Monday, August 30, 2010

Mayo Clinic Locations So You Can Have My MAYO Experience






It's All About Food And Gelato Even While Getting Tests At Mayo Clinic MN

Today Was Day 1 of Tests for my Second Trip To Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I finished my Thermo-Regulatory Sweat Test, Turned Purple Like A Grape. Lost 1 1/2 LBS And Needed To EAT.

First I had a Grilled Walleye PIKE Burger on Fresh Ciabatta Bread With Fresh Fruit & Fresh Brewed Decaf Raspberry & White Ice Tea At Vino's In The Marriott Hotel Across From The Mayo Clinic. Had some extra time so I walked outside to find out what other restaurants are in the immediate area.

Across the street I found the University Square Mall which was a welcome respite for me as the temp was at least 90 with humidity making it much hotter.  I love Gelato and I was thrilled to find the Chocolaterie Stam at The University Square Mall in Rochester, MN. Here are some PIC's of the amazing Gelato, Chocalates, & my Desert as well.







My YUMMY Peach Sorbetto Gelato


My Favorite Designer

I AM Over The Moon Happy With My New PURSE!
My Purse Strap on My Coach Purse Died So I Needed To Buy a New PURSE ASAP.

I was lucky to find just the perfect replacement on sale in an End of Summer Clearance Sale by my FAV Designer Lily Pulitzer & With My FAV Colors As Well.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

OMG: I Ate Sardines For my 1st Time And LOVED THEM!

Everyone who knows me, can tell you I am all about eating healthy. Avoiding this or that and eating substitutes for health reasons as well as for my sanity to prevent serious allergy attacks. I had some blood tests and was told that both my Vitamin D & Iron levels were low.

I did some research and found that Sardines are truly one of those perfect foods for one to eat on a regular basis. Sardines are high in calcium and great for those who are allergic to milk or have a lactose intolerance. Further research identified that Sardines are a natural resource of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, high protein as well as high in Iron. Best of All Skinless, Boneless, In Olive Oil & Not Unhealthy Oil Like Many of These Competitors. The other bonus is that these are Wild Caught From Morocco.

There is also Extra Virgin Sesame Oil

Use in Stir Fry's, Salad, Marinade's, Soups, Casseroles, With Mushrooms, & Potatoes

Rice Vinegar So Simple And Light

Add To Salads Plain or with EVOO, Use For Marinade, Soups, Stir-Fry's

Pecorino Romano Cheese Amazing Taste, Low Fat, & Many Uses

Use In Salads, Mix With EVOO, Add To Soup, Top Piazaa, Pasta, Sandwhich

My Favorite Artists

http://www.vogelpix.com/Vogelpix!/Home.html

http://lindseytull.blogspot.com/p/paintings_12.html

http://www.eddiehudson3.com/Gallery/Pages/The_Gallery_Hudson.html

http://thewristworks.com/

Healthy Baking Substituions

Replace Mayonaise with Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt, Buffalo Milk Yogurt, or WholeSoy Plain Soy Yogurt

Replace Sour Cream With Fat Free or Low Fat Greek Yogurt

Replace Cream Cheese With Fat Free Yogurt

Recipe For High Protein Energy Bread

  • 1 Cup Brown Rice Flour
  • 2 Cups Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats
  • 1 TSP Aluminum Free Baking Powder
  • 1/4 TSP Agave Syrup
  • 1/4 TSP Karo Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/4 Cup Ground Flaxseed
  • 1/2 Cup Biochem Natural Whey Protein Powder
  • 4-5 Oz Unsweetened Applesauce 
  • 1/4 Cup Splenda
  • 12 Oz Yoplait or Oikos Plain Greek Yogurt 
  • 1/2 Cup Sliced or Slivered Almonds
  • 1/2 Cup Carob Chips or Raisins (Optional)
  • 2-3 Bananas Mashed

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking powder, Splenda, flaxseed, and whey powder. In a medium bowl, stir together applesauce, agave, light corn syrup, greek yogurt, almonds carob chips or raisins, and bananas. With a spatula, add wet mixture into the oat mixture. Pour batter into a greased 9x5½-inch loaf pan. 

Bake at 325°F for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Makes 12 servings.




