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Living the GF Life

by De

Updated: October 6, 2016

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Okay, guys! I may be going all into living this gluten free life. Seven months ago I was tested for my allergies and among the seasonal allergies that I already knew of wheat and peas was one of the allergic reactions I had. When I was in my teens, I had an allergy test with the same results but didn’t think anything of it. When I was 16, I didn’t care about my allergies and until that day didn’t realize the effect of ignoring my allergy had on my body. I used to say regularly, “My stomach hates me,” after every meal. I would get horrible headaches, itchy scratchy throat, constant post nasal drip always clearing my throat. I always associated the throat and nasal to my known indoor/outdoor allergies. I never thought it could be from the things I was eating. My stomach aches the doctors could never figure out until now; I did a blood test for Celiac Sprue disease, elimination diet which I realize I was lactose-intolerant, but no one could tell me why I would bloat and have horrible stomach pains. I also had terrible acne and scarring. That was about eight years ago. So, when I went to the doctor months ago and brought it up to a new doctor led me to get allergy tested. Do you know how good it feels for someone to tell you your not crazy?

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Wheat Allergy

According to the Food Allergy Research and Education,

Differences between Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

A wheat allergy should not be confused with “gluten intolerance” or celiac disease. A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. When the food protein is ingested, in can trigger an allergic reaction that may include a range of symptoms from mild symptoms (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) to severe symptoms (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can be potentially fatal.

Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue), which affects the small intestine, is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Usually diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, it is a digestive disease that can cause serious complications, including malnutrition and intestinal damage, if left untreated. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten, found in wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats. Learn more about celiac disease>

People who are allergic to wheat often may tolerate other grains. However, about 20 percent of children with wheat allergy also are allergic to other grains. Be sure to ask your doctor whether foods containing barley, rye, or oats are safe for you or your child to eat.

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Living the GF Life

Now I am living the Gluten-Free life. Not because I have a gluten intolerance because it is easier than living wheat free. Gluten-free products (the real deal certified ones) contain no wheat. I don’t have to think about it and as a mom of three that makes my life easier. From skin care, shampoos and conditioners, and of course foods I try to buy gluten free products. As a result, I no longer have the ailments I had before; my skin is so much clearer now, and I feel better.

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Gluten-Free Allergy Expo

I will be attending the Gluten Free & Allergy Expo in Secaucus, NJ at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, October 15-16,2016. I am so excited to visit because we are going gluten-free for the holidays. We’ve been doing it now for consistently I say five months and there’s not turning back now. I can’t way to see all the different vendors and gluten free options that are available to bake and cook. It’s going be an exciting new adventure I am going to have to Snap or Instagram Story all the interesting things!

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I would love for two of my New Jersey friends to go too! Just click on the giveaway link and Enter to Win! Drawing will be on Monday at NOON

You can also get your tickets here!

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Adult Grits and Eggs: Fancy Breakfast

by De

Updated: September 26, 2016

20 Comments

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved]

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My New Quirky Habit

I have this new quirk, and my husband had to point it out to me. I like eating fancy food. From creating blog and Instagram post I now pretty much style all my meals. Healthy food just tastes better when designed in my opinion, and it’s a part of the food experience. Before I became a health nut, the food experience consisted of a greasy bag, lots of napkins and a stain every single time on my shirt. It was usually eaten in the car, in a hurry, on-the-go and the most memorable thing about the experience are the stains it left on my shirt.

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Fine Dining Experience

Now that I eat clean food is an experience. It’s not a quick fix, never fully satisfying thing to pass the time away. It’s a production (not my meals or 30 minutes or less but what feels like a production) flavorful, expression of my creativity. I make new recipes regularly, try new vegetables and fruits weekly. Slice, dice, cut and mince and create amazing flavor combinations and aromas. Then I sit down and enjoy a beautiful meal photogenically styled for all of our enjoyment. Well, that does somewhat happen maybe two days a week. All the others I take regular meals and put it on the plate pretty and just my plate because by the time I am finished the Lil Divas are on their seconds. Then, I eat it and enjoy it. It’s portioned just right and beautiful like from a restaurant. Do I waste my dinner time? Yes, but rather than scarfing down a plate and being on my seconds. I am eating my first. Finishing with the family and not sitting there watching them eat their seconds. Ah-ha, you say? Try it! Works for me!

