Sunday, April 29, 2012

Namaste Giveaway: Gluten Free Product Bag



Namaste is offering one Gluten Free Bag and an assortment of gluten free products to one lucky reader of this blog.  

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment to this post about your favorite gluten-free product or recipe.

Some brief guidelines: (1)  one comment per person; (2) Make sure your comment provides a way for me to contact you by leaving your name, address, and email for which you can be reached and prize shipped should you become the winner. To view all Namaste products visit their site at http://www.namastefoods.com
DISCLOSURE: Namaste has provided me with product samples and  product information and is offering the prize pack. Neither I am nor any immediate family member is an employee, officer, director or agent of Namaste or its respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated entities, advertising and promotional agencies. 

Good Luck!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Weigh in week 7...

Wow...this week has been a roller coaster ride after returning from my visit with family. I had a Dentist appointment to have a tooth filled, and sitting in a Dentist chair is probably my least  favorite thing to do! I have  found a great Dentist, finally, but that still doesn't mean I like visits to his office...
Our washing machine went on the blink and was making a weird noise that sounded like a it was something from outer space so we had to have it repaired before I could catch up on dirty clothes from our trip. Thank goodness for extended warranties or it would have cost us just as much to repair our present machine as it would of to have just bought a new one. Go figure!!!
Anyway I am pretty excited about this weeks progress. Getting back on a fairly regular eating schedule after returning from our trip was pretty comforting, even with the few minor issues we encountered upon our return home.
I just want to add this little note before I post this weeks results....I was talking with my mother about my weight loss and how I was and wasn't progressing in some areas. She, as usual, falls back on stories of ..."when I"... She proceeded to tell me that she has always "held her stomach in", as she puts it. I want you to know that when I take my weekly measurements  I let it "all hang out" as my mother would phrase it. If I did indeed "hold it in" I could easily chop about 3 inches off my waist and stomach measurements, which would not be fair. So until I can find that perfect exercise to tighten those stomach muscles and shrink those two measurements you will be getting the " all hang out" version! Any exercise suggestions???????

Week 1:                       Week 7:
Weight  131.8               129.2
Waist     37"                  33 3/4"
Stomach 40"                 37"
Hips        38"                37 1/4"

I am still sleeping well and this week I noticed that areas of my body where I was having arthritis pain before  is almost virtually pain free. I also am allergic to dog dander and although my daughter we stayed with during our visit has a dog  I definitely did not get all stuffed up and irritated like I usually do. Hey...this really seems to be working for me!  Until next post...Happy wheat free living!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Product review...Newman's Own Popcorn's

I am a lover of Movie Theater popcorn but I have to watch my intake because it is definitely  ladened with loads of salt and I usually end up wasting half of the bag! There is nothing like munching on a warm bag of popcorn as the movie pulls you in. The same goes for watching  a good movie on the TV at home. The lights are turned out, and with a cold drink and my popcorn and chocolate  in tow I can have a great relaxing time for much less money spent. Of course the only downfall to this is I have to wait to wait sometimes months to see that "perfect" movie I have been dying to see!
Recently I have tried all three varieties of  Newman's Own popcorn. If you are a popcorn lover up for a change in healthier eating than these are a must try.
First I love the fact these are Organic products...no pesticides here! They are low in fat, butter and sodium content, another plus. I have always enjoyed buying Newman's Own products not just for their reliability but also for the charities the  family helps with, but until recently  I had not tried their Organic popcorn's..
The directions are simple enough although you will not find the directions  printed on the box itself, but inside on the individual packets, and the time is based on the Wattage of individual microwaves. I found that adding an additional 10 - 15 seconds to the time listed gave me a better popped corn with less un-popped kernels in the bag. Please be careful to not over pop...Every bag popped up large, soft, moist kernels on each try.
Most popcorn's use hydrogenated oils in their popping which solidifies once the popcorn cools and they can taste greasy, but this is not the case here. Newman's Own uses Palm Oil which does add a slightly different taste than those brands you might be use to, and it does have a distinctively different smell when popping, but  this does not effect the great taste of the finished product.

