Seasons of change

Life has changed so much for me in the past several years. I've spent the past two years writing books nearly non-stop... and honestly I'm tired! For a little while I felt like I was pretty much done with cooking. I was "cooked' out, burned out, baked out. And "written" out as well...

Over the past few years we've been there with my Dad as he's survived a severe heart attack, followed by three months in the hospital and rehab, then this summer he was blessed with a "brand new" heart via a transplant... those times brought so much reflection, there was joy with tension, hope with timidity, love with smiles followed sometimes by tears... and through it all deep, deep appreciation for doctors and nurses, for people who choose to give their organs, for family and friends who have ALWAYS been there for us along the way. And of course for my Dad.

My cat Mitten (who was so much more than just a "cat") passed away this year and that brought deep grief and despair and yet, hope. We lost my amazing grandmother "Nan" along with my cousin Annie. We lost Michael's aunt, we had other family members going through major life changes that were painful and hard. And all we could do was simply watch, pray, be there... and yet feel like we couldn't really help, which feels so "helpless" in itself..

So my thoughts and my heart have been so incredibly far away from food these past few months. Which probably isn't the most effective way to be a successful cookbook author... but it was important to me to learn where my priorities needed to be and how to ride peacefully with each ebb and flow of life.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with this blog, with this little space on the vast internet that I've shared my story and my recipes since August 2007.

I haven't been creating a lot of recipes as of late, I've just been trying to get dinner on the table. Yes, it's gluten-free... but trust me, it isn't exciting. Yes, it's mostly paleo... but you wouldn't need a cookbook to make it.

Our meals have consisted of a protein + veggies + sometimes a healthy starch, like sweet potatoes or butternut squash or even white rice or potatoes on occasion. Truly nothing exciting... and honestly it's been a good place. I'm not looking for excitement at dinner these days.

I've found my thoughts veering towards simple, real food. I've been thinking about the way my grandmother made meals for us, the way my great-grandma always wanted to feed us. The way my Dad  has always expressed so much of his love for his family through food. I've been fascinated with food history and about the ways we need to honor the local foods of our region and our family traditions. I've always loved these things, but they've become much more important.

So as life has changed, my plans for this blog have changed. I'm not going anywhere... but I'm still not exactly sure about the content I plan to share in the future. I want to focus more on simple meals, on real foods, on family traditions, on bringing food close to home, etc... but how to do that, I'm not quite sure yet. I want to write more.

At it's core, this blog has been a way for me to write, and write often. And probably much more than cooking, I love to write. I love to explore thoughts and ideas through words and this means I may lose some readers along the way. I hope not, but I'm afraid that may happen.

I also want to share more about other aspects of our lives. Our faith, our journey, possibly poetry or short stories, essays, etc... and I want to hear from you. I want to share your stories. Your food stories, your life stories, your faith stories... I'd love to know what inspires you, what moves you, what makes you sing and dance, and cry, or simply pause in awe..

Oh and cats... maybe we'll share more cat pictures... those seem to be pretty popular around the internet these days :-P

Saying Goodbye, Weddings, and A New Heart

My grandmother "Nan", a few summers ago

So the last three months have been an emotional roller coaster for me. I finished up two more books. My grandmother Nan passed away in mid-August, my sweet cousin Tiffany was married two weeks later, and a week after that my Dad received a new heart!

It's been quite a ride and as sad as I am about my grandmother passing away, I'm also incredibly happy for my sweet cousin Tiffany and my Dad's new heart, which will hopefully give him the gift of a much longer life. How do you take all that in? How do you process all those emotions and feelings.

Sweet Nan 

We found out my grandmother had a heart-attack in mid-August and thankfully Michael and I were able to drop what we were doing, go down and spend her last week on earth with her. I'm so thankful for that time. I'm thankful that my job was willing to be flexible and give me that special time with her. It was a gift I will never forget! She was such an amazing woman. Words cannot adequately describe the legacy she leaves behind in 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. My dad wrote a beautiful tribute to her for the local paper and her life was truly lived well.

Many of the recipes on this blog have been because of Nan. She taught me how to make skillet dinner, she loved Caesar salad, and she taught my Dad how to make his famous pancakes. She was a gifted listener and she loved her grandchildren more than anything in the whole world. We were all truly blessed to have her as our grandmother.

Tiffany's Beautiful Wedding

My cousin Tiffany is a lot like me. I've often thought of her as a younger sister, even though she's really not that much younger than me. We look a lot alike and we have similar physical builds and even the same color hair. She's always been a favorite cousin of mine (don't tell anybody Tiffany!! :-p) Her wedding was absolutely beautiful and had an autumn woods theme. They love nature and the outdoors and it was a small, intimate wedding in the mountains of NC. It was such a beautiful weekend and I felt so honored to be there and be a part of their special day.

Tiffany, if I could tell you anything about marriage, is that it's a journey. And as fellow hikers, you know the ups and downs of a good day on the trails! There are awesome days and rough days and you work through them all. It's a true gift to wake up to your best friend everyday and I know you and Deron have a great future ahead of you! I can't wait to see where life takes you and to see the wonderful journey you have ahead of you!

Dad's Brand New Shiny Heart

My Dad has been given one of the greatest gifts in the world. The gift of time. The gift of a new heart. There have been such crazy, yet glorious mixed emotions during this time! Sadness for the family who lost a son or daughter, yet absolute thankfulness for their donation of organs. Such a gift. Such a gift.  And so much happiness for my Dad. So thankful that he has an positive, hopeful future in front of him and I'm so happy we can be there along the way.

This surgery and hospital visit was so much easier than his heart attack last year. He was talking just about 15 hours after surgery. It was amazing to witness. Here he was with a brand new heart, with major surgery behind him and he was already talking, sitting up, and eventually walking the floors of the hospital. As a matter of fact, he went home yesterday, less than two weeks after his surgery!

He still has a long medical journey ahead of him... but it will be a very positive one! I hope one day we can somehow connect with the family of the person who donated their heart. I hope I can tell them what an incredible gift they have given us and how thankful we are.

Thank you for the precious gift of time with my Father.

