Delicious Recipes

February 13, 2014

Snow Day, and the best grain-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies… in the universe.

Greetings from the snow bunker, friends!  I’ve been working nonstop, so this is a nice little break to the madness.  In the heat of this frigid winter day, what more could you want than a warm chocolate cookie?  The answer: to not feel bad about eating it.  This grain free cookie is free of processed sugar and happens to also be vegan, which shocked me.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • pinch of salt
  • half to three quarters of a tea spoon of baking soda
  • teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2-3 tablespoons agave, honey, or maple syrup
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon water or almond/ coconut milk
  • Enjoy Life dairy free soy free chocolate chips

Blend all ingredients, then add the chocolate chips.   Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cookies will not look done, but check the bottoms – if they are brown, they are good to take out.  Let cool and settle for at least 5 minutes.  Cookies will stay nice and soft if you don’t want to eat them right away.  This recipe only makes about 9 cookies; so double the recipe if you’re sharing with friends!  Enjoy with a nice glass of unsweetened almond milk – DELICIOUS!

Hint:  use the same recipe with cinnamon and raisins for a nice oatmeal type cookie.

xo,

C

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Took this photo last week after making them on another cold and snowy evening.  The cookies do not need to be large to be delicious.

December 13, 2013

An Unlikely Anniversary

This week marks exactly one year since my food intolerances made themselves known.  Although I had dealt with chronic health issues like pancreatitis and stomach pains, the overwhelming discoloration in my skin, the ridiculously abnormal swelling and the fatigue shattered my ability to live a normal life.  I remember the uncertainty, the anxiety, the countless doctors that rejected my hypothesis of food issues.  I remember feeling hopeless, I remember not being able to think clearly through the brain fog.  At the time, I had no idea my life was about to change forever and the struggle that was still coming.  

Fast forward one year: I feel good, I feel happy, I feel clear.  I feel confident about my weight, and the pain has subsided in my joints.  Today I reflect on the challenges that I have faced and will continue to face for the rest of my life.  Those who have made life changes concerning food have heard this one before: “I would just DIE if I couldn’t have cheese!”  

No… you wouldn’t.  You’d be awesome.  And healthy.  And most importantly, you would not be alone.

Lending Others a Helping Hand

The knowledge I have gained in one year is probably equivalent to one’s entire course study in nutrition.  I know what happens when you put toxic food into your body.  I know more about GMOs than I care to admit.  I’ve taught myself how to make fantastic recipes that are not only safe to eat, but they are also delicious (and we are still experimenting!).

As many of you know, I started this blog in March to give my family members an update on what was going on in my daily progress.  My writing and thoughts led me to a diagnosis and for that I am forever grateful.  Now that the word about the blog is out, the outpouring of support from others has been incredible; but no one could have prepared me for what was coming next: that OTHERS would look to me as a source of information.  (I am not a doctor; I am just a friend who has suffered unforgivable trauma at the hands of food).

The other day at the gym (YES, I AM ABLE TO EXERCISE AGAIN!), I met two women who told me they had children with severed ADHD.  We got to talking about nutrition and the role it played in their lives.  “We’ve tried EVERYTHING to be healthy.  I mean, I only buy whole wheat stuff and organic milk.”

I calmly suggested that perhaps, getting the healthiest version of gluten and the healthiest version of dairy just was not enough.  I am not an expert on the subject, but the massive amount of literature I have read on the correlation between children, behavioral and emotional issues and the food they are eating is so astounding.  I pointed these women in the direction of different blogs I came across written by parents who completely took their kids off dairy and grains and the progress they had made.