Unsalted:
This popcorn popped up light and fluffy. Although it did tend to have a bland taste. ( most popcorn's do until seasonings are added)  Yet it is a perfect "canvas" for adding any seasonings of your choice or for making delicious popcorn balls! I would give it 4 stars. Yet when I added my own seasonings and extra ingredients this did became a 5+ star in my book. ( recipes for seasonings at bottom of post)

Light Butter:
This popcorn tastes exactly as  it says...Light butter. If you are looking for greasy popcorn which is overly buttered and overly salted like the movie popcorn you are use, to than this choice is not for you. I found this to be my favorite of the three as it is the closest to my "movie theatre" fix without all that added salt or butter! I personally give this a 5 star because it closely resembles the popcorn at the movies without all the added salt and dryness which I will not miss.

Butter:
This is probably closest to the movie theatre popcorn that most of us are use to except the kernels are much more plump and moist, not small and dry like at the theatre. I would have to say that kernel for kernel I would have to rate each differently only because of my personal taste. I would highly recommend this popcorn to those of you who like extra butter added to your popcorn. Although it is not overpowered with butter taste it definitely should satisfy your "butter" tooth. I would give this a 4 star only because I personally prefer less butter on my kernels.


Crowd Pleaser:

2 T celery salt
2 T dried parsley flakes
1/2 teas ground sage
1/2 teas turmeric
1/2 teas pepper
1 teas dried marjoram
1 teas dried thyme
3 teas salt
3 teas garlic powder
3 teas ground savory

Mix all ingredients together and store in a airthight jar or container. Sprinkle desired amount on hot popcorn and enjoy!


Italian Popcorn seasoning:

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teas dried oregano
1/2 teas salt ( might omit if popcorn is salty enough)
1/4 teas fresh gr. black pepper
1/4 teaspoon CRUSHED red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients together in a airtight container and store in refrigerator because of the cheese in the mix. Kids love this!

Sweet and Salty:

2 T melted coconut oil
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup Almonds cut in half
1/4 teas salt or more to taste (can be omitted)
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Melt the coconut oil and sprinkle on UNSALTED popcorn. Toss in  the salt, chocolate chips, almonds and shredded coconut  and shake. This is my all time favorite as it reminds me of a Almond Joy candy bar!!!


All 3 varieties of Newman's Own Organics Pop's Corn -No Butter/No Salt Pop’s Corn, Light Butter Pop's Corn & Butter Flavored Pop's Corn (do not confuse with Newman's Own brand popcorn)


While no gluten is added to the Newman's Own Popcorn  products, it is present in the plants where these products are made.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Heinz Gluten Free product list...

Baked Beans
  • Vegetarian Beans 
  • BBQ Sauce 
  • Heinz Barbecue Sauce (Regular, Chicken & Rib, Garlic and Honey Garlic Only) 
  • Chicken and Rib BBQ Sauce 
  • Heinz BBQ Sauce Honey Garlic 
  • Original Barbecue Sauce 
  • Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauces (Original #7, Honey Smokehouse, Hickory Brown Sugar, Spicy and Masterblend BBQ Only) .

Classico Alfredo

  • Roasted Garlic Alfredo 
  • Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo 
  • Four Cheese Alfredo 
  • Creamy Alfredo 
  • Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo 
  • Mushroom Alfredo 

Classico Pesto

  • Basil Pesto 
  • Sun Dried Tomato Pesto 
  • Bruschetta Tomato Basil 
  • Bruschetta Extra Garlic 

Classico Red

  • Fire Roasted Tomato & Garlic 
  • Four Cheese 
  • Italian Sausage 
  • Mushroom and Ripe Olives 
  • Roasted Garlic 
  • Spicy Red Pepper 
  • Spicy Tomato & Pesto 
  • Spinach and Cheese 
  • Sun Dried Tomato 
  • Tomato & Basil 
  • Cabernet Marinara 
  • Triple Mushroom 
  • Traditional Sweet Basil 
  • Vodka Sauce 
  • Spicy Tomato Basil 
  • Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic 
  • Organic Tomato Herbs & Spices 
  • Organic Spinach & Garlic 
  • Marinara w/ Plum Tomatoes & Olive Oil 