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Little touches make the magic

Well on one of my particularly creative breakfast I decided to grab almost every herb in my garden. A box of grits and some eggs and make adult grits. I never had adult grits, but I wanted to do something other than butter or sugar (I have never done this, but my cousins do) and cheese, grits require cheese UNLESS you are lactose intolerant like me, so that leaves me with, boo. Exactly, so I came up with this simple as making a not adult grits recipe to get fancy at the table, and you can just do this for your bowl and let the family have their regular meal while you dine at your gourmet restaurant 😉 😉 Enjoy!

How do you like your grits? Have you ever “dressed them up”?

Yum

Adult Grits and Eggs: Fancy Breakfast

Ingredients

Grits
Water
Eggs
Tomatoes
Avocados
Fresh Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Green Onion and Parsley
1 Clove of Garlic,minced
1 tbsp of Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook grits according to directions on package
Scramble Eggs
Mix all fresh herbs and Mince garlic,olive oil with grits
Serve with tomatoes or salsa and avocado (Whatever your adult self wants to do)

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https://faithfueledmoms.com/adult-grits-eggs-fancy-breakfast/

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Powered By Protein

by De

Updated: December 28, 2022

24 Comments

Meal Time Monday [Autosaved] plant-basedproteinroundup

When I first started my weight loss journey I was introduced to protein shakes. I wasn’t aware of all the options and drank what was recommended. After about a month I knew I had to try something different but didn’t know what to choose out of all of the many. A year later I have not only a great understanding of the value of protein powders in your diet. I have some recommendations. Protein powders are a great addition to your diet because:

• They are a convenient, high-protein, take anywhere food similar to meats, fish, eggs and dairy but can nonperishable in the powder form.
• They are a great healthy fat containing very little fat and are usually cholesterol free which is hard to find in a high-protein food
• They can be used for the entire family
• A bonus to all of these other benefits it can taste great too and be a treat after a hard sweat session.

You can find hundreds of protein powders on the market in the United States. They range from poor quality and ingredients to an excellent source of nutrients every day. There are two types of protein and then subcategories:
protein-powder I feel like you need to try a variety of protein powders to see which one you prefer especially after testing out a few this summer. My biggest concern when choosing a protein powder was quality and food allergies. My food allergies lead me to plant based protein. I am allergic to wheat and lactose intolerant. There are other types of proteins such as whey and casein, egg and soy, but I am going to talk specifically about plant-based protein.

What do I look for in a Protein? For the best protein for me I took a few qualities into consideration:

1. Ingredients are important-all that Sucralose, Dextrose nonsense is no good; Artificial or artificial/natural flavors I stay away from; the only option I have is natural flavors and sweeteners. 2. Cost of protein- I can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars a month on supplements it needs to be below $80 per month. Nor do I find that a wise way to spend your money. Protein can range in prices. The protein that I regularly use is $35 with shipping for 30 days of protein. I usually buy one for baking and one for drinking.

3. Additives- does it have additional ingredients that enhance the protein powder kinda of like a 2 for one which can be a bonus! I personally like that No Udder Protein has L-Glutamine for Athletic Performance and Recovery.

Why plant-based protein? Animal protein is more popular than plant based protein for a various reason mainly taste and nutrition. Most people use whey protein it is probably the most famous protein powder. Most people think that plant-based protein users are vegetarians and vegans, but that’s not always the case. I decided to go to a plant based protein due to the discovery of food allergies and intolerance. Plant based protein has provided me the protein I need with no food allergy reactions, but I love meat too. It’s been a long journey through grit, but I have found a few plant-based proteins that provide quality ingredients-meaning junk free protein, affordable price, great tasting and some have additives that provide even more convenience. healthyskoopprotein How does it taste?Taste is a big factor for me when choosing a protein if I can’t enjoy I can’t eat it or drink it. Although, I won’t sacrifice honoring my temple for artificial sweeteners to sweeten my protein. There are artificial sweeteners that are approved by the FDA, it doesn’t mean it’s the best thing to put in your body. It makes no sense to me to workout hard, eat right and then sip on a Protein powder that has artificial chemicals. It seems counter-intuitive to all of your efforts. I love the way Healthy Skoop taste and smells my middle daughter does too.

