Some foods are not my friends

Hodgson Mills recipe for success with buckwheat pancakes

2012-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

I followed the pancake recipe on the package of buckwheat flour by Hodgson Mills with a little adaptation. I used olive oil instead of butter and RICENOG instead of milk. Scrumptious...I think my fave buckwheat pancakes so far. So get out and buy a pack of Hodgson Mills buckwheat flour and prepare for a delicious stack of cakes! Props to our local SPRAGUE'S maple syrup.

buckwheat microwave spice snack cake

2012-01-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Found a microwave snack cake online and adapted it. YUMMY!!!

Mix the following well in a microwavable cake or deep pie dish

1 1/2 cups buckwheat flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp. baking soda
2 TAB. vinegar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
Microwave for 6-7 minutes. Cool for ten minutes. Serve warm. Delicious!

Redbridge Rocks!

2012-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have not had a beer in over 25 years...I quit drinking that long ago for a variety of reasons and never was one to drink much but I did like beer now and then. Well, I've been gluten free for about seven years and had heard of gluten free beer but never tried one until last night when I tried REDBRIDGE gluten free beer. it was delicious and tasted just like I remembered beer tasted. I will have one now and then...because I can and because it tastes GRRRRRREAT!

Another new thing in my gluten free life is going to UNO's and ordering off their gluten free menu....THANK YOU, UNO's!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Snickerdoodles gf df...b-b-b-buckwheat style!

2011-12-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Had a hankerin' for Snickerdoodles...so...I got out my Betty Crocker Cook Book again and you guessed it...I adapted the recipe with ingredients I can have. YUMMY!

400 oven

1 cup Agave syrup

1 cup coconut oil

2 large eggs

mix well

2 3/4 cups buckwheat flour

2 tsps cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

mix it all up well

Roll into balls and roll the balls in 1/4 cup of turbinado or stevia sugar mixed with 2 tsp. cinnamon and bake on a sheet lined with parchment paper for 8-10 minutes then cool on a wire rack.

Molasses GF DF Buckwheat cookies

2011-12-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Did it again...adapted a Betty Crocker recipe...Soft Molasses Cookies...done my way.

1/2 cup agave syrup

1 cup palm oil shortening

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

3/4 cup applesauce

Mix

add 3 cups Buckwheat flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

oven 375 deg.

parchment paper or ungreased baking sheet

Bake for 10 minutes.

cool slightly then cool completely on wire rack.

Yum!

Buckwheat GF DF chocolate chip cookies

2011-12-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

I craved homemade chocolate chip cookies and being the experimental type I wanted to fiddle with a tried and true recipe so I took out my Betty Crocker Cook Book and fiddled.

This is my version (THANKS, BETTY for inspiring me with yours)

1 cup Agave syrup

1 cup mixture of palm and coconut oils

1 large egg

2 1/4 cups buckwheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup puffed brown rice

1 package of organic DF grainfree chocolate chips

Oven at 375 deg.

I use parchment paper to line baking sheet

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool a little then carefully slide them onto a wire rack.

Enjoy! I did!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Coconut Milk

2011-12-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Lovin' Coconut milk as my dairy free milk of choice, especially with Vanilla...great in spicy tea like Bengal Spice tea...chai latte, dairy and tea leaf free but just as delicious. HAPPY SIPPING!

Rice Nog for coffee creamer

2011-12-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

I kept using flavored creamers even though they bothered me...so I stumbled on the seasonal RICE NOG and tried that in my coffee...such a nice treat...and dairy free!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

gf battered haddock

2011-11-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

i am sometimes hesitant to try the new gf products but am glad I tried STARFISH's GF haddock sticks...pricey, as usual, but delish! I recommend this!

Thinner buckwheat pancakes!

2011-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

I added three cups of water to my two cups of buckwheat flour this time and used melted coconut oil instead of olive oil, arrowroot starch instead of potato starch, and I added vanilla and cinnamon to the batter...delicious! Thinner pancakes, more traditional than the thicker ones two blogs earlier...YEAH!

Udi's onion garlic pizza

2011-10-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

I love Udi's pizza skins for making a quick personal pan pizza lunch. I start with the Udi's pizza skin, spread olive oil on the top and bottom, place on pizza stone and then add Ricemilk shredded cheese, mozzarella and cheddar cheese flavored, then sliced onions and pressed fresh garlic...a little shake of Italian seasonings (I used Pampered Chef's) and bake for 10-15 min. at 375 deg. Delicious!

Buckwheat potato starch pancakes

2011-10-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I was told by someone who read my blog that tapioca is not good for Hashimoto people. I decided I would now replace tapioca starch with potato starch when cooking and baking. I had not had my beloved buckwheat in a long time so I set out to make buckwheat pancakes...I also decided to use water and not try to use a nondairy product. Call me crazy, I like to experiment, sometimes it turns out good and other times, not so good. LOL

Guess what? This time...GREAT!

I mixed 2 cups of buckwheat flour with one -two tablespoons of potato starch, salt, four teaspoons of baking powder, 2-2 1/2 cups water, 1-2 tab. olive oil, some agave syrup, and that's it! i let it set for awhile before ladling portions on a medium heated lightly oiled griddle...this made a dozen puffy pancakes. I served mine with coconut oil, cinnamon, and real maple syrup.

HOMERUN!

Kinnikinnick Pumpkin Spice Donuts

2011-09-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

What a treat! I received some sample pumpkin spice donuts in the mail today. The air is steely gray and the leaves are turning and falling already so it was the perfect treat for me this afternoon. The donuts are dense and moist, reminded me of plain fry cakes, but they have some frosting on them and a spicy flavor that delights my insides and fills me with joy...so hard at times to find a gluten free treat that isn't JUST a substitute for what I remember enjoying before I had to go gluten free.

Two pumpkin thumbs up! YUMMY!

Sweet Sin!

2011-08-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.glutenfreedesserts.com/

I had seen the refrigerator case with gluten free goodies but never took a closer look until yesterday when I bought pumpkin muffins. OMG they are dense and delicious! So moist, a cross between a muffin and a refrigerator cake...I highly recommend this treat and I definitely will try other products by SWEET SIN!

BBB Tells the Tale...

2011-08-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v04ICiKBvbY

Beanfields update!

2011-08-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

I have now tried all varieties of Beanfields Beans and Rice Chips and love all of them.

My list of faves starting with my all-time fave is Pico De Gallo, Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Pepper, and Unsalted.

I truly enjoyed each variety but my two faves are Pico De Gallo and Sea Salt. I am definitely ordering cases of these delicious snacks.

I had no idea that corn snacks were not making me feel good until recently when I overloaded on popcorn consumption...ugh...that is when I began to research again the lists of substances I should and should not ingest.

When I eat Beanfields chips I feel NOTHING...I just enjoy the experience, unlike the way I feel after eating potato chips or corn chips...and they fill you up because they have more protein in them than the potato and corn snacks.

SO again, THANK YOU BEANFIELDS!

Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips!