I also explained the most important component of this lifestyle: that you cannot do it alone.  Expecting your child to be the only person who doesn’t eat gluten or dairy in the house is just plain silly.  Prepare to get on board the healthy train as a FAMILY, and take the journey together.  DISCLAIMER: Getting on board will likely result in make you a happier, healthier person.  Other side effects include living longer and having more concentration.  🙂 

I wasn’t sure how my information would come across; I am younger, and I don’t have kids.  But instead of brushing me off, these women asked more information.  They asked about what I had been through.  Who the doctor was who finally validated my point.  What I ate in a typical day.  Where I shopped for groceries.  How my husband was with the “whole ordeal.” 

At the end of the day, I made two new friends, which was really cool.  I also perhaps got to help another person with what used to be a garbage dump of a situation.  

Here’s to the next year, the next journey. 2014, I’m coming for you.

 

GRAIN FREE STUFFED MUSHROOMS: A Christmas Miracle

  • one pack of mushrooms, stems cut off and scooped out
  • fresh spinach
  • roasted red pepper
  • spices: salt, pepper, garlic, whatever you’d like!  (Can do fresh garlic, yum).

Chop the mushroom stems.  Mix together with chopped spinach, red pepper, garlic spices with a touch of olive oil in a pan for a few minutes.  Put mixture into the scooped out mushrooms and drizzle some olive oil. (Go crazy: add some white cooking wine, gluten free, for some fun flavor).  Bake the mushrooms for 15-25 minutes (until brown) at 350 degrees.  A wonderful appetizer!

November 28, 2013

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you, Gluten.

This Thanksgiving, I reflect on the many things I have to be thankful for.  A roof over my head.  My job.  My family.  My incredible selfless husband and our stunning wedding this year.  But I am also thankful for the least suspecting thing:  gluten.  No, I haven’t taken crazy pills and I am not certifiably insane.  

Almost a year ago, which you can see from the beginning of this blog, I became sicker and sicker with no diagnosis and countless doctors.  I had blood taken, CT scans to rule out cancer, was put on malaria meds for “lyme disease” (don’t even get me started on that), and after a lot of internet research between myself and Rich, along with trial and error, it turned out to be a ridiculous intolerance/ allergy to gluten (and dairy, and soy).

I have not eaten these foods since March, and I could not be happier.  I feel more alive and awake than ever before. My body and mind are at optimum health and I can EXERCISE AGAIN.  (Being that I could barely walk last year, this is huge. HUGE.).

So, without further ado, thank YOU, Gluten, for being the sneaky wheat protein that you are.  Thank you for forcing me and my husband to create a home that is healthy and also prepares us for a healthy and happy family.  Thank you for making me aware of things I put into my body.  And thank you for helping me teach others about you, and how to avoid you.

To celebrate this Thanksgiving, I am going to share my latest invention:  

The PERFECT Pumpkin Bread (Gluten, Dairy, Grain, Soy, Corn Free)

  • 1/2 cup almond butter (pref raw, unsalted)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1-2 tablespoons vanilla
  • 1/3 cup raw honey
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup organic pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Mix wet ingredients; add the almond flour and any remaining dry ingredients.  Pour mixture into a greased (with coconut oil) bread pan.  Cook at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.  Keep checking – may take more time depending on the type of pan.

This is by far the best pumpkin bread I have made!  

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.  I will continue to be thankful for you and every ounce of support.

 

November 7, 2013

New Changes, New Life.

It’s November now, 11 months since my journey and commitment to health began.  Lots of changes have happened since my last post, all of which I am excited to share.  First, Rich and I tied the knot on September 21, 2013!  It was absolutely a dream come true from start to finish and I felt beyond lucky to have most of the people I love in one room.  There were many speeches, and each one mentioned how the partnership that Rich and I have created helped me to overcome the worst health challenges I have ever faced.  Hearing those words felt like a moment of pure triumph, and I am looking forward to continuing the journey together.

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(Above photo courtesy of Ashley Therese Photography – I recorded a cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Overrated” at RedGate Studios in Mt. Vernon, New York, and played it at the reception.  This was Rich’s reaction).

