De-lish & Healthy Meals

As all of you may know me, I have gone through every single food "trend" imaginable. Gluten free, dairy free, gluten free and dairy free, sugar free, low carb, high protein, no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives, all organic,VEGAN, the list goes on. I will say, it is so hard to maintain a lot of these on more than a few month basis. For me at least. I must have some form of ADD I just cannot completely commit.

What has been most successful for me concidering I have struggled with acne and stomach issues my entire adult life is sticking to a fresh, clean diet.  I am an advocate of a high protein diet just because it seems to fill me up and KEEP me full. Dairy free and gluten free with a low sugar diet is wonderful.

My skin tends to clear up when I am off the combination gluten and dairy free. Sugar is another culprit for acne break outs. Whatever you eat comes out through your skin. If your body is simply not agreeing with food you eat you will experience the symptoms. Gas, bloating, fatigue. In my case skin issues. I hate it but when I eat clean I notice a difference in my skin and energy levels.
In all my research I have come to love Natural News. Check out the website for more information.
 http://www.naturalnews.com/024279_skin_acne_causes.html

My tips:
*Eat proteins for each meal with a large side of greens.
*Limit fruits as it still acts as sugar ( a good sugar but too much of anything isn't always good)
*8 oz of water each day. This is my problem too. I forget to drink my fluids but you will see glowing results when you are getting enough water. Plus your energy will reflect in your hydration as well.
* Increase fats, good fats. Avocados, flax, olive oil.
*LIMIT SUGAR. If you have a craving eat fruit, smoothies, or a dark piece of choc. My personal fav is dark chocolate covered almonds.
* Try not to drink any other fluids other than water, tea, limit coffee, and sparkling waters are okay with a little stevia and lemon if you like it sweet.
*Stevia is a wonderful replacement for sweetners. I use the liquid form from health food stores. I also have tried truvia and it works like a charm.

I found a fabulous site for gluten free and dairy free recipes. I think she caters to most allergies as well.

Example meal plan:

Breakfast: 
-Fruit/veg smoothie with flax and almond milk.
-Omlette with lots of veg. Spinach, onions, tomato, peppers.
-Oatmeal with fresh fruit. Sweeten with honey.
-Eggs, eggs, and more eggs. Turkey bacon.
I try not to eat carbs for breakfast as it slows me down into mid afternoon.
 

Lunch
- Salad loaded with lots of veg and ground turkey, beef, pork, whatever you fancy.
-Butter lettuce wraps.
-Burger in butter lettuce
-avocado wraps (smash up avocados and a little salsa and put in a butter lettuce wrap) 


Dinner
-More protein and quinoa
-Stuffed peppers
-spaghetti squash and marinara with ground turkey or italian sausage.

Snacks are great but try to limit the amount you have for snacks. I tend to over eat my snacks so prepping them ahead of time is terrific.

Examples:
-apple with almond butter
-hummus and veg
-mixed nuts
-smoothies


 I find that tea with honey is quite satisfying for snacks. Especially before bed!

 This week I am back on gluten free and dairy free. I pray that I can perservere through it because I find myself most healthy and full of energy!! Wish me luck!



Meal of the day:

My Little Egg Pizza

Olive oil for pan -about a tablespoon or two
 4 eggs-yolk and all.
Spinach and tomatoes.

 I just let it cook covered until brown on the bottom and done on the top. Cut into 4 pizza slices and eat for breakfast. Super easy and super YUMMY! Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings and seasonings.




I AM OBSESSED---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcob729ecvc&feature=share&list=PLJIo2iMSn3YpkRuhqU-kk_2iSdroyIQDL

YES finally simple and delicious recipes that are "against the grain" as Alex would say.
http://alextcooks.com/

Gluten Free Sugar Free Banana Bread

(makes 1 loaf or 4 small loaves)

• 3 bananas mashed, about 1 1/4 cups
• 10 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup egg whites or 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups Pamela’s Gluten Free Baking and Pancake Mix
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. In a small sauce pan cover 10 dates with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the water is reduced by half. With a potato masher, handblender or food processor puree the dates into a paste.
3. Add 1/2 cup of date puree to a large bowl. Add mashed banana, coconut oil, salt, cinnamon and eggwhites. Whisk to combine.
4. Alternate adding GF flour and almond milk, constantly whisking to ensure a smooth batter.
5. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1 hour (if using a 9 inch loaf pan) or 30 minutes if using mini loaf pans. To check if bread is cooked completely stick a skewer in the center of the bread if it comes out clean then it’s ready!
6. Cool bread on a rack.
7. Once cooled remove from pan and slice.

This recipe came directly from Alex Thermopolis's http://alextcooks.com/
I have yet to try it but it looks amazing.