What I Eat; Thai Green Curry Sauce

I have been using this sauce for quite a while now and absolutely love it! It's sweet, tangy and spicy all rolled into one. Great for leftovers, especially if they are a bit dry. Today I used it on my leftover tofu. Please note, it is not vegetarian. It does contain fish.

I got this at Whole Foods. While it was pretty expensive, around 8 dollars for a jar, you only use a little bit. A small amount goes a long way, so it contains several servings per jar.

Eating Out Safely

There is nothing more annoying than trying to have a nice dinner out and being interrupted by bathroom issues. It can also cause a lot of anxiety, worrying if tonight's dinner will ruin tomorrow morning. Unless you cook something yourself, it's hard to know every ingredient that goes into food cooked at a restaurant. For this reason, I don't go out often. But when I do, this is the strategy I use to eat out, safely.

Vegetables, Fruits, and Meats

The safest foods on any menu are the single ingredient ones. This means vegetables, fruits and meat with nothing added, such as seasonings or sauces.

As long as there is no sauce, a side of fresh cooked vegetables like broccoli or green beans is great! Except, of course, corn. I avoid corn in all forms. Even a bit of butter is good on the side vegetables if you can tolerate dairy. Just avoid margarine since it can contain corn oil. Whipped butter is a good alternative.

All fruits are great choices as long as they are fresh. Canned fruits can contain high fructose corn syrup which is a big no-no. This is more of a problem during the winter since fruits are seasonal.

Meat is almost always a good choice as long as there is no breading and no sauce. Steak, grilled chicken and baked fish are just a few examples and are all fairly safe. Burgers are usually fine and a lot of places are now offering them on a lettuce bun. Just no ketchup, mustard, pickles, bbq sauce, mayonnaise or relish. These contain distilled white vinegar and/or corn syrup. Distilled white vinegar is a derivative of corn.

Potatoes

Nothing goes better with meat than potatoes! Fries sound good. However, there are two issues here. First, french fries are cooked in oil. Sometimes this same oil is used and reused to fry other foods that are full of gluten. The oil may also be corn oil. Secondly, to make french fries taste better, they are sometimes soaked in corn syrup. This is especially true of the frozen fries. Luckily, I've found a few restaurants where I can eat the fries, including Five Guys Burgers that uses peanut oil.

If I'm not sure about the fries, I will usually stick to a baked potato with butter. Also, avoid the sour cream as it usually contains distilled white vinegar. However, Daisy brand sour cream does not contain vinegar and agrees with me. Mashed potatoes are also not a good choice because they can contain so many ingredients that may flare me.

Appetizers and Salads

Appetizers are not usually a safe choice because most are breaded and fried. I can get humus if it's on the menu, but pass on the pita bread. Shrimp cocktail is good too, but without the sauce. Some restaurants will also offer raw cut vegetables.

Salads are a good choice but must be ordered without dressing. You can ask for a side of olive oil, but make sure it is pure and doesn't contain added corn oil. You can also add fresh lemon. No croutons, of course. Also be sure to leave off anything that might contain vinegar, such as hot peppers or capers.

Gluten Free Pasta (but be careful!)

If gluten free noodles are available, be sure to question whether or not they contain corn. A lot of gluten free pastas tend to contain corn. Corn adds a nice flavor and texture, but is deadly to my colon.

Drinks

As far as drinks are concerned, the safest bet is plain water, maybe with some lemon. Anything sweet can potentially contain corn syrup and the diet drinks contain sugar substitutes which are also derived from corn. I might also order hot tea, but have to check the creamer for corn syrup. Bring your glasses or a younger member of your family; they're impossible to read!

Desserts

Desserts are hard. I only feel safe getting plain jello. Some restaurants offer gluten free options of cakes and cookies. But I never order these because I can't be sure of all the ingredients.

Talking To Your Waiter

The most important thing to do is to talk to the wait staff. Let them know that you have a food allergy. Although I have a gluten and corn intolerance which causes me to flare, I don't want them to think that I'm just being trendy or trying to lose weight. But restaurants are always accommodating for people with dietary restrictions so don't be afraid to talk to them. Also, I always leave a very nice tip for all their trouble and bombarding them with food questions!

It is sometimes a gamble and you might not know until the next day or later that night whether or not you made good choices. If you frequent a certain restaurant it is important to write down exactly what you ate and the results. In this way, you can put together a list of safe restaurants and safe foods.

It is also difficult to watch friends and family eating anything they want to without repercussions, while you sit there dutifully munching your vegetables like a rabbit.  Just keep in mind that it is the company you keep that is really important!

Corn and Corn Derivatives

In order to keep my Crohn's from flaring, I eat a corn free and gluten free diet. By following this diet, I keep myself from flaring and stay healthy.