 

Married life has so far been an awesome experience; it’s so wonderful to just enjoy each other and not be wedding planning every single moment.  We are very much enjoying living our lives in the moment and taking advantage of things that come our way.  Which brings me to my next topic: I am announcing that I will be taking the blog to a new level.  So what does this mean? :

  • New Name!  The blog now has a new name:  The Food Haven.  After much thought, I wanted to incorporate all healthy recipes, including delicious raw treats and grain free, dairy free, gluten free, and soy free recipes.
  • More Recipes!  As our kitchen has been busy with many new recipes, my blog should also be filling you with new knowledge.  After all, the holidays are coming up, and you need an awesome way to make pumpkin bread that is ridiculous delicious and free of foods that make you feel horrible.
  • Paleo AND raw! Yes, this may sound like an oxy moron, but I vary between different recipes.  I eat what makes my body feel focused, strong, and resilient.  So the variety on the blog just got a whole lot better!

 

What’s a blog post without a recipe?  Here you go:

Carolyn’s Favorite Food: The Grain Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Waffle.  Ingredients:

  • Waffle iron
  • 1/2 cup almond flour 
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2-3 tablespoons raw honey
  • 1/3 cup coconut or almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of himalayan salt
  • tablespoon cinnamon

Combine wet ingredients first, and then add the almond flour.  Wisk well.  Pour into waffle iron, bake, and enjoy!

Until next time, have a healthy and happy day.

July 30, 2013

Jumping Into 28

Note to self:  planning a wedding while trying to maintain a blog and working full time = physically impossible.  To my readers who have been concerned that I’ve been gone for three months, I truly apologize!  Yes, I am OK.  Yes, I am still living and eating well.  I have been feeling compelled to write this post not only because people have reached out with concern, but also because I’m feeling really, really good.  Here we go:

Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out, 27.

Every year, the night before my birthday is a night where I reflect on the best thing about being that age and what I’m looking forward to in the new year.  This year was very, very different.  When it came time to reflect on the best thing, I literally could not think of anything that was super great.  Feelings of never wanting to look back came up like never before.  27 was a very, very rough year for me.  I was sick for nearly most of it and I just had such a bad taste in my mouth.  Those of you who have chronic issues of any kind can totally relate, I’m sure.

But… that’s not really ME.  I’m not bitter, I don’t see the glass half empty, and despite it being difficult, I made myself say something positive about being 27: it was getting BETTER and being HEALTHY again, and learning all that I have learned about my food intolerances.  

28 is already so awesome I cannot even begin to describe it.  My stepmom tells me every year about the significance of the number that I am turning, and 28 is a new cycle for me.  THANK THE GOOD LORD! Also pretty fitting, considering that in just 7 weeks, I will have the most life-changing day ever: I will finally marry the love of my life.

You’ve Saved Me More Times Than You Know

Just a word of advice to those going through a rough time: open your eyes and look around.  Thank the person next to you who doesn’t need to go through it with you, but just is because they love you.  

Rich has saved my life in more ways than he will ever know.  This year, my birthday marked 10 years to the day since he and I really became FRIENDS.  That has so much significance, especially because the night after my 18th birthday was the first time of many, many times that he saved my life.  Let’s just say he showed up.  When no one else did.  This seems to be a constant trend in our relationship – his dependability is unreal and he really should be recognized for that.  

This year was no different – Rich made our relationship stronger than I ever thought possible by making the decision to change his entire lifestyle to fit mine.  His commitment to eating healthy foods so that I would not be alone is pretty unbelievable.  He never even cheats, because I physically can’t.  On top of doing it for me, taking care of himself is the best gift I could possibly get everyday.  I am so thrilled to have a partner I can walk through life with who really cares enough about himself to only put wholesome foods onto his plate and into his life.  Thank you for being you, each and every day.