Delimex Products

  • Tamales, Delimex Chicken&Cheese (12 ct.) 
  • Tamales, Delimex Beef (6 ct. and 25 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex Chicken (25 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex Beef (12 ct. and 36 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex Chicken (12 ct.) 
  • Tamales, Costco Beef (15 ct.) 
  • Tamales, Delimex Beef, Costco (20 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex Beef (60 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Sam's Club Beef (60 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex 3-Cheese (25 ct.) 
  • Tamales, Beef, Sam's Club (20 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Costco Beef (66 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Costco Chicken (66 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Delimex Beef (50 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Chicken (50 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Chicken Grande (50 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Beef Grande (50 ct.) 
  • Taquitos, Chicken (60 ct.) 

Ketchup

  • Heinz Ketchup 
  • Heinz Organic Ketchup 
  • Heinz One-Carb Ketchup 
  • Heinz No-Sodium Added Ketchup 
  • Heinz Hot and Spicy Kick'rs 
  • Heinz Easy Squeeze Ketchup 
  • Heinz Chili Ketchup 
  • Heinz Hot Ketchup 
  • Heinz Curry Ketchup 
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup 
  • Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup 
  • Heinz Ketchup Kickers Hot & Spicey 
  • Heinz Reduced Sugar Ketchup 
  • Heinz Salt Tomato Ketchup 
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup with a Twist of Garlic 
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup with a Twist of Sweet Onion 
  • Heinz Tomato Ketchup with a Twist of Chilli 
  • Heinz Mexican Ketchup 
  • Heinz Ketchup in Sachets 

Mustard

  • Heinz Mustard (All Varieties) 

Ore-Ida Products

  • Sweet Potato Fries 
  • Golden Patties 
  • Golden Fries 
  • Golden Crinkles
  • Pixie Crinkles 
  • Cottage Fries 
  • Southern Style Hash Browns 
  • Country Style Steak Fries 
  • Zesty Twirls 
  • Potatoes O'Brien 
  • Golden Twirls 
  • Zesties United 
  • French Fries 
  • Country Style Hashbrowns 
  • Steam N' Mash Cut Russets 
  • Steam N' Mash Cut Sweet Potatoes 
  • Steam N' Mash Red Skins Potatoes 
  • Steam N' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes 
  • Steak Fry 
  • Shoestrings 
  • Country Style Hashbrowns 
  • Crispers 
  • Waffle French Fries 
  • Extra Crispy Golden Crinkles 
  • Extra Crispy Seasoned Crinkle Fries 
  • Sweet Potato Fries 
  • Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries 
  • Country Fries 
  • Extra Fast Food Fries 
  • ABC Tater Tots 
  • Golden Crinkles 
  • Golden Fries 
  • Pickles, Peppers and Relish
  • Heinz Pickles (All Varieties) 
  • Heinz Peppers (All Varieties) 
  • Heinz Relish (All Varieties) 

Sauces

  • Heinz Chili Sauce (All Varieties) 
  • Heinz Cocktail Sauce (All Varieties) 
  • Heinz Horseradish Sauce 
  • Heinz Worcestershire Sauce 
  • Heinz Sloppy Joe Sauce 
  • Heinz Tartar Sauce 
  • Heinz Traditional Steak Sauce 
  • Jack Daniel's® Steak Sauce (Both Varieties) 
  • Jack Daniel's® EZ Marinader - Teriyaki Variety 
  • Jack Daniel's® EZ Marinader - Garlic & Herb Variety 
  • Jack Daniel's® EZ Marinader - Steakhouse Variety 
  • Lea & Perrins® White Wine Marinade 
  • Lea & Perrins® Worcestershire Sauce (All Varieties) 
  • TGI Friday's® Salsa (All Varieties) 

