Good Foods for Crohn's: Blueberries

 Blueberries! Fresh or frozen these little gems pack a wallop of nutrition. Blueberries provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and Potassium. Plus they're delicious and can be thrown into any dish from pancakes to salads to smoothies. My favorite way to eat them is just plain, by the handful.

Blueberries also contain a nutrient called pterostilbene, which in a recent study has proved to be a potent anti-inflammatory. Here is a link to the study:

https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1096/fj.202001502R

Blueberry season peaks in July, when prices are at their lowest. The berries can be washed, dried and frozen to keep for later months, without losing nutritional content.

#blueberries #Crohnsandblueberries #glutenfree #cornfree #foodasmedicine #shithappens

#dietforcrohns #Crohnsdiet #cancrohnsbecured #naturalcureforcrohns #crohnsflare 

#bestfoodsforcrohns

Chilean Celery Salad

 This simple salad was introduced to me by a Chilean friend of mine. One of the delicious foods common in Chili. Simple in ingredients, though perfect in taste. Nice way to use up leftover celery. 

1 celery stalk, chopped (use the yummy green leaf part too!)

2 avocados, diced

lemon juice from one lemon

olive oil, drizzled on top, to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

#chileancelerysalad #cornfree #glutenfree #foodasmedicine #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet

#ethnicfood #celerysalad #chileanrecipe #crohns #crohnsflare  #naturalcurecrohns 

Salad Dressing

 Missing salad? Does salad bother your colon? Could it actually be the dressing that goes on the salad that is bothersome. Most salad dressings are made with vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is derived from corn. To keep myself in remission I avoid all gluten, corn and gluten and corn derivatives.  This will immediately flare me. However, balsamic vinegar, derived from grapes, and apple cider vinegar derived from apples, do not bother my colon. It's a simple substitution. There are some dressings available that use these alternative vinegars. Check the label carefully. I just use my own oil and vinegar.

#saladdressingforcrohns #glutenfree #cornfree #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet #foodasmedicine

#crohnsflare 

Making safe Lasagna

 Lasagna. so satisfying. Here is how I make it compliant with my diet.

1. Start with a good gluten free lasagna pasta. Must also be free from corn. I have found these Jovial noodles made with rice flour. Bonus: they don't need pre-boiled. Use straight from the box.

2. Mozzarella cheese needs to be free from corn starch. Often this is added to pre-shredded cheese to prevent clumping. I use a mozzarella cheese block and shred it myself. 8 ounces is the same as one bag. Also cheaper this way.

3. Ricotta cheese is a no no. It usually contains white vinegar. I use Daisey brand cottage cheese instead. Daisey does not contain vinegar. White vinegar will flare me.

Here's the recipe I used:

Ingredients:

1 box Jovial Lasagna noodles

1 or 1 and 1/2 pound ground meat

1 jar spaghetti sauce

2 eggs

8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

16 ounce Daisey cottage cheese

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (make sure no corn starch)

1 zucchini sliced (or other vegetables as desired such as spinach and broccoli)

1/2 cup sliced mushroom

Directions:

1. brown ground meat in pan

2. mix meat with most of the spaghetti sauce

3. pour rest of sauce in baking pan

4. combine cheeses and egg in separate bowl

5. layer noodles, meat, cheese mixture and vegetables

6. bake 50 minutes at 375 degrees

#glutenfreelasagna #glutenfree #cornfree #Crohns #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet #Jovial

#foodasmedicine #crohnsflare #naturalcurecrohns #howIbeatcrohns 

Making Simple Swaps

 There are several things that I have learned to swap over the years to keep myself in remission from Crohn's. Avoiding gluten and corn is very hard. But I have found ways to make food very delicious without flaring myself. Here are some swaps I use all the time:

Instead of croutons on salad, I use salted nuts. Pistachios are particularly good. The salad pictured below is using pine nuts. I also leave off the dressing and use olive oil and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

Instead of sour cream, I use plain yogurt. Sour cream often contains white vinegar, which is a derivative of corn. Tastes almost the same. Added benefit of probiotics.