Overall Health Status

We’re talking 93-95%, people.  I’m feeling really, really great.  I went to purely paleo eating for a while there, but I’m taking a step back toward my vegan and raw roots.  I think there’s a lot to be said about how beneficial the paleo lifestyle can be, but there’s also something to say about listening to what your body needs.  I haven’t eaten any meat in almost 2 weeks and it feels wonderful.  I’m sure I’ll get back to that point, but my protein is coming now through seeds, nuts, and protein-rich vegetables.   If I decide I can reintroduce meat, I’m sure I’ll do that.  Without apologies.

What Would a Blog Post Be Like Without a New Recipe?

One of the best things about getting ready to get married?  A bridal shower.  Shocked with how beautiful the entire day was, there was also the “goodies” that I went home with.  

The Vitamix Blender: 10 best kitchen appliances in one / incredible piece of machinery

For someone who raw “cooks” as much as I do, it’s SHOCKING to me that I lasted so long without a really good food processor/ vitamix blender.  This week, I used the vitamix to make a semi-raw vegan zucchini/ kale summer soup.  Here’s the recipe:

SEMI RAW / VEGAN SUMMER ZUCCHINI/ KALE SOUP

You can make this recipe 100% raw, or you can cook parts, or cook all and blend.  Do whatever you feel!

  • four green zucchini
  • bunch of green kale
  • 1/2 onion
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • black pepper
  • himalayan salt
  • olive/ coconut oil
  • vegetable stock – organic

In your soup pot, pour some olive oil, and when hot, cook the onion and garlic, diced for a few minutes.  Add 1/4 cup vegetable stock and simmer for a few minutes.  Add chopped up zucchini and kale and cover pot to soften the veggies (or just leave out and blend later).  Add some salt and pepper to taste.  After a few minutes, spoon the veggies and broth into the vitamix.  Gradually turn to 10 on “variable” setting and then high (note: for those who don’t have one, just throw it in a blender).  Add some stock to your puree’ if you think the soup is too thick for you.  ENJOY!

Until next time, which I hope is not three months from now: HAPPY RAW/ VEGAN/ PALEO/ JUICING!

April 26, 2013

My doctor wrote a book… and you should read it.

You know you chose the right doctor when a month into treatment, she comes out with a book about how to cure chronic inflammation, reverse autoimmune disorders, and feel generally better in life.  The Immune System Recovery Plan: A Doctor’s 4 Step Program to Treat Autoimmune Disease by Dr. Susan Blum provides a wealth of knowledge and can be found here.  I am only on page 30 and already I feel like questions have started to be answered about what I have been going through.  Dr. Blum herself was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and used her own 4 step plan to reverse her autoimmune disorder.  This gave me a lot of hope, as my older sister is also going through a similar issue to Dr. Blum.  (No, I don’t really have an older sister, but those of you who know us know we are basically siblings – love you 😉 ).    A lot of the book focuses on the science behind the causes of autoimmune disorders and how lifestyle changes will improve your quality of life tenfold.  I have found the book very empowering thus far as a motivational guide for me to use when I’m at my strongest, and in times of need.  I would recommend it to EVERY ONE OF YOU.  Even those who don’t think they suffer from autoimmune disease but have any kind of chronic issue or just don’t feel good all the way around.  [P.S. – being sluggish or overweight is just inflammation.  And yes, the advice from the book can help you, too].  Get it. I promise you, it will change your outlook.

There’s Nothing Like the Support of a Good Friend.

Last Friday night I ventured up to Milford, CT to see a good friend from law school.  Rachel and I have always been friends, but her unwavering support these past two months have truly brought us even closer together.  She also has some health issues that she has tried to cope with, especially with her food intake.  She has consistently reached out despite her busy schedule, has incorporated more raw, vegan and paleo into her cooking, and she STARTED JUICING!  I wish her all the best and will be by her side all the way.

