Honey Glazed Carrots

Salt

1 pound baby carrots

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lemon juice

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and then carrots and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the carrots and add back to pan with butter, honey and lemon juice. Cook until a glaze coats the carrots, 5 minutes. Season with salt.

Cornbread Stuffing- Wheat (Gluten), Diary, Egg Free

Bake 1 batch of wheat/diary/egg free cornbread

1 cup sweet onion, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

2 Tbsp canola oil

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried sage

1/4 cup Earth Balance Soy Free Spread (or the butter of your liking)

Salt to taste

Once the cornbread is cooled, break in to small pieces and dry in the oven (oven drying instructions).  Once the bread is dried, let it cool.  This makes about 6 cups of cornbread crumble.

In a saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and celery, season with salt.  Cook until onions are translucent.  Add the thyme, sage and butter, mix until butter is melted. 

Combine the breadcrumbs, onion and celery mix and 2 cups of turkey or chicken stock; I used the drippings from a turkey breast that I made in the slow cooker, since I am chicken free.  Spray a 2.5 Q. casserole dish with cooking spray, pour the stuffing mixture in and bake, covered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.  You can remove the top for the last 10 minutes if you prefer a crispy top.

Bean, Barley & Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

20 oz. package of dried beans (I used Hambeens 15 Bean Soup mix, minus the flavor packet)- rinsed, sorted and soaked overnight

1/2 cup  Pearl Barley

2 stalks Celery, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

3/4-1 onion, chopped

1 pkg. sliced mushrooms

2 oz. fresh spinach 

32 oz. Pacific Natural Foods Organic Mushroom Stock

32 oz. Pacific Natural Foods Natural Beef Stock

2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

2 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 tsp. salt

Directions:

Place all ingredients EXCEPT SPINACH in the Slow Cooker, stir and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours.  I turned my slow cooker on around 8pm and when I checked it at 8am this morning, it was a nice, thick and hearty consistency.  So, base your cooking time on your preferred consistency.

5 minutes before you're ready to eat, add the spinach and stir.

*For a variation on this recipe I would suggest adding some sausage.   I was making my daughter some Honeysuckle White turkey breakfast sausage and I think that would compliment this soup really well, but I can't have black pepper, which I am sure is included in the "spices" so I didn't add it.

This recipe is adapted from A Busy Mom's Slow Cooker Adventures Four Bean and Barley Soup, this is one of my favorite sites for recipe inspiration!

Week 3: Elimination Diet Review

I knew when I woke up Monday morning, that week three was going to be tough; I was dreaming about eating pizza Sunday night and that really set the tone for the week.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that I am down five pounds after two weeks, but the cravings I experienced Monday through Wednesday were a real low point for me.  I also realized on Tuesday that I purchased the wrong frozen macaroni and cheese, which threw a wrench in to my meal plan, hence my odd lunch selections for Thursday and Friday.  Thankfully, I was able to persevere and I did not succumb to the cravings, but it was tough.  Once I was over that hurdle, Friday presented me with gastrointestinal issues and I think that was due to consuming corned beef that I wasn't able to research before eating.  By Saturday, though, I was back in my rhythm and excited to meal plan for week 4, my final week on the Elimination Diet!  I'm again feeling confident in my food choices and the flavors I am able to create without the use of condiments. 

I do feel after three weeks, that I have had better rest and therefore more energy.  I am a sleeper, so nine hours of sleep per night is the minimum requirement for me.  Prior to this diet, one of my complaints to my physician was that I would wake in the morning feeling fatigued regardless of how much sleep I got the night before.  So, this is a welcome change for me, even thought it is slight improvement at this point.

Bring on week four!