Smart Ones Products

  • Broccoli & Cheddar Potatoes 
  • Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata 
  • Fiesta Chicken 
  • Santa Fe Rice & Beans 
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken 
  • Grilled Chicken in Garlic Herb Sauce 
  • Home-Style Chicken 
  • Chicken Santa Fe 
  • Cranberry Turkey Medallions 
  • Honey-Dijon Chicken 

Vinegar

  • Heinz Distilled White Vinegar 
  • Heinz Red Wine Vinegar 
  • Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar 
  • Heinz Garlic Wine Vinegar 
*Product formulations can change so consumers should carefully read product labels to ensure that their favorite Heinz products remain gluten free.
The trademark JACK DANIEL'S is used under license to H. J. Heinz Co. L.P.


The products on this list are made without gluten containing ingredients. Due to the various degrees of sensitivity in individuals with gluten intolerance and celiac disease this list is only a reference for Heinz products as they are sold. Regulation of the term gluten-free varies by country therefore cannot be claimed for similar products sold in different locations.The list below is for products sold in the United States. To view the products list for other countries please visit:


http://www.heinz.com

(On left side of page click on the  learn more button beneath the words Go Gluten Free with Heinz...on next page click on the See list of Gluten Free products on the right side of page)

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Product review...Newman's Own Organic teas

I have to tell you up front that I  have never been a huge tea drinker by any means although I do like an occasional glass of ice cold tea with lemon on a hot summers day or a warm cup of  tea for breakfast occasionally. However, when I  was given both a box of Newman's Own Organic black tea and their Organic green tea to try I  decided to see if I would have different point of view of tea in general.
I was really both surprised and impressed. First I was impressed that both their black and green teas are organic so I was not ingesting any added pesticides along with my tea. Next I was impressed  by the flavor of the tea itself. I found the black tea to have a consistent clear and smooth taste from bag to bag.
I prefer my tea on the weaker side and even though I left the bag in longer than I usually do the taste was still excellent and did not leave a bitter after taste in my mouth like most teas on the market seem to do. I also made a glass of ice tea with a little added lemon and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Organic green tea was very smooth and mellow, not like green teas I have tasted before that seemed bitter. It was full bodied but not over powering.
I like Splenda in my tea but I was brave enough to try both teas without this addition so as to get the true taste of the teas themselves.I found I actually didn't miss the addition of it as much as I thought I would as the teas themselves were quite smooth in taste.
The Organic black tea comes in a 100 count box and the Organic green tea comes in a 40 count box. I feel the price of each is very reasonably priced compared to the cost of other Organic teas on the market.
Medical research has found that Tea is a very rich source of a specific kind of  antioxidant called flavonoids. The detoxifying effect of these antioxidants protects cells from free radicals and promotes good health.
If a product is good for you count me in! Although I have not been a great drinker of teas in the past I plan to start drinking it more often now that I have found great tasting teas with consistent flavor. I would give both the black and green teas a five star and would recommend them both highly.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Weigh in week 6...

Wow it is hard to believe that 6 full weeks have come and gone. Time really does fly!
I have to apologize for not posting for the past week as I have been away visiting family and it was hard to post when you have kids and grand kids all fighting for your attention...
I have to admit that this week was a true test of strength for me on my wheat free living adventure. I knew it wasn't going to be easy and I am so glad I had enough smarts to take some bread I had made and frozen ahead of time just for this trip, it was truly a life saver!
Eggs and bacon along with my wheat/gluten free toast in the mornings or oatmeal was almost my daily menu for the week. Lunch most days was hit or miss, mostly miss, as this was about the time I was doing most of my traveling to and from someones house. Dinner was mostly eaten out and lucky for me most restaurants do have knowledge of  wheat/gluten free needs. I have to tip my hat to the Olive Garden who has a gluten free menu for the asking. Although their selection is limited to about 5 dinners each one looked quite tempting and would fit a pasta, fish or meat lovers taste buds. Sorry but no wheat/gluten free deserts here though...
I have to admit that even with my erratic eating schedule although my measurements stayed the same I did shed 2 + pounds.
Tomorrow is grocery shopping day so I will be planning the next two weeks of menus tonight. I have found some great bread crumbs so meatballs and homemade meatloaf made are both definitely on this meal plan!
I hope your wheat free adventure is going smoothly and that you will stop in and share some of your favorite recipes. Until next post....have a wheat free day!