2011-08-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was down in the dumps because I committed to no potato or corn chips since potatoes and corn are not good for the conditions I am battling/living with. Popcorn, corn nuts, corn tacos and tortillas...geesh, I had already given up wheat, dairy, soy, and a list of others substances so I was bummin'...yup, feeling sorry for myself...then a package arrived with samples of Beanfields Bean and Rice Chips and lo and behold a miracle occurred...a snack that doesn't have any of the no nos...talk about perfect timing!

Last night I tried the sea salt and pepper variety and let me tell you they are delicious. They are crunchy and hearty and since I LOVE PEPPER, these chips satisfy the pepper lover.

I have three more bags to try and will report back.

THANK YOU BEANFIELDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every day something new it seems...

2011-08-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

I hear about tapioca not being good for hypothyroid and Hashimoto's and potatoes and corn and all the other substances I have already eliminated...yikes! It seems that every day something new goes on the no no list...I started to feel sorry for myself, but stopped myself because I accept the fact that I have these conditions and am glad I know I do (all those years I was clueless are in the past), so all there is to do is fight the fight with eliminating what needs to be eliminated, and watch everything I ingest so I can feel the best I can feel and minimize the inflammation and destruction inside my body.

Heads held high! life is good when you know how to behave so you can improve the quality of life.

I am not completely self righteous, I WANT SOMETHING I CAN'T HAVE...what do i do??? I tip my head back and laugh until the craving passes. LOL

THANKS, GENA LEE for going public with thyroid disease

2011-08-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

http://thyroid.about.com/b/2011/08/01/baywatch-actress-gena-lee-nolin-thyroid.htm?nl=1

Tapioca a no no

2011-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

I was asked if I noticed that a lot of the gluten free products are made with substances that are goitrogenic. This is significant for those of us who are taking meds for hypothyroidism because these substances can interfere with thyroid function.

OH NO! just when you think you have some tasty products to ingest, you find out they may not be helping your situation.

Frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am doing fine coffee-free!

2011-07-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

I has been a while now being coffee-free. I felt like a grown up drinking (decaf) coffee all day and night, doctoring it up, stopping at coffee shops, fun stuff. I notice that I feel better not drinking coffee...so it is water and Bengal Spice tea with almond milk for me. HAPPY INNARDS!

New friend

2011-07-24T02:44:00.000-07:00

I seldom get a comment here on this blog, but I write here any way. I do it for me. This week I got an e-mail from someone who read my blog and wanted to connect. At times the power of the Internet is staggering to me. Having Hashimoto's disease can be lonely at times (misunderstood disease), so it will be nice to have someone to correspond with who understands.

humidity wreaks havoc

2011-07-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Now that I know I have Hashimoto's disease I am noticing that the humidity is not helpful with this condition...lots of anxious moments and tears...not fun to be around, but oh well...I am getting used to the no coffee and I know it was the right thing to do...my Bengal Spice tea with almond milk is delicious, so where's the down side...feel better and am focusing on a drink that so far settles nicely in my insides.

Off to NYC tomorrow to see all of my sons perform in BARRY BAND at Kenny's Castaways! If you area stop by...8 pm. FREE DRINKS, NO COVER!

no more coffee...boohoo

2011-07-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

When I was told I had Hashimoto's disease and started to read up on it, I thought giving up tea and caffeine meant decaf coffee was okay so I have been drinking decaf coffee ever since. Well, I recently read that coffee( due to the acid) is not good, especially if you suffer from gut inflammation, which I definitely do...so I am back to Bengal Spice tea with almond milk...a version of chai tea that I love so it isn't all bad. What I have learned the most is that I have to be willing to give up and give up and give up in order to feel better and be healthier with this crazy disease that I have. I always remind myself that it could be worse. I am glad I know what I have and can eliminate substances and go on with my life...a life that is pretty darn great!

Met another Hashimoto person today!

2011-07-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

I went for bloodwork today and was asked if ate. I said I hadn't and then was asked if I had caffeine, to which I said, "Oh no, I have Hashimoto's disease and don't have caffeine." I was greeted with, "I have Hashimoto's too!" Well...the discussion was obviously pleasing to both of us...when you meet someone who understands, it is priceless.

Our meeting was meant to be...

Joy Bauer Rocks!

2011-06-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've been reading two books by Joy Bauer and must say that she rocks it big time with her efforts to get people to eat well and be well and stay well.

I will report back after I have exhausted the books and have something more to report than Joy rocks!

FOOD CURES

SLIM and SCRUMPTIOUS

www.joybauer.com

GF couponing

2011-06-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/blog/2011/06/gluten-free-the-best-way-to-be/

For Your Own Good

2011-05-20T05:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/8680738

My three sons...first posted song from their EP!!!! ENJOY!!!

A song AND a video shot mostly with cell phones. I love having cool sons!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7dZJuGbYSE

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yawnin-in-the-dawnin/id439262943?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Tempt

2011-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am here today to sing the praises of TEMPT...a frozen treat made with hemp milk. I bought the one with coffee and biscotti and it is gluten free as well as dairy and soy free. It is the best frozen treat I have tried since I gave up all that I gave up. It isn't sugar free and I'm not perfect. LOL

HUGS AND LOVE

Black bean buckwheat soup

2011-05-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

I like the recipe for black bean soup that is on the Good Seasonings Italian dressing packets. It calls for rice but i used a quarter of a cup of kasha ( roasted buckwheat) instead. It was delicious.

Two cans of Swanson's chicken bouillon

Two cans of Black beans (undrained)

Chopped onion and celery

Salt and pepper

One packet of Good Seasoning Italian dressing

Olive oil

Sautee chopped vegetables in the olive oil

Add all canned items and salt and pepper and seasoning packet

Bring to a boil, add one quarter of a cup of kasha, cover and simmer on low for ten minutes

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snyder's GF pretzels

2011-04-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

I try not to have grains but when I heard that Snyder's came out with a GF pretzel I was curious. I tried them and I like them. What a nice snack when I cam craving crunch and salt. YUMMY!

Swedish meatballs w cream of buckwheat

2011-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had a craving for Swedish meatballs so I went online looked over a few recipes and then made my own version. Ground beef Cream of Buckwheat hemp milk grated potatoes grated onions parsley Mix well and form into meatballs...baked them in a 350 deg. oven in a greased baking pan for 20 minutes then I poured a carton of organic nondairy portabello mushroom soup over the meatballs and cooked for 40-60 minutes longer. OMG delish! My father's roots are in Sweden (Axelson) so yah...dus is goot...lol

gluten free is cutting edge...buckwheat rules

2011-03-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/MH/is-gluten-making-us-fat I just got three boxes of the buckwheat flakes in the mail after ordering them online since I could not find them in any of the stores I frequent. BUCKWHEAT BUCKWHEAT BUCKWHEAT...who knew I was on the cutting edge...yes!!!!!!!!! PS just made up buckwheat chicken broth soup...took 1/4 cup cream of buckwheat cereal added to a can of Swanson chicken broth and salt, pepper, powdered garlic and powdered onion...microwaved in big covered bowl for 4 minutes...yummy.

Back to buckwheat this time hemp pancakes

2011-03-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

I have such a great time experimenting with my buckwheat cooking and baking...here is my latest.

