Updates


Photo courtesy of Elin Kalaniopio
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lillis
Cooking up some pulled pork
September 6, 2014

Anyone who has ever borrowed a cookbook from me knows that I write lots of notes in them and post stickies on recipes and resources I particularly like. One quick look at my bookshelf shows that Danielle Walker's first book, Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great, has sticky notes plastered throughout it. I use it more often than any other cookbook I've owned. Her gluten, grain and dairy-free recipes are consistently delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Last night I went to a book signing by Danielle and am writing to let you know that I'm impressed by her hot-off-the-press new book, Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple. The book is chock full of mouth-watering recipes along with guides showing which recipes can be used with various dietary restrictions.  There are also shopping and meal planning lists and tear-out guides.  She even includes the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" guidelines you might remember from my 8/18/14 update.  This book looks like it will be another great resource!
Danielle Walker Book Signing 9/5/14

If you are looking for other book recommendations, please go to my "Bookshelf" tab or feel free to contact me directly.  I have shelves of cookbooks and am also a frequent visitor to the library's cookbook section. Through much experimentation, I have identified useful books in various categories, such as books for the beginner Paleo/SCD/GAPS chef, books geared toward people with children, and books that delve into the scientific foundations of dietary approaches.

I also offer coaching to people wanting help with implementing dietary and lifestyle changes, so let me know if you would like more information: fromthegut.contact@gmail.com

Have fun experimenting!

Sharon

September 1, 2014

Want to know an easy way to bolster your health?  Add fermented foods/drinks to your diet. 

Eating and drinking a bunch of nutrients doesn’t guarantee that those nutrients will be absorbed in the body. Although our bodies thrive on food that includes enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants, the modern diet often lacks these vital components of a well-balanced diet.  

Fermenting food makes it more digestible, produces enzymes and probiotics and increases vitamin levels, among other benefits.  Although there’s some  debate about how exactly probiotics contribute to populating the gut with helpful bacteria and yeast, the overwhelming evidence shows that probiotics do promote intestinal health and can significantly influence gut microflora in positive ways. A healthy gut containing beneficial bacteria and a good acid balance can help with nutrient absorption and create a strengthened ability to keep out potential toxins. 

Fermented foods in our house typically include yogurt, pickles, nutritional yeast, sauerkraut and kombucha, but there are many other popular choices such as kimchi, chutney, miso and pickled veggies.  When buying these items instead of preparing them at home, it’s important to make sure they have been  fermented if you want to reap the benefits.  

I drink kombucha every day and eat sauerkraut almost daily.  My favorite kombucha is GT’s:  http://www.synergydrinks.com/   It tastes better than the kind I make at home but it costs about $3.00/bottle so I only buy GT’s as a treat.  If you’re interested in making kombucha for a fraction of the cost, check out the recipes I've included in the "Recipes" section. I've also included recipes for sauerkraut.  I make the kind using salt only but plan to try it with whey in the future.

I've also added a few books on fermenting to my "Bookshelf" section.  As I mentioned before, I do not recommend anything on this blog that I don't use myself.  I haven't seen two of the fermenting books yet, so I am including them in the "Wish List" section for the time being.  Several of the other books I use from my "Bookshelf" list include sections on fermenting, especially Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions.

Here are a couple of posts about the benefits of consuming fermented foods:
http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/lacto-fermentation/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fermented-foods-health/#axzz3CE8CHJX8

If I can do it, you can, too!  Happy fermenting! 


August 18, 2014
Interested in learning which types of conventional produce have the most/least pesticide residue? Scroll down to the bottom of the "Groceries" section for today's blog entry. . .


August 8, 2014
Trying to decide which water filter would be best for your drinking water?  Start by contacting your local water agency to get its most recent water quality report, then research filter options.  Here are a few guides I found helpful: http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/health-and-safety-tips/water-quality-treatment-tips/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters.htm

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters.htm


July 18, 2014
These women are beautiful and courageous! Disease does not need to define us!!!
http://www.today.com/health/crohns-disease-sufferer-shows-colostomy-bags-stunning-photo-1D79884421

http://www.today.com/health/miss-idaho-wears-insulin-pump-bikini-inspires-diabetes-patients-1D79947075


July 17, 2014
See "Tips & Tricks" for a simple way to remove the middle vein from kale.


July 8, 2014
Need help deciding which produce to buy organic? Check out the EWG link at the top of the "Groceries" tab.


July 1, 2014
Want a quick and easy fruit to dehydrate?  Try pineapple!  See "Tips & Tricks."


June 30, 2014
My new favorite tart-sweet snack: organic sun-dried Incan Goldenberries, otherwise known as Cape Gooseberries. They are delicious and loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.  These are the ones I buy (also listed in "Groceries" section): 
Raw Sundried Gooseberries Incan "Golden" Berries-16 ozs.


June 25, 2014
Looking for an easy way to slice bananas for banana chips? See my new "Tips & Tricks" tab.  I've created this section to share ways to save time and make life easier!


April 27, 2014
Finally, my search for juice-sweetened dried cranberries is over! Check them out under the groceries tab or order from this link: Vincent Family Dried Cranberries ,10 oz Great for baking, salads, granola, and more! 


March 23, 2014
Well, it appears that I spoke too soon! The widget that is supposed to notify everyone of updates is not working.  So, I am going to research other options.

I'm looking forward to being able to share some practical tips, experiences, etc. with you a.s.a.p.!

Thanks for your patience!

Sharon


March 19, 2014
Thanks for your patience as I've gotten some of the kinks worked out on my blog!

I will use this new "Updates" page to provide a list of new topics and blog additions as I post them.

I have added to the "Groceries," "Kitchen Tools," and "Bookshelf" tabs and am currently working on a post about starting SCD. 

With gratitude,
Sharon