Category Archives: New perspective

Gluten Free Subscription Box

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So, I’ve tried them… various gluten free boxes with minimal products, stocked full of the same ole, same ole or worse… just a few measly samples. Ugh. 

When I had the option to try American Gluten Free @americanglutenfree I was skeptical because of these experiences. 

However, all I had to do was open the box to realize this was different. Very different. 

What a shock to see the box lipping full of products that were generous samples and even full size. Many of them were free from additional allergies too. (Which allowed me to share them with the kids). 

I was additionally surprised that they were healthy and delicious. Clearly, they take extra care in choosing who they partner with and take pride in delivering value to celiacs who need tasty and creative snack options!

If you want a fun surprise shipped to you without the hassle, check them out!

Gluten free mushrooms

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While I’m detoxing, I need extra flavor and extra veggies. This recipe combines both with flair!

Spray skillet with oil of choice

Wash and slice one basket whole fresh mushrooms

Place mushrooms in skillet over medium heat

Add 1/4c GF worchester sauce 

Add 1/8c Boar’s head spicy mustard

Simmer and turn until they darken.

Eat alone or add to a bowl of quinoa kale. I used Path of Life frozen mix from Costco below.

Sweet potato chicken 

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I love sweet potatoes!

I also love that they are allowed on a healthy, get fit menu. They can be used in so many ways and are abundant with natural sweetness.

In this recipe I tried something new, with what I had on hand and it turned out fabulous!

This is made in my //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gftifshealtht-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01B1VC13K&asins=B01B1VC13K&linkId=66a3b8ea209f1a8f15c24c4600e880d8&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=e629dd&title_color=e633c8&bg_color=faf5fa” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Fagor pressure cooker, otherwise referred to as the “magic pot”. I consider it magic because of the meals that can be made in just minutes.

Add two cups of water to clean pot.

Peel and rinse 6-8 small sweet potatoes and add to pot.

Cover with 1/2 c applesauce

Add 4 frozen chicken breasts

Cover with a full jar of Trader Joe’s peach salsa

Cook on pressure setting for 10 minutes.


Voila!

Skinny fit… day 1

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I’m on a 14 day journey to try out Skinny Fit Detox Tea. 

I’ve been wanting to do a cleanse and I liked the wholesome ingredients and lack of allergens and laxatives in this one. 


Upon opening the bag I was overwhelmed by the fresh berry smell and pleased to see mesh bags.


The taste is subtle, pleasing and easy to consume. It wasn’t mediciny, bitter or harsh. If anything it smelled more like berries than it tasted but it was good. 

I will be drinking this am and pm as it’s recommended once or twice daily. I will also be eating a Whole Foods, clean diet. Lord knows there’s no tea, detox or other magical cure that can work in its own. 

I’ve been eating “fun” for awhile now and my body has a lot to overcome. Let’s give this a go!

Bubbles. Bubbles. Pop, please.

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Normally, bubbles are fun, relaxing and even clean! However, spewing out of the dishwasher is not where I want to see them.

This morning my daughter did the dishes for me and added dawn instead of cascade. Suddenly, my dishwasher sounded like it had an upset stomach.

Upon asking for help from friends and googling, I found several solutions including salt, vinegar and olive oil. It wasn’t working but I felt like I should throw in a couple of eggs, a dash of vanilla and a cup of gf baking mix just to round things out. 

Another solution said to scoop out the bubbles, wipe things down and start again. One even said to wait a day! I have never known a bubbling agent to deactivate by sitting. Feeling frustrated, I tried one more suggestion and filled the dispenser on both sides with fabric softener and prayed. 

Within three minutes of turning on the rinse cycle the bubbles disappeared and the washer started draining again. What a relief! 

Gluten Free Trader Joes

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The staple gluten free items available at Trader Joe’s are endless and cost effective. If you are lucky enough to have access to one near your home or while traveling, you will find consistency in their offerings. 

While on our current trip to Chicago, I was able to score a room at the Homewood suites. We like staying here because one room has a living area with a fold out sofa for the kids as well as a refrigerator, stove and microwave. 

This allows us to pop into Trader Joe’s, pick up some favorites and be prepared for back up meals.

My typical buy list (at home) consists of:

Gluten free rolled oats

Gluten free pretzels

Joe Joe’s Gluten free cookies

BBQ sauce

Gluten free chicken breast nuggets (frozen)

Gluten free multi grain bread

Gluten free cornbread mix

Gluten free mini chicken tacos (frozen)

Broccoli and kale slaw (bag mix)

Organic creamy tomato soup

Taco seasoning mix!!! (I use it for chili too)

Fruit bars (variety)

Individual bags kettle corn

On the road, these help us out:


Add to it their gorgeous and affordable flowers, fresh fruit a plenty and variety of vegetables (chopped, frozen and in fresh picked form) and you have more than enough variety for a cost effective, allergy friendly diet. 

In the frozen veggie section you can also find chopped cauliflower, shelled edamame, shredded carrots, organic corn and more!

Stop in. Grab a list of gluten free options from the desk and shop a plenty!

Yoga is so… hot!

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Yes, it’s hot. I suppose that’s why it’s called hot yoga. However, it serves with double meaning, as a noun and and adjective. 

As one of the most trendy forms of exercise today, hot yoga is HOT on the market; new, popular, exciting and a must try. 