Instead of commercial mayonnaise, I use Vegenaise or smashed avocado. Mayonnaise contains white vinegar as well as corn syrup.

Instead of soy sauce, I use gluten free soy sauce or Bragg's aminos. Regular soy sauce is full of gluten.

Instead of White vinegar, I use apple cider, or balsamic vinegar

Instead of regular or sugar free soda, I use real sugar soda or seltzer water. Regular soda is sweetened with high fructose  corn syrup. Diet sodas use sweeteners that are derived from corn. 

#glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet #crohnsflare #foodforcrohns

#foodasmedicine #cornderivatives #gluten #glutenderivatives #naturalcurecrohns #howIbeatcrohns

Borsht, super easy

 This is a recipe I tweaked myself. The flavor goes beyond the simple jar stuff. With the addition of the meat, this is a meal. Traditionally borsht is served with sour cream. I use plain yogurt as a substitute since sour cream often contains white vinegar. White vinegar is a derivative of corn, and of course I avoid all corn derivatives.

One take away: This may make your pooh look like you're bleeding. Remember this so you don't have a panic attack!

Ingredients:

12 cups water

1 pound stew meat

1 potato, peeled and sliced

1 carrot, sliced

1 tomato, chopped

1 large cabbage wedge, chopped

1 medium shallot, chopped

2 cloves garlic, sliced or minced

4 medium beets, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce, or Bragg's Aminos

1 and 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

3 bay leaves

plain yogurt, to garnish finished borsht

Directions:

1. Add water and meat to large pot

2. bring to boil

3. reduce heat and simmer on low for 30 minutes 

4. skim off foam that forms on top

5. Add the rest of the ingredients

6. simmer for 2 to 3 hours on very low

7. add more water as needed

8. Server warm, garnished with yogurt

#borsht #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns #howibeatcrohns #foodasmedicine #crohnsflare

#borshtrecipe #healthyborshtrecipe #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet 

How I Survive Cookouts

 Going to someone's house for a cookout can be a blessing! However it can also be dangerous for those of us with food sensitivities. Remember, the most important thing about cookouts is not the food, but the company we keep. Here are some things I do when attending a cookout:

1. hamburgers without the bun are generally safe when pure. I always ask the host if they added any fillers or seasonings to the meat. Lookout for soy sauce, ketchup and bread crumbs

2. Safe hot dogs are Hebrew National Brand. Not the low-fat however since they add starch. Of course, no bun.

3. If a hamburger bun is needed, I use Against the Grain brand. It does contain cheese so it may lead to some gas.

4. Condiments in general are unsafe. They contain corn syrup and white distilled vinegar. Both are big no no's for me. I have found some safe alternatives made with real sugar and apple cider vinegar. Read labels carefully. You can bring your own condiments or eat them plain.

5. No Corn. Grilled corn is delicious but not worth the pain.

6. Soy sauce is full of gluten. Use Bragg's Aminos or a gluten free soy sauce instead.

7. Most side salads are dangerous since they usually contain mayo or white vinegar. No coleslaw, egg salad or potato salad. I stick to raw veggies and fruit salad.

8. Soda pop contains either high fructose corn syrup or sugar substitutes which are derived from corn. I stick with the natural sodas made with real sugar, seltzer or water.

9. I make s'mores using Dandies marshmallow and Kinnikinnick graham crackers. Just as delicious.

10. For those who drink alcohol, wine and brandy are safe for me. No beer or grain alcohols.

11. Usually no dessert is safe unless it is specifically gluten and corn free. Safest to bring your own. Jello is generally safe before the add ins.

12. Sometimes I bring my own snacks or a protein bar just in case there is literally nothing to eat. I also eat something before I go so hunger won't drive me to eat something I shouldn't eat.

Safe Cookouts! Enjoy the company, the fresh air and the fireworks!