Finished

Sliced Ready To Eat



Thursday, August 12, 2010

Broccoli Rapini With Lemon, Garlic, Oil, Wine


1 Bunch Broccoli Rapini, cut as much off stem as possible and discard
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves of fresh garlic minced  or from jar with water
2 TBSP Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice or Fresh From Lemons
1 TSP RED Wine Vinegar or Red Wine
1/4 TSP Ground Black Pepper
1/4 TSP Sea Salt
2 Cups of Water
1 Microwave Safe Casserole Dish & Glass Lid


Wash broccoli well, do not dry. Place into 2 quart casserole. Add rest of ingredients. Cover casserole dish and cook on until broccoli is tender (fork must pierce broccoli rapini with ease). 

Serve By Itself or Over Whole Grain Pasta With Some Fresh Plum Tomatoes And Shredded Pecorino Romano Sprinkled on Top.

Pecorino Cheese Basil Garlic Bread With Chicken & Tomato

Fresh Sliced La Brea Italian Round Bread or Rosemary Olive Oil Round or Other Brand
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Imported Pecorino Romano Cheese
Fresh Basil or Litheouse Freezedried Basil Leaves
Fresh Organic Boneless Skinless Char-Grilled Chicken Breasts or Perdue Grilled Chicken Breasts

Grill Fresh Chicken Breasts or Use Perdue Grilled Chicken Breasts
Place Sliced Bread on Serving Platter
Drizzle Small Amount of EVOO On Bread
Squeeze 1/4 TSP of Garlic Paste on Each Slice
Sprinkle Cheese on Bread
Sprinkle Diced Basil Leaves on Bread
Place Hot Chicken on Top of All Items
Drizzle Tomato Paste Over Everything And Warm In Oven or Microwave Briefly

Sheep's Milk cheese


Prepared Ready For Chicken



Done




Prepared Ready For Sauce
  

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

How Come None of My Friends Are Sick Like Me?

So, why isn't everyone sick?

 The EPA ensures that a pesticide can be used as long as there is a "reasonable certainty of no harm" to human health. Where pesticides are used on food or feed crops, EPA sets "tolerances" for the amount of the pesticide residue that can legally remain in or on foods.

SOURCE:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Setting Tolerances for Pesticide Residues on Foods. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/stprf.htm (accessed 05/09).

Why Are They Normal? 

Why DO I Have Insulin Resistance? 

How did I go from from being able to work out 6 days a week and being the perfect weight to OBESE and barely able to move, breathe and be in chronic pain?

I did not change anything and within 4 days I gained 40lbs, then in another week another 30lbs. It just went on & on.

Three years later and I am only down 24LBs and I still have another 58lbs to lose. 

It is very hard to lose massive weight when I can't breathe when I try to increase my exercise intensity and time, and struggle with chronic debilitating pain.

When I buy organic I Do FEEL Much Better, have more energy, my body feels less toxic.

Perhaps This Can Help Others With Obesity And Insulin Resistance


Are pesticides really harmful? 

Here's what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says: "By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm. Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms."

A scan of the research on the chemicals most commonly used against insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, and disease leaves no question that these substances cause adverse effects, from cancer and neurological problems to nervous system damage and birth defects.

Some research has even indicated a possible association between pesticide use and obesity and insulin resistance.

SOURCES:
1. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. What is a Pesticide? http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/index.htm (accessed 5/09).
2. Pesticide Action Network Pesticide Database. http://pesticideinfo.org/ (accessed 05/09).
3. Lim, Soo, Sun Young Ahn, In Chan Song, Myung Hee Chung, Hak Chul Jang, Kyong Soo Park, Ki-Up Lee, Youngmi Kim Pak, and Hong Kyu Lee. 2009. Chronic Exposure to the Herbicide, Atrazine, Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Insulin Resistance. PLoS One 4, no. 4. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2664469&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract (accessed 05/09).

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Why I Create Recipes

Of course I can always use anyone's recipes of which there are TONS all over the Internet.

That being said, I prefer to control my own levels of salt, sugar, fat, spices, protein, grains, carbs, etc... I have had more trips to the ER for allergy issues in the last 3 years then I ever wanted to have.

My hope is that by creating my own recipes and using more wholesome products: 

  1. Farmer's Market Produce
  2. Frozen Fruits Without Sugar Added
  3. Frozen Vegetables With Very Little Sodium
  4. Gluten-Free Grains
  5. Sea Salt 
  6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  7. Extra Virgin Sesame Oil
  8. Grass Fed Beef 
  9. Wild Caught Salmon
  10. Wild Caught Trout
  11. Sardines Imported From Morocco or Portugal in Olive Oil
  12. Antibiotic Free Range Chicken
  13. RGB Free Greek Yogurt
  14. Omega Three Fat Free High Protein Milk
  15. Organic Foods
  16. Rice, Soy, Nut Milks Made in My Vitamix Using The Item Plus Water

Usually then I do not have to worry about getting sick and more ER Trips from products which have items I am allergic to that do not list it on the product.