Cat Shaming #1 - No Leftovers...

Thanks for no lunches tomorrow Whiskey Jack... And from now on, the leftovers will go in the fridge AS SOON as we've plated our food...

Ginger Lemon Girl Featured in The Roanoke Times

I am thrilled today to be a featured story in the Extra Section of The Roanoke Times today in an interview with Lindsey Nair, Food Writer.

Lindsey asked me a bunch of questions about why I wrote the cookbook, how I started the blog, and how I became interested in cooking and writing. I really enjoyed answering Lindsey's questions and I'm really excited because I grew up in the Roanoke area, so to be featured in the local paper there is a true honor.

Not only does Lindsey share a fun interview with me about the book, but she shares two of my favorite recipes in "The Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook" and you a sneak preview of some additional projects I'm currently working on that are due out late summer and early fall 2013!

Please head over to the Roanoke Times today and read Lindsey's story today! And meanwhile, don't forget to order a copy of "The Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook" if you haven't already!

Special thanks to Sarah Neilsen, author and photographer of Celiac in the City for sharing her photograph of the Hot Chicken Buffalo Bites for the story, and to Kat of Kat's Food Blog for the picture of Roast Chicken with Lemon and Artichokes! You ladies ROCK!

Adjusting to a new normal

We're sitting in the familiar waiting room right now. There's a panoramic view of the Roanoke Valley. You can see everything from the Blue Ridge Mountains to downtown Roanoke and it's incredibly peaceful. The mountains bring comfort to me. 

The above picture is of my daddy, my grandma, and my nephew Christopher from about 2009. I love my Daddy's smile in this pic. This pic of my Dad is currently my profile picture on facebook. Right now he's in critical condition at a hospital in Roanoke, Va. He had a severe heart attack on Wednesday 6/27/12 and it's been a rocky ride since. 

My daddy has congestive heart failure and he had another heart attack when I was in high school. Heart disease runs in our family and he's the primary reason I try very hard to eat a healthy diet that works for my personal body type. I try to be a good example to him and I try hard to encourage him to take good care of himself. But sometimes, especially when the hereditary cards are against you, even with the very best efforts, medical emergencies happen. 

On Wednesday the hosital team worked head to clear the blockage from his heart and encourage it to pump and work properly. However, his heart was so weakened by that attack that they didn't realize how critical his condition was. Slowly his organs began to fail and emergency surgeries took place to attempt to stabilize his heart and his organs. Thursday was an extremely critical day and the doctors and nurses honestly didn't believe he was going to make it through the night, despite the emergency measures taken to save him. 

But miracles do happen. They may not "appear" to be as miraculous as you'd see in a movie or on tv... but thank GOD for small miracles.  My Daddy made it through Thursday night. He's had 2 (I think) surgeries now and he's currently attached to some type of mechanical heart device that works as the lower two ventricles for his heart. He's also attached to a breathing machine, so he is intubated, a dialysis machine, and of course has numberous other IV's over his arms, legs, and hands. His life right now is very much a miracle of modern emergency medical devices and a whole lotta faith. 

The small miracles of today are the fact that his skin color is so much better than it was earlier in the week. I barely recognized him when I saw him on Thursday evening, but today his face looked like the Daddy that's always been there for me. He also had just a slight amount of urine in his catheter bag today, which means his kidneys are beginning to function, even if ever so slightly. The nurses also detected the very slight sounds of movement in his bowels, so they decided to try feeding him with a nasogastric tube instead of intravenously. My aunt told me it would be very good progress if they could feed him through his stomach instead of through his veins, so this latest development is great news and I'm praying his body will accept nourishment this way. 

It's been an emotional roller coaster. The incredible downs of awaiting possible imminent death in the early, early hours of Thursday morning. The frustration of not knowing.... the quiet solitude of simply waiting with the unknown. The careful joy of realizing he made it through Thursday night, but was being wheeled into surgery on Friday morning. The guarded hope of doctors and nurses who give us scientific and factual updates, but contain any thoughts on the future of his condition.  Life has thrown me a lot of unknowns in the past month and I'm learning to accept this as the current norm. And that uncertainly is okay. 

Living in the moment, from hour to hour, from day to day is the new normal. And honestly, it's a good thing. We can so often focus on the future. On when life will be better when "this happens" or "that happens", or when we make more money, or when we have more vacation time saved up... I'm incredibly guilty of this having this frame of mind... but right now, I'm thankful for the day. I'm thankful for seeing the rosy complexion in my Dad's cheeks. I'm thankful for seeing him move his legs or arms when we speak to him for only a few moments every day. 

Of course it's easy to rest and feel a bit more comfortable when things aren't changing. It's the calm eye in the midst of the storm... and right at this moment, I'm extremely thankful for it. 

"He needs a sticker that says "Just Add Water"

My boy's gonna be okay!!! PHEW.... 

We had a great visit with our veterinarian today and she said the poor little guy was bone dry from the medication he was given at the Emergency Vets (which we continued through the week). Which is okay. It was an urgent situation and they weren't exactly sure of what was wrong with him, so the ER Vets did the best they could. I'm incredibly grateful. 

Our vet said that Mitten was extremely, extremely dehydrated, so we stopped the current medication (which was causing him to be so dehydrated -- the Vet said he needed a sticker that says, "Just Add Water" lol). He was given IV fluids and we were encouraged to keep giving him electrolyte replacements for a few days (Pedialyte) until he was more encouraged to eat.

The vet currently thinks that the main issue may be feline diabetes, which should be generally easy to manage with the right diet regimen and possibly medication. We'll visit the vet again early next week and see how his progress is and what we need to do from there.

Just want to shout out a HUGE thank you to all of the wonderfully kind and thoughtful comments and emails I've received over the past few days in regards to my Mitten. In our house our pets are our family and I feel extremely blessed to have so many readers and friends who have a similar love for their furry friends. I am SO appreciative of your heartfelt thoughts and prayers! They worked! Thank you!!

'Cause You've Got... Personality!

I saw this little questionnaire on one my favorite blogs, "A Tasty Life" and I thought these would be fun questions to answer! How about you?

