Friday, March 4, 2016

To Eat or Not To Eat


After eating bread, pizza or anything else containing yeast, I almost immediately contract a yeast infection.  My Shih Tzu is the same way, but in her ears. And yes, the smell is just as funky. No bread or pizza for her either! No amount of candida-fighting herbs stop the madness. This makes perfect sense since yeast is a member of the fungus kingdom and I already have an anaphylaxis-type allergic-reaction to most fungus-derived products including penicillin-based antibiotics, mushrooms and mold. Besides baked goods, yeast can also be found in soups, sauces, juices and other food stuffs. Besides the previous, this is now added to the mounting list of items to avoid that create unhealthy reactions in my body (MSG, cabbage, kale, pollens, bee stings). Needless to say, Benadryl, inhaler and Epi Pen are always on hand. I often joke that I need to get a medical alert bracelet with allergy charms so at least it would look more like I’m fashionable than a walking time bomb! #inventionidea

Last year, all of a sudden, my 12-year-old became very ill. After several doctor’s visits and medical tests, no one could figure out why she was having constant abdominal issues. If it wasn’t coming out one end, it was coming out the other. After 3 months and the loss of 10 lbs. on her already small frame, I took matters into my own hands. During my investigations and inquiries, I found out her paternal grandfather had and paternal aunt has celiac disease. Although she didn’t test positive for celiac, I stripped everything I am allergic to plus now gluten out of her diet. Thankfully, months later she is much better!

Pre-packaged gluten-free, yeast-free foods can be very expensive so I am learning which stores carry which products at the best price. I also tweak kid-friendly recipes from old cookbooks, revamp on-line concoctions and try new ideas altogether with much trial and error. Therefore, if you are in search of organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, organic, yeast-free recipes with no MSG or hydrogenated oils, I will be happy to share my successful experimentations.

The following protein-filled bites are one of my favorites because of their versatility for breakfast on the run, lunch fillers, road trips, before and after work-outs or just a quick snack between meals. The thing I absolutely love best about this recipe is that it gives my daughter experience working in the kitchen, unsupervised if necessary, without any of the dangers that can come with cooking. These tasty treats can be stored in the refrigerator for freshness.

Energy Bites

2 cups raw gluten-free oats

1 ½ cups shredded coconut

1 cup mini chocolate chips or carob chips

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 cup natural peanut butter

2/3 cup honey

 

Mix dry ingredients well, then add peanut butter and honey. Mix well*. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour. Roll into 1” balls. Makes about 24

 

*mixing with hands is easier, more fun and can be therapeutic, plus you get to lick your fingers afterwards J