New Discoveries

Less than one week ago, I decided to eat gluten free in support of my daughter's recent discovery of her intolerance to wheat, affecting her GERD. (acid reflux) It has been a challenge to prepare meals because not only has she eliminated wheat products, but she can no longer eat acidic fruits, chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic or spicy foods. I love to cook and always have, so I am having to discover new ways to prepare food that will not affect her health issues.

It is no coincidence that my turn around in terms of eating back in control coincides with her new dietary endeavors. I've always said that one healthy choice leads to another.

Today, I prepared gluten free, sugar free, banana protein muffins. They have an interesting consistency, but my daughter loved them. They remind her of Yorkshire pudding, which we love! (they contain 3/4 cup of egg white, which would explain the resemblance to Yorkshire puddings) I found them a bit too sweet and would prepare them with less Stevia next time. You can find the recipe at my favourite new blog site - She has an amazing story and a fantastic collection of recipes. http://www.dashingdish.com/

I have also discovered risotto. It wasn't a dish I had ever prepared. I did not grow up eating risotto, nor did my husband. In researching foods my daughter can eat, I came across risotto. It certainly is not low calorie and it is a carb, so those who are carb free would not appreciate preparing risotto, but it's been a wonderful discovery for her as it replaces creamy pasta. I loaded it with vegetables and it was fantastic!

We have long been eating Mary's Crackers and the other gluten free cracker everyone buys at Costco, but this week I discovered Blue Diamond's Nut Thins. They are fabulous and are taking the place of bread in our lives. We are dipping them in hummus, instead of mini pita, enjoying them with peanut butter and banana, or loading them with goat's milk feta and slices of apple. (My daughter can't eat the apple) It's a new way of eating but we are discovering new things to enjoy.

My son has no interest in eating this way! I did fool him a few nights ago, as he did not notice that his beloved Chinese Fried Rice was made with organic, brown jasmine rice. He asked for seconds! Don't worry, I am well aware that soy sauce has gluten in it and am using Bragg's Soy Sauce, which I don't care for the taste of.

All of these new discoveries are helping me feel like I've crawled out from a rut! Here's to many more along the journey!

Eating less, moving more,
Dawne