It's really important that I avoid all sources of corn, but corn can be found everywhere! Foods like corn itself, corn flakes, corn meal, corn starch... basically anything with the word 'corn' in it. But corn comes in many different forms as derivatives, and most can be difficult to recognize.

Below are some of the most common foods containing corn that most people would not consider:

• Baking powder (mixed with corn starch)
• Distilled white vinegar
• Grits
• Hominy
• Ketchup (vinegar and corn syrup)
• Maize
• Marshmallows (corn syrup)
• Mayonnaise (vinegar and corn syrup)
• Mustard (vinegar)
• Pickles (vinegar)
• Powdered sugar (mixed with corn starch)
• Relish (vinegar)
• Pepsi (corn syrup)
• Zein

Below are some of the most common corn derivatives I avoid in order to stay in remission:

• Corn meal
• Corn starch
• Corn syrup
• Maltodextrin (can be a derivative of corn and/or gluten)
• Modified food starch (often modified with corn starch)
• MSG
• Sorbitol
• Splenda
• Xanthan gum

For some of these, substitutions can be found. Sometimes I can find condiments that use real sugar and apple cider vinegar instead of corn syrup and white distilled vinegar. I have had to become a label reader.

Sometimes, I can find substitutions for some of the foods I love that contain corn. Some condiments are made with real sugar instead of corn syrup. Other vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar are safe for me to eat and sometimes products will use this instead of distilled white vinegar. At this point in time, I have become an expert at label reading.

I use powdered sugar in some of my baking, but I buy Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Powdered Sugar. This brand  is great because it is mixed with tapioca starch instead of corn starch and taste just as good.

For baking powder I use Featherweight brand where they use potato starch.

I like to drink Pepsi Cola Throwback, made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. I also drink seltzer water with a little lemon or lime in it.

For pancakes and french toast, I use %100 real maple syrup. It's important for me to avoid commercial brands which usually add corn syrup.

I also like to use Dandies Original Vanilla Marshmallows - Vegan. These use real sugar instead of corn syrup.

Sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, are also derived from corn. Personally, I prefer to eat real sugar in moderation instead of taking a chance with artificial sweeteners. Please note: diabetics still need to watch their sugar intake and I am not advocating eating sugar for them. These decisions should be made with a doctor.

I have to be very careful in the gluten free section of my grocery store. Gluten free does not mean corn free and I have to avoid both gluten and corn. Unfortunately, a lot of gluten free products will contain corn to make them more tasty. Always read the labels!!! There are still plenty of gluten free products available that are also corn free.

What I Eat: Barramundi

Last night we had delicious Barramundi fish. With fish, I don't add any sort of breading unless I'm sure it is gluten-free. Instead, I like to use lots of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I grilled it in the pan for about 10 minutes and flipped it half-way through.

I had a side of roasted broccoli and potatoes, mixed with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. I roasted them in the oven (425 F) for 20-25 minutes.

I always try to add lots of fresh fruits and veggies to my diet, so I had my fish with a side salad of leafy greens, apples, and peppers. Most dressings aren't good for my diet because they usually contain distilled white vinegar (which is derived from corn). To substitute, I love to use a combination of lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh taste!

[As a side note, distilled white vinegar is the ONLY type of vinegar that flares me. Apple cider, balsamic, white wine, and rice vinegar have never caused me to flare.]

Probiotics

I just started using this probiotic a few weeks ago, and I've already started to see an amazing improvement! It's called Fortify Optima Max Potency 100 Billion Probiotic by Nature's Way. I got this at my local Whole Foods market at about $40 for a 30 day supply. Not a bad price for a really good probiotic.

Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that have huge benefits for the digestive syste
m. We usually think of bacteria as being what makes us sick, but this isn't always true. The human body has tons of bacteria that the body needs to stay healthy, and probiotics help to make sure there's plenty of good bacteria in the gut.

It's especially good to take a probiotic after you've been on any antibiotics. Antibiotics are made to kill the bad bacteria in the body that is making you sick, but it also tends to kill the good bacteria as well. This can cause your digestive system to get all out of wack and cause problems like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, or inflammation.

Because probiotics help to calm inflammation and help to balance your gut health, they are a MUST for anyone with digestive diseases like IBS, Colitis, and Crohn's.

These are also enteric-coated. That means that they dissolve in your intestines instead of your stomach. This allows for the full dosage to be delivered without being broken down by stomach acid.

They can be taken with or without food, but I like to take them in the morning with my breakfast.

Please note that I do unbiased product reviews. I was not paid by this company for advertisement.

What I Eat: French Toast

There is nothing as delicious as French toast in the morning. Unfortunately, that is not always an option on a gluten free and corn free diet. This morning I used my homemade gluten free and corn free bread to make it. It is very important to only use pure maple syrup because commercial brands use corn syrup. I also only use powdered sugar that is free of corn starch.