I Know Am I Not The Only One Who Lives Daily With Chronic Pain From Fibromyalgia

A NEW RECOMMENDED BOOK and RELATED TITLES on FIBROMYALGIA
(on amazon.com)


Wright, H. Norman. Coping with Chronic Illness: *Neck and Back Pain *Migraines *Arthritis *Fibromyalgia*Chronic Fatigue *And Other Invisible Illnesses

[Paperback]
List Price:      $12.99
Price: $11.04 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.
You Save:      $1.95 (15%)
In Stock. Only 3 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).
22 new from $8.06; 6 used from $8.16; Kindle Edition $9.99 Available for download now.

Product Details

    * Paperback: 240 pages
    * Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2010)
    * Language: English
    * ISBN-10: 0736927069
    * ISBN-13: 978-0736927062
    * Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
    * Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  
Customer Reviews
1 Review 5.0 out of 5 stars
The author understands chronic pain, May 23, 2010
By E. Joseph "mom of two within two" (Maryland)
Living in chronic pain is so difficult. Most people are sympathetic but cannot really understand what it is like to live this way. The authors are compassionate and make me feel as if somebody understands and cares. I would give this book to anybody I know that is struggling with a chronic illness. The support I feel when reading this book is better than any counselor I have ever talked too.

Editorial Review
Nearly 1 in 2 Americans suffer from some chronic condition—either an illness like fibromyalgia or conditions such as migraine headaches or chronic neck and back pain.  With numbers like these, it’s fair to say we have a health crisis on our hands.

Respected therapist H. Norman Wright, along with Lynn Ellis, a researcher with firsthand experience with fibromyalgia, lupus, and chronic fatigue, shares practical, hopeful answers for those who suffer from what are often called “invisible illnesses.”

Readers will benefit from realizing they are not alone even if others don’t understand what they are experiencing. They will also find:

    * helpful ideas for managing relationships with their doctors and their families
    * insight into God’s perspective and caring for those who suffer
    * practical ways to manage the stress, fear, and depression that often comes with chronic illness

Coping with Chronic Illness is the perfect resource for those who struggle as well as for their families and friends, lay counselors, medical professionals, and pastors.

 H. Norman Wright . Coping with Chronic Illness: *Neck and Back Pain *Migraines *Arthritis *Fibromyalgia*Chronic Fatigue *And Other Invisible Illnesses
Excerpt
Introduction [revised, w/notes and additions by JKR]

Can You Relate?
If you suffer from chronic illness...or know someone who does, you know how frustrating it can be. One day you feel relatively great...the next day you can hardly  move or get out of bed because of the pain. One minute you're straightening up the house of garage and the next instant you're exhausted. You see-saw between up times and down times, never knowing when either will start or stop. It makes life hard and unpredictable and uncontrollable. It doesn't go away. CFIDS=Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome.

There is no cure. Specific blood tests can indicate immune system malfunction. Tests can show inflammation throughout the body. Very isolated at home and suffered from situational depression. Drug side effects made her drowsy. An uncertain future. Unable to work, feel useless.

Went to Center for Special Immunology in Orange Cty CA for treatment. Don't look ill. Soft tissue disease affecting muscles, ligaments etc. When it flares up, it is debilitating. Requires pain meds. Difficult to walk, stand for periods of time, do basic tasks. Some days she is nearly normal. She does not know from day to day, what she will be able to do or how she will feel. A blessing, a rebirth vs. losses. Keep in touch with people who can humor you, provide companionship, share info. Get practical help. No control. Helplessness. Stress without relief. Illness takes over and regulates her life. Largly unrecognized.

Need people to listen, offer help, ask what is needed. Touch, hug. Speak gently. Pray. Overwhelmed by the pain. But it does pass. See beauty. Need a loving family and supportive friends and neighbors.

          In 1987, 90 Million Americans had a chronic illness.
                   In 1998, 120 M,
                             In 2030, probably 171 M.

Prolonged, doesn't resolve spontaneously, rarely cured completely. Cope, make adjustments, live in spite of it. Life of uncertainty. Physical and mental anguish. Invisible symptoms only you are aware of and feel. No repetitive pattern. Cognitive impairment, incontinence. Incapacitated. Chaos.