We made quinoa with mushroom, asparagus, spinach, parsley and some spices.  On the side we had this awesome juice made from the ingredients below: (yes, those are beets and limes – yum)!

 juice

Health Update

I finished my antibiotics for the h. pylori last night.  I feel so much better today being off the meds.  I had to take 14 more pills per day on top of whatever supplements I am taking now.  My stomach was pretty much in agony and really needed grains to absorb so many pills. The nausea was so bad at one point that I gave in and bought gluten free/ dairy free granola.  When you are on antibiotics that heavy, there’s just no way around it.  An apple just would not cut it.  Unfortunately, the grains caused me to suffer some minor inflammation, but I had to just give into it.  Now that I’m off the antibiotics, I’ve started taking my probiotic again and can dive right back into eating more raw food again.  Really interested to see my progress going forward and praying that it flourishes.

Pizza, Pizza

Tonight, Rich and I are going to the city to have dinner with one of my best friends and we get to meet her boyfriend.  They’ve graciously agreed to have dinner at a restaurant that specializes in gluten free and dairy free pizza (they also have regular pizza too).  Even though I typically opt for a “no subtitute for gluten” rule, I’m human and I’m going to let myself enjoy the experience.  I’ve been SO good, checking every single ingredient, and I never give in to anything that’s bad for my body.  Tonight’s no exception, but yes, the dough is made with brown rice flour.  Anyway, it’s just nice to have incredibly supportive people in one’s life.  I’ll call it a win.

April 15, 2013

The Best (and Easiest) Gluten Free/ Dairy Free Pancakes in the Universe

And so begins the shortest and most fun post I will ever write: the recipe for gluten free/ dairy free pancakes.  As some of you know, I despise doing “substitutes” for gluten unless it’s a holiday.  What I mean is I can’t stand overloading on gluten free bagels, gluten free bread, or gluten free _______ (insert terrible carb) which are full of rice flour.  You’re not helping anyone by diving into a pile of rice.  There are a lot of brands that try and make gluten free goodies, and I’m just not a huge fan.  Plus, a lot of the mixes contain dairy, which as we know, is a swell sentence for me right now (pun intended), and they don’t taste anywhere near as good as a true gluten-filled item.  Imposters!

I’ve been about 80% raw for a month and a half now, but on Sunday had the most insane craving for some pancakes.  Rich found a recipe for gluten free/ dairy free pancakes that seemed really easy, so we gave it a shot.  They were so delicious and nutritious (well, as nutritious as a pancake can be), so I had to share.

RECIPE: The Best and Easiest GF/ DF Pancakes in the Universe (makes 6)

  • 1 banana
  • 2 eggs
  • cinnamon, depending on how much you like
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder

Mash the banana.  Add the eggs and wisk together.  Add remaining ingredients and mix.  (You can add optional items: GF granola, DF chocolate chips, berries, raw nut butter, etc.).  Put a teaspoon of organic coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.  To make smaller pancakes, use two tablespoons of mix and cook 2 minutes on the first side, and 1 minute on the other.  Voila!  

March 29, 2013

Rockin’ Raw, Stress, Ups and Downs, and Learning New Things

March 29, 2013

It’s been ten full days since my last blog post, and for that I can’t even offer a sincere apology, mostly because I have nothing to apologize for.  For those of you who don’t know me personally, I made the decision when I was 17 years old to pursue one of the most stressful types of careers one could go for.  No, I’m not going to share that part of my life on here – but just know that I have been constantly going, going, going for ten full days.  By the way, I very much enjoy what I do.  And I’m very proud.  I’m just a little… tired.

Someone reading this in my field who has been working for ten, twenty, or thirty years would probably laugh to themselves and think that I’m just some rookie who can’t handle it all.  That if I am having issues now, I will never survive.  But those people never had chronic inflammation and pain at age 27, I can guarantee it.

