Well, for a little over a month, my home has gone through a "Degraining". (I like to make up words) My daughter is very gluten intolerant, and a lot of the issues she was experiencing, I had but just didn't want to think that maybe I should cut out gluten also. There was NO WAY I was going to give up my pizza and beer nights!! So on with my hobbling and on with hating my aching elbows and other joints, and on with my bloated gut. (Sorry so blatant, I'm just honest) Then.... my daughter-in-law, who for various reasons, started a "grain-free" and "refined sugar free" diet, immediately seeing results! Well gosh, if she could do this, (and my son who joined her to cheer her on) I thought maybe I should give it a try.
Our first official grain-free meal~
Cobb Salad.
I never thought I could. Or maybe, it was because I didn't want to deprive myself.
I deserve to be happy!
That was my battle, and really the only battle, believing "I could". But starting this new lifestyle, wasn't so bad, and I actually was excited about the thoughts of putting only healthy, whole foods in my body. I too, along with my husband, did see improvements within a short time! To date, I've lost 15 pounds, and honestly, my joints don't hurt like they used to. I have more energy as well as not feeling like I'm in a fog most of the day! And my husband is enjoying eating this way...so there's no excuse men!!!
It brings us together, and this makes me happy.
My son and his family live close by us (one street over close). So on many days, I get a text from my daughter-in-law, "Hey, are you home?" and visa versa. I can expect a little sampling of one of the delicious new recipes showing up on my door step. This has brought us closer, something that makes my heart so happy!
I did purchase the book "Against All Grain" which has become my kitchen bible. (God, yours still takes first place, so no worries) I got my copy on Amazon. The author also has a website which is really helpful. www.againstallgrain.com A food processor is a must. Other than that, your normal stocked kitchen should work just fine.
My loaf of "World Famous Bread"
from Against All Grain
There are a few negatives, well, just adjustments really. Meals aren't always quick, and when you're hungry, really hungry, this sucks! So planning ahead is a good tip. Also, snacks need to be made by hand. There doesn't seem to many "prepared foods" available to purchase. But honestly, I have been loving making grain-free crackers, muffins, scones and even bread! One more thing, is the cost. Buying healthy, and then also grain-free ingredients are pricey. BUT, we don't buy prefab food filled with preservatives or GMO's, chips, soda, and all the other crap that is a KILLER for your body and mind!!! Whoa, got a little bit preachy there...but hey, it's truth!
We do go out and eat, which we love doing, although not as much anymore. But if we do, we have found more and more restaurants are amping up their menus with gluten-free items. Grain-free is a bit more challenging, but most places are very accommodating and even help create that meal you desire!
Happy me after eating Fish Tacos
(just the filling)
at a local restaurant.
I won't say I'm perfect. Anyone who knows me, knows I love beer, so occasionally I'll have one, (gluten-free beer just tastes like swamp water) and from time-to-time I might slip a Chick-Fil-A nugget in my mouth. But all that is just once in a while.
For my husbands birthday, (yup 53, ouch), I made some yummy
Snicker doodle cupcakes!
And YES...I STILL EAT PIZZA,
(GLORY TO GOD!! lol)
with a grain-free crust of course.
It's Friday!! So what's better than welcoming spring with grilled burgers in the backyard? The buns were great, having that nutty flavor, but did fall apart a bit, as was stated in the recipe book.
Everything I've made so far, especially my currant scones, were very, very delish!! We are enjoying creating healthy and good for ya food!
TGIF lovely people!!
I
