Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Bacon Wrapped Butternut Squash

OMG.... These are SO FREAKING GOOD!!!  

I found these on Pinterest a few months ago and can't stop making them!!  They are bite size & melt in your mouth yummyness (if that is even a word)!!! 

GREAT snack, appetizer, side dish, or make because you are craving them! 



BACON WRAPPED BUTTERNUT SQUASH BITES 
(LOW CARB AND PALEO)

2 1/2 lbs butternut squash
15 slices of bacon
Olive oil
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Salt

PepperPreheat the oven to 350 F.  

Peel and trim the butternut squash.  Cut the squash into 1″ cubes 
(discard the seeds and pulp–makes about 30 cubes).  
I buy the cubed pre cut bag at Trader Joes!  Saves me time & the is only $1.99 (I think).

Place the squash in a bowl and drizzle with oil and sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper–to taste.  Toss to coat.  

Cut the bacon in half, width wise.  Wrap half a bacon slice around one squash cube and place, seal side down on a foil lined baking sheet.  Repeat for the reminder of the squash cubes.  


Bake for 20 minutes.  Flip the bites over (careful not to unwrap the bacon) and bake for another 20 minutes or until the squash is tender and the bacon is cooked through.  If you want to bacon crispier, broil it for the last 3-5 minutes of baking (keep an eye on it).

This is the website that I found this amazing recipe at on pinterest:

If you find a melt in your mouth recipe and want to share it with me... please send it on over so I can try it out and share it on my blog!! trimom101@gmail.com
Happy Eating...

Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his love endures forever." 


Blessings



Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Gluten Free... FAD or NOT

Gluten Free just a Fad?

Some people think that eating gluten-free is just a fad. Or a way to lose weight & claiming that it helped them lose weight.   Every time we hear of a new way to lose weight you see people jump on the bandwagon because they want to lose weight too.  Most people assume when they find out that I am gluten-free It’s because I wanted to join the fad, be healthy, lose weight.  

“Gluten is found in two of the world’s most important staples, pasta and bread. It's not going anywhere.”  say Clifford Wright a culinary historian and cookbook author.  This is amusing to me that culinary historian makes a statement like this.  He should know that gluten is found is MUCH more than just two items.  His article was short and had no real content except to attack the word fad & discussed nothing about the true topic ‘gluten intolerance’.  

The funny part is... Gluten Free does not mean weight loss program!  I agree that gluten free isn't for everyone.  I do agree that limited gluten products is smart.  However, the gluten free diet won't help you drop weight if you don't have a gluten intolerance.  Cutting the amount (being smart, eating a healthy amount) along with a healthy amount of other daily nutrients and exercise will help your maintain or lose weight.    

You will see a variety of self test online or quizzes you can take to see if you have a gluten intolerance.  Below I have listed a few common ‘gluten intolerance’ symptoms.  

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance
  1. Gastrointestinal (GI): stomach & digestive problems these can include one or some of the following: gas, bloating, queasiness, abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, or an alternating combination of both - IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
  2. Headaches and/or migraines.
  3. Emotional issues involving chronic irritability and sudden, irrational mood shifts.
  4. Neurological issues including: dizziness, difficulty balancing, and peripheral neuropathy affecting nerves outside the central nervous system and resulting in pain, weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities.
  5. Fatigue, whether chronic (after every meal). Chronic fatigue syndrome (fibromyalgia, a syndrome not a disease). 


Helpful Hints.  Journaling:   Write down symptoms, be specific, add dates, times, & location on body.  Food sensitivities: keep track of foods that you have reactions to. 

I was readying online and found an article that talked about the gluten-free industry and how it has reached its all-time high and how it continues to rise. Consequently, companies and mass producers jump on the gluten-free bandwagon with products that interfere with overall health. We refute diet fads and asks, “Will this product heal my body and help my body towards my ultimate goal?   FIT-Mommas is dedicated to collecting information involving autoimmune disease & healthy living. The goal is to provide information that will aid moms, women & any person who can learn from my journey. I hope to be the resource that inspire others to live a lifestyle that honors God first & foremost, & makes changes that will enable growth and happiness.  This FAD is something that the gluten free industry is making $$ on... It makes me sad! 

For many, gluten makes life miserable & hard.   I want to be that person who motivates you to eat gluten-free and help towards improvement of overall health.  FIT-Mommas was designed to be a support and encouragement... not a FAD.   Maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle will strengthen your overall body. With the proper knowledge, and determination, your life can be amazing!! 




So I ask again... Fad?  I say NO!  The Media is the one who makes anything out to be a fad.  Gluten-free products are popular right now.  However, any person who has a medical issue (autoimmune/celiac/intolerance) with gluten shouldn't be buying these products.  These products are made for those who are interested in the fad!  These products are filled with junk that isn't good for you.  Not to mention they are processed.  Keeping a organic and fresh diet is always best. 





Monday, May 19, 2014

Gluten Dude...

Blogger You Will LOVE...