#crohns #beatcrohns #naturalcurecrohns #foodasmedicine #crohnsflare #eatingforcrohns #dietforcrohns

#crohnsdiet #glutenfree #cornfree #kinnikinnick 

Pumpkin bread

Making this in the summer. Why not? pumpkin bread is good all year round with the convenience of the canned pumpkin. High in fiber and simply delicious.

For the baking powder I always use Featherweight brand. Most commercial brands use corn starch. Featherweight does not. They use tapioca starch instead.

The psyllium is good for gluten free recipes and helps to hold things together.

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1/2 cup milk or milk substitute

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 stick butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 and 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

2 tablespoons molasses

1/2 cup gluten free oats

1/2 cup quinoa, amaranth or almond flour (for hearty flavor)

1 cup rice flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 teaspoons ground flaxseed

3 teaspoons psyllium powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1  15 ounce can of pumpkin

Directions:

1. In large bowl beat eggs

2. Add milk, sugar, molasses, and vanilla. mix well

3. Melt peanut butter and butter in microwave to melt. Add

4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves

5. Add oats, flours, flaxseed, salt, baking powder and psyllium 

6. Mix well

7. Fold in canned pumpkin

8. Pour into two bread pans

9. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

#pumpkinbread #glutenfreepumpkinbread #glutenfree #cornfree #Crohns #beatCrohns

#curecrohnsnaturally #foodasmedicine #crohnsflare #crohnsdiet #dietforcrohns 

Things I avoid: Xanthan Gum

 Xanthan Gum is used to thicken products. It adds a chewy texture to foods. This is especially so with gluten free items, such as bread, cookies and pizza. Xanthan Gum is widely used in gluten free production.

This would be fine, except that Xanthan Gum is derived, usually, from corn. Sometimes it is derived from wheat, but that's no good either. I have had to eliminate all corn and corn derivatives as well as gluten to keep myself in remission from Crohn's. 

A good substitute for Xanthan Gum in recipes is psyllium powder.

There is one product on the market that I found. It is called "Not xanthan not guar" by the brand Pamela's. This is made of a combination of psyllium and potato starch. Here is a link to their site:

https://www.pamelasproducts.com/recipes/not_xanthan_not_guar

#xanthan #xanthangum #Crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #foodasmedicine #crohnsdiet #dietforcrohns

#crohnsflare #beatcrohns #naturalcurecrohns 

Things I avoid: Powdered sugar

 Powdered sugar is great for decorating. However regular powdered sugar is usually mixed with corn starch to make it, well more powdery. I avoid all forms of corn and corn derivatives as well as gluten to keep me in remission. Luckily there are some organic powdered sugars that use tapioca starch instead of corn starch.

Sugar in general should also be limited since it can feed the bad gut bacteria.

#powderedsugar #cornfreepowderedsugar #glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #beatcrohns

#naturalcurecrohns #crohnsdiet #dietforcrohns #crohnsflare

Lime jello with Pineapple

 Jello. A safe dessert. Safe to eat that is. Made with real sugar and grain free. Safe to order in restaurants. Totally agrees with me. The possibilities are infinite with so many flavors and add-ins. When you can't have cake, cookies or donuts, a good substitute. Especially refreshing in the summer. By the way, the sugar free are NOT safe. sugar substitutes are derived from corn. Corn and corn derivatives will flare me.

Years ago jello was way more popular. It was found in recipe books under the heading "salad". A cookout or party was not complete without a jello mold. I would like to bring back jello in popularity.