Week 3: Elimination Diet Meal Plan

Monday

Lunch:

• Leftovers

Dinner:

• Tacos & Refried Beans

Tuesday

Lunch:

• Leftovers

Dinner:

• Sweet Italian Sausage, Rice & Goat Cheese Stuffed Red Peppers

Wednesday
Lunch:

• Leftovers

Dinner:

• Cooking Light Chipotle Pork
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Orange Dressed Romaine & Avocado Salad with Craisins

Thursday

Lunch:

• Baked Sweet Potato
• Vegetables and Hummus

Dinner:

• Corned Beef
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Mashed Potatoes

Friday

Lunch: 

• Oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins 

Dinner:

• Baked Orange Roughy
• Alexia Yukon Gold Julienne Fries- Follow Alexia All Natural on Facebook for $1 off coupons (while supplies last)
• Honey Glazed Carrots

Sorbet

Saturday
Lunch: 

• Amy's Macaroni & Cheeze

Dinner:

• Ground Turkey Kofta Kebabs- this recipe calls for Ground Lamb, but I had Ground Turkey on hand- it was FANTASTIC!
• Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Spicy Shrimp

This recipe is from the Glycemic Index for Dummies Cookbook.  I HIGHLY recommend this book for individuals suffering from PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), such as myself.

We loved this recipe!  The marinade is robust, however it provided the ideal flavor combination with the shrimp.  We enjoyed our Grilled Spicy Shrimp with grilled veggie kabobs and long grain rice.

Week 2: Elimination Diet Review

I have felt much more comfortable making food choices in week 2, menu planning was much easier and when it came time to do my week 3 meal plan, it was a breeze!  I've found that I am eating a lot more fruit, now if I could just bring my veggie consumption up to snuff.  I do long for a slice of pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella, I can't seem to find a viable substitution for that :)

As far as symptoms are concerned, I have suffered from chronic sinusitis and unfortunately the weather has been less than cooperative here, so my environmental allergies have really kicked up.  So, I have to say I have not seen any relief in that respect.  I have, however, lost another pound (that's 4 total), which I have not been able to do in ages.  I said it following week 1 and I'll say it again, I am noticeably less "swollen" in my abdomen area.  I have also suffered from fatigue and I can say at this point, I have not seen an improvement.  Here's hoping week 3 brings some new relief!

My husband pointed out a new "bad habit" last night and I am really going to make sure I am cognizant of it moving forward; he says I am "over salting" everything.  I am using sea salt and I previously didn't cook with much salt, but we both think I am using it as a crutch since I have to create my own black-pepper free seasonings.  So, I am going to make sure I don't use too much salt, the last thing I need is high blood pressure or water retention!

Finally, our daughter is thriving on her wheat free diet.  Her eczema was completely clear by the end of week 1 and it has remained that way.  I don't know if it is coincidence but, she has also been going to bed easier and sleeping very well!  I thought we were up for a challenge when I found out they would be cupcakes at daycare on Thursday for a birthday, thankfully I had a heads up on this and sent her some Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Brownie cookies and they said she was perfectly happy with those, yay!

Week 1: Elimination Diet In Review

I'm a person who loves food and flavor, so I have to admit I was terrified to start this diet.  No vinegar=no condiments and if you could see my refrigerator, you would understand my angst.  I love hot sauce, salad dressing and everything in between!  Then to take away black pepper and soy, I felt my flavor options were limited.  But, I have to say I surprised myself;  I was able to create flavorful meals that my entire family enjoyed. 

I admit that this program takes a lot of preparation and planning, especially since I have a little one whose daycare menu I am trying to replicate so she feels "normal".  I found that batch cooking and freezing really helped in my strategy for her lunches.  I also found that my first trip to the grocery store armed with a meal plan (roughly based on the sale ad) took much longer than normal due to all of the label reading.  Thankfully, Kroger has a great natural food section, so I had a great selection to work with.

From a health standpoint, after one week without wheat my daughter's eczema is gone!  Shame on me for neglecting to take a "before" photo.  I am astonished that her half-dollar size, red and irritated looking spot of eczema is GONE!  We are so thrilled!

Personally, I've noticed that I feel full- longer after meals, I've lost three pounds (something I haven't been able to do in 7  months) and my belly size has decreased.  I know the last statement is somewhat unusual, but I chalk that up to a decrease in gastrointestinal swelling, not the slight weight loss.  One week in to the program and I am feeling much more comfortable with the choices I am making.  We had a large social gathering at our home on Saturday and I as able to make certain that my daughter and I had food options, so we were not "tempted" to consume things we shouldn't.  It went very well and I am pleased to say I avoided all allergens even though the temptation was there (thanks mom for bringing a double chocolate cheesecake).  I am not yet confident enough to dine out, but I think I can manage to avoid that for four weeks.  I'm looking forward to what week 2 will bring!