I found this blog titled Gluten Dude... He's a talented writer.  He has MUCH more experience with the GLUTEN world than me!  It looks like he entered the gluten free world in 2007 because of a Celiac diagnosis.  I wont spend the time telling you about his story.  I will share a few links to his blog below and you can see for yourself.

I found his blog last night when I was doing some research on restaurant kitchen's.   My parents took me out for my birthday dinner & it was an interesting experience for me.  The server was very attentive to my needs & medical issues.  However, the kitchen must not have listened.  My meal was sent back twice. This can be very frustrating.  I understand that not every restaurant is accommodating to people like me.  However,  when asked if they can prepare a meal before the evening has begun & the response is "Of Course" I am expecting to eat with my family.  I was sadden when the rest of my family had finished eating and I was finally getting my meal.  


-----------------------

This link is a from Gluten Dude.


I LOVE how this interview shows how a restaurant SHOULD be taking the time to make an effort to prepare food for everyone.  

The bullet points under the video are SPOT ON! 

-----------------------

Another GREAT blog he did...


It's all about the way you look at it.  Dr. Oz calls Gluten Free a 'scam'.  But if you watch the video clip & see what he actually says... He calls the gluten free food crap.  I totally agree.  When I talk with friends & family who have issues with gluten, my #1 suggestion when cutting gluten from diet: STAY AWAY FROM GLUTEN FREE SNACKS & SUBSTITUTES!!  They are filled with crap!!  What the Dr. said was on the right track... he just didn't word it correctly. Using the word 'scam' wasn't smart on his part.  He had an opportunity & unfortunately did NOTHING with it.  



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Not enough Calories... for a workout day.

Bad Nutrition Day = Rough work out

I didn't cheat & eat foods I am not allowed, I just realized at the end of the day I was SO busy and missed a few snacks throughout the day.  A normal day I would have been fine, however when you add a duathlon at the end of the day... not so good.  This is why nutrition is KEY to EVERYTHING. 

My Nutrition Day:

Breakfast: FAGE Yogurt & Honey
Snack: Almonds
Lunch: Carrots, Hummus, Strawberries, Chicken, Almond butter, Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
Snack: Freeze Dried Strawberries & Almonds
Pre-Race Snack: Avocado, Larabar & CarboPro Drink & water
RACE
Dinner: Shrimp, Veggies, avocado


WHAT'S MISSING... Water ALL DAY... That was a huge mistake on my part.  Also, I should have added carbs and protein to my breakfast.  Bacon, eggs and GF brown rice.  OR I could have added the GF brown rice to my lunch.  A few more snacks throughout the day would have been beneficial to my body.  With all the changes lately my metabolism is working very fast.  Food is my form of energy and without the proper fuel I am setting myself up for injury.  

My duathlon felt off from the first 1/2 mile.  I had to pee right from the beginning... DANG!  I should have just squatted in the bushes.   Lesson learned!  Anytime you have to pee, you burn energy really fast.  I started cramping and caused back pain for myself.  Made for a miserable race.  Lack of proper fuel caused for leg cramps and knee issues.  When I first joined the world of racing & wasn't educated on proper workout nutrition I had issues with my body all the time.  

I honestly believe that the way you fuel your body before during and after plays a huge role on your overall health.  I raced wildflower just over a week ago & walked away from that race feeling amazing.  My nutrition building up to that race was spot on... morning of was a little wacky, however I was able to maintain all day! 

See... I'm out of control 


I have another race in 4 days.  I am interested to see how my body responds.  I plan on paying close attention to what I eat the next few days leading up.  

Needless to say, having an understanding of regular days nutrition verse training/race days nutrition.  This will be key with a successful race season!! 










Monday, May 12, 2014

Happy Mother's Day!

I Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I was able to spend the afternoon at UCLA medical center with my mom, dad & brother.  We enjoyed sharing funny stories, some took naps, walked some laps around Trev's floor, & enjoyed quality time as a family.

Don't Be Afraid

"Food must be boring when you have restrictions"... is the most common statement I hear when asked about how I eat.  Food is boring if you make it boring.  
Food can be intimidating, if you are scared of the kitchen.  
Food can be overwhelming, if you make it more difficult then it needs to be. 
Food can be gross, if you don't follow a recipe.
Food can be tasteless, if you don't play with spices & herbs!

Do you SEE where I am going....

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE KITCHEN & FOOD!!!
Yes, you will screw up 'SOME' of the meals you make... but you will learn from the mistakes you make.  DON'T give up.  Trial & error is the best slogan you can have when cooking in the kitchen.  

Spices & herbs are your friend in the kitchen.  They add so much flavor to any dish.  HOWEVER, please DO follow the recipe or do your research when using them!  When using spices & herbs... "a little goes a long way"  

Trader Joe's sells crushed garlic & chopped basil in the freezer section.  
They have 20 servings in each packages.  1 serving = 1 tsp 
I LOVE using them when I sauté veggies & sausages!  


They are gluten free and vegan.  They are inexpensive and easy to store in the freezer.  


They have chopped cilantro (& maybe 1 other) for sale also at Trader Joes!  For someone who is busy trying to make healthy meals with yummy flavor... these can make life a little easier!