Lime Jello with Pineapple

6 oz box lime jello

3/4 cup plain yogurt

3/4 cup crushed pineapple (packed in own juice) (no corn syrup)

Directions:

*add 2 cups boiling water to jello powder

*stir util all sugar is dissolved

*stir in 2 cups cold water

*refridgerate 1 hour

*blend in yogurt with hand mixer

*gently fold in pineapple

*back in refrigerator for 3 more hours

#bringbackjello #glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #beatcrohns #crohnsflare #naturalcurecrohns

#foodasmedicine 

What I Eat: Oat Salmon Patties

I like all forms of salmon; baked, smoked, sushi and patties. Patties are super easy to make. (see recipe below) I use whole gluten free oats in my patties as a breadcrumb substitute. It works very well. You can't even tell that they are in there. Very few ingredients. Super healthy. (Except the frying in oil part)

Additional add-ins can include green onions, broccoli or green peppers just to name a few. 

In addition to the salmon patties, I had homemade saucer kraut, Noble Made Ketchup and roasted broccoli and cauliflower. Noble Made Ketchup is produced without vinegar or corn syrup, which are found in commercial Ketchups.  

All of this fits in very well with my diet to keep Crohn's in remission. I avoid all gluten (bread crumbs) and corn (Corn syrup, white distilled vinegar), as well as all gluten and corn derivatives.

Lynne's Oat Salmon Patties

Ingredients:

1 large can salmon (15 oz)

2 eggs

1/2 cup gluten free whole oats

Oil to fry in (not corn)

Add-ins: onion, peppers, zucchini... (optional)

Directions:

*heat pan with oil on medium heat

*drain salmon

*remove spine bones if present

*smash big chunks of salmon

*mix salmon with eggs, oats and add-ins

*form patties and fry till browed on both sides

serves 2 to 3

#salmonpatties #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns #dietforcrohns

#naturalcurecrohns #foodasmedicine #crohnsdiet #crohnsflare

Supplements: Green Juice

 One thing I take every morning is green juice, which is wheat grass and other healthy greens in a powder form. This is different than wheat. This is the actual grass. I like this brand, amazing Grass, because it is a combination of wheat grass, barley grass and other greens such as spinach. Other brands are good, just be sure to check all ingredients. Avoid maltodextrin which is added to some brands.

This mixes easily with water. I take about a teaspoon. It has a refreshing, Spring taste.

Green juices provide tons of nutrients that may not be included daily in our busy lives including A, K, and C. Green juice acts like a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria in our colon. Greens are also know for their anti-inflammatory properties. And green juices are easy to absorb, especially important where irritation is present.

#amazinggreens #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #foodasmedicine #dietforcrohns #beatcrohns

#naturalcurecrohns #crohnsflare #wheatgrass #barleygrass

Back to Nature Granola

 Found this granola, Back to Nature, at my local grocery store. Finding a lot more gluten free foods in mainstream stores.

Certified gluten free. The blueberries, apples and pineapple juice makes it sweet and no need to add nasty corn syrup.

This product fits in with my diet since it is both gluten and corn free. The oats are gluten free. No wheat products, naturally sweetened.

I liked this a lot and it was quite satisfying.

#backtonature #glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #dietforcrohns

#beatcrohns #crohnsflare #foodasmedicine #glutenfreegranola

What I Eat: Amy's Sonoma burgers

 These vegetarian Sonoma burgers are gluten and corn free. This keeps me in remission. I had a burger on one of my bagels from against the grain and spread with ketchup made without white vinegar or corn syrup. The brand is Noble Made. 

I fry my Sonoma burger in olive oil. Best to keep it frying for a while to make it crispy.

They come frozen. You take them out as needed and fry them up. Delicious!

#Amys #Amyssonoma #sonomaburgers #cornfree #glutenfree #Crohns #beatcrohns

#foodasmedicine #crohnsflare #crohnsdiet #Dietforcrohns

Y Q Protein yogurt by Yoplait

 Yum! These yogurts have perfect taste and texture. They are made with low-fat milk, surprisingly.  I was shocked that they are only 130 calories. Another nice benefit is 15 grams of protein. The creaminess was so good. No starches or corn syrup. Highly recommend. 

Comes in blueberry, strawberry and vanilla.

Found at my local grocery store. 