10 Questions about My Personality

1. When a cashier in the checkout line at the grocery store is being a grump for no reason, how do you typically react?

• I always try to smile, say hello, and ask them how they are. Then I always thank them for helping me. I was a cashier during my entire college career and I know how hard that work is. I also know how rewarding it can be when you have customers who appreciate what you do. 

2. Are you the type that likes going out with your girl friends or staying in? 

• Definitely staying in! I love all my girl friends, but I'm a one-on-one kinda gal and my introverted personality gets easily overwhelmed if I'm out with a group of people. It's incredibly draining for me. And admittedly I'm a home girl. I love being home and hanging out with my husband. 

3. Do you sob and get emotional watching romance movies? 

• I'm not a fan of romance movies, they are too unrealistic. However, I LOVED watching Prince William and Princess Kate get married last year! 

4. What stresses you out the most?

• This one is hard to pinpoint. As one who lives with anxiety and depression on a regular basis, a lot of different things can stress me out depending on the day, on how I feel, etc... See #8 on my feelings about injustice & being respected. 

5. What do you think people think of you? 

•  That I'm quiet and reserved.

6. When you overindulge do you hit the gym to burn it all off, or just accept the indulgence and follow your same routine?

• Accept it and move on. Life's too short to beat yourself up over it. 

7. Are you easily annoyed? 

• Depends on the day. Of course there are things that will set me off like people who seem to be "know-it-alls" or insist on correcting others or giving advice when it's not asked for... lol

8. What do you think is your biggest personality flaw? 

• I can take things too personally and then get upset and really stress over it. I have a very strong sense of justice and if I feel that myself or others are being stepped on, disrespected, or being unjustly treated I feel the need to fix it immediately. And then I will share my opinion without filtering my words... which can get me into trouble... lol

9. What is one thing you don’t think people see enough of when it comes to your personality?

• Hmmm.... that I like to make people laugh and I think I have a great sense of humor. 

10. Can you feel relaxed in a busy crowd or messy room? 

• In a busy crowd? NO. I don't do well in crowds. I feel extremely uncomfortable and I want to hide! A messy room? Well... I think there's levels of "messy"... my house is generally somewhat messy and I'm okay with that. I don't mind the "lived in" look, I actually feel much more comfortable in that kind of setting. (If your house looks like a hotel, I will immediately feel out of place and very uncomfortable!!) But there's line when it gets TOO messy and I can't stand it. I like things put up, even if the house isn't technically "clean." 

Potpourri and Pine: The Roanoke City Market c.1994

Photo by Carrie Forbes, 2010. 

I promise I'll start posting gluten free recipes again soon, after all, I know that's what you stop by for...but I hope you will indulge me and read about a fond memory that I was reminded of last night.

My friend Debbie shared on Facebook last night that one of her recipes  had been printed in a prominent publication by her work. She was SO excited and I was thrilled for her! And for some reason it reminded of when I first realized I loved writing.

I've always been a writer. I have journals that date back from when I was around 7 or 8 years old... but I think I truly realized that I had a love for words in my junior year of high school. I was in an advanced English class with a favorite teacher: Mrs. Harriet Little. She loved my writing, and she loved her students, and that meant so much to me. She truly listened to our thoughts. She encouraged this small class of young college-bound high school girls, and told us we had such an amazing life ahead of us. Her worn silver rings with an aged patina always faced us as she sat with elbows on her desk and fingers inter-laced. With wise brown eyes and always a story to tell she would say "Just wait until you're 35. You will love life. You will finally feel comfortable in your own skin and you will begin to know who you really are." To girls who were barely seventeen... 35 seemed ancient. Yet here I am... on the heels of being 34 this month. I had no idea how valuable her words would turn out to be. Mrs. Little gave us several writing assignments in particular that year that I remember.

The most memorable was a short essay that I wrote in December of 1994 about the Roanoke City Market. I have always loved this market. The smells and sounds. The Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Seeing fresh coffee ground at Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, buying Roald Dahl books at the small local bookstore, visiting the planetarium at the Science Museum, etc... It was all simply remarkable. Mrs. Little loved my essay. I remember her smile as she was reading it. "Carrie, this is REALLY good." She said, with absolute sincerity. Ironically, I think it was when I first started learning how to use a thesaurus very effectively (lol)... but I was proud of that essay too. I loved my description of the market. Mrs. Little suggested I send it in to the Roanoke paper to have it published in the editorials section. I remember a small smile creeping on my face, but I was thinking that wouldn't work. My father worked for the paper at that time. Surely, publishing an essay from his daughter would have been considered  favoritism. Mrs. Little, however, told me to send it anyway. So I did. I didn't tell my Dad about it. I just quietly tucked it in the mailbox and forgot about it.

And then Christmas Eve 1994 came. We were on vacation from school. Mom and Dad were home from work. It was a joyful Christmas that year, I remember Dad making breakfast that morning and we were all sitting around the table. Dad, as always, was reading the paper as we ate. NPR was on the radio in the kitchen. And out of nowhere, Dad just put the paper on the table... "Carrie! This is your essay!" I was shocked. I had no idea they were going to publish it. It turned out that the editor of that section of the paper was on vacation at the time and the person working in her place didn't know who I was. So they published it. And then I saw it. My name in print under a few paragraphs that I had written. My Dad was thrilled. I was so excited. Mrs. Little... thank you!

I happened to find the essay that was printed in the Roanoke Times from an online database of newspaper archives which happened to date back to the early 1990's (talk about making you feel old!). Especially for those of you from the Southwestern Va., region I think you'll enjoy reading this short composition about how I saw the Roanoke City Market nearly 20 years ago... and amazingly how little it has changed since then!

Potpourri and Pine: The Roanoke City Market Captures the Season
From: The Roanoke Times Archives
Written by a 17 year-old me...
From the Editorial section, December 24 1994

THE SIDEWALKS are encrusted with forgotten orange rinds and apple cores, while the smell of hot apple cider lingers in the musty air. Passersby are greeted with fresh pine cuttings and little wooden men, each with its own story, made by an old carver whittling close at hand. Cheery seasonal melodies in the distance are strummed softly by local musicians.