Week 2: Elimination Diet Meal Plan

I'm sticking with what works and continuing with my daily breakfast and snack options for this week. 


DailyBreakfast: Smoothie & Lara Bar


Fruit Smoothie
Frozen Traditional Fruit Mix from Kroger, 1/2 c. Almond Milk, 1/2 c. Coconut Milk, Honey to taste. Blend together.


Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
1 banana, 1/4 cup each almond and coconut milk, 2 Tbsp organic peanut butter, 1 Tbsp honey, handful of ice. Blend together.

Lara Bar- I LOVE the peanut butter chocolate chip and chocolate chip brownie


Snack 1: Fresh Fruit


Snack 2: Homemade Trail Mix

• Combine- Walnuts, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Banana Chips, Raisins, Craisins, Dried Pineapple and Dried Apricots. I make a 1 gallon zip bag at a time and a serving is a handful.

Monday
Lunch:

• Leftover Bean Soup

Dinner:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
• Cornbread Stuffing
• Brussel Sprouts

Tuesday
Lunch:

• Leftover Turkey Dinner

Dinner:

• Grilled Lime Shrimp Kabobs with Pineapple, Mushrooms, Zucchini & Summer Squash
• Long grain brown rice

Wednesday
Lunch: Amy's Kitchen Gluten Free, Non-Dairy Macaroni & Cheeze


Dinner:

• Grilled Herb Pork Tenderloin
• Asparagus
• Roasted Potatoes & Yams with Lesley Elizabeth Shallots, Scallions & Leeks grape seed oil

Thursday
Lunch:

• Amy's Kitchen Macaroni & Cheeze

Dinner:

• Slow Cooker Boiled Dinner (Ham, Cabbage, Carrots, Potatoes)

Friday
Lunch:

• Leftover Boiled Dinner

Dinner:

• Baked Orange Roughy
• Simmered Spicy Black Beans
• Steamed Broccoli

Saturday

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner:

• Grilled Hamburgers
• Steamed Broccoli & Carrots
• Pan Fried Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes

Sunday

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner:

• Porterhouse Steak
• Steamed Broccoli
• Sherry Mushroom Brown Rice

Goat Cheese, Spinach, Ham & Carmelized Onion Pizza

Using the Namaste Foods Gluten Free Pizza Crust mix (this mix is wheat, dairy, egg and soy free) I first made a traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese pizza for my daughter.  I decided to increase the initial cooking time based on the consistency of this first pizza. For my second pizza I opted for a goat cheese, spinach, ham and caramelized onion as toppings (adapted from this recipe: Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion & Basil Flatbread).  I baked the crust for 25 minutes, before topping instead of the suggested 20 minutes and then an additional 10 after topping.  The result was a crust that was crispy on the bottom, but a little chewy in the middle, but the crispy edges were great!  The flavor combination of this pizza was outstanding, I’ll just have to work on perfecting the crust!

Pizza crust baked on a pizza stone

Goat Cheese, Spinach, Ham & Caramelized Onion Pizza

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing on the bread
1 sweet onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
3 slices Hormel Natural Ham (sliced)
2 ounces goat cheese
2 cups baby spinach

Heat the olive oil in a fry pan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and salt and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The heat should be low enough that the onions sizzle quietly but don't brown too quickly. Add the sugar and continue to cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions are dark golden and a darker brown crust begins to form on the bottom of the skillet. Pick up the dark brown bits and stir them into the onions, then turn off the heat and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare your gluten free pizza crust as directed.

When your onions are complete, remove from the pan and add your 2 cups of pre-washed (and dried) spinach.  Saute until wilted, then place on paper towel to absorb and excess water.

Once your crust is baked, brush a bit of olive oil on and sprinkle on some sea salt. Scatter the spinach, onions and ham evenly over the crust and crumble the goat cheese on top. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is beginning to melt.