Is protein expensive? My family is reviving our financial health and stick to an adhere to a strict budget. I am not able to have a large supplement budget, so cost is a factor. This all is dependent on you but the lower the quality, the lower the price. Don’t use your stomach like a waste basket and drink junk.
vegaessentialshake Enhancements and meal replacements It’s common to find proteins enhanced with BCAAs, arginine, amino acids, glutamine, some are meal replacements with added carbs; not to get confused with protein shakes as they often are with direct sales shakes. Protein shakes are not meal replacement they are additional high-quality protein, amino acids to give you additional nutritional support.

My Top Choices Healthy Skoop as my most favorite to bake with it didn’t change the taste of any of my baked goods it only enhanced and it smells amazing. It’s also my top choice because it gives back to American Schools fresh produce through their program Project Produce 3% of their sales. healthyskoopreview

No Udder Protein

Next on my RoundUp is NoUdder than No Udder Protein. This is my second pick only because it doesn’t make pancakes well. I am completely honest; protein pancakes that important to me. I look forward to them when I plan them on the menu. This protein gave me the best pre and post workout feeling. Even on leg days, my recovery was minimal, and I am going to attribute that to this protein shake. It’s also has a mild flavor, so it is excellent in shakes it doesn’t overpower the flavor. noudderproteinreview Vega Essential Shake Vega came in at number three it is a great shake too. It is a great addition to the essential ingredients that you need on a daily intake. It tastes good too and is not gritty. It makes great shakes and baked goods and delicious pancakes. It was hard to decide, but I will be using all three regularly. I also want to try other Vega products as they have a lot of different specialized protein, and I would be interested to see how they work out. vegaessentialshakereview I felt weird not leaving a recipe for mealtime Monday. You have to try this Basil Lemonade it is delicious and refreshing just what you need after a hard workout out. I’m obsessed with Basil Lemonade and since I have way too much Basil (Sweet and Purple) in my garden I am drinking it up! Basil has some nutritional benefits:
🍋🍃. Reduces Inflammation

🍋🍃.Anti-Aging Properties

🍋🍃.Rich in Antioxidants

Let me know what kind of protein you use? Whey?Egg? Plant Based? None?

Yum

Basil Lemonade Protein Shake

Ingredients

Ice,
4 Leaves of Basil,
1 Lemon Squeezed,
8-12 ounces of Coconut Water

Instructions

Place All ingredients in blender.
Blend.
You can thank me later! Enjoy!

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https://faithfueledmoms.com/protein-powder/

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Finally Listening

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

10 Comments

FaithFueled Friday

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me

Not alone

Last year, I had a dinner with women from different Christian denomination and social, cultural backgrounds, we discussed a variety of things but the but the topic of God speaking to the women. Each woman was in different milestones of their faith journey. Some for decades others (or maybe just me) were only a few years, but each interaction with God was personal and specific. God didn’t speak with each of us the same way; the method was all different event the tone. I being one of the newbies (not walking in the Lord as long as the other women), was fascinated. I wasn’t the only one who thought I heard God.

Not the First Time

This wasn’t my first time being aware of God communicating to me. Early in my faith journey, women in my bible study I would talk about it, and it made me think of my experiences. Until that dinner, I only had three divine communications of God speaking to me. As I thought about it more, God is directing me almost daily. Now that I have been truly listening to Him I am finding that He is answering my prayers and guiding me, I just haven’t been listening because my mind has been clutter with other things.

John 8:47 (ESV) Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Discovering what was always there

I find it funny because the years I was lost in the world and trials would come I would go to prayer. Some would consider that good but the only time I would pray is when things went wrong. My relationship with God was not a daily conversation admiring and praising His work, praying for others and sometimes my request. I was placing my order on how I wanted Him to fix my life. Only calling on him when I needed or wanted something and was in complete desperation. Even then when I had no adoration, God was still leading and guiding me. Whispering just small enough for me to hear but I wasn’t interested and never paid attention.

Guidance I can use
Now the advice is different; it’s not conversational, but I am hearing Him more and more, and I don’t know because I am listening more or because our relationship has grown that He speaks to me more. It makes me think, has he been there all along? When I ask Him to have discernment, to make right decisions, to honor and serve Him, is He now answering? Has He been the entire time, right there as I ignored Him, still not sure and no, he hasn’t told me? Like I said, I am not having full out conversations with God. I am deep in prayer more often these days than I used to be, and I am in the Word daily, but I am not sitting around sipping tea and chatting with God.

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Acts 22:14 (ESV) And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth;

How do I hear God?