Week 1:                                       Week 6:
Weight     131.8                            128.6
Waist        37 "                              34"
Stomach    40"                               37 1/2"
Hips          38"                               37 1/4"


Monday, April 16, 2012

Product review...Taste of Gluten Free Chocolate Chip cookies

Tomorrow I will be leaving to visit family for a few days and promised my Son in Law I would bring Chocolate chip cookies just for him. Since I have started my wheat free living adventure I no longer have regular all purpose flour in the house....Yes I am a total wheat free lifer now! I did however have a package of gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix on hand, compliments of "Taste of Gluten Free" mixes.

The mix comes in a 23 OZ dark black bag with the directions and list of ingredients on the front label and  I was grateful for the simplicity of the mixing directions. All I needed to add was 2 sticks of butter at room temperature, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of Vanilla extract. The chips are not in the mix so you have to add your own but I always have extra on hand so it didn't present a  problem.

I used a cookie scoop for the first batch and the cookies came out very round and high in shape, not the chocolate chip cookie I am use to seeing so I switched my method and used a regular tablespoon and dropped the second batch onto the cookie sheets to see if that would make a difference. The cookies once again came out rounded in shape and raised  high once again.

Making the  third batch I pressed  the dough down slightly (using wet fingers as the dough is sticky) to flatten to about half the height before baking and  they came out looking more like a regular chocolate chip cookies.
I am a "sampler' and one of those who likes to taste test each and every batch as it comes from the oven. There is nothing better than warm cookies from the oven and a tall glass of ice cold milk.

These cookies did not leave me disappointed.  Although they look slightly different in appearance because they raise a little more in height I found the taste quite similar to my old favorite Nestle Toll house recipe. They browned nicely and although the outsides are crisp the insides were moist and gooey, no gritty taste here!

The only negatives  I could make is that the label does not tell you how many cookies each mix makes nor does it list the Nutritional Facts, and I had to add my own chocolate chips. I did indeed get over 4 dozen cookies if you count the 5 or 6 I ate by taste testing. I would give this chocolate chip cookie mix 4 1/2 stars only because of these reasons, as the taste of the cookies themselves was perfection!

Hoping you have a wheat free kind of day!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Product review...Sun Flour Mills Pastry flour...

I received my free box of whole grain gluten free pastry flour from Sun Flour Mills just in time for a family visit. Everyone likes some kind of pie and my family's favorite is apple. I was kind of leery about making a gluten free pie crust as this was my first try for a wheat free pastry and I didn't want to disappoint my family, yet at the same time I wanted to be able to enjoy dessert right along with them.
I followed the recipe on the back of the box except that I needed to double the recipe for the crust for the apple pie and the recipe on the box is only for a one crust and  obviously for such fillings as pudding, as the directions called for the crust to be pre-baked by itself...Seeing as I didn't have a choice of it being the last minutes for preparing for family  I was going to have to give it a try.
I followed the box's directions using corn syrup in place of the agave nectar ( it gave me a choice of the two ) and everything went seemingly well.
Please note that when adding the water do exactly as the directions say adding only 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time as you will be amazed at what just 1/2 teaspoon will do to the mix.
I rolled the dough between the sheets of sprayed foil and placed in the refrigerator for the required length of time.
I found that when trying to place the dough in the pie pan I had a hard time getting the foil off the dough even though I had sprayed the foil with a non stick spray as per the directions. I think the next time I will try parchment paper and see if that does the trick. I also might stick the rolled dough in the freezer instead of the refrigerator for about half the time called for.
I  put the apples in the bottom unbaked shell and added the top shell. I once again had some trouble getting the foil off the dough and had to fill in a few spots with left over "edge dough". I made a few slits in the top crust for the apples to vent and put in the oven.
I must say that even with the few drawbacks of the dough sticking to the foil and the refrigeration time this was a excellent tasting pie crust. It was so soft and flaky with a great taste. Although I give it 4 Stars for the way the dough stuck I have to give it 5 Stars for the flakiness and taste. It is one of the best pie crusts I have ever eaten, and well worth the extra time to make. My family loved it and asked for seconds!