The scent of flavored coffees and muffins draws people to the local coffee and tea house near the lighted trees of the old market. The little shops offer freshly made jams, homemade pies and ornamental decor right under the "cinnamon and cloves" aroma of the hand-stitched potpourri sachets hanging on the wall, which seem to be calling out for those close by to take them home.

I find that whenever I have the pleasure of visiting the Roanoke City Market, I return home with a reassured knowledge that believing is seeing. The market comes with scents and distinct feelings, contributing to a warm and homey atmosphere that overcrowded malls don't offer.

The atmosphere of such a place as the market is astonishingly different from that of a mall. The market offers so much more in return with its purchases than just the receipt you would receive at the mall. The mall was designed to make shopping trips easy and accessible while crowding many stores into one large building to make parking easier. The market's purpose is not that of a designer, but of the individual.

The market, though often less frequently advertised, gives individuals a chance to look in "nooks and crannies" for treasures of all sorts, whereas at the mall you only get the obvious. Craftsmen and street vendors line the cozy streets, selling their unique, "made with care" items, while at the mall the predictable clothing and other articles are often made in faraway poor countries. The specialties at the market usually don't consist of something from an imported famous designer, but from the special hands of hard-working people in our area.

The market is especially charming during the holidays. You feel welcome, and if you weren't in the spirit before you arrived, you will be when you depart. The mall offers some of the same feeling, but you can't enjoy it as much without the crisp fall air brushing against your cheek while you munch on a fresh apple from an open shop wondering if you can outrun the flock of pigeons before you get to your car.

The market leaves you with a wonderful magic that the mall can't ever impart. You believe the world can be as delightful as the market seems. The mall is just another mall; there are millions of them; they have no real personality. There is only one Roanoke City Market!


And Mrs. Little... I'll have you know... you are and were absolutely right. As I turn 34 this year... I am absolutely thrilled with where I am in my life and I can't wait to live more of it. I'm so glad you were my teacher. 

In celebration of weddings!

This morning I snuggled in bed with my own Prince Charming and watched the Royal Wedding take place. It was a magical event and I loved watching every single minute of it. The love between the Prince and his bride was more than apparent and brought back such sweet memories of my own wedding... so if your heart is still fluttering from the lovely wedding this morning, I thought you might enjoy seeing pictures of my (much less extravagant, but just as beautiful) wedding nearly 7 years ago! (Wow!) And I indeed married a Prince! Love this guy!

On a sandy beach in eastern NC, October 2004

barefoot on the beach

the kiss!

the embarrassing giggle afterwards! :-) 

one of my favorite shots... 

this was actually my high-school prom dress:  re-purposed! 

Isn't he handsome? He hasn't changed one bit in 7 years!

Loved this (gluten-FILLED) cake! It was beautiful! I still have a few of those starfish lingering in my freezer, I don't have the heart to throw them out! And  you have to love the Hardees cup in the background... 

Michael -- the night before the big day... I love this!



Happy Royal Wedding Day everyone!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Gym Hamster - Week 4 Update

I am convinced a treadmill and/or recumbent bike is nothing more than a human hamster wheel. Of course hamsters run in hopes of not only exercising, but hoping they end up somewhere else... and really it's what you do on a treadmill too. You want to end up somewhere else. You want to be in a different place. For a while it seems absolutely silly. It certainly doesn't look like you're going anywhere... but you are. It's just slow. It takes a lotta miles on that treadmill (or my favorite recumbent bike) to actually see where you're headed.

Overall my weight loss has not yet been significant. I hope in the next few weeks to be below the 200 pound mark. And that will be awesome... then I'll start looking forward to getting below the 190 mark... but I know this will be a slow process. It can be all too easy to want to focus on the numbers when I know I'm making progress in other areas.

A major off-the-scale victory this week is my blood pressure... Literally the day before I started going to the gym my doctor started me on a 2nd blood pressure medication. Having to get on another medication was a serious wake up call. I was already extremely frustrated by my weight gain... but having to go on a 2nd blood pressure medication at 32 was just crazy. I HAVE to stop this cycle. I have too. I already have high cholesterol and high triglycerides. Those diagnoses along with being obese are primary indicators of metabolic syndrome. Meaning my body doesn't process sugars well... it's called being insulin resistant. You can read more about that here. Another common indicator of metabolic syndrome is diabetes...and I do NOT want to head down that road. So it's time to stop the cycle.

When I checked my blood pressure at the gym before exercising yesterday it was 117/79. That is the lowest it's been in YEARS. IT gives me real hope that I can eventually lose enough weight and get healthy enough to possibly get off the medication completely! And that's an off the scale victory I will celebrate!

I've been journaling my progress on a little blog called "Gluten Free Strawberry" feel free to read the blog if you'd like. It's more of a way for me to quietly journal and figure this thing out... and it's helpful. It also helps keep me accountable.

This week has been easier than I thought it would be. I've just been going to the gym. I don't even really think about it. It's also my date with Dr. Phil! :-P I listen to the show on my mp3 player while I'm exercising (we all need excuses to watch Dr. Phil right?) and I almost feel like it's really becoming just a habit. Just something I do during my week. Just another part of my daily schedule. And that is huge.

I really appreciate all of your support and prayers in this journey. I really couldn't do this without the support from so many friends & fellow bloggers. The support of my online community is amazing and I am so blessed! Thank you!

How's your week going?

Thoughtfully,
Carrie

Gym Hamster Recovers - Week 3 Update

Gym Hamster & hubs spent a LOT of time sleeping this week. Constant coughing, headaches, sinus pain and drainage, nausea... you name it we had it. Hubs actually is getting over a double whammy of bronchitis and pneumonia... so it's been a rough week for us. I haven't made it to the gym once... but that's okay. I'm ready to start again next week.

Honestly, I was scared to get sick. I thought if I get sick and I miss my "routine" of going to the gym, I'll never get back into it. That's it... I can't stick with anything once I break my "routine" I'm done for.