Enjoy the kitchen & all the many spices, herbs, & foods!! 





Wednesday, May 7, 2014

I'm BACK!!!!

I was gone for my Wildflower Triathlon... 
NO CELL COVERAGE & NO WIFI.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH.  
It was CRAZY!!!  
So Sorry I wasn't able to post anything for just over a week.  

HOW TO CAMP GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE & SOY FREE??? 

  I will be writing today about how I was able to eat, drink, & have fun during a camping trip.  This take lots of preparation before. 

I make a calendar for my food before the trip to help with shopping list and organization.  



Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Monday
travel
turkey, carrots, hummus, 1/2 banana, almond butter
chicken, GF brown rice, veggies, avocados
Tuesday
yogurt/honey
fruit
chicken slices, carrots, hummus, apples, almonds
steak, veggies, GF brown rice
Wednesday
yogurt/honey
fruit
turkey, avocado, fruit smoothie
chicken, corn on the cob, fruit salad 
Thursday
eggs, bacon, avocado, fruit
carrots, hummus, steak, avocado, applesauce
Dinner in Paseo
Friday
yogurt/honey
fruit
apple slices & almond butter, celery, carrots & hummus, turkey 
chicken, GF brown rice, veggies, avocados & strawberries
Saturday
eggs, bacon, avocado, fruit
prosciutto, carrots, hummus, fruit
Sausages, GF brown rice, avocados, bananas
Sunday
rice, avocado, banana, almond butter, yogurt, honey, sausage
RACE DAY... carbo pro drink, honey, larabars, water
Burger: meat, avocado, bacon, onion, mushrooms, pickles, lettuce
Monday
yogurt/honey
fruit
travel
travel
 



I was blessed to have my parents on this camping trip... they did 50% of the cooking and prep work!!  And yes... they are experienced with how I eat & how to prepare food for me!  When camping you are limited with a kitchen.  You will do most your cooking BBQ style or outdoor kitchen.  So when preparing the menu keep this in mind.    

Ice chests are GREAT help when camping, they keep your cold items chilled.  Sometimes you need multiple ice chests (1 for just ice & 1 for food).    My breakfast items are essential to my diet & must be cold... and I LOVE my yogurt & honey each morning.  I eat FAGE 2% greek yogurt.   

YES this is a dairy item.  I can see the looks on some of your faces at this very moment... BUT YOU ARE DAIRY FREE!!!  Yes I am!!  When my doctor first changed my diet I was getting yeast infections really bad.  The doc suggested I try eating FAGE 2% plain greek yogurt 30 mins after taking my thyroid medication every morning (I am allowed to add honey for taste).  This is the ONLY dairy item I eat!  The doctor explained that this product is gluten free and out of all the greek yogurts is has the HIGHEST live cultures & is the best for the woman's body!  

Ok back to camping!!

SNACKS.... be smart about the type of snacks you keep around the campground.  The kids and others who are camping with you will have snacks of their own and they might look yummy!!!  Self control is very important on a trip like this!  Snack items I kept on hand all week: almonds, cuties (oranges), freeze dried strawberries, GoGo Applesauce's, Larabar's, hard boiled eggs, strawberries with honey drizzled over (my favorite)!


CAMPFIRE... S'mores can be your downfall.  If you need to have a sweet treat to eat when the rest of the group is roasting marshmallows PLAN AHEAD!  Trader Joe's Coconut Milk Chocolate Ice Cream (dairy free) & yummy.   Trader Joe's Brownie Mix (gluten, dairy, soy free) I even swap out the veggie oil for coconut oil and they are amazing.   Pre-make something like these for the trip  so you don't have a moment of weakness.  Sometimes a glass of wine is all I need!  


BEVERAGES... this is another area that can add up quickly.  Make sure you pay attention to what you are drinking.  Water is the most important liquid when camping.  When drinking alcoholic beverages during a camping trip remember to pay attention to what the labels say.  Bringing your own is always the better idea.  


MEAL PREP...  When making my menu calendar I was only prepping for myself.   This made for an easy planning session.  I purchased my lunch turkey from a deli. It was roasted with no dairy & was marked gluten free.  It had rosemary, lemon pepper, & thyme.  I paid $8.50 for a weeks worth of meat.   I can't eat processed regular packaged lunch meat, but it's worth paying the extra for good meat.  When buying hummus, reading labels is very important.  Finding one that has no soybean oil used & no tomato (sometimes this can be difficult).  Hummus can be a staple during lunch for me.  


Camping is a great adventure & can add so many wonderful memories to your families adventures.  Don't let food planning stress you out.  Take the time to prep yourself before the trip.  Stick to your plan and have self control.  Bring along options for yourself so aren't miserable during treat time.  



 I saw this and laughed so hard!!!  I figured it was a perfect addition to this blog!!  ENJOY!!




I am working on my Wildflower Tri race recap... for those who are interested!!  If you are part of the triathlon world you probably understand what this means!! 

Have a WONDERFUL day!