Blueberry buckwheat pancakes with hemp milk

I cup buckwheat flour

I 1/2 cups hemp milk

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 generous squirts-2 TB of Agave syrup

1 TB olive oil

2 TB tapioca flour

Whip up and cook on medium (a little towards the med.-high range will brown them) lightly greased griddle, cool on wire rack. I bag up the leftovers and use for pancakes or flatbread at a later date.

I put a large spoonful of frozen blueberries on a plate and pour real maple syrup over them, microwave for a minute and top with two pancakes...oh man, it is like I am having a fancy dessert...I LOVE IT! You will too.

Making Music

2011-03-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Having a wonderful weekend with our three sons around...they are making music together and that makes our lives more exciting. Our youngest is going to college for sound engineering/music production so the brothers created six original songs and are recording them this weekend.

http://www.barryband.com

yikes...gluten scare?...or should YOU be gluten free?

2011-03-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Definitely FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

http://drhyman.com/gluten-what-you-dont-know-might-kill-you-11/comment-page-1/#comment-5885

Bored with blogging about buckwheat

2011-03-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

I know...I bore myself...my family is bored with me talking about buckwheat...and I am bored with blogging about buckwheat...BUT, my reality is that buckwheat is my saving substance...whether I ingest cream of buckwheat or buckwheat pancakes for breakfast and buckwheat bread or flatbread later on, I am thankful for buckwheat since I am staying clear of grains and buckwheat affords me the ability to have a pancake, have some form of breadlike product...and kasha is my new ricelike side dish...oh don't forget homemade noodles...what fun they are for me to make...my life has become all about buckwheat but I am bored with blogging about it so I am taking a buckwheat break.

I continue to take my thyroid med in the evening and it works out very nicely for me... it helps me to not eat in the evenings. So hurray!

I found out my disease might attack my pancreas some day (if it is not already doing that) so I am pleased that I have not had candy since last September. Aren't I a paragon of virtue. LOL

Welllllll even with all the eliminations,I continue to be overweight...I lost ten pounds and am keeping that off but I am obese...I need to lose about 50 pounds...soooo more exercise is needed and perhaps upped dose of thyroid meds (very slow metabolism)...and less food, but like today I had a bowl of cream of buckwheat, a salad at Wendy's, corned beef and cabbage and carrots and one small potato for dinner...doesn't seem to me like overindulging...ok...pity party over...back to being bored with buckwheat but loving my acceptance of having Hashimoto's disease and thyroid disease and that I will never have candy (gluten, eggs, soy, dairy,yada yada yada etc etc etc) again. Life is amazing when you find control over what you need to find control over. I can do theeeeees!

Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes

2011-03-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

I might already tried this and blogged about it but thought it blogworthy....I made blueberry buckwheat pancakes and I think I forgot to put oil in them and they were fine.

one cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp. BP
1/2 tsp. salt
2 TB tapioca flour
cinnamon
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
2 TB. agave syrup
vanilla
1 cup frozen blueberries

I sprayed the medium heated griddle with light oil and voila...cooked one side...flipped them and cooked the other side and doused them with real maple syrup...yum~

KASHA BURGERS OMG

2011-03-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

In my ongoing love of all things buckwheat I tried a recipe for kasha burgers that I found at cooks.com. check it out...KASHA BURGERS WITH KASHA SAUCE...oh yeah, of course I adapted mine...I used buckwheat flour for the flour and did not use soy sauce, added garlic powder and pepper instead...I sauteed sweet onions instead of scalions.
They look like burgers...it is incredible how much...and they taste delicious! I am going to melt some Daiya cheese and pour a little Imagine portabello mushroom soup over mine...oh soooooo good.

WHO NEEDS WHEAT, DAIRY, SOY, EGGS, and on and on and on...I HAVE BUCKWHEAT!

Coconut french vanilla creamer...and yoga

2011-03-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

In keeping with my coocoo for coconuts theme I tried So Delicious Coconut French Vanilla creamer...oh my...yummy! I am so excited because I am trying desperately to avoid dairy and casein but most non-dairy creamers have casein added...the other ones...not good (for my tastebuds). I am loving this product for my decaf coffee and spice tea. CHA CHA CHA!

On another good news note...I started doing yoga and I like it. I bought a yoga dvd and tried it...bought the yoga bricks...so I am all set...with Hashimoto's disease it is important to not get stressed out, it seems to bring on manic behavior and Hashimoto attacks...yoga quiets me and forces me to look inward and calm down. So yahoo yoga. I used to think it looked boring, but nope. I like it! Soften your eyes, keep them closed and look at your nose...and concentrate on inhaling and exhaling. Love it!

Feeling good in the eliminating foods neighborhood.

2011-03-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last night I made beef stew and yes I did eat some of the chunks of potatoes...and what did I thicken the broth with? tapioca flour. It was delicious.

Today I made some buckwheat pancakes that I can eat as pancakes or use as flat bread. I made them with coconut products this time since I no longer am using nuts or nutmilk...scroll down through my blog for the buckwheat pancake recipe and this time I used 1 TB coconut sugar instead of 2 TB of another sweetener...and I used unsweetened coconut milk for the liquid and coconut oil for the oil...you might say lately I have gone coocoo for coconut! LOL

I had a tube of Jimmy Dean's sausage and missed having sausage gravy so I fried the package up, chopping it down as it cooked on medium and thickened it with a little tapioca flour and of course.....UNSWEETENED COCONUT MILK...coocoo!

I put some of the sausage gravy over a pancake and was in hog heaven...yummy!

So grain free; gluten free; dairy and casein free;egg free; soy free; except for apples, fruit free; refined sugar free, caffeine and alcohol free;except for herbal, tea free; nut free; tomato free; very limited potatoes; occasionally some rice; raw cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower free... me is happy to be...Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism will not keep me from feeling the best I can feel.

So many debilitating symptoms are gone from my life now. I can not remember when I had a cold, or flu, or fever, or stomach upset... got the big diseases,I do, but the common ones...bye bye. I know these eliminations work for me.

ENJOY! :)

One day at a time...

2011-03-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

I know for almost 58 years I have on and off again realized that we need to live our lives one day at a time, but yesterday I had that revelation once again and wanted to blog about it.

I received two books in the mail that I had ordered...two books on hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's ... I will report the names and authors of the books in a future blog, my reason for mentioning them is this...one day at a time...learning and absorbing information about disease and conditions is a slow process, at least for me. I read and take in just so much each time...but yesterday I was on the right path again...I wrote down what I ingested and today I am doing that too.

Eliminating substances does matter to many and I know it matters to me, it is the difference between feeling well and feeling poorly.

I had a good day, a good sleep, and felt less foggy and more focused...so one day at a time...day one is always the day I am in, not negative one or two or three...but day one.

Let your days make you happy and looking forward and not backwards.

I leave with this thought...(the beginning of an essay we had to write in high school)...TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF OUR LIVES...

Buckwheat pizza grilled cheese

2011-03-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

The guys were having grilled ham and cheese on rye and I thought it would be a good night to try baking the buckwheat pizza at NOURISHINGMEALS.COM. I mixed the dough and spread it on a large cookie sheet. I baked it 15 minutes then I put Daiya mozzarella flavored cheese and ham slices on top and then more cheese on top of the ham and baked it for another 10 minutes.
What I did after it cooled a little was cut it up and put one rectangular shaped slice on top of another so it resembled a sandwich. It was delicious and the leftovers were bagged up (see pic) and frozen to thaw at another time when I feel like having ham and cheese.