But through the whole time of being sick and now being on the mend... I know I'm not done for. Throughout this whole week, while I didn't go to the gym, I still was very careful about what I was eating. While I didn't write things down in my journal (which can be dangerous) I listened to my body. I ate only when I was hungry. I stopped when I was full. It was pretty amazing to me actually. I did have an afternoon when I REALLY wanted to munch and I wanted it to be chocolate... but I realized that I was just hungry since I hadn't eaten anything since an early lunch, so I had an apple with 2 measured tablespoons of peanut butter.  Craving gone. Solved. I listened.

I'm learning how to make this a lifestyle. What's so different about this approach to everything I've done in the past is that I'm seriously taking it step by step. Day by day. I'm changing small things, which lead to bigger things.

I know a 70 lb. weight loss is a LONG way away... I have an unofficial goal of hopefully meeting that number by next year. But more importantly I'm focused on the routine. Make it to the gym when you're well. Stay home when you're sick. Eat well regardless of how you feel. Listen to your body. Celebrate every tiny off-the-scale victory. You're worth it.

Thoughtfully,
Carrie

Clean Counters = Healthy Habits

Clean Counters = A Stress-Free Kitchen = Making Healthier Food Choices

Welcome to my kitchen. It's tiny, what you see here is pretty much all the counter space I have. No fancy island. No dish washer. Very little counter space. Very little storage. But here in the above picture, that counter space is actually clean & uncluttered (well, uncluttered for us!) The dishes are washed and put up. The counters have been spritzed & wiped with cleaner. I have my lunch for tomorrow prepped and waiting for the main ingredient to come out of the oven. This for me is a stress free and much healthier kitchen.

Crumbs gone. Food put away. A clean kitchen offers a lot of opportunities for creativity. It means I don't have to do dishes when I get home. It means I have to discipline myself every evening to take 20-30 minutes to wash the dishes, put them away. So far this week I've managed this 4 nights in a row. Seriously that's a record. I think I've managed doing this an entire week before... but it's never been a habit I've kept up. Normally my kitchen looks like this so my goal this week has been to keep my counters clean. Not only to wash the dishes, but put them up as well. Put things away. It's not that I'm a slob, or a really messy person... it's because life is busy and clean counters aren't always at the top of my priority list.

Yet it makes sense to me that keeping my counters clean will not only make life easier for me every day when I get home from work... but it gives me a clean, fresh space to cook when I get home. All my utensils are clean, I have plenty of room to work, so I really don't have a good excuse not to make a healthy meal.

More often than not, it's when the counters are dirty that we resort to going out to eat or ordering take out. When the counters are dirty, I look at my tiny kitchen and sigh. I don't feel creative. I just want to turn and run. Spaces that are stressful make me anxious, yet it's all too easy for me to fall into the habit of a not keeping up with my dishes.

Since I'm working on learning how to eat well, learning how to read my body/hunger signals (Am I really hungry? Am I satisfied? Do I really just need something to drink? See this post), I figured this was a good time to start practicing other healthy habits.

Michael gave me this "waving kitty" at Christmas for the kitchen and I love it. 

It matches nothing else in my kitchen and I'm perfectly okay with that!

What healthy habits would you like to start? How have you made healthy habits permanent in your life? Do you feel like having a clean kitchen makes a difference in cooking healthy meals? Share your thoughts!

Thoughtfully,
Carrie

The Hunger Scale

Hungry Vs. Tired/Sad/Depressed/Mad/Bored


The past few weeks I've been working on learning when I'm truly hungry. Only eating until I feel satisfied and actually stopping at the point of "feeling" satisfied.

For some people this probably isn't an issue. You're probably wondering what I'm talking about. You mean you eat when you're not hungry? You keep going when you're full? Well yeah. That would probably explain the plus size jeans...

Emotional eating. I do it. And over the holidays and through the past 6 months I did it a lot. There were some stressful weeks over the past few months... but it really wasn't all because of stress. And it's not because I was sad or frustrated or even mad... but bored? Quite possibly. Because it's a habit? Definitely. 

I know how to eat well. But actually making healthy eating a daily practice is often quite a challenge. And I get off track. It's almost like a bad "on again - off again" boyfriend that you just can't seem to shake no matter how unhealthy the relationship is. Yeah I had a few of those too.

But thanks to good friends like Erin Elbertson of Gluten Free Fitness  and Meghan Telpner of Making Love in the Kitchen... I'm trying to let go of that "on again - off again" bad boyfriend eating habit for good.

Meals lately have been simple. I'm focusing on lean proteins (so GLAD my body likes eggs, I'd be so sad if I couldn't eat them!), nuts, beans, fresh vegetables and fruits. I'm still eating carbohydrates, but I just keep an eye on how much I eat.

Last night my dinner was a veggie sandwich on Udi's bread. I very thinly spread some mayo (don't judge me, I'm working on cutting my southern girl mayo habit! lol) & some dijon mustard on the bread, and then I piled up sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and some fresh spinach. It was exactly what I wanted. It was satisfying. it was crunchy from the carrots and toasted gluten free bread. It was soft & a tiny bit sweet from the tomatoes. I'm trying to learn to eat fresh vegetables when my body craves them. I'm trying to be a better listener to my internal signals of what my body really needs.

But I also wanted cake. So I made a gluten free cake mix. I used egg whites, applesauce, and cut the oil in half. I made a loaf cake, which is so pretty it doesn't need icing. I had 2 small slices. I sliced up the rest of the cake and froze the slices so that they were not immediately accessible. I made a lower-fat version of the chocolate cake. And it was delicious. And I had just enough. It's still a process. 

I'm keeping a journal that includes my food intake/activity/water intake every day. I really stink at making sure I get enough water. I just never feel thirsty!

But I know that's part of the journey. I know that sometimes my brain tells me I want food when my body actually just needs some water. It's all a process. I'm learning. It will take time for this to be permanent. Erin is helping me learn that to make REAL & healthy habits stick it will take time. I need to start with small changes. So that is what I am doing.

Here is an excellent PDF that explains the hunger scale and how to start listening to the signals from your body: http://medweb.mit.edu/pdf/hunger_scale.pdf

How are you doing? Tell me about how your day is going? Do you keep track of your "hunger scale?"