#yoplait #YQprotein #cornfree #glutenfree #crohns #crohnsflare #crohnsdiet 

#naturalcurecrohns #foodasmedicine #beatcrohns

Chiobani probiotic yogurt: gimmick or added benefit

 I found this new yogurt by Chiobani in my local grocery store. The taste was good. Plenty of flavor and nice and creamy. It comes in peach, blueberry and strawberry. No starches or corn syrup. 

They named it Chiobani probiotic because they added extra probiotics to the naturally occurring probiotics in the yogurt. A lot of yogurt companies already do this. They just don't name their products after it.

Gimmick or added benefit? Really both. I already take extra probiotics in capsule form. I don't mind a little extra. So, yea its kind of a gimmick, but also beneficial.

#Chiobani #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns #crohnsflare #naturalcurecrohns 

#foodasmedicine #probiotics

Sauerkraut

 

Sauerkraut is, of course, fermented cabbage. It contains more of the probiotic lactobacillus  than yogurt, and of course is dairy free. It also contains a nice amount of vitamin C and K as well as fiber. It also contains smaller amounts of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Phosphorus. Known as an anti-inflammatory food it has been used for stomach ailments for decades if not centuries. 

It is suggested to start slow when first eating sauerkraut since it can cause some stomach upset at first. I would start with one tablespoon with dinner to see how your body reacts. 

There is literally nothing more delicious than homemade sauerkraut. My brother made a fresh batch on a recent visit. The difference between homemade and commercial was huge. Also I have seen some commercial sauerkrauts that contain actual vinegar as an ingredient. I avoid white vinegar as it is a corn derivative and will flare my Crohn's.  

There are dozens of videos on YouTube for how to make homemade sauerkraut. Here is one link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUwC7bTjLkQ

Its really an easy process It just takes patience because it takes at least 5 days for things to start fermenting. Well worth it though and very inexpensive.

#sauerkraut #cornfree #glutenfree #foodasmedicine #crohns #crohnsdiet #crohnsflare 

#naturalcurecrohns #beatcrohns #lactobacillus #probiotics

Ful Madamas

 Ful Mudamas is a middle eastern food usually served for breakfast. The flavors are amazing. If you like stuffed grape leaves and humus, you will like this. We usually have it for dinner. Traditionally this recipe uses fava beans. However they are sometimes hard to find. I use chic peas in stead.

Why this fits in with my diet to control Crohn's: First off and most importantly this dish is gluten and corn free. And although it does contain dairy, the benefit from the yogurt offsets the potential gassiness. Always check that the yogurt is pure and free from added starches, which they sometimes do. 

Ingredients:

2 cups plain yogurt

1 can chic peas

2 tablespoons tahini

2 cloves garlic (optional)

2 tomatoes

large bunch of parsley

4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

olive oil (to taste)

paprika (to taste)

Directions:

1. Divide yogurt, tahini and chic peas between two bowels. 
2. Mince garlic and divide between bowels
3. rough chop tomatoes and parsley and divide
4. drizzle with olive oil
5. drive with lemon juice
6. sprinkle paprika
7. heat in microwave for 60 to 90 seconds

Enjoy! Makes 2 servings

#Fulmudamas #cornfree #glutenfree #crohns #foodasmedicine

#crohnsflare #crohnsdiet #naturalcurecrohns #SCD

Product Alert

 I am always talking about how companies can change ingredients at any time. This is why it is important to read the ingredients of every product, every time, even ones that you use all the time.

Very very disappointed that Siete now uses xanthan gum in some of their tortillas. It seems that some of them do not, specifically the extra large burrito wraps. The chic pea ones do not contain the xanthan gum either. However the important thing is to read the labels. I made this mistake myself and only realized it after I got home.

Xanthan gum is a derivative of corn. In the absence of gluten, it helps things to hold together better. In order to keep my Crohn's in remission, I avoid all gluten and corn. And this includes all derivatives of gluten and corn. This is why I must avoid xanthan gum. These tortillas had been a staple for me. I will probably just buy the extra large but check the label every time.