Extras:
Cilantro for a garnish
Croutons for a crunchy topping
Feta cheese for extra salt and a cheesey flavor
Cheddar if you’re not lactose intolerant like us!
1/2C White wine
Directions:
1. Melt butter in a medium-large pot over med-high heat.
2. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, chicken stock, cayenne, salt, pepper.
3. Saute for about 8 minutes. If you are using frozen broccoli, your time will double.
4. Add flour until there are no clumps in sight!
5. Bring to a boil and then simmer (still uncovered) for about 18 minutes.
6. Pour in milk or cream of choice. (If you love cilantro, add before you puree.)
7. With an immersion blender, puree soup until you reach the consistency desired.
8. Add extra veggies you would like to keep whole at this point.
9. Stir for another two minutes.
10. Serve with topping/garnish of choice.
11. Enjoy!
Nourishing Zen 