Thoughtfully,
Carrie

Thoughts on living well in 2011

I've been thinking for several days what to write about to bring in the new year. This post has nothing to do with the gluten free diet, with recipes, or even really with food. This year I've been more contemplative than excited. My husband and I used to write out resolutions, but we decided several years ago it seemed rather silly since often those resolutions were broken by the end of January or at least by February. It wasn't out of a lack of discipline, or a sudden decision to revise our resolutions... it was often because they were unrealistic. 

Each January for several years I've attempted to follow new plans towards weight loss. Either by cutting out sugar, trying a vegan diet, trying a vegetarian diet, following a fast, going on a "South Beach" diet... you name it... and I've most likely tried it and blogged about it.

This year, this grand year of two thousand and eleven... we're choosing to be kind. Yes, I need to lose weight. I have healthy goals I want to reach, but I've slowly learned that setting unrealistic goals and having unrealistic limitations doesn't work for me.

Here are a few things I'd like to do this year. Not necessarily goals or resolutions... just a few comtemplative ideas to bring wellness & health into our lives:

• Take more walks. Not even for physical health reasons... just to walk. To relieve stress, instead of baking every time I need to relieve stress... take more walks. Cookies are good and I will still make them, but it would also be nice to enjoy the fresh air a little more than I do now. 

• Read more books. I love to read and I haven't spent nearly enough time doing so. Real. Physical. Books. (Well okay, if a kindle walks into my life I certainly wouldn't turn it away! lol) But I've got tons of books that have been rather lonely this year on our shelves. It's time to change that. Have you read any good books lately?

• Have a little more grace towards others. Grace is huge to me. I wouldn't be who I am today without the absolute grace of a loving God... but more often than not I'm judgemental, petty, and have a hard time letting go of anger. It's a pretty lousy example of my faith. And it's not who I really am. It's time to be more willing to share the grace He's given to me.

• Pen handwritten letters and cards. A real, personal, handwritten letter complete with spelling mistakes, sentences that may need a little work, and yet written out of true thoughtfulness can mean more to people than any gift ever could. When I was about 9 years old, our local postmistress, a dear, kind woman told me that if I wanted to recieve a letter, I needed to write one. She became one of my favorite people. She would ask me about the people I wrote too, she would even call me and let me know I recieved a letter if I didn't make it to the post office for a day or so. 20 years later, thinking back on those days some people might think that postmistress was just a bit odd or nosy... but I think she looked forward to those letters as much as I did. She was a friend. She cared about me. She was a vibrant part of my community and she cared about the people in her mail district. I miss her. So if you'd like a letter, write someone. They will appreciate the thought and time you put into it more than you will ever know!

• Be a little more kind to yourself. While I'm running the risk of sounding like a self-help guru here... I need to be a little nicer to me. I think even without realizing it, I'm constanting beating myself up. Yes I know I'm overweight, I know I need to exercise more, I know I'm wear plus size jeans and I get really frustrated with the whole double chin thing. I always have a running "to do" list tabulating in my thoughts and I get frustrated with myself on the things I haven't done or haven't accomplished... (Hello? I'm 32... shouldn't I have made it further along in life by now? Shouldn't we have kids now? Be more prosperous? Know what I really want to be when I grow up?) Anybody with me here? But I also need to learn to be okay with that. Yes, there are things about myself and my life that I'd like to change, but I also need to accept myself right now, right here... plus size jeans, double chin and all. Because really, we're blessed just to be here. Right now. We need to remember that.

Do you make resolutions? Do you create new goals? What are you looking forward to in 2011? Welcome to the new year! Let's make it a good one!

International Food Blogger's Conference 2010 - Downtown Seattle

The food conference was only one reason we went to Seattle. This year marks our 6th anniversary. I think flying across the county for the first time and staying in a tiny boutique hotel for a few days (we didn't stay in the main conference hotel) was a nice way to celebrate the occasion! 

Michael and I spent hours just walking around the city. Taking a million pictures of the architecture of downtown buildings, hanging out in the public library (we're geeky that way), and trying to find as many gluten-free eateries as possible. 

Pike Place market was the highlight of Friday morning. We walked slowly through the large open air market. The fresh produce and flowers were beautiful. The fish sellers abundant. The scent of fresh breads (sadly NOT gluten free), homemade cheeses, and locally made baked goods were around every corner. 

We actually did find a small bakery/seller that made huge gluten free cookies and cinnamon buns. But they only made cinnamon buns on Saturdays & Sundays, so I didn't get a chance to try then! 

One local vendor sold fresh Washington state apples and created smoothies with them. It took a lot of restraint not to buy a bag of apples! 

People anxiously awaiting for fish to be thrown at the famous Pike Place Fish Market. If you've ever had to endure a fun video during human resources training called, "Fish!" about how to have great customer service no matter what type of job you have... this is where they filmed it. 

Below are pictures of Seattle that touched me the most. Michael took most of these shots. 

The Space Needle had fantastic views of the city in the evening. 

Downtown Seattle 

Downtown Seattle with Mt. Rainier in the background. 

Puget Sound at dusk

I loved just being able to spend time walking around city. Art is everywhere in the old city from the bus stop...

This wall borders one of the bus stations and it had poems running along the bricks. I loved this!

More bus station poetry. 

Even the sewer covers looked like art work. 

A favorite part of sitting in the Theo chocolate factory during the conference was seeing the light play off of the red bricks in the old building. Even the old pipes had character. 

Food trucks from Seattle fed the non-gf food bloggers on the 2nd day of the conference. This particular truck served pulled pork sandwiches. 

The Seattle Urban Farm Company, a unique company that creates rooftop gardens for restaurants and stores. They have a big black farm truck that has a whole garden in the truck bed. These beautiful beets and onions were part of the display on the back of the truck.

Tomorrow will be my final post on IFBC 2010. It will feature some of the incredible food bloggers and memorable meals we had while in Seattle! 

What are some of your favorite sites in Seattle? 

Why Am I Gluten Sensitive? -- By Dr. Robert McCarthy

Today's guest post is written by a Dr. Robert McCarthy, founder of McCarthy Family Chiropractic  in Greenville, North Carolina. Dr. McCarthy is an advocate for those who are gluten sensitive in the Eastern NC region. 

