Easier than I thought it would be...

It has been two weeks since we started our gluten free journey.  
I must say it was easier than I had expected it to be.

What I've realized most recently, is that it's important to talk to positive people about this journey.   I've talked to people who were very negative about being gluten free - and it made me feel almost as if I have a big disability and my life is "sad."

The fact is, we are choosing to eat healthier.   We can still eat a huge variety of different foods and feel completely satisfied.   In the past two weeks, I have went to lunch and attended events where fresh baked bread and pastries were served - and I didn't feel the urge to have "just a bite."   I'm positive that this is because I know that it will hurt me and that I'm choosing to eat better for my family and for me.

Given that I'm very new to this journey, I figured it would be good to chronicle the lessons learned and the tips I have to share.   I found benefits so far and a few downsides.

The benefits that I have noticed:
- My stomach has not been feeling bloated.   I've had a problem with a bloated stomach and sharp pains for as long as I can remember, and on a daily basis for the past few months.   But after day two of being gluten free - my bloating has disappeared.
- We are eating healthier, mainly because we have gotten rid of all sweets and processed food.   We are eating veggies and fruit and lean meats mainly.
- I have dropped 5 lbs in the first week and kept it off in the second week.   Although I'm not doing this with the sole purpose of losing weight, I do hope that this lifestyle will come with the benefit of weight loss.

The issues we have faced so far:
- We are getting bored with our menu on some days, so I need to look up more easy meals that have variety.
- You cannot just grab a bite to eat from any fast food place if you didn't have time to prepare a meal.   This can be a positive outcome though, because we won't be eating just and are forced to really think about what we eat.
- Gluten free foods like bread and pasta cost more.   For a family that is on a strict budget - that has presented a bit of a challenge.  However, I am confident that I can make this work with our budget - especially if we focus more on eating fresh veggies and making light meals such as soups.

Do you have any amazing recipes to share?   Do you have any tips for a newbie?  Please comment on this blog and share your thoughts.   Also, if you'd like to be notified of my new posts, please make sure to subscribe to this blog.

By the way, my brother and his wife are writing an interesting and educational blog about gluten free living.   They also posted a link to an upcoming seminar on gluten: http://glutenlite.wordpress.com

It's Been A Long Time Coming - what finally pushed us to switch to a gluten free lifestyle.

I've been contemplating the switch for almost a year.   I was scared.   Scared that I would have absolutely no idea what to cook.  Scared that I would fail because my family won't be on the same page.   Scared that it would take an unbelievable amount of time to do the research and prepare.

What am I talking about, you ask?   I'm talking about going gluten-free.  My friend Anya D has been educating me on the benefits of going gluten free for about a year now, but I've just been too intimidated by the whole thing.   I was also afraid of going "off-the-wagon" because my family would likely not eat gluten free.  

The reason I was even considering the switch to gluten free, is because of all my medical issues.   I have been suffering from: Insulin resistance, severe scalp dermatitis, GERD, upset stomach, weight issues and so much more, for years now.   In fact the past month my stomach has been hurting me so much, that I have been considering going to see a specialist.

This weekend, I called my brother and his lovely wife (Mr. & Mrs. Engel) for a long-overdue video-call.   We caught up, and as we were discussing Thanksgiving plans, they broke the news that they went gluten free!   I was amazed and shocked at the same time.   They must be so brave to make the switch so quickly, I though.   We discussed why they made the switch, and they gave me a link to an easy to understand video to educate myself more on going gluten-free.  

My husband surprised me even more that night - he said that we should all go gluten-free as a family!   This was huge!   I was stoked and immediately started cleaning out all of our cabinets of gluten-containing foods and pantry items.

So, this is how we finally made the jump to gluten free living.   I must admit, I'm still scared.   But you can't have reward without risk.

Join me, as I plan on sharing my family's journey through this new lifestyle.   I plan to share lessons learned, educational links, recipes, and struggles and successes.  

Here is the video that I watched and recommend:

Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Hubby and I love a bowl of hot chili, especially on a chilly day.   Here is our favorite recipe that tastes amazing and is super easy to make!   Enjoy!

Spicy Chili
Cook Time: 6 Hours
Modified from the Taste of Home Slow Cooker Classics Cook Book

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
2 cups frozen corn
2 cans (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped onion
1-2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup beef broth
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chillies
1 tbs chili powder
1/2 tsp each salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown the ground been in a skillet.   Transfer the beef and drippings to a 5 quart slow cooker.  
Add the remaining ingredients (except the cilantro and cheese) into the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.    Stir in cilantro.   Serve with cheese, chopped onion, cilantro and sour cream (tortilla chips optional).

I'm Back (and ready to POP)!

Ok, so it's been an extremely long time since I posted anything on my blog.   I know, I know - what a terrible writer that makes me!  I'm hoping that I will be able to write a bit more, now that I'm on maternity leave.

