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 

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

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 

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

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

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.

Probiotic PB8

 Another thing that I changed during my virus was my probiotic. Not all probiotics are the same. There are many different strains of the probiotics. Each of these strains affect people differently. We all have our personal microbial community.

I had used PB8 before but not sure why I changed. I had always had good results from this brand. It is actually a bit cheaper too, which did not make it less effective. There are no gluten or corn ingredients.

It may be wise to try different brands to see which one is right for you. It also helps to eat yogurt and eat gut friendly prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in our gut. These prebiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi as well as gluten free grains such as whole grain oats, fruits and vegetables. These foods feed the good bacteria and allow them to thrive.

Amaranth

 Amaranth is a naturally gluten free grain. Amaranth is a tiny seed, similar to quinoa and packed with nutrition. Amaranth is particularly high in protein, fiber, iron, manganese and magnesium. It's said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. In some studies it was also shown to lower cholesterol and help control weight. 

Amaranth can be ground into a flour or cooked whole. It can even be popped like popcorn.

I recently tweaked my favorite banana bread recipe for an Amaranth cook book. Here it is:

Ingredients:
2 very ripe bananas
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk (or milk substitute) 
1 tsp vanilla 
1/2 cup applesauce 

3/4 cup brown sugar 
1 Tablespoon coconut oil  melted
3/4 cup Amaranth flour 
1/4 cup ground flax seed 
1/4 cup almond flour 
1/4 cup gluten free raw rolled oats 
1/2 cup rice flour 
2 tsp baking powder (featherweight) 
1/2 tsp salt 
cinnamon to taste
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) 

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl.
3. Add egg, milk, coconut oil, vanilla, applesauce and brown sugar; mix well.
4. Mix all dry ingredients in separate bowl.
5. Slowly stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
6. Mix in chocolate chips if desired.
7. Coat bread pan with oil or margarine, or use parchment paper.
8. Bake 45 minutes.

Makes one loaf.

What I Eat: Hummus

 Hummus. Creamy and flavorful. Healthy. Contains the good fats plus lots of fiber and protein. Makes a nice vegetarian meal by itself or as a side dish or appetizer. Great with any vegetable for dipping. Also good for gluten and corn free chips, such as Siete grain free products. 

Why this fits in with my diet: I am gluten and corn free, as well as gluten and corn derivative free. Hummus is made primarily of chic peas (Garbanzo), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and tahini (sesame seeds). I watch out for added starches or vinegars. White distilled vinegar is derived from corn and will send me into a flare. I also like the ease of getting a ton of veggies into me. 

I like to top mine with Zahtar (a mixture of spices including marjoram, thyme, sesame and sumac), olive oil and paprika. Always check the Zahtar label for added starches. 

I usually buy Sabra brand hummus. They don't add any starches or vinegars.

You can also make your own. Here's a link to a simple recipe I found online:

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/hummus/

UCLA research on diet

 Interesting research going on at UCLA studying the connection between food and IBD. It's a well known connection, but now the medical community is starting to acknowledge it. They are studying the Specific Carbohydrate Diet which is close to mine.

Link below if anyone is interested:

https://www.uclahealth.org/gastro/limketkai-lab?fbclid=IwAR2nV3PaW89rVnqAw77oG0XyZBXXTpO-HvlOT0XTY16pK5Vek7aPHgiYJeo

.

Another link to a survey on diet habits. It takes about 15 minutes but lends to important research:

https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eIERRnnmUkxVO1D?fbclid=IwAR0jH9R-MkaXkxr3h4mbyBp2HDjrsSlqSxhqGPVZml59a4gj-7V0lnluscw

Fermented Foods for Gut Health

 The main thing that I do to keep my Crohn's in remission is to avoid all corn and gluten, and all corn and gluten derivatives. But there are many things that I like to add to my diet which are very healthy for my colon. These are fermented foods. These foods contain live organisms that help our gut to digest foods and  keep a nice balance. These foods include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso.

Yogurt. Most of us are familiar with the benefit of yogurt. Kids love it. Great for bone health. Portable. And maybe a bit easier to digest than milk for those who are lactose intolerant. However I usually only get plain as many commercial brands contain corn starch or maltodextrin (A gluten derivative, derived from barley, which is glutinous).

Kefir. Basically a drinkable yogurt. Comes in many yummy flavors. Can be used as a base in smoothies. Again I watch that the other ingredients are not corn or gluten derivatives.

Kimchi. (see picture below) Some hate it but I LOVE it. Basically fermented and rotten cabbage and spices. If you can get past the smell its delicious. Plan to stay home for the night if you eat this.

Sauerkraut. Great summer food. The sourness comes from the good bacteria. It's important to read the label for ingredients. Most sauerkraut is based in vinegar. I get mine at farmer's markets, made with cabbage and salt only.

Tempeh. A meat substitute. Nicer texture than tofu. Can be sliced or crumbled depending on the recipe. Good for quick stir fries. Some tempeh contains barley. Barley has gluten. 

Miso. Fermented soybeans that is used to flavor soups, stews and stir fries. 

Spicy Ketchup Substitute

Ketchup. Delicious. Great with chicken or fries. Well not for me. It will send me into a flare. There are two reasons why Ketchup will flare me. 

1. Vinegar. White distilled vinegar is derived from corn. I must avoid all corn as well as corn derivatives in oder to keep my Crohn's in remission. It seems odd, but so it goes.

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup. Another corn derivative. 

Luckily I found Paleochef brand wing sauce in Whole Foods. It is somewhat spicy. The nice thing is that it uses Apple Cider vinegar instead of White distilled vinegar. It also uses honey instead of the corn syrup. And tastes delicious. Had it with scrambled eggs this morning.