Rockin’ Raw, Raw Potluck, and Community

My best friend from school, Lisa, and I took a sixteen hour class last weekend which is required in our profession.  It was pure murder.  No, it wasn’t that it was the worst, most boring thing ever, but sitting in a room for 4 hour stretches when you have pain running up your legs because you need to move is just about the worst feeling ever.  I must have gone to the bathroom 8 times just so my legs could get some relief. 

The silver lining:  Lisa was awesome enough to accompany me after class to Rockin’ Raw, a restaurant in the West Village, just down the street from where my great grandparents live when they immigrated to New York, which serves ONLY RAW FOOD!  I ordered a raw burrito (delicious, especially since I’ve been craving Mexican food like no tomorrow), and Lisa ordered a taco salad to be on the safe side.  She was such a good sport, but is used to it since Lisa’s sister has been vegan for many years.  For dessert, Lisa and I split an AMAZING piece of chocolate cake with “ice cream.”  It was truly phenomenal.  For those who are just simply frlghtened of raw food, I’d recommened coming in here for a milkshake, made with all raw coconut or almond milk, or a wonderful delicious dessert:

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Last Sunday, my Dad took me to a raw potluck, where I met some pretty cool people who also decided at one point to change their lives and live healthy.  I decided to make one of my signature dishes on the blog: the stuffed peppers.  This time, I added cumin which added a nice sweet flavor.  I also made a raw chocolate mousse and provided organic strawberries for dessert.  Both items were licked clean! I received wonderful complements on both, and it felt great to have a community of people who understood what I was going through, and who appreciated my efforts as a “raw cook.”

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Health Update – the Ups and Downs

Overall, I’d rate this week as a 7 out of 10, which in my book means “OK to good.” I’ve had a couple days of complete and utter exhaustion which is very, very difficult to cope with.  Well, it wasn’t shocking when on Wednesday I received my first set of test results from the doctor: the cortisol and hormone levels produced by my adrenal glands are completely depleted, strongly indicating severe adrenal exhaustion/ hypoadrenia.  Finally, after months of waiting, I looked a blood test that was positive for something.  Such a crazy feeling.  Your adrenal glands, which sitting on top of your kidneys (you know, those things that control WATER RETENTION AND SWELLING in your body), produce chemicals to help you fight stress, allergies, injury, fatigue, etc.  Mine are broken.  And it’s time I fixed them. (By the way, people with fibromyalgia and arthritis often have adrenal fatigue, but never know it.  Go figure).

I am meeting with the doctor on April 11 when my final adrenal tests come back to confirm this, and to find out what I can do besides repair my digestive system to cure what’s going on.  I have done some research, though, and the three main things I keep coming across are:  1) avoid bananas like the plague – yikes, since I eat two a day; 2) my body actually is need of SALT – no not table salt, but the healthy stuff, like himalayan or celtic salt; and 3) the most successful diet for this is a paleo diet.  Yep – there’s a chance I’ll have to eat (clean) meat again.  At this point, I will do whatever it takes to get better.  Although if that’s the case, I’ll have to change the name of my blog to “Carolyn Goes Awesome and Mostly Raw.”

Lastly, a tip I learned the nasty way last night:  nightshade vegetables, like peppers (gasp), tomatoes, and eggplant (tear), are NOT my pals.  And if you too have chronic inflammation, they’re not yours, either.  But like the Martin Sexton song goes: “I hope we can be friends again… someday.”

From my home to yours, have a very Buona Pasqua, Happy Easter, and sunny day.  Spring is officially here.

March 20, 2013

P.S.: I love you.

March 19, 2013

In two days, my wedding will officially be six months away.  If you told me three weeks ago that I would make the progress that I’ve made thus far, I would have never believed you.  Looking back to my first blog post, I had no idea where the raw journey would take me.  Up until last week, it actually would upset me to even think about having to go through what should be the best day of my life with swollen legs and feet and 20 lbs heavier than my “target wedding weight.” All that, along with the fact that I was constantly fatigued and just feeling awful all the time.  All I could think was, “thank goodness my dress is long to cover the swelling, but will I even be able to dance the whole time?”  (I usually don’t leave the dance floor).

