One Sensitive Foodie: July 2011

Welcome Friends!

Welcome Friends! I am so grateful for all who have shared their stories of food-related hurts and healings. It is an ever-evolving journey for me, and I have relied upon others who have held similar experiences for comfort, empathy, knowledge and support. In this blog, I share some of my personal experiences as well as some of my favorite foods. I am currently on a grain-free diet, very similar to the Paleo diet. Having multiple food sensitivities as well as hypoglycemia, I have taken liberties with the diet, such as using agave nectar instead of honey. I'm aware of the great agave debate, but keeping my blood sugar low takes priority. I use such small quantities, that it is a non-issue for me. In addition, I still use cream in my coffee as well as a few other dairy products sparingly. I have given up so many beloved foods, that I am stubborn when it comes to dairy. Also, when I am really craving a starch, I will eat quinoa, buckwheat, lentils or beans. Again, it isn't very often, and these foods have some very healthful benefits as well. However, I find I feel my best when following most closely to the Paleo diet, eating large quantities of vegetables and animal protein. It isn't a philisophical choice for me, but rather a choice to feed my body what it seems to need for optimum performance-pain free, clear-headed, energetic and balanced. I hope you find something here that looks delicious even though your diet may look quite different than mine. Good food transends across the boundries of "diet." Enjoy!

7.10.2011

Italian Turkey Stir-Fry

Again, I was inspired by one of Sarah Fragoso's Everyday Paleo recipe, Puerto Rican Beef. It's a wonderful combination of flavors served on mashed sweet potatoes. I have high iron levels, therefore use red meat sparingly, but this is delicious with ground turkey or chicken. The Italian flavor profile of my version reminds me a bit of a Cacciatore. Feel free to play with the flavors and vegetables. It would be delish over spaghetti squash for a heartier meal. Serves 4 in about 25 minutes. Enjoy!

1 pound of ground turkey (Organic Prarie or Harvestland is what I usually have on hand)
1 white onion, medium chop
2 Tbls Italian Seasoning
Dash of crushed red pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 each of red and green bell pepper
1 bunch of chard and stems, rough chop
14 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice (Costco has cases of S&W organic)
1 cup green olives, rough chop

In a wok or large skillet, brown turkey, adding onion when turkey is almost done
Stir in seasoning
Add peppers and chard. Cook, stiring frequently until mostly wilted, 5 minutes-ish
Add tomatoes, heat through
Stir in green olives and serve

7.02.2011

Blueberry Coconut Pancakes

Although I love eggs for breakfast, sometimes blueberry pancakes are exactly what I crave with my morning coffee. In order to keep it low on the glycemic index I use fruit only jam or just some butter and a little agave. My kids love it with warmed maple syrup, though. Feel free to eat yours however your craving demands.

3 eggs
1 Tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
1 Tbsp Agave
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 Tbsp coconut flour
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix all ingredients except blueberries in a blender until smooth
Place 1/4 cup batter on hot oiled grill (I use butter or coconut oil), sprinkle blueberries onto batter on grill
Flip when browned on underside of pancake. These don't bubble like traditional pancakes, so I just look and flip when ready.

Enjoy!