Well, to catch you up - I am now pregnant with our second child.  In fact, I'm officially at week 37 of my pregnancy.   Our baby boy is considered full-term now, so technically he can make his appearance any day now.   However, I think I would prefer if he would wait at least another week or maybe two.   I'm not exactly ready for him just yet...and I would like him to be a nice healthy size.   Although, doctors have been telling me all along that he is measuring two weeks bigger.

I would like to finish the list below before going into labor:

1) Pack the hospital bag for me, baby and hubby
2) Finish thoroughly cleaning the house (wash all bathrooms, floors, clean out office).
3) Do one more family nature outing (for a whole day)
4) Cook at least two weeks worth of freezer meals (Already made two batches of stuffed cheese crepes - thanks to my wonderful hubby!)

I think that's it...at least for the big items.

I pray that God blesses this delivery and that I'm given the chance to have a natural birth.   I know that everything is in God's hands, but I do hope that He would bless me with a safe and natural delivery.   My first delivery was an unplanned C-Section, and it made things very hard for me and I did not succeed with breastfeeding for more than three months.   I hope and pray that this time our baby boy will nurse well and I would produce plenty of milk.   If you remember me when you pray, please mention this in your prayers.

One other item has been worrying me lately - my spiritual health has been on the back-burner lately.  I've been neglecting my time alone with God, reading scripture and regular prayer.   I can feel that I'm so weak spiritually, and I thirst for a closeness to God - but for some reason I just can't seem to find the time in my day to set aside and just be alone with God.    I always find other things to occupy me.

God, please bring me closer to you by your Grace.   Please be merciful to me and don't let it take a painful lesson to have me come running to you (as is usually the case with me and I'm sure many others).

Well, that's it for now.   I do hope that I can get this putting my life on paper a more regular occurrence.

Amazing Shrimp Pasta Recipe

We had some friends over for dinner on Monday, and my dear husband made this amazing pasta dish.   Of all the shrimp pasta dishes I've ever had - this is by far my favorite and I wanted to share it with you all.   This is a copy of an Olive Garden Dish, and the source of this recipe is posted below.   -- Enjoy!

Shrimp Caprese Recipe

★★★★★

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds Roma tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces*
• 20 medium fresh basil leaves, stems removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• 1 pound (26/30 or 21/25) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound capellini (angel hair) pasta
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• * To preserve juices and seeds, use a pairing knife to remove just the top of the core on each tomato.

Directions:

Combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, Italian Seasoning, and salt in a large bowl; blend thoroughly. Cover, set aside, and marinate for at least 1 hour.

Either sauté or grill the shrimp; cook approximately 2 minutes on one side; turn and cook another 1 minute or until shrimp are opaque in center (cut to test). Remove from grill and set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pan to keep warm. Learn How To Cook Pasta Properly.

Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let melt. Stir in white wine and bring just to a boil. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; bring to a simmer; let sauce continue to simmer and reduce to desired consistency. Remove from heat.

Add cooked pasta and marinated tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to thoroughly coat pasta with sauce. Transfer pasta and sauce to a large oven-proof serving platter; top with mozzarella cheese. Place serving platter under broiler to 2 to 3 minutes or until mozzarella cheese has melted. Remove from oven and top pasta with the cooked shrimp. Serve and enjoy!

Source: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Pasta_Rice_Main/ShrimpCaprese.htm

I'm a Foodie, and It Shows!

In my opinion, everyone has an addiction of some sort. Whether it's gambling, drinking, collecting things, working out, working...

Hi, my name is Katerina and I'm addicted to good food.

I'm a Foodie, and it shows. It shows on my waistline, my arms, my thighs...you get the picture. It's not that I like to gorge on food, it's just that I truly enjoy food and all the different flavors that this world has to offer. Maybe someone out there knows what I'm talking about. When you get the right combination of flavors - it's like your taste buds are having a party.

Over the years, my way of trying to manage the results from being a Foodie was to diet. Atkins diet, Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, Herbalife - you name it and I've probably tried it. This year, I have decided that this needs to stop. Now. I need to learn to enjoy the flavors of this world, without slowly killing myself with the unhealthy results. I've already developed high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and I'm at risk for Diabetes. All of this, and I'm only 28 years old. Also, last year, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and realized that I now have a "copycat" that will follow my every example.

This is why I have decided to apply for the Get Fit Challenge, Season 4 at work. I was selected as a contestant, and have been in the program for eight weeks now. With the help of a Registered Dietitian (Michele Gilles), I know I will learn how to enjoy great food in moderation and to choose food that will benefit my body. Taking the time to log food is hard, but resisting temptation of that delicious but empty food is still the toughest part of this whole journey.

I do want to report that the delicious Russian "Drunken Cherry" cake was calling my name last night, and I looked it straight in the eye and said - "not tonight, I had enough calories for the day."