Have to get more sleep. Have to pay the price for exhertion and self-manage. Headache, neckache, feel less than, weak, unreliable, guilt, low self-esteem,
People judge you, don't understand, disbelieve you, are indifferent, show pity rather than support. Confinement. Boredom, neglect, abandonment, dehumanized.

Other Related Titles:

                      Just Fine: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness And Pain      4.9 out of 5 stars (28)$10.85

                      A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with Chronic Illness 4.3 out of 5 stars (3)$15.40

                      Chronically Happy: Joyful Living In Spite Of Chronic Illness 4.8 out of 5 stars (15) $12.95

                      Linda Meilink. What Your Doctor Doesn't Know about Fibromyalgia: What You Need to Know That Could    Save Your Life

                      William Wilke. The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia (Cleveland Clinic Guides)

                      Jacob Teitelbaum. From Fatigued to Fantastic       4.6 out of 5 stars (49)       $11.56

                      Paul J. Donoghue. Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Liv...4.7 out of 5 stars (24)       $11.53

                      Susan Milstrey Wells. A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with...4.3 out of 5 stars (3)       $15.40

                     Susan Milstrey Wells. Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Ch... by Celeste Cooper R.N. 5.0 out of 5 stars (1)       $23.07


SUBJECTS
Coping with Problems & Illness
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Pain (Medical Aspects)
Coping with illness
Christian Ministry - Counseling & Recovery
Diseases - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Pain Management--Alternative treatment
Chronic diseases
Chronic pain--Psychological aspects
Christian Life - Physical Health
Chronic diseases - Psychological aspects
Chronic pain - Alternative treatment
Chronic pain - Psychosomatic aspects


ADS

Chronic Pain Information   www.FibroCenter.com - See If Your Chronic Pain May Be Fibromyalgia. Assess Your Symptoms.


Friday, August 6, 2010

My Favorite Prepared Protein Drink

Lactose Free, High Protein, Tastes Great, You Can Drink Room Temp or Cold, Tons of Vitamin & Minerals, No Sugar, Does Not Tastes Like Cardboard Like All The Other Products On The Market I Have Tried. Is Portable, The Double Size As In this PIC Can Be Re-Sealed. I drink Half before a workout to make sure I have enough protein to exercise and so my Blood Sugar is even and I drink the other Half  Two to three Hours Later.

My Sweetener of Choice

In my Opinion The Best Natural Sweetener On The Planet

I never use Honey in Anything I bake because it is not a Low Glycemic Product.  The AGAVE  does not raise by blood sugar levels and cause me to have a serious LOW as Honey would and has.  In addition I am also deathly allergic to BEE"S and found out that could be the reason why I always have difficulty consuming any food with HONEY in it at all.

Gluten Free Almond Bread

2 Egg Whites
1 Container Yoplait Plain Greek Yogurt
1 4 Oz Container Musscleman's No Sugar Added Applesauce
1 1/2 -2 Cups Mashed Bananas
1 TSP Torani Sugar-Free Vanlla Syrup Made With Splenda
1 TBSP Argo Aluminum Free Baking Powder
1 TBSP Cinnamon For Mix Sprinkle Some Extra On Top Prior TO Baking
1/3 Cup Splenda
8 Splenda Flavor For Coffee Mocha Sticks
1 TSP Xanthum Gum (Containers Sold At Health Food Stores or Online)
1 Cup Chopped Almonds
2 Cups Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour
1/4 TSP Agave Syrup
Deep Breadloaf Pan
Fat Free Cooking Spray
Large Mixing Bowl
Large Mixing Spoon
Electric Mixer

Pre-Heat Oven to 350 

Assemble all Items in Bowl And Blend With Mixer Until Smooth, Mixture Will Be soft
Pour Into Sprayed Breadloaf Pan, Sprinkle Some More Cinnamon on top or Nutmeg Powder (Not Ground Nutmeg but Powder ONLY) Bake for 1 Hour or Until Fork Comes Out Dry.





Everyone knows that I LUV Garlic on just about anything as well as my LUV of all things Okra. I especially LUV pickled OKRA that I buy at Angelo Caputo's Fresh Market in South Elgin, IL 


I bet that you NEVER knew okra originally came from what is now Ethiopia, over ten thousand years ago. It is used in African, Afro-Caribbean, and African American cuisine! In addition it is famously served by being sauteed, grilled, or pickled, it is often used as a thickener in stews and gumbos. The Food Network Guru: Guy Fieri always talks about Pickled OKRA which gave me some ideas.