Now that I’m already 13 lbs down, not nearly as tired, not swollen, and just happier overall, it brings me back to the reason I’m seeing so much success in the first place: my incredible fiancé, the absolute love of my life.  After lugging to doctor after doctor with me and watching me suffer with pain, swelling and depression, it was his idea to pursue a raw diet.  I know for a fact that I would not have the success that I have seen without his support, as he has gone completely raw as well.  He even told me that he never thought in a million years that he would go even two days without eating meat, but this is the same guy that also told me five days later that he’s never felt better.  I want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge his personal success; he’s the lightest he has been in years and feels great with tons of energy.  I’m so proud of him, but more importantly, it’s more clear to me than ever how lucky I am that it will be him waiting at the end of the aisle in six months.  Starting our marriage with this kind of experience is by far the best blessing I could ask for, and it makes me so confident that the family we will have down the road will have a strong (and incredibly healthy) foundation.  Cheers to us, my love.

How can you be so positive, like all the time?

Overall, the outpouring of support has been unreal and keeps me going everyday.  There are the skeptical few however, like the super old school doctor who pays tribute to penicillin on a daily basis, the debbie downer friend whose motto revolves around the glass being half empty, and just jerks along the way.  They often question my positivity and can’t understand why I’ve been overwhelmingly happy.

The answer is simple, so listen hard, and listen good.  When you are so sick, for so long, and you have no answers, the second you feel better, you will kiss the ground everyday because it’s holding up your feet.  Taking my health for granted is a thing of the past.  And I will have bad days, but glass half empty people will be the last to know about it.  I’ve turned my own situation around.  I did it.  And healthy Carolyn = happy Carolyn.  It’s that simple.

I no longer believe in conventional medicine like I used to.

Today, my little sister called me and expressed concern because she is having stomach issues, not unlike the symptoms I had in 2008 when I had pancreatitis.  Her issue may just be that she has an acid problem, but I’ve had so much experience with stomach issues that she felt I could point her in the right direction.  She thereafter got in with the doctor, and was telling her about my experience and how I ended up reversing my pancreatitis symptoms by doing an all raw diet.  Her response: But I don’t understand why she did that, and why she didn’t just have her gall bladder out.  And there it is, my problem with doctors. Sorry if this comes off super rude, but there’s more to life than treating symptoms.  There’s, you know, that thing called the underlying source of those symptoms.  And why on EARTH would I choose to have major surgery to remove an organ when 1) it wasn’t an emergency, 2) it may not have worked, and 3) changing my diet reversed my issue AND made me feel super awesome.  

I feel so relieved to be lucky enough to have seen the doctor I am with right now, who is working with me on my diet, and on treating the SOURCE of my issues and doing reparative therapy for my “gut” or digestive system.  When you have food allergies/ celiac, and keep eating the thing you are allergic to, your insides just get so damaged that the gut can be destroyed by the time you realize what is happening.  A damaged digestive system, or “gut,” is directly correlated with the onset of autoimmune disorders, arthritis, neurological issues, and more.  I’m now doing everything I can to make sure those issues never happen.

I told Rich today on the phone that I felt I could never really trust conventional medicine alone again concerning the specific issues I’m working through.  I was surprised to hear that he completely agreed with me especially after what he’s seen me go through in the past three months and the doctors that were so off course with advice to just take some medicine.  (Again, another reason why he is so awesome).  As my Dad would say, it’s about looking at the whole picture, not just the horse’s ass. Yep.