Remove from the oven and cut into pieces.

The finished product

Tomato Free Guacamole

3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled

1 lime, juiced

½ red pepper, diced

½ medium onion, diced (optional)

1 tsp minced garlic (optional)

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp cayenne pepper

½ tsp dried cilantro

In a large bowl, mash the avocado with the lime juice.  Add in the salt and spices, mix well.  Fold in the garlic, red pepper and onion.  Serve immediately.

Served with Xochtil Brand Gluten Free Tortilla Chips

Tip: To store guacamole without it turning brown, place in an air tight container.  Then place plastic wrap directly over the guacamole, so no air can get between the plastic wrap and the guacamole.  Place the lid on the container and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Week 1: Elimination Diet Meal Plan

This meal plan contains NO brewer's yeast (this includes vinegar, tea, coffee), black pepper, chicken, dairy, eggs, soy, tomato and wheat


Daily
Breakfast: Smoothie & Lara Bar

Fruit Smoothie
Frozen Traditional Fruit Mix from Kroger, 1/2 c. Almond Milk, 1/2 c. Coconut Milk, Honey to taste.  Blend together.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
1 banana, 1/4 cup each almond and coconut milk, 2 Tbsp organic peanut butter, 1 Tbsp honey, handful of ice.  Blend together.

Lara Bar- I LOVE the peanut butter chocolate chip and chocolate chip brownie

Snack 1: Fresh Fruit


Snack 2: Homemade Trail Mix

• Combine- Walnuts, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Banana Chips, Raisins, Craisins, Dried Pineapple and Dried Apricots.  I make a 1 gallon zip bag at a time and a serving is a handful.

Monday
Lunch:

• Amy's Kitchen Dairy Free Rice Macaroni & Cheeze
• Fresh veggies and homemade hummus

Dinner:

•  Grilled Strip Steak seasoned with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika
• Brown rice with Earth Balance Soy Free spread and fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Steamed asparagus

Dessert:

• Alternative Baking Company- Fudge Indulgence Cookie

Tuesday
Lunch:

• Ham Roll Up- Hormel Natural Choice Honey Ham, spread with goat cheese, wrapped around red and orange pepper slices
• Pop Chips
• Grapes

Dinner:

• Pizza- Namaste Gluten Free Pizza Crust topped with Hormel Natural Choice Honey Ham, spinach, caramelized onions and goat cheese
• Side salad of fresh veggies with lemon and olive oil

Dessert:

• Enjoy Life Double Chocolate Brownie Cookie

Wednesday
Lunch:

• Goat Cheese, Spinach Ham & Caramelized Onion Hash
• Stretch Island Fruit Leather

Dinner:

• Grilled Turkey Breast
• Sauteed Garlic & Lemon Veggies with Polenta

Thursday
Lunch:

• Leftover Sauteed Garlic & Lemon Veggies with Polenta

Dinner:

• Black Bean & Yam Stew
• Tortilla Chips & Tomato Free Guacamole

Friday
Lunch:

• Leftover Black Bean & Yam Stew
• Fritos

Dinner:

• Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
• Steamed Broccoli
• Tortilla Chips, Mango Salsa & Guacamole

Saturday
Breakfast: I decided to deviate from my smoothie since it was Saturday

• Hormel Natural Choice Bacon
• Rice Chex & Almond Breeze Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk

Lunch:Dinner:

• Frontier Soups- Minnesota Heartland 11-Bean Soup with smoked ham shanks
• Gluten, Dairy & Egg Free Corn Muffins

Sunday
Lunch:

• Picnic of Hormel Natural Choice Honey Ham and Roasted Turkey Breast
• Fresh fruit
• Sliced veggies
• El Milagro Tortilla Chips and Garden Fresh Gourmet Greek Hummus

Dinner:

• Goat Cheese, Spinach Ham & Caramelized Onion Hash

• Grilled Hamburgers (seasoned with onion  powder, garlic powder, salt, chili powder & smoked paprika)
• Cascadian Farm Spud Puppies
• Whole Kernel Corn