Before I was consciously seeking His voice, God would have to shout at me to get my attention. Like a mother, warning their child from danger. (Sometimes He still does, but I am getting better). As of lately, He can just talk to me. Do I hear voices? Yes, but it’s consistently the same voice every time, so I hear a voice. It’s usually different from my inner thoughts, often interrupting my on-going unceasing mental to-do list and very efficient and to the point. It’s never been a lengthy explanation more like wisely commanding (and not to do bad things usually directional so I have ruled it out as insanity.) This post is also not a confession of my speculation of some mental illness. I feel like it is God answering my prayers and guiding me.

For months, I kept hearing the same thing during my usual ongoing mind chatter of daily to-do’s; “be still.” Although I would hear it, I intentionally would ignore it for nine months until I was forced to be still. Life circumstances kicked my legs from underneath me and sat me down for a few months. Every time I would get up I’d get knocked back down until I realized, “maybe I should be still.” That’s where I began to get to the place I am today. Staying in God’s word, eliminating outside noise (not all of it that is a daily struggle) and being conscious of God’s direction. (Which I am still trying to “Be still” and again getting better at it but still have not mastered it.)

How often do I hear Him?

Hebrews 2:1 (ESV) Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Now, I hear him more frequently and sometimes it is nice because it gives me and idea of what to do next, how to handle a situation and then sometimes it’s not so helpful because it can be something that I do not want to do. His shouting is less often, and my obedience is getting better, but this ongoing relationship is not completely perfected. I think God’s okay with that (although he hasn’t told me) but He loves me unconditional and has the patience of grace like no other, and I am grateful for that.

How does God lead you in situations? Signs, clues, words, inspiration? It’s fascinating how he communicates to each of us differently.

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My Kryptonite

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

7 Comments

FaithFueled Friday

Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

The Truth Hurts

like to think of myself quick witted, my husbands says I give out “zingers,” my mother says that I am sarcastic and smarty pants, but the Bible says I must train my tongue.[James 1:26}

Ouch! As I read the words it was like God was talking directly to me; confirming my biggest character flaw. I feel like I wasn’t born with a filter, it pops in my head and out my mouth before I even realize the thought has occurred. Sometimes making people laugh, sometimes taking them down for the count or knocking the wind right out of their sails. No matter what the delivery, it is not how God intended me to use my words. I am not proud of it at all, and honestly, it is one of my daily prayers: Lord, please help me to be mindful of what I say.

I was reading, “Becoming more than a good Bible Study girl ,” by Lysa TerKeurst. I love her realness and ability to admit her flaws and grow from them to teach others to grow too. Lysa said: “Our words can be used to build up or tear down. We can speak words of encouragement or we can speak words of destruction. We can think before we speak or we can react without thinking about the effects of our words. These are choices we make every time we open our mouths.”

Learning the Right Choices

There are a few suggestions Lysa makes for women who are “filterless” like me. (I thought maybe specifically me, but I don’t know Lysa personally so I am assuming there are more women out there with the same disability). Some are warnings or things to avoid, and others are words of wisdom. All are just what I need to be mindful of on a day to day basis. “Guard your tongue to keep out of trouble” Phew! Talk about eat the frog.

James 3:5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Since being saved, I have strive to do right by God and also seek truth; meaning just because one of my favorite authors says to do something I am responsible to research for myself and learn.

James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Double blow, so I now had to figure out a way to hold my tongue. I am not always successful, but I now have that ingrained in my mind. There are some instances when I lose my senses but God know I am a work in progress and when those times I may have to bit my tongue, say a little prayer and count to 100; sometimes 300, but I am getting better.

Another suggestion, “Limit your words to be wise,” I think that is even harder when you think you are wise and need to speak your wisdom. Again, guilty! Some may say that I am a bit of a know it all, but I thank God every day for His grace, and I am working on it.

Using your words for good

Your words can be used a variety of ways but as a Christian, it is our job to us them to honor God in all things we say or do. I now make a conscious effort to use a filter even if it wasn’t my instincts. God has given me one to use. In my research, I have found some wisdom from the Bible when it comes to how to use your words for good. What is your Kryptonite? How do you use it for God’s honor?

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Living the GF Life

Wheat Allergy

Differences between Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

Living the GF Life

Gluten-Free Allergy Expo

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Adult Grits and Eggs: Fancy Breakfast

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Powered By Protein

No Udder Protein

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Finally Listening

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My Kryptonite

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