YUM YUM! Grainfree is not hard at all...as long as there is buckwheat flour available.

Buckwheat cinnamon buns

2011-02-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

Just made some buckwheat cinnamon buns adapted from a recipe on nourishingmeals.com. I like them...buckwheat takes some getting used to, it is darker in color, has a different texture, but I love that it does not need Xanthan gum like other gluten-free flours, and I am loving the taste, but it does take some getting used to.

Worth checking out...recipes on nourishingmeals.com.

I love the sweet potato flavor for some of the sweetening...I used to love sweet potato pie.

So go there and check it out if you are intrigued. Heck, go there because you will be impressed with the creativity of these cooks.

Pasta machine buckwheat pasta

2011-02-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hubby found a pasta machine in Bed Bath And Beyond so tonight I made some buckwheat fettucini noodles. I am very pleased.

Two cups of buckwheat flour and 1/2 cup water. Mix and knead for about ten minutes. Work through the roller as per pasta machine instructions, then boil for a few minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

I melted cheddar flavored Daiya alternative cheese in hemp milk. When melted I added the pasta and topped with crushed potato chips. delish! I will bake it tomorrow to make it more like a casserole to meld the flavors.

I continue to take my Levoxyl for hypothyroidism before bed, it works for me.

buckwheat this and buckwheat that...works for me. Imagine That!

PS why make my own? A package of buckwheat noodles cost me $8...too expensive...and making it is fun!

All the way...

2011-02-18T05:47:00.001-08:00

Every time I read something that makes sense to me about my Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism I obviously want to try it out. This mindset has encouraged me to eliminate a whole host of substances I never thought I would not be ingesting anymore...and what is the end result? Feeling better and reducing inflammation and a poor quality of life...it seems extreme, many people ask me how I do it...it is Why Not do it for me.

So I bake with buckwheat flour...tapioca, coconut, and almond flours can be added in limited doses...I use nut milks but am going to try hemp milk since I am not so sure tree nuts are ok...(WHAT NOW??? LOL)...I eat any and all meats and poultry...fish, but limited shellfish...about the only fruit I eat is an apple, once in a while a banana...veggies veggies veggies...except raw cabbage, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, very limited potatoes...soy is a no no...seeds are ok...eggs, no way. Agave syrup when I need to sweeten...no tea, but decaf coffee is my drink of choice now next to water...I exercise in the morning...try to take a walk in the afternoon and why? I am not going to let disease beat me...I will beat it first...and feel good...why? because some foods are not my friends. HUGS

PS the pic is of my homemade buckwheat noodles made into mac n cheese...the cheese is nondairy Daiya cheddar flavored melted in unsweetened almond milk. Comforting and I dug the taste. Crushed potato chips satisfied my guilty pleasure.

Top 50 Gluten Free Blogs

2011-02-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

I received an e-mail today from Heather Trotter informing me I made her list of top gluten free blogs. I was thrilled to make her list. Thank you, Heather.

http://www.healthcaretechnicians.org/who-needs-wheat-anyways-the-top-50-celiac-blogs/

It works for me

2011-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Going buckwheat and skipping grains with the exception of rice now and then is working for me; I am losing weight and have less of a problem with bloated stomach. So yes, it is working for me and I like it...it isn't like I am sacrificing anything but a poorer quality of life.

Buckwheat pancakes, bread, English muffins, snack cake, and soon I will try my hand at making buckwheat noodles. B-B-B- buckwheat power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

buckwheat pancakes and more

2011-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

I am going crazy with buckwheat and loving it...going grain-free with an occasional serving of rice now and then as the exception I am embracing the non-grain buckwheat like it is my saving grace. I made pancakes again except this time I tweaked it...here it is...yum! Ycan eat them as pancakes or like flatbread make a sandwich with them...very versatile...bag them, store them to eat another day.

mix
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tabs of tapioca flour
1 cup almond milk
2 Tabs of Agave syrup
2 Tabs of olive oil

Whisk it all together and pour onto greased medium heated griddle...cook until some bubbles form. then flip over but spray the griddle while flipping so it won't stick...cool on a wire rack. ENJOY!

Yes, grain-free is the way for me and avoiding foods that cause inflammation too...so add potatoes and tomatoes and peppers to my longgggggggggg list of foods that are not my friends. i have Hashimoto's which is an autoimmune disease and am on meds for hypothyroidism and want to feel the best I can feel...SO GLAD I KNOW WHAT I AM UP AGAINST FINALLY!

HUGS

Buckwheat Pete's English muffins

2011-02-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

I tried Buckwheat Pete's English muffin recipe this afternoon and found success...go to buckwheatpete.com if you are interested in his recipes.

THANKS, PETE! I am having fun making your recipes. Yummy stuff! Life saver!

Buckwheat spice cake

2011-02-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

I tried a variation to my carob micro cake and like it as well if not better. I omitted the carob powder and added cinnamon and nutmeg instead and chopped pecans instead of the slivered almonds. Otherwise the recipe is the same as below. Fun in the kitchen...for those of us who are constantly adapting and trying new things.

Carob GF CF EF microwave snack cake

2011-02-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

I was in the mood for a treat so I looked in the cupboard and saw my can of Chatfield carob powder, so aha I grabbed it and went with it...I adapted the cake recipe on the back AND used the microwave instead of baking it in the oven.

1 1/2 cups buckwheat flour
1/4 cup carob powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup of Agave syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tab. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
6 Tab. olive oil
1 cup almond milk

Mix well, then I added sliced almonds to the batter and then poured into a greased glass pie plate. I microwaved it for 6 minutes then cooled it on a wire rack. Instead of frosting it I put some (no sugar added) Raspberry Jelly on top.

It amazed me that this treat had a light texture I have missed...it looks like cake and tastes like cake but if you analyze the ingredients it is actually good for you too. WIN WIN!

Buckwheatpete.com

2011-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

When I began this gluten free journey, one of the first sites I discovered was Buckwheat Pete's. I bought his e-cookbook and set about to learn the breadmaking technique he believed in. Well, I enjoyed it but started other cooking and baking attempts and got to buying gluten free products so I must have lost the site and the print out of the process after that.
The other day I decided to get in contact again and ordered another e-cookbook from Buckwheat Pete since I am concentrating on buckwheat and not grains now that I know it is helping me with my automimmune disease, Hashimoto's. The book does include recipes with rice flour but I am trying to stay away from grains and buckwheat is not a grain.
I made a loaf of buckwheat bread by Pete's process this afternoon and was so pleased. It was a lot of fun for me too. I won't share the recipe and process but if you are interested hop on down to buckwheatpete.com and check it out. Enjoy the pics.
PS I used buckwheat flour and tapioca starch flour, salt, and the baking powder per ingredient list, but substituted olive oil for the sunflower oil and Agave syrup for the honey.