WHY AM I GLUTEN SENSITIVE?
THE HEALTH DAMAGING EFFECTS OF GLUTEN
By: Dr. Robert McCarthy

More and more people these days are hearing about gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. However, it is still a poorly understood health condition, even among traditional health care providers. I recently had a patient tell me that his family doctor scoffed at him when he shared the fact that he was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity. The doctor replied by saying he doesn’t think gluten sensitivity is a “real disease”. He went on to say that there just isn’t enough research to prove it.  If any of you have suffered from accidental gluten exposure, I’m sure you’d beg to differ. The problem lies in the fact that the research has been around for decades, but the doctor just hasn’t read it.

Gluten sensitivity and its wicked stepmother, celiac disease are very real entities that can be diagnosed with scientific lab tests. However, you need to use the right test or you may wind up with a false negative. I’ve had patients wind up on anti-depressants because no one could identify the cause of their symptoms. The doctor then says, ”It’s all in your head”.  The most accurate and sensitive test is a stool sample. You also need to have the genetic test done to see if you have 1 or 2 genes for either gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Gluten is a sticky protein made up of glutenin and gliadin. When water is added, as in cooking, the two bind together forming gluten. If you are genetically predisposed, it’s just a matter of time before symptoms appear. Symptoms can range from mild bloating and cramping all the way to disabling abdominal pains. Another problem with proper diagnosis is that many gluten sensitive people have no abdominal symptoms at all. They may have a reaction to gluten that triggers an autoimmune attack inside their body. Whatever tissues or organs are attacked will determine their symptoms. One of the most common effects of repeated gluten ingestion in susceptible individuals is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Other very common symptoms include aches and pains, lack of energy, brain fog, altered immune system function, depression, and other autoimmune reactions.

Gluten is a problem for these people because they lack the enzyme DPP4, which is necessary for complete digestion of gluten. This leaves a large molecule called gluteomorphine floating around inside your intestines. In time it will disrupt the inner lining of your intestines leading to another condition called leaky gut syndrome. You actually wind up with holes in your intestines allowing all sorts of pathogens to directly enter your blood stream. This leads to a whole cascade of events that fire up your immune system, which in turn can lead to autoimmune disease. Some different body tissues that then fall under attack are the thyroid gland (Hashimoto’s), the pancreas, the lining of your stomach, and even your brain and nervous system.

This information has been well documented going back to the 1920’s. In fact, during WWII in Denmark, there was a grain shortage and people with celiac disease became better. The Roman physician, Galen, described a condition in which the digestion was upset by gluten containing foods as early as the second century BC. If your doctor is not up to date with the latest research, it’s time to find a new doctor.

    

From Dr. McCarthy's website:

Dr. McCarthy graduated from the prestigious S.U.N.Y.@ Stony Brook with a bachelor’s degree. He then attended New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY, graduating with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. After graduation Dr. McCarthy accepted an appointment to the NYCC faculty where he was a distinguished instructor in orthopedics, neurology and radiology.

Dr. McCarthy moved to Greenville and established his private practice, McCarthy Family Chiropractic in 1996. Having a focus on meeting the health needs of entire families, Dr. McCarthy offers unique treatments for children, adults, and elderly patients. He has a passion for helping people who have “been everywhere” and “tried everything”. Chronic conditions that destroy people’s lives are given special attention in his office.

Currently, Dr. McCarthy serves as the chairman of the Research Committee for the North Carolina Chiropractic Association. He lectures regularly on posture, nutrition, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.

As an active member of the Greenville community, Dr. McCarthy attends Covenant UMC with his wife and 5 children. He is also the founder and head coach of the Pitt County Youth Lacrosse League and the President of the East Carolina Youth Lacrosse League.

Traveling Gluten Free in Europe by Nicola, GFree Mom

Today's guest post is written by Nicola, author of www.gfreemom.com. Nicola's post today is on the topic of gluten free traveling which for me is perfect timing while I'm attending the International Food Blogging Conference in Seattle!


Traveling G-free in Europe

After a few months of turning our dietary lifestyle on its head and familiarizing myself with the world of g-free, I face the prospect of traveling through Europe for just under 2 months with a 7-year old gluten intolerant child.

After a gap of three years since going ‘back home’, there is a lot of ground to cover with friends and relatives in England, Germany and Sweden. Given that gluten free lunch boxes and birthday party treats have been as tough as it gets so far, the thought of managing my sons dietary needs while living out of suitcases and mastering trains, planes and automobiles is a tad daunting.

Virgin Atlantic offers a gluten free meal option. My only criticism is that this is offered for adults only and not for children. I overcome this by ordering the g-free meal in my name instead of my sons. Once the food arrives I actually envy his meal. The grilled chicken breast, rice and vegetables with rice cakes, salad and fruit salad as sides is actually a lot more appetizing than the usual plane food. Beyond the main meal, however, I’m more than pleased that I have pre-packed a bag full of potato chips, rice cakes, popcorn and gluten free cereal bars.

In England the gluten free bread and pasta taste second to none and are readily available in all supermarkets. The lesson we quickly learn is not to rely on gluten free food options being available in museum cafés and tourist attractions and after a day or two of lunches of potato chips and fruit, I start making gluten free sandwiches to eat throughout the day. The great thing about England is that there is usually a baked potato option on just about any menu, this provides a good meal alternative while we are on the go.

In Germany, the gluten free bread tastes like cardboard and there isn’t much choice, but the pasta is great and we succumb to eating pommes frites (French fries) a lot while on the go. I conclude that as long as we are eating healthy lashings of fruit and vegetables it’s not the end of the world to be eating so many fries – and we’re on vacation after all.

In Sweden, where we also spend a week on a sailing boat, the gluten free selection in the supermarkets is phenomenal. Just about every Swedish kitchen staple is replicated in a gluten free version. The bread rolls are delicious and we all begin to prefer them. The big gluten free brand is Semper. They have cornered the market and really have got it right. That on top of amazing seafood and the great Swedish korv (hot dogs), see us through with ease.