Now, lets discuss the temperature. Yes, it’s hot. Blazing. Overwhelming. But stay with me. It’s worth trying. 

The first time my friend tried to introduce me I freaked. I hate being hot. I hate sweating. I wondered how I could possibly enjoy this activity. But I went…

Before I get to the results, let me give you a few tips on how to prepare. Eat light. I like evening classes. Those are not the days for Mexican food for lunch unless you want to try and fight to keep in down during class. Eat things that your body will easily digest, it will serve as fuel and not be sitting in your gut while you are trying to fold your body in half.

Next, drink an electrolyte drink before class. You will be hot. You will sweat. You need to prep your body so you don’t pass out or feel dizzy. My doctor recommended Endura from Metagenics. It works amazing for me, is gluten free and doesn’t contain extra sugars or unnatural ingredients.

Take a yoga mat and a beach towel to lay over the top to soak up sweat. Yes, even princesses sweat enough in hot yoga to need something to soak it up and help you maintain your footing. 

Last, take a hand towel that is absorbent, a water bottle that is completely full of ice, wear a headband and wear compression type yoga shorts and a tank top. There are skilled people who use yoga pants (even extra long ones) but as you are adjusting to the temps, it will make your body happy to breath. 

Back to my experience…

I started slow, took breaks when I needed them and I tried the poses as best I could. I quickly realized that my body was much more flexible than I expected, I detoxed all the gunk out of my pores and I made it! Then, after a cool shower, I slept like a baby. The. Best. Sleep.

So, if you are considering it but unsure, try it! Try the 60 minute class first (as opposed to the 90) but try it. Most will let you try a class, attend as a guest or use a “community”rate/class so you don’t have to sign up without knowing if you like it. 

I go to The Hot Room Indianapolis and they offer an introductory rate for the first month to get you hooked. It works. 

Gluten free meals, fast

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I’m convinced that if my life were in TV it would be a timed cooking show. You know… here’s eight random ingredients, two hungry kids and thirty minutes until bedtime… now go!

That’s why it’s always a good idea for me to have gluten free corn dogs, chicken nuggets and frozen burgers on hand.

I’d love to say that I could think of something palatable to make out of avocado, apples, frozen hamburger meat, eggs and almond milk. Chances are pretty good, even if I were to whip it up, I would receive a big, fat “eww gross” from my mini audience.

I’ve vowed to try and take some of my kids favorite restaurant meals and replicate them in house. This will save time, money and the entertainment factor of our traveling road show, at bedtime.

Considering my narrow window for meal consumption, the prep time needs to be virtually non-existent. That’s why most of my meals can be completed in thirty minutes.

A couple of things I avoid when cooking are large prep times and mixing blends of flours. No thank you. I will be utilizing mixes whenever possible.

Check out some of my easy recipes for families on the go!

A hint… my favorite appliance is the
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The cost of the “SALE”

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Last week my son asked me why everyone knows about it, if it’s a secret. Of course, we were sitting in the car, parked in front of the mall, reading the window signs indicating the final days of a semi-annual sale on underwear.

His follow up question, once we went inside, was “why are there so many butts hanging out.” Yes, he was referring to the mannequin  displays… this time. 

I absolutely love the perspective this kid brings to my life. He often makes me stop and ask myself questions about things that I pass as normal. I have never thought odd, the name of the store or how the products were displayed. Until now.

So, what is healthy about underwear shopping with a seven year old boy, you ask. Not a thing… other than my perspective. Up to that point I hadn’t really thought about looking at my shopping experience differently. 

I had popped in just for the sale. I don’t normally go there unless I’m intending to redeem a free underwear coupon and on this day, I was fresh out. 

I loaded up my arms with items that sort of fit my needs, in colors I wouldn’t normally buy and took them home without trying them on. 

As a marketer I understand the sale tactic and yet, it wasn’t until I got home that I realized I fell victim to it. Big time. 

To recover, I took it all back. I bought 5 pairs of my favorite underwear, in styles I liked and one bra in my favorite fit and a color, for everyday wear. Then I got a refund of nearly $60. 

Lesson? Yes, you save money if you just buy what you like, even if it costs more ($50 bra vs sale $19.99 bra) and there is a cost to hitting up a sale… no butts about it. 

Gluten free travel – GO!

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Most celiac’s have anxiety when traveling. The thought of having to find a place to eat that is safe, is overwhelming. In fact, it often distracts from the joy that the adventure can bring. 

I have tried to take on a completely different perspective when traveling. In fact, one of the most exciting parts of traveling to new places is discovering what types of gluten-free food they have it in those areas. 

Granted, I tend to take back-up supplies with me such as think thin peanut butter bars, beef jerky and packets of gluten free instant oatmeal, as well as a few other nonperishables, but in most cases I don’t need them.

With the exception of Mexico, and other countries without clean water sources, I can always rely on fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement my diet as well.

However, I have found there to be a plethora of options in most cities that are exciting, enjoyable and safe to consume.

My favorite places to travel to have been:

Seattle, WA

Columbus, OH

Chicago, IL

San Juan, Puerto Rico

London, England

Keep an open mind, download the “find me gluten free” app, do a bit of online research before you go and pack a few resources just in case. But don’t be afraid to travel, instead be excited to find the next big thing in gluten free!