Micro GF DF EF grain-free snack cake

2011-01-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Had quite a day today...long story...want to read about it you can at facebook under Lynn (Axelson) Barry...so...I googled microwave snack cake (shall we suffice it to say I was oven impaired) and came across a vegan recipe and that is what I tried...of course I substituted a few things...

Put the following in a food processor:

1 banana
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup Agave syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp vanilla (or more)
some cinnamon (to your liking)
some nutmeg (to your liking)
a little salt
1 1/4 cups buckwheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Process
Then add rough cut pecans

Bake in a sprayed with oil microwaveable pie pan and microwave for 5-7 min.

Enjoy!

Feelin' GOOD!

2011-01-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Constantly reassessing...but that's a good thing.

2011-01-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

When I first googled my symptoms I thought I was simply gluten intolerant and probably dairy intolerant...but in the years since I discovered there was so much more to this investigation. I began blogging under "FREE TO EAT" because a cyber friend was blogging and she suggested I try blogging about my intolerances. I met Mike, the originator of the gluten free aggregator, at blogspot and many others who are celiac or allergic and intolerant to gluten. At some point I dumped "FREE TO EAT" and started anew with "SOME FOODS ARE NOT MY FRIENDS" because I realized there must be more going on inside of me and I truly could and should not eat whatever I want to eat.

It has been a long journey but I know now that because I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's that I not only should watch what I eat, I need to in order to feel good and be healthy. It isn't a diet so much for weight loss, it is a diet to slow down the inflammation going on inside of me and allow my insides to do what needs to be done to live healthily.

I don't want to cause inflammation to occur so I am avoiding not only gluten but all grains, dairy, soy, tomatoes, eggs, caffeine, alcohol, tea, and limiting sugar. There are some fruits and vegetables that are good to avoid too but that's enough for this blog.

This seems so strict but come on...I spent years eating everything in sight and feeling awful...I just want to feel GREAT and these eliminations WORK! SO YES! I am thankful I know what to do. It IS WORTH IT to me. HUGS

Blackbean banana buckwheat brownies

2011-01-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

I don't have caffeine if I can help it but I did eat some of these blackbean banana buckweat brownies...yum yum!

Put these items in a food processor

1 can of drained black beans
2 bananas
1/4 cup cocoa
generous shake of cinnamon
a little salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1 cup almond milk (or other kinds of milk)
1 tsp. vanilla

Process then add roughly chopped pecans, if desired.

Bake in greased 9X9" pan for 30 minutes. Cool, then store in the refrigerator.

I have seen many recipes for blackbean brownies but never with buckwheat flour (my latest adaptations involve using buckwheat flour, so that is what I did with this recipe). I love these. You might too. Enjoy these glutenfree, actually grainfree, eggfree, dairyfree, soyfree goodies.

My video is part of I AM THE FACE OF THYROID DISEASE

2011-01-23T17:36:00.001-08:00

http://iamthefaceofthyroiddisease.org/2011/01/lynn-barry/

copy and paste to view...THANKS!

Exercising and Eliminating

2011-01-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

You might think this is a blog about ingestion and digestion, but it is about the total YOU too...I used to think that was a bunch of hooey...I would sit on the couch and flick to exercise channels and think it might feel good to get off the couch and actually exercise but the idea would pass as I flicked to another station.

Well, I have been taking 10-15 min. a day to myself now and doing exercises in the privacy of my newly renovated room and I get it...it IS about the total YOU. Feel good, get that body moving and stretching and take the time to look in the mirror, with or without clothing but it is eye opening to really take a good look at the unclothed you before exercising and getting dressed...the TOTAL YOU. I am still doing 25 situps but am up to 15 pushups...holy wow, I could barely (yes, the naked reference is accurate)do 4 when I started and am up to 15...YES!!!!

So exercising...check...and eliminating foods that might aggravate the autoimmune disease is a daily routine and I FEEL GREAT ABOUT IT!

Had buckwheat pancakes again and threw in a few blueberries this time. Yummy!

Hubby being a diabetic we just started looking at the Glycemic Index in different foods and I am pleased that he googled GI and signed up for some website to learn more about GI and how it effects our insides. YAHOO...THE TOTAL YOU!

HURRAH HURRAH...cheerleading myself on to THE TOTAL BETTER ME!

YO YO! Have a good one!

Buckwheat pancakes for autoimmune sufferers

2011-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

Okay so I began this gluten free life because I was trying to feel better and have a better quality of life. On this 5+ year road I discovered I have Hashimoto's disease and that it is an autoimmune disease...now I am learning that it is a good idea to try to avoid foods that cause inflamation not just gluten...and while the list seems to grow and grow, my quality of life improves and improves.

So here it my latest find...grains should be avoided too, not just gluten...I found on the internet...buckwheat pancakes. Buckwheat is NOT a grain.

Turn griddle on medium
mix one cup buckwheat flour (found it in a whole foods' store bulk section)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbs. sugar
2 tbs. potato starch
one cup milk of your choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)
2 tbs. olive oil

pour on to greased griddle with a ladle
when bubbles form put a cover over it for about 30 seconds then flip and put cover on again for 30 seconds then test with a knife for doneness and then enjoy! I poured a little warm maple syrup on imy pancakes and OMG...delish!

shopping in bulk foods was new for me...cheaper...win win...so many of these products we people with special eating needs have to buy are so costly...bulk food sections help A LOT!

Rudi's to the rescue for Hashimoto sufferers

2011-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

I received a free loaf of bread recently from Rudi's. Thank you Rudi's Bakey! This is gluten free bread that tastes delicious, is chock full of good stuff, and whether toasted or just thawed from the freezer, it is a treat for the tastebuds.
Much has been reported lately about Celiac sufferers, but I am new to discovering I have Hashimoto's disease and from my research it is a good idea to eliminate gluten in the diet if you have this disease.
I already had eliminated gluten and have found products I like, so when Rudi's free loaf arrived I wondered if it would please me and it certainly has. I have had it toasted, and just eaten a slice thawed out. I am eager to try it in stuffing recipes and when needing breadcrumbs. I am very pleased.
While learning about Hashimoto's disease and other autoimmune diseases I am finding out that many sufferers of autoimmune disease would benefit from a diet without gluten and yet I have heard people complain that it is just too hard to stick to it, that the products are not pleasing enough. Well, I recommend Rudi's, you won't be sorry you tried their products.

fun one

2011-01-12T15:32:00.001-08:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=apFUr81a8KQ

Apple Bar

2011-01-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

I made up a variation of the carob bean bars posted a few blogs ago and like ithem even better.

I took a can of drained chick peas, 2 bananas, 1 tab. cinnamon, 1/2 cup apple cider syrup, 1/2 - 1 cup GF oatmeal, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 cup of pecans and processed it all in my food processor. I spooned out the mixture into a greased 9x9 baking pan and baked at 350 deg. for 30 min. Cut after cooling and store in fridge. A nice healthy bar when you feel like having something sweet.

I am learning more and more about Hashimoto's disease and thankful I don't do gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and whatever else I avoid in my commitment to feel the best I can feel with the conditions I am dealing with.