1 Pound Small to Medium Fresh Okra, Cut Off Ends, Cut in Quarters
½ Cup Trader Joes Almond Meal
3 TBSP Freshly Squeezed Limes
1 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
1 Small Clove Garlic, Minced
1 TSP Fresh Minced Rosemary 
1 TSP Fresh Minced Basil
1 TSP Fresh Minced Oregano
1 TSP Coleman’s Powdered Mustard or Use Liquid Honey Mustard
¼ TSPSea Salt
¼ TSP Freshly Ground Black Pepper
4TBSP EVOO

In a large bowl pour cold water on the okra pieces to soak them.
Put in fridge and let them hang out & chill for 20 minutes. Transfer them to colander, rinse throughly in cold running water for 5 minutes. Place the strips back in bowl, cover with water, and refrigerate for an additional 20 minutes.

Remove for fridge and place okra back into the colander, rinse well under cold running water again for another 5 minutes, and let drain. With paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, pat the okra strips as much as possible to dry them (they will be slightly moist).
In a medium-size bowl, combine the okra strips with almond meal, and toss to coat well.
 
Make a vinaigrette by combining the lime juice, balsamic vinegar, coleman’s powdered mustard, garlic, rosemary, basil, oregano, pepper, and sea salt in a food processor or blender. Blend while slowly pouring in the olive oil.

In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook vinaigrette until it starts to sizzle with little bubbles. Pour in the okra mixture and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to brown (the pieces will start forming cakes). With a non-stick spatula, turn over the pieces and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until browning and crisp.

Transfer the okra to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Then arrange on a platter and serve hot.

Use Trader Joes Almond Meal for any veggie you think it could go with, like fried green tomatoes, squash, and etc.



Gluten Free Ovencakes

1 1/2 Cups Brown Rice Flour
1 TBSP Aluminum Free Baking Powder
1/3 cup Almond Oil
1-2 TSP Almond Meal
1/4TSP Agave Nectar, Additional If You Like
1 TSP Cinnamon
1 TSP Nutmeg
1 TSP Almond Extract
1/4 cup Wild Organic Frozen Blueberries, 
Cranberries or Peaches Semi-Thawed 
1/4 cup Hot Water
1 Bowl
1 Baking Sheet
1 Stirring Spoon
Parchment Paper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, Almond meal, and baking powder. 
Add oil, agave nectar, and almond extract to the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth. Pour the hot water over the mixture, and blend with hand mixer, taking care not to over-blend. Mixture should be thick but not lumpy. Add in your blueberries or whatever fruit you decide to use.

For each fruitcake, use an ice cream scoop of batter to place onto the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart.

Bake on the center rack for 12-14 minutes, rotating the sheet after 6 minutes. The fruitcakes will be done when golden brown and solid.
 
Let the fruitcakes cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then drizzle with cinnamon and nutmeg and more agave if you like. 
Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store the cooled fruitcakes in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper in refrigerator. 

Allow to warm to room temp to serve or microwave for seconds.

Broccoli Rapini/Rabe Plain or With Sausage

My Grilled Sweet Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Eggplant, Mushrooms, Along With Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burger, Topped  With My  Homemade Humus & My Homemade Tabbouleh, My Black bean Salad And The Rapini in this Recipe.



1 Bunch Broccoli Rapini/Rabe Cut
1/4 TSP Sea Salt
1 1/2 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil
1 LB Ground Sweet Mild Turkey Italian Sausage
2 Cloves Fresh Garlic Chopped or Use Garlic From Jar With Water
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Squeezed or Organic Lemon Juice
1 Skillet
1 Large Pot


Place broccoli rabe and salt in a large pot of boiling water. Cook 12 minutes, or until stems are tender. Drain and save 1 cup of your cooked liquid
Heat sausage 10 minutes in skillet over medium heat, or until evenly browned with your TSP of EVOO.
Remove sausage from skillet. 
Stir garlic into skillet, cook 20-40 seconds. 
Place broccoli rabe and extra liquid in pan, mix in 1/2 the lemon juice.
Return sausage to skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer approximately 10 minutes. 
Mix in remaining EVOO and lemon juice before serving
You can eliminate the meat & have this as a Veggie Broccoli Rapini/Rabe Dish As I Have In The PIC Here.