Week 5 weigh in...

Okay...Once again before I post my weekly progress chart I need to say a few words. My husband and I had company visiting all this past week so I guess you could say I had a few extra items I normally limit myself on  ( SWEETS ) but all in all I feel pretty good about most of my choices. Seems that when I  have company I go into a baking mode,  and this week was no exception as we indulged in apple and pumpkin pies.... My guests had no idea the crust on the pies was wheat/gluten free! Actually, if I wouldn't have made them, neither would have I...

In comparison:

Week 1 weigh in:                    Week 5 weigh in:

Weight   131.8                        Weight    130.2
Waist      37 "                          Waist       34 "
Stomach  40 "                          Stomach   37 1/2 "
Hips        38 "                           Hips        37 1/4 "

Now for the news that floored me!!!!! I have been literally "fighting" my doctor on the issue of taking a medication for high cholesterol for several years now, I hate taking medication unless it is a definite must do and so I promised to eat healthier, exercise and whatever else they would recommend to help bring down my numbers.
I gave up red meat totally a year ago...okay, I slipped a few times and always ended up with cramps and the diarrhea so I finally learnt my lesson on that one and stay away from any form of red meat. I also tried the soy thing for awhile and felt even worse as my hormones were everywhere but under control, on this plan my cholesterol when even higher, go figure!
Six months ago I had my cholesterol checked and kept the numbers on record. I have only been on the wheat free diet exactly 5 weeks today and last week I went in for my 3 month blood work. Not only has the numbers  for both my total cholesterol  and bad cholesterol totals come down 9 points each...but my good cholesterol number has gone up by 9 points....Now that is what I am talking about!!!
I am still sleeping soundly, feel like I have more energy and wake up ready to start the day! I will keep you posted on my next cholesterol reading in a few months.
So until my next post, have a wheat free day!!!

*Note
 I  only post results from my own personal experiences to share with youThe information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Product review...Newman's Own Organic EVO

The day I received my  bottle of Newman's Own Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil I  set out to do some experimenting. My first experiment was that of a homemade salad dressing for the nights dinner. I found the oil to blend quite nicely with the vinegar and added seasonings and to not 'Weigh down" the taste of the vegetables in the salad.
 I then sauteed some onions on low heat  in preparation to add to my homemade chili recipe and found it to not only sautes well but did not overpower the flavor of the onions.
Remembering I had another brand of  EVO in my cupboard I decided to do a taste comparison straight from the bottles with no additives or spices of any kind. The differences in comparison were amazing! Newman's Own had a great mild, fruity taste while the other name brand tasted more like Canola oil and left a greasy aftertaste in my mouth.
Newman's Own is cold pressed in Tunisia  Italy and is extra virgin which is considered the finest and fruitiest. It doesn't have an aftertaste and didn't over weigh the flavors of whatever I put it on. It comes in a dark green bottle to help protect if from exposure to light which can cause your oil to become rancid. It is certified Organic by the Oregon Tilth. It is also reasonably priced compared to other cold pressed olive oils on the market.
I enjoyed the taste and lightness of this oil on everything I have tried it on so far and like knowing it is a Organic wheat /gluten free product that comes from a company that cares.


 I would rate this product 5 out of  5.

* Note

Olive oil exposed to low temperatures (refrigerator) will naturally become cloudy or solidify although there is no quality loss. To restore olive oil to its natural condition expose to room temperature for 24 hours.