I actually did 15 sit ups and 4 pushups this morning and it felt good. Walking is something I am trying to do daily too, even if only for five minutes. A nice walk can lift the spirits when you're feeling housebound or sluggish.

Here's to healtier US in 2011!

Honey Nut Chex gingerly

2010-12-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

I am baking wheat flour cookies for the family since I am not doing sweets anymore (not good with Hashimoto's disease)...but I did feel like making something that might be a treat for me, without all the sugar sugar sugar...so I looked on the Honey Nut Chex box and adapted the recipe for ginger almond apple treats.

I mixed 6 cups of Chex with 3 cups of almonds (just plain almonds, not roasted or salted)then melted in microwave 1/4 cup Spectrum shortening, 1/2 cup apple cider molasses and 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger to boiling, then poured the boiling mixture over the dry mix and stirred... Microwaved it 4 minutes, stirring after each minute, then let it go on its own for 3 min. in the microwave, dumped it in a foil lined pan to cool.

I craved a ginger treat after mixing gingerbread cookie dough...so now I have it! Good for me! HEHE

Corn chowder and Udi's whole grain bagels

2010-12-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

I looked in the cupboard and saw two cans of corn and one can of creamed corn and thought...Hmmm corn chowder? why not?...as usual I googled corn chowder recipes and then made some...my style.

I sauteed chopped onions and celery in shortening and then added cut potatoes, drained cans of corn, creamed corn, chicken broth, pepper, salt, celery salt, minced dried garlic, cayenne pepper, dried parsley. Simmered it until potatoes were soft...ladled it up...and enjoyed it! We all did. And adding a toasted whole grain Udi's bagel topped it off deliciously.

bean brownies

2010-12-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

We had to have a new septic system put in and we got to talking to the man who put it in and he recently learned he is celiac and he told us his wife makes great black bean brownies. I had not heard of that before. I am not eating sweets but the other day my curiosity got the best of me. I didn't have black beans but had kidney beans so googled kidney bean brownies and stumbled on to some recipes. I tried it and am very pleased. I have been eating them for breakfast like breakfast bars...how outrageous is that? Can't remember where I found this but THANKS to the inventor of this recipe...I LOVE YOU!

1 can of beans drained and rinsed (red or black or white)
2 bananas
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup powdered carob (could use cocoa but I am staying away from caffeine)
1 TBs cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup GF oats
I threw in a handful of pecans

Process in food processor and spread in a greased 8X8 or 9X9 pan bake at 350 deg. for 30 min. Cool before cutting and store in the refrigerator.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

beeeeeef stew with GF Bisquick dumplings

2010-12-14T13:07:00.001-08:00

I made beef stew today and used GF Bisquick to add dumplings. I followed the biscuit recipe (using almond milk) and plopped spoonfuls onto the boiling stew, covered and ignored it for about 15 minutes...yum...

Back tracking...I browned beef chunks, cut carrots, onions, and potatoes in spectrum shortening, added salt and pepper and just enough water to cover and let simmer for hours...then the dumpling procedure...comfort chilly weather joy!Oh boy!

Udi's GF CF pizza

2010-12-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

I made a pizza for lunch using Udi's pizza skin, Daiya's mozzarella flavored cheese, shredded onions, black olives and tomato slices. I added garlic powder, basil, and ground oregano. Baked for about 10-15 minutes in a 400 degree oven, it was delicioso, magnifcentio...don't ya know.

HAPPY SUNDAY!:)

Bean soup, DF Cheesy polenta, brown rice grits pudding

2010-12-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Had one of those chilly day cookathons...soaked beans and made bean soup...then later made brown rice grits pudding with apple molasses...and finished off with DF cheesy polenta. Added a tossed salad which made for a fabulous dinner, if I do say so myself.

For the bean soup I used chicken broth instead of water and it gave it great flavor. It had beans, broth, cut up carrots, celery, and onion and last but not least chunks of ham.

The rice grits recipe was on the side of the package and I used the variation that eliminated milk and eggs replacing it with water. Instead of honey I used apple molasses. I also added cinnamon and nutmeg. It was quite good.

Wanting to add something else to the roundup I searched my cupboards and found some polenta corn grits so Bingo...that is what I made next. I thought it would taste good with my Daiya cheddar flavored DF cheese and I was right, it did. Kind of a mac and cheese kind of thing only corny.

Well, that's my entry for today. Here's to HAPPY COOKING the foods you can safely enjoy and learning to love it!

All Natural Brown Rice Pasta Goulash

2010-12-08T08:13:00.001-08:00

I bought some brown rice pasta at The Christmas Tree Shop and got around to trying it this morning. I like it. Goldbaum's All Natural Pasta Gluten Free. I added it to browned ground beef and onions and celery and organic canned sauce and seasoned it with salt and pepper and basil and oregano and powdered garlic. Pretty darn tasty. Goulashish!

On a home note...we are having an Amish man redo a bedroom. He stripped the particle board and outdated wall board off the walls and is pretty darn amazing. Will update as the project unfolds.

PS...the veggie burger baked in a pan was delicious too. 350 deg. for about 30-45 minutes.

GF CF Veggie Burgers

2010-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

While in a waiting room in a hospital I did what many do I snagged a recipe from a magazine. I wasn't proud of my self but I did it, I ripped it out and stashed it in my purse.

So what was it? A veggie burger with brown rice and chick peas. I tried it today, my way, and was pleased with the results.

I didn't have all the ingredients (what else is new?) so I used what I had.

Made a cup of brown rice, processed it with a half toasted Udi's bagel, a can of drained chick peas, cup of Daiya's cheddar cheese, then added an egg (I try to avoid eggs but I did use one), pepper and salt and then made two patties and fried on the stove top griddle until brown on both sides. I like it!

I took the rest of the mixture and baked it like a meat loaf...will post how that came out tomorrow.

Schar table crackers

2010-12-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to have finally found a decent cracker...I have missed saltines since I went gluten free and have tried gluten free crackers but until I bought Schar's Table crackers I was disappointed and settled for something to eat but not yummy. I am thrilled with the crunchiness and flavor of the table crackers. THANKS, SCHAR!

Berry Berry good GF CF pancakes

2010-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

I made Hodgson Mill Gluten Free with milled flax seed Pancakes this morning and added frozen blueberries and cinnamon and vanilla and get this...I used water for the liquid...they were great...especially topped with blueberry preserves that have no sugar added.

Berry Berry Barry good!

Carob Treat

2010-12-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

No more chocolate since it has caffeine (no no for Hashimoto's disease. So I thought I would give carob another try. As usual it was on a whim that I made Eco-Planet Instant Hot Cereal and tossed in some Chatfield's carob chips before microwaving it for two minutes. It was a little dry so I added a little bit of Hazelnut Milk and oh baby...it was a real treat for me...comforting and delicious as well as nutritious! WIN WIN! GRIN!

Rice Grits hot cereal

2010-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for new products that are gluten free so when I saw brown rice hot cereal made from rice grits I was intrigued. ORGANICE RICE and SHINE by Arrowhead Mills. Stamped Gluten free Wheat free. YEAH! Also USDA Organic. YEAH! again.

Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Grits

My only warning is that if you try the micro version take seriously the part about placing the ingredients in a "narrow, tall microwave safe bowl."