It helps greatly that everyone has been to the supermarket before we arrive and that we have gluten free food on hand the minute we land, but even without this preparation the supermarkets have everything clearly labeled and g-free is easy to find – in any language.

2 months later, I can declare our gluten free travels a success. Don’t let diet stop you from doing the things you really want to do.

 About Nicola, the GFree Mom

 After surviving a fierce fight with breast cancer, Nicola’s eldest son (age 7) suffered from severe gastrointestinal problems and chronic anxiety. A holistic approach to his problems through Tibetan medicine focused heavily on his diet. He has been and will largely continue to be gluten and lactose free. The result is a whole new boy and a happy family. Nicola chronicles the journey and shares simple g-free kid friendly recipes along the way on www.gfreemom.com

Gluten Free Disaster/Hurricane Preparedness

Today's guest post is shared with us from David Abed of Kinnkinnick Foods. It was originally posted at their blog entitled, "The Gluten Free Insider."  I think  for people who live in the southeastern part of the US, this post is especially timely. Even where I live in Eastern NC, we always have to think about preparing for hurricanes each fall and I know this information on preparing when you have food allergies is especially helpful! 

You're Celiac or have Food Allergies. Are you prepared for a natural disaster? 

With hurricane season upon us, floods and tornadoes in the news, and a 5.0 earthquake rattling southeastern Canada earlier this summer, it seems the perfect time to offer a few pointers to the gluten-free and food allergy community on how best to prepare for a natural disaster.

People seeking shelter in the Superdome before the
arrival of Hurricane Katrina. credit: wikimedia.org

A few basic facts: research shows that 72 hours is the average time it takes for grocery store shelves to be cleared in the wake of a disaster, and 14 days is typically how long it takes to restore regular food shipments. It is also important to remember that emergency aid groups like the Red Cross or government run shelters or evacuation centers will be unlikely able to accommodate any type of specialty diet. You and your GF or food allergic family members may have very little to eat if you are unprepared and find yourself in the midst of a disaster area. Yet all it takes is a few minutes of planning to ensure your family – whether following a GF diet or not – will have enough to eat and drink should the emergency last days or even weeks.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: (adapted from ready.gov)

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle, unbreakable mirror to signal for help 
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place 
• Moist towelettes,  hand sanitizer, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Can opener & utensils for food (if kit contains canned food) 
• Local maps 
• Cell phone and chargers
• Water proof matches or lighterFood, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food 

Needless to say, if an emergency strikes and you have someone in the house with Celiac Disease or food allergies, it’s essential you have appropriate foods in storage to consume on-site or take with you to a shelter.

As someone with special dietary needs, we need to do a bit more planning than for a normal supply kit. However, packing for an emergency is not all that different than packing for camping or backpacking. In fact, keeping your emergency supplies in a backpack or duffel is a good idea because it is easy to grab and its portability can be very important if you have to walk any distance to safety or a shelter.

The Basics

• Dehydrated or freeze dried food is best because it is light and easy to pack however finding dehydrated food that is gluten free can be challenging. Dehydrating your own food is not difficult and can be much cheaper. Most home dehydrators come with recipe books on how to dehydrate just about anything.
• Where dehydrated foods are not available, canned meats, fish & beans are a good option. Avoid prepared, canned meals as they are often mostly water and less nutrient-dense. You must be aware that all canned foods are heavy and bulky and you might have to carry them for some distance.
• Boil in bag meals and meal replacement beverages can also be an option if they are available. Again you’ll want to watch the weight.
• Dried meats and fruit (jerky, fruit leather etc) are an essential for any kit. They are lightweight, last a long time and have excellent nutritional value. Get low sodium meats if possible. Make your own beef jerky and fruit leathers to save money and ensure they are gluten free. Jerky Tips & Recipes
• Gluten free energy/protein bars are quite widely available and make a great addition to your kit.
• GF dry soup or bouillon cubes can be a good way to add flavor to your emergency meals.
• Rice is often suggested as a good staple for a gluten free emergency kit. I prefer Quinoa as it is far better for you from a nutrient standpoint, it cooks quickly (saving your limited fuel) and can be used for all meals (cinnamon & sugar quinoa for breakfast, cayenne, garlic & beef jerky quinoa for supper). If you want to use rice, get the quick cooking kind. Boil in bag rice is available which is very convenient. Brown rice is better nutritionally, but takes a lot of time and fuel to cook.
• Celiac.com suggests packing a small 3 cup rice cooker but you may be without power so I would suggest a small single burner camp stove or sterno stove with extra fuel. You can even make your own sterno stove. Always make sure you have adequate ventilation when cooking with any kind of combustible fuel.

Non-essentials

• Pepper, salt, sugar, other spices such as garlic, cayenne, chili, cinnamon. While you don’t need these, they can help make your rations taste a whole lot better. When backpacking, I store these in empty 35mm film canisters. They’re light, durable and water tight. Film canisters aren’t easy to find these days but you might be able to still get them. Ask at your local photography store. Or you can purchase them here. 
• Coffee, tea, chocolate mix, powdered milk. Again not, essential (and some may argue that coffee is) but can make your time waiting in a shelter pass a bit more pleasantly.

Keep all of your supplies in heavy duty, re-sealable plastic bags to keep them dry. Store your entire kit several feet off the floor so it won’t be damaged by flooding but not so high that it is difficult to get to. Check your kit every 3-4 months, check expiry dates and replenish with fresh supplies where needed.

Obviously, what emergency items you’re most likely to need should be based on what type of emergency you’re most likely to face (flooding, quakes, and so on). But there’s one item none of us can do without – preparation – so do your homework, know your options, involve your family, conduct practice drills and, most of all, stay safe!

About Kinnikinnick Foods 
Based in Edmonton, Canada, Kinnikinnick Foods is North America’s leading source of deliciously diverse baked goods products created for those maintaining a gluten, dairy and/or nut-free diet. Kinnikinnick runs the largest dedicated gluten-free and nut free bakery in North America. The company also writes “The Gluten Free Insider,” a blog dedicated to living and cooking gluten free.