Tuesday, September 27, 2011

It's all about choices......

I have have come face to face with some really hard truths in the last few months. You see, I have struggled with my health (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia and Insulin Resistance) for more than 15 years now and pain and sleepless nights have been my "normal". I was introduced to a Holistic Dr. by my son-in-law and this Dr. is helping me to allow my body to heal itself the way God designed our bodies to do through proper nutrition. I have been angry.....grouchy....and over-all whiny through a lot of this process. I have felt deprived and punished that I can't eat the foods that other people can. Through the multiple blood and saliva tests I have found out that I can never have coffee again, *sob*, no corn, no oats, no tapioca, no quinoa, no dairy, no rye, no barley, no sorghum, no sugar and no gluten. I have also found that most gluten free foods that are on the shelves even at Whole Foods contain some form of corn or tapioca in them. So I'm faced with the realization that I will be making my own foods. I also learned that I have autoimmune inflammatory issues and I need to eliminate any foods that cause inflammation as well. The good news is that I now sleep deeply through the night. I'm down 21 pounds and I have less pain (and it's only been about 2 1/2 months) I feel like I'm finally getting to a place of acceptance. I have the choice to be happy. I have the choice to live a healthier life. I've also been using natural soaps, shampoo, deoderant, etc. So I'll be sharing recipes and products that I find helpful along the way. I have decided that rather than drive you all crazy with my recipes and what-not (I mean...you came here for sewing and crafting....am I right?) I started a new blog today called Oh My Gluten Free Goodness so that I have a seperate venue for the g/f stuff. . I have no followers yet and it's pretty lonely over there, so if you find this helpful information, stop on by and say "hello"

Today I'm sharing a muffin recipe that I made for the first time this morning :)

Gluten Free/ Dairy Free Coconut Flour Muffins


3 eggs
2 tblsp Organic Coconut Oil -melted
2 tblsp coconut milk
3 tblsp Coconut crystals or honey
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp real vanilla
1/4 cup Organic Coconut flour
1/4 tsp corn free baking powder (I use Hain Gluten Free)

Blend together eggs, butter, coconut milk, honey, salt and vanilla. Combine coconut flour with baking powder and thoroughly mix batter until there are no lumps. Pour batter into greased muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 6 muffins.

*Note: there is no coconut flavor in these muffins at all :)

This is a great basic recipe. Next time I'm going to add some sliced almonds to the top before I bake them. I'm also going to experiment with adding some pumpkin :)

8 comments:

  1. Congrats on your weight loss! Now, this is going to sound silly I'm sure but does the coconut flour and milk taste like coconut? That is one flavor over the years that I haven't adapted to eating or smelling.

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  2. Yay that you are feeling better! Can't wait to check out the new stuff and will try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Karen you went 'kicking and scream', but you went and I for one am glad :-)! When I look in your eyes and see the pain and suffering (not that you would say a word about it) I just wanted to cry, but instead I gave you a hug and a prayer. I am 'sew' glad you are getting better. You go Girl; you made the right choice ♥!

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  4. Congrats on your success and perseverance! It takes a strong woman to make so many changes. So happy for you! :)

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  5. you have followers now!!! and I sooooo don't eat healthy :-)

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  6. Glad you're feeling better Karen. I'm gluten intolerant and feel sooo much better when I eat like I should, but I cheat now and then. Have you checked out Stephanie O'Dea's blog *A Year of Slow Cooking*, lots of gluten free recipes.

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  7. Karen,
    I'm glad you are taking care of yourself, even though it's hard work. I hope that in time it becomes easier and you feel better! I'll be thinking of you!

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  8. Karen- yes I follow your blog for the sewing, but I must tell you that I too suffer from food sensitivities. I was just telling my husband today that it has been a year and a half since I have had any kind of bread, role, cake, beer or wine. yeast was a big thing to cut out. And, yes, it is in the weirdest stuff, like swanson chicken stock. So I started cooking my own stuff too. I do feel for you. I pray you'll adjust well and that the benefits will be so awesome you'll be hooked on health!! God bless. Barbara

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