I used a four cup glass Pyrex measuring container (see pic) to prepare it in and it still boiled over. I didn't lose much but it was messy. What didn't boil over was satisfying and comforting. There are recipes for a cheese souffle and rice pudding on the package which I will try (using non-dairy, non-soy cheese, of course).

I simply added salt and pepper to mine, nothing else and it was delish!

Decaf coffee with hazelnut non-dairy and Udi's goodies

2010-12-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

Since I had my thyroid surgery, learned I have Hashimoto's disease, found out all the tea I consumed was not good for me (naturally occurring fluoride), I switched to decaf coffee (caffeine is a no no), I have been experimenting with what to put in it to make it a tasty drink for me. The non-dairy creamers all seem to have casein added which is another no no. MimiCreme isn't bad but...well, suffice it to say I need to avoid sugar too and the unsweetened variety isn't to my liking...then I tried Pacific Natural Foods All Natural Hazelnut non-dairy beverage in my decaf coffee and voila! It's a winner!

Add a Udi's baked goody; bagel, whole grain bread, or blueberry muffin (sugary but once in a while I will indulge) and you'll think you are royalty.

Another good eat I discovered this morning is brown rice grits...but I will discuss these more at length next time. Have a good day!

GF DF Salmon biscuits

2010-11-20T08:52:00.001-08:00

I followed the recipe on the Bisquick box for the biscuits, but used unsweetened almond milk for the milk and added a drained can of salmon and garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

I am in love with my creation/adaptation...with Hashimoto's disease it is good to avoid gluten and dairy and it is good to eat cold water fish so WIN WIN with this yummy little nugget. I am very pleased and will definitely make these again.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hashimoto's Disease and being gluten free

2010-11-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

After the last 5-6 years of struggling with figuring out what substances I should avoid to feel better, it is rather satisfying to know that eliminating gluten was what I should do not only to feel better but to help my situation...that being the fact I have Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid). Of course I didn't know I had it until I had part of my thyroid removed and the surgeon told me I had it for sure. It was only hinted at over these past five years...now it is my reality.

And what do many doctor's advise their Hashimoto patients to avoid? Gluten, casein, sugar, soy, alcohol, caffeine, many fruits and vegetables that can interfere with thyroid function...so nice to already be in the habit of avoiding a lot of the things on the list...easier than starting it all in one chunk.

Before it was a matter of eliminating to have a better quality of life, and now it is that and much more. I am trying to save my thyroid or reduce symptoms that occur when the thyroid is out of whack.

I wish I discovered this sooner, but better later than never...yup!

life is good.

I have my middle son back around and his dog Chili. All Chili needs is his dry dog food, water, some used chair cushions and an old towel...the dog's life. They have it made.

Bisquick GF Biscuits

2010-11-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

I made the biscuits, they are divine
I will make them again any old time

Made chicken stew it was fine
I will make it again any old time

Put the biscuits in the stew
It was like chicken pot pie
I loved it dearly, I wouldn't lie

Good bye!

Day one of the full plan in motion...

2010-10-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

I had a bowl of original Eco Planet hot cereal this morning. I added some roughly broken pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a few frozen blueberries. Just poured a half cup of boiling water over it all and ... breakfast! I usually eat the brown sugar variety but in keeping with me trying to not consciously eat sugar, I tried the original. It was filling and satisfying and tasty.

Working towards the dream life...feeling the best I can feel and not promoting the advancement of this Hashimoto's disease and the destruction of the rest of my thyroid...I CAN DO THIS!

A cup of decaf coffee (I admit I added ONE non-dairy creamer)...Have a nice day! :)

Working my way to total empowering control over feeling the best I can feel

2010-10-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just back from a lovely trip south for a party to celebrate my son Ben and his wife Katie's marriage last summer I realized that I am closer to feeling the best I can feel than anytime before.

It has been three weeks since I had half of my left thyroid removed: finding was that Hashimoto's disease created a nodule that was interfering with thyroid function. I will be on meds the rest of my life and no guarantees that this autoimmune disease won't create more problems for me in the future but the nice thing is that I was already avoiding some of the substances I should be avoiding...gluten, alcohol and most of the time dairy and caffeine and tried to avoid as much as possible...sugar. So I am committed for real now that I know it isn't just "maybe I will feel better"...it involves a disease that I have and unless I don't care if more of my thyroid has to be removed, I will watch it more closely than I have since I have been on this elimination road. Some foods and substances are not my friends. PERIOD.

We were staying at my son and daughter in law's and there was candy all over the house...I DID NOT HAVE ANY!!!! This is huge for me...and I can do it. I want to do it. So you will not see gluten free cookies or sweet treats on here any more...just the way it is. I want to do this...and ultimately it will continue to empower me to be the woman I want to be...thinner and able to resist temptation.

YES!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!

PS no more tea (has naturally occurring fluoride)so on to decaf coffee (no sugar or dairy in it)...

Clean at last...

2010-10-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Got to shower finally!!! hooray!!! The finding from the surgeon was that Hashimoto's disease caused inflamation and formed a nodule...the half of the left lobe of my thyroid with the nodule was removed...I honestly do feel better. From my reading I find many doctors suggest eliminating gluten and dairy and sugar and fruit...well well...I have been doing that (gluten, religiously)...I think my life should be better from now on...we shall see...pills always but that okay.

I think that battle has been won...

2010-10-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well well well...I finally had the thyroid surgery, the left lobe was removed and already I feel peppier. I will always be on low thyroid meds, but before the surgery I was taking meds and still feeling weary. I have also read in more than once source now that many celiacs and folks like me who are gluten intolerant have a low functioning thyroid. I find that interesting. Anyone else hear this?

So with bandage on neck, I have hope that the days ahead will find me peppier and less fuzzy headed and perhaps I will even lose some weight finally. Feels good!

As far as gluten free products go for those of us who need them, I recently discovered another chain store that has lots of gluten free products...CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPS. I didn't think to go in the store because I thought it would be filled with only Christmas items...wrong...a friend turned me on to this store and it has a little bit of everything and a whole lot of gluten free items. I recommend giving this store a try.

Happy weekend, everyone! :) If interested, go to www.christmastreeshops.com/ to see if you have a store near you.

Betty Crocker gluten free cake mix banana bread

2010-09-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

I feel good! I love to be creative and tonight I was creative. I had six bananas that needed to be made into something before the fruit flies carried them away. Banana bread...yup...that is what I wanted to use them for. I googled gluten free banana bread but wasn't inspired...then I was inspired...I went to the cupboard and took out a Betty Crocker gluten free yellow cake mix and dumped it in a mixing bowl. I added some vanilla and an egg and six mashed bananas. I mixed these items together and then added a bunch of hand-broken-up walnuts. I spooned the mixture into a lightly oiled with oil spray loaf pan and baked it for an hour in a 350 deg. oven. Cooled it on a wire rack, sliced it and enjoyed it.

Gluten and dairy free pecan cookies

2010-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

I used to love pecan sandie cookies and today I felt as if I was back tasting those goody goodies...I made the pecan cookie variation on the Hodgson Mill cookie mix box. They are yummy and I made them with only shortening and no butter.
Hubby is a pecan sandie lover too and he ate some and was wowed as well.

