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

Tuna salad

 This was a great breakfast! It's nice to get some protein in the morning. Two things to consider here. First off, the tuna must be packed in water. The oils are too iffy and may contain corn oil. Second, I only use Vegenaise brand mayonnaise. This is because Vegenaise uses apple cider vinegar and not white distilled vinegar. This is one of my most important rules for keeping me in remission. I mixed it straight with the tuna and veggies. No other ingredients. 

It was served on an Against the Grain brand roll. 

Avoiding all gluten and corn as well as derivatives of. gluten and corn has kept me pretty much in remission for 14 years.

#glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #beatcrohns #foodasmedicine #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet

#Vegenaise #safefoodsforcrohns

Staple Gluten and Corn Free Bread

 Here again is my recipe for Gluten and Corn free bread. I recently used it to make French toast and it stood up remarkedly well with no crumbling. I always use pure maple syrup. Commercial brands are mostly corn syrup. I like to experiment with different flours. Only use a 1/2 cup of these flours to replace the rice flour. There are so many on the market such as quinoa, hemp, oat and amaranth just to name a few. This is my staple goto bread.

*3 whole eggs
*1 tbs apple cider vinegar (white vinegar is a corn derivative)
*3/4 cup milk or milk substitute
*2 tbs oil (olive)
*1 tsp honey
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp baking powder (featherweight; other baking powders contain cornstarch)
*1 tbs ground flax
*1 and 1/2 cup rice flour
*1/2 cup gluten free oats
*1 and 1/2 tbs baker yeast
*2 tbs gluten free oats to sprinkle on top prior to baking

     DIRECTIONS:

      *in large bowl mix wet ingredients
      *in separate bowl mix dry ingredients and yeast
      *slowly incorporate the dry into the wet ingredients
      *grease 1 bread pan with canola oil
      *pour batter into pan (Note: it will not be doughy)
      *sprinkle top with gluten free oats

This makes one loaf.

Be sure to only use baking powder that is corn starch free. And only use apple cider vinegar. This is the key for how I stay in remission.

#glutenfree #cornfree #crohns #beatcrohns #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet #glutenfreebread

#safefoodsforcrohns #naturalcurecrohns #foodasmedicine

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 

Tofu stir fry with zucchini

 Had a great vegetarian dinner last night. I started with a tofu stir fry, broccoli, asparagus and mushroom. seasoned with Braggs Aminos, brown sugar, wine vinegar and sesame oil. its important to NOT use regular soy sauce, which is full of gluten.

On the side I had sliced zucchini from our garden. I dipped the slices in rice flour, egg and the quinoa flour. Fried in olive oil. I do not use vegetable oil that may contain corn.

Avoiding gluten and corn and gluten and corn derivatives is how I beat Crohn's. Have a great and productive day!

#Crohns #cornfree #foodasmedicine #glutenfree #dietforcrohns#Crohnsdiet #crohnsflare

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 

Chiobani Complete yogurt

 This yogurt promises a lot, high protein, low sugar and a few grams of fiber was well. Actually 15 grams of protein. 3 grams of fiber, which is always nice. It also cuts way down on the lactose, so gas should not be a problem. This is also sweetened with stevia, a natural plant leaf. All good things.

However, the taste was not great. The texture was way too thick. Not creamy at all. In my opinion, not sweet enough. There was no actual fruit, just flavor. I will just use my other container in a smoothie. Sorry Chiobani, you can do better.

#Chiobanicomplete #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #foodasmedicine #beatcrohns

#dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet 

Almond Breeze Yogurt

 Found this new product yesterday. Fruit on the bottom. Very nice smooth texture. Today I tried the blueberry. They also come in strawberry, peach and vanilla. They do not skimp on the fruit layer. Made with cane sugar, not corn syrup. I like that this is non-dairy so it won't cause gas. All in all a good find.

Yogurt in general is great for Crohn's. But it must be free from gluten and corn in order not to flare me. The cane sugar is nice. Also no added corn starch.

#almondbreezeyogurt #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns #foodasmedicine

#dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet #bestyogurtforcrohns 

Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream

 Today was National Ice Cream day. I wasn't going to miss this one. Safest ice cream I could find was Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice cream. Real sugar instead of the corn syrup. Since it's hard to find a safe chocolate sauce I used Nutella, warmed for 20 seconds in the microwave.

#Breyers #Crohns #crohnsdiet #dietforcrohns #foodasmedicine #Crohnsflare #Glutenfree #Cornfrree

#natualcurecrohns #nutella #glutenfreeicecream 

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 

Pasta with Red Pepper Sauce

 Well this red pepper sauce was so good I could just drink it! That's how delicious it was! I used Jovial gluten free bowties for the pasta. Mezzetta was the brand I used for the red peppers. Its most important for the peppers to not be in vinegar. The shredded cheese can not contain corn starch, as some do. The heavy cream must be free from corn syrup. And the broth must be free from maltodextrin.

Ingredients:

1 pound gluten free pasta (free from corn)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 green onions, sliced

1 16 oz jar roasted red peppers, drained but not rinsed (free from vinegar)

1/2 cup broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (more for toppings)

Directions:

1. sautée garlic, onion and red peppers in olive oil for a few minutes

2. stir in butter and oregano

3. set aside to cool and start boiling water for pasta

4. place pepper mixture in blender

5. add heavy cream

6. blend till smooth 

7. return sauce to pan

8. stir in shredded cheese

9. pour over pasta when done

10. top with extra cheese

#redpeppersauce #crohns #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns #dietforcrohns #crohnsdiet

#foodasmedicine #howIbeatcrohns #crohnsflare #mezzetta 

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

Hu Grain Free Crackers

 New on the gluten free circuit is this company Hu Kitchen, short for "get back to human". Today I tried their Everything Grain Free crackers. I saw that there is also a pizza flavor. Very good. Lots of flavor and the texture was crispy and not too thin. Got them at my local grocery store, but they are also available online as well. 

These are made with a nice combination of almond and cassava flours. They work well together and lend to a hardy taste.

Of course, to keep myself in remission I hav eliminated all gluten and corn in my diet as well as gluten and corn derivatives. One thing that I noticed right away is the use of apple cider vinegar instead of white distilled vinegar. White distilled vinegar is derived from corn and I avoid it like the plague.

#hu #getbacktohuman #glutenfreecrackers #glutenfree #cornfree #beatcrohns

#crohns #foodasmedicine #dietforcrohns #howibeatcrohns #hucrackers

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