Raw Meets Paleo, and Lives Happily Ever After

As you know, Rich made the commitment to do two full weeks with me of a raw vegan diet.  He did not complain once and made it through with flying colors.  Because he felt so great, he wanted to keep the gluten free and dairy free train going, but periodically incorporate meat into his dinners.  Enter the Paleo diet, or Paleolithic “cave man” lifestyle.  Paleo, in short, is basically exactly what we’ve been doing, but with meat as an extra food group.  He feels great about it because he knows he’ll get the protein he may have been missing.  Last night, Rich made Paleo turkey burgers, which I did try, and found them to be delicious. Here’s the recipe:

  • Lean, organic turkey meat (or organically fed beef)
  • two tablespoons cumin
  • teaspoon to tablespoon of garlic
  • ground basil
  • black pepper
  • peppers (or zucchini) and onions
  • avocado

Mix the turkey meat and spices by hand until well blended.  Form thin burgers and cook in coconut oil.  On the side, sauté some onions and peppers (or zucchini) in coconut oil until lightly browned.  Put the onions/ pepper/ zucchini mixture and avocado on top of the burger and enjoy.

That’s all for tonight.  Happy healthy vegan, raw, or paleo, or gluten free, or whatever, eating! Cheers.  And happy six months until our wedding.  I can’t wait to be your bride.  P.S.: I love you.

March 15, 2013

It’s Okay (to have a bad day).

March 15, 2013

This post is dedicated to my readers who have chronic illness, food allergies, those with gluten issues, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid issues, and those who just have sometimes have a bad day.  Just when you think you’ve taken ten steps forward, you wake up on a day and find yourself three steps back.

I bring this up because this happened to me on Tuesday.  I was thrown for such a loop – the weather was horrific, and my worst fear smacked itself in my face: I had some swelling again.  In hindsight, the swelling wasn’t even that bad, but it was an unwelcome change to my current success.  Looking back, it could have been something I ate and didn’t realize (I’ve heard that beans can instigate inflammation, but I’m still researching that theory).  The worst part about the day was that I felt alone.  That day has prompted me to reach out to all of you who may have a bad day and provide some silver linings and advice:

  1. You are not alone.  I honestly felt like a puffy marshmallow on my own desolate island on Tuesday.  Then I remembered you.  I remembered that there are other people struggling.  And to tell you the truth, it feels good to know you’re out there.  I even started looking for support groups in my area, and would recommend www.meetup.com for those of you who don’t know where to start.
  2. There’s always tomorrow.  However bad the day is, it will be that much more awesome the next day.  It’s been a theory I’ve always had (it’s all relative).  I woke up on Wednesday basically singing and dancing after the day I had on Tuesday.  That reminds me, 8 hours of sleep is highly underrated.  
  3. Your condition will not get better overnight. It will take time.  With all the physical and emotional success I’ve had lately, I had lost sight of this point, and my fiance’ had to remind me.  Chronic issues are just that – chronic. We can support each other by learning to take care of ourselves by eating well and exercising, and stress relief, but sometimes, your day will be terrible.  And that brings me to my next point: 
  4. Give in.  No, I don’t mean “surrender” and wave the white flag of defeat.  I mean, acknowledge your body and your mindset and realize that you just don’t feel well today.  Let yourself cry.  Oh, you have daunting and physically draining plans that night?  Don’t be afraid to honor yourself and reschedule so that you can fit in the bubble bath or quiet reading time.  Your pain is legitimate – recognize it so that you can move on.
  5. Keep it healthy.  Admittedly, I had the sudden urge on Tuesday to dive into a bacon cheeseburger and a hot chocolate chip cookie.  It’s so much easier to do that when things feel like they’ve hit rock bottom.  But that will make things worse – both you and I know that.  Instead, I made myself a green juice filled with cucumber, apple, celery, kale, and ginger.  I’m not lying to you when I say that it actually made me feel BETTER than I had felt all day.  Had I given in, it would have been a physical nightmare, I’m sure followed by an emotional one.  

So there it is, the lessons I’ve learned this week.  I feel great today, and today is all that matters.  Sometimes there will be rough days, but then I will remember you and truly know that I am not alone.