Saturday, April 7, 2012

Week four weigh in...

Okay..So the pounds and inches are not melting off like ice cream from a cone on a hot summer day, not to worry, as I have noticed changes elsewhere that I am totally satisfied with, and the disappearing inches I believe are soon to follow...

I find it hard to believe the difference in my sleeping quality. I have not slept this good as far back as I can remember. I fall asleep much quicker and sleep soundly through most nights except for an occasional bathroom visit.

My hair is growing at an alarming rate....hair cuts will soon cost me a fortune unless I decide to let it grow long...The rough skin on my heels no longer catch on the bed sheets at night and I have done nothing different other than eliminate wheat from my diet! Even the pronounced "smile lines" are less noticeable and the skin on my face feels silkier.....I feel full much longer and at this point snacks are no longer a "must have".

Even though the weight and measurements are pretty much the same as last week I did loose 1/2 inch in the hip area....Hey...I'll take it!!

Week 1                                         Week 4

Weight   131.8                               Weight 130
Waist     37 inches                          Waist   34 inches
Stomach 40 inches                          Stomach 37 3/4 inches
Hips        38 inches                         Hips   37 1/2

I hope all who follow the blog will have a Blessed Holiday! Till next post....Sharon

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Wheat free stuffing...

 Today I am sharing a Roast chicken with a wheat  free stuffing. With Easter just around the corner I am really anxious to try this recipe after becoming a wheat free junkie of sorts! I love stuffing, and although this recipe calls for quinoa  instead of bread,  I find myself  appreciating the alternative options I have out there. So here goes...

Roast Chicken with Quinoa stuffing.

1/2 Cup quinoa
1 T olive oil
1 white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 Cup chopped walnuts
2 T chopped sage
4 chopped prunes
1 Cup water
Salt & Pepper to taste
4 - 5 pound free range chicken

Pre heat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse quinoa and drain off excess water. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes. Next add the walnuts, sage and prunes and stir to combine. Add the quinoa and 1 cup of water. Gently bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer, cover pan and cook for 15 minutes until quinoa is fully cooked. When  the quinoa is cooked add salt and pepper to taste. Fill the cavity of the bird with the stuffing using several tooth picks to secure the skin over the cavity opening to close.
Brush the chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and cook for an additional 70 minutes, or until chicken is done, basting several times.
Allow the chicken to rest in a warm place covered in foil for 10 minutes before carving.
Serve with steamed vegetables or your favorite holiday trimmings.
Enjoy...

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Review of wheat and gluten free noodles...


I love doing reviews as I get to try all different tastes and textures. Miracle Noodles is one of those products that not only tastes good but is also good for you!
If you are trying to loose weight and can't imagine giving up pasta or rice from your diet than this is a must have staple for your kitchen.
Pasta is a staple in our house that my husband can't  live without...being a man who is of Italian decent is is definitely not a option on his  list of  foods to "give up".
These noodles take on the flavors of the ingredients which are added to then. The noodles are already "cooked" so there is no need for boiling water and additional cooking, unless called for in a specific recipe from their site, which saves time and energy.
Stumped for recipes?  The company also offers recipes and tips on their web site and they were really pretty prompt in response when I needed to ask them a question.
Shipping was also prompt and I was well pleased with the taste and texture of the noodles themselves, although they do have a slightly different taste and texture than regular pasta, they were enjoyable.
One thing I noticed was that I felt fuller longer which is a good thing as my calorie intake was much lower for the day. Also, being a diabetic my husbands sugar level did not spike as it does with regular pastas.
All in all, if you are looking for a product to help you loose weight, which has 0 calories, is tasty and also Gluten free, then their site is a must view. If you are looking for a product that can replace most of the carbs in your diet for health purposes then their products will help you in this area also. The recipes are easy and tasty and creates a better lifestyle of eating, no matter what the reason.
Calorie laden pasta or calorie free.....Now that is the real question!



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