SO WOW! Another recommendation...HODGSON MILL cookie mix...

HAPPY LABOR DAY! MAKE COOKIES NOT WORK!

mac n cheese my way

2010-09-04T09:52:00.001-07:00

hey hey mac n cheese my way

boil Orgran noodles
heat some Almond milk
add grated almond cheese
salt pepper hot sauce powdered garlic and onion
combine and bake in the oven on 350 until flavors blend
add topping to casserole before baking, if desired (I like crushed chips)

Here it is fallish weather so this is the perfect comfort casserole.

Udi's kind of day

2010-09-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Again...the products are awesome....UDI'S, how DO you DO it? I had the vanilla granola this morning and yum yum yummmers...I love their products.

I can't believe Udi's bagels are gluten free

2010-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

I already reported that I love Udi's breads so I went on to try their bagels...oh as you can see I am indulging myself with an Udi's bagel with a slice of Almond pepper jack cheese (made with almonds=milk free)...

The texture is amazing...the taste, dreamy.

How DO they DO it?

Hodgson Mills Gluten-free brownies

2010-08-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

I tried Hodgson Mills gluten free brownies and am so pleased with the results. Only change I made was using Spectrum palm oil shortening instead of butter. I chose the chopped nuts version and added warmed organic chocolate mint topping before digging in. It was a delicious treat!

To be honest I tried the Betty Crocker brownie mix but was not pleased with it. I would definitely buy this Hodgson Mills gluten free mix again.

thyroid gluten connection?

2010-08-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

I have been taking meds for low thyroid function for over a year and the endocrinologist thought it was interesting that I have been gluten free for almost five years now. She said another of her patients had just told her that she( on her own) decided to be gluten free. This is not earth shattering news, it seems being gluten free is almost in-vogue these days...the latest elimination diet etc...gluten free has become a term people know about and almost embrace...so...thyroid...I have been learning a lot about this butterfly shaped metabolic administrator and had to have biopsies for testing due to a nodule on my thyroid recently so I am awaiting news from the pathologist this week to see if it is cancer...in my exhausting googling I ran across a reference to people having this Hashimoto component to the low thyroid (which I have been told I have)is often found in middle aged women (that I am) and type I diabetics (I am not) and celiacs (tested negative BUT I had been gluten free so it was not conclucive)...thoughts on this? Interesting.

Udi...licious...Orgran...deur

2010-08-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Been reading about this yummy Udi's bread that is gluten free on several gluten free blogs and finally found it at Lori's Natural Foods in Rochester NY. I agree with the believers...don't have to microwave or toast it...the bread stands alone and it is fantastic...I had some with my goulash that I made with meat and veggie tomatoey sauce over Orgran gluten free rice and corn pasta penne. It was a comfort meal that tasted as good as it looked. Goulash was my favorite meal while growing up.

So good...

Amy's Gluten Free Burritos

2010-08-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

I love Mexican food but get tired of ordering nachos or hard tacos and often long for a soft burrito that I can safely have... and now I will long no more...AMY'S makes a frozen GF non-dairy burrito that is easy to get ready (just pop them into the microwave from the freezer) and sooo delicious!

I had another one that was not dairy free (cheddar) so I offered it to my son and he gladly tried it...he also poured queso sauce on it before heating it and then some salsa...he does not need to eat GF and yet he loved it...so many times the rest of the family try my GF products and complain of an unpleasant aftertaste or just plain don't like the product, but these two items were thoroughly enjoyed. Heck, hubby snagged a bite of mine and the mouthful produced a big smile on his face.

So, thank you AMY'S...your GF burritos are fabulously delicious...

Bless you Betty Crocker

2010-07-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was reluctant to buy a Gluten Free Betty Crocker mix, but I recently succumbed and am glad I did...yummy! I subsituted Spectrum palm oil shortening for the butter, making it also dairy free...just delicious!

I will definitely try others.

So so lately...dealing with thyroid issues...will report in after I get the results of my nuclear scan...fun stuff...NOT!

Okay...how about you?

2010-07-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

I traveled for two weeks and was good about what I ate. I did partake in dairy from time to time, as the icecream was hard to resist. But only once did I knowingly ingest gluten...my son and daughter in law's wedding cake...and the next day I suffered, could not get out of the bathroom for a while (pain, cramps). So, as always I know the risk and the consequence.
Yes, my oldest son met a gal, courted briefly, and they married quickly at the courthouse and we were present. She is lovely, funny, crazy about my son, and loves his four girls...WE ALL WIN! HOORAY!

So yes, that is why I sacrificed my insides with a little wedding cake celebration.

The Power of googling...

2010-06-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

Since I have been seeing an endocrinologist I have had to learn about low functioning thyroid (hypothyroid) and yesterday I learned that my abdominal fluid retention may be due to my low functioning thyroid...well, what do you know...doesn't make it go away but it makes me understand what the problem may stem from...onward and upward...googling for greater understanding.

Oh yeah, and my endocrinologist was fascinated that I am not ingesting gluten. She said I was the second patient that day that told her it makes he feel better to not have gluten. Neither of us are celiac. She acted like she wondered if that made a difference for those with low thyroid function. I don't know this for a fact but she seemed intense about it when she brought up that another patient told her that too. Well...interesting...the evil gluten...for some of us any way.

Bloated and discouraged

2010-06-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Seems whenever I eat or drink I get so bloated...it is discouraging...I thought with all the eliminating I am doing I would eliminate the bloating...but nope! Oh well...I still feel so much better than I used to when I ate whatever I wanted and didn't realize I really can't do that.

ugh...glutenized reluctantly

2010-06-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

Ordered a bowl of french onion soup, forgetting about the toast that floats to hold the cheese up...I try hard to avoid dairy too but I wanted the soup any ways...so I dipped in my spoon and dug into the pot of deliciousness...but when I realized I had soggy bread on the spoon too I had to make a decision to just keep eating or push it away from me...I did eat it, but honestly I could not enjoy it and I didn't enjoy it. I kept wondering how it might effect me later and I did get a pounding headache later...not worth it...I have been so careful, so smart, but I was dumb about the soup and I will not do that again any time soon. THE END~

Still pluggin' along

2010-06-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

I don't pay much attention to this blog, but would like to report that I am faithful to my food issues and avoid the foods that unfriendly to my insides...I hope all who do stumble upon this blog will be feeling the same way...life is too short to live it with unpleasantness and indigestion and other non-pleasant side effects of eating what we shouldn't eat. PEACE!

Weight loss

2010-06-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

I seem to have the avoiding foods that bother me down fairly well these days...now it is time to kick in to gear...WEIGHT LOSS...oh no!!! But I have gotten used to the extra 50 pounds I lug around...so, what to do...eat more salads, fewer corn chips...and move around a lot more than I do at present...yup, get my fat @$$ out of the computer chair and on to that bike I profess to love so much...and get pedaling!

Polenta and sauce with roasted asparagus

2010-05-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

I made polenta, topped it with homemade sauce with a side of roasted asparagus. Free of the things that make me feel icky...and oh sooooooooo delicious!