I like to use 365 Everyday Value Organic Powdered Sugar. I usually get tis at my local Whole Foods market. Another great alternative available online is Wholesome Sweeteners Powdered Sugar.

What I Eat: Tasty Baked Salmon

This beautiful specimen is a whole salmon fillet I like to buy at Walmart. I use a combination of soy sauce (gluten free) and brown sugar. I just mix it up and put it on as a glaze before baking. Once in a while I also like to add some garlic powder.

Now, the important thing to remember here is to use soy sauce that is gluten free. I usually like to use Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce.  Sometimes I'll use Bragg's Liquid Aminos instead of the soy sauce. This sauce is also a great alternative for any gluten-free diets while tasting just as delicious!

I love to pair this salmon with rice and sautéed vegetables.

What I Eat: Apples and Quinoa

This recipe is so good and almost tastes like apple pie! I love to have this as a sweet and healthy breakfast.

Ingredients:

-  3 apples (peeled and cubed)

-  1/2 cup quinoa
-  1 1/2 cups water
-  dash salt
-  cinnamon to taste
-  1 tsp brown sugar (optional - the apples sometimes make it sweet enough)

    Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in medium pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Lower heat and simmer until all water is absorbed (about 20-25 minutes)
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

What I Eat: Barramundi Fish and Roasted Potatoes

Barramundi Fish, Veggies, and Roasted Potatoes with a Side Salad

This beautiful selection of food came from HelloFresh (a healthy and inexpensive meal kit that I get delivered weekly).

I just recently discovered this fish and I love it! It is a wonderfully light and flaky white fish that seems to go well with just about anything.

For this dish, I seasoned the barramundi with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika powder. Then I just seared it in a pan for around 10 minutes.

I took some green beans and broccoli and sautéed them in some similar spices.

I roasted some potatoes in the oven. Just add a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper.

As a healthy side salad, I had mixed greens with apple slices. Drizzled olive oil and lemon juice made a simple and tasty dressing.

My diet is restrictive but it doesn't have to be boring. These flavors comes from spices instead of pre-made sauces that may have questionable ingredients. There are no starches or breading on the fish.

This complete meal is free of wheat, gluten, corn and all wheat and corn derivatives.

What I Eat: Veggie Omelet and Grilled Pineapple

Made this beauty yesterday. First I sliced up some fresh pineapple and grilled it with a little olive oil and cinnamon. Then I made a super healthy omelet with lots and lots of dinosaur kale greens.

I used Earth Balance Buttery Spread which is a gluten and corn free butter substitute. I love this stuff because it tastes just like real butter.

What I Eat: Veggie Quinoa Bowl and Peach Cobbler

I went totally vegetarian tonight and it was absolutely delicious. It was a bowl of quinoa topped with roasted zucchini, roasted chic peas, and tomatoes. I seasoned the zucchini and chic peas with some paprika, salt and pepper. Then I topped the whole thing with some green onions, fresh thyme, and lemon juice. Originally, the recipe called for couscous, but that's full of gluten so that was a big no for be. Luckily, quinoa is my go-to substitute for couscous.

I also had a simple salad I made from some of the veggies I had lying around the house. I put in brussel sprouts, cubed turnip, and cubed apple. Then I topped it with some salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil.

I made an absolutely delicious peach cobbler tonight as well. I started with two bags of frozen peaches which I mixed with 1/4 cup sugar. Then I just added them to a buttered casserole dish. I used a gluten free Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix* for the crust on top. Simply make the crust according to the package directions and then pour the batter over the peaches. Bake until golden brown and serve warm. I love serving it with vanilla ice cream!

*The Bisquick mix that I use is not completely corn free. It does contain xanthan gum which I do try to avoid most of the time. However, I do have a slight tolerance for it in very small quantities.

What I Eat: Glazed Root Vegetables

I've been trying to find some good recipes for all the veggies I've been getting recently. There's this company called Misfits Market. There's a huge amount of fruits and vegetables that never make it to grocery stores due to being misshapen or being an odd size. Often times, all of these foods that are rejected end up going to waste. But what's great about Misfits, is that they rescue these fruits and veggies and sell them at a great discount. I get a subscription where I'm sent organic vegetables and fruits every two weeks. They are always just as good as the ones you could find at a store, but cheaper and helps prevent food waste.

Unfortunately, Misfits is still growing as a company and can't ship everywhere in the country yet. But, luckily there are other companies that are doing the same thing. Imperfect Produce and Hungry Harvest are two other companies that also sell discounted fruits and vegetables.

I've recently gotten a lot of root vegetables that I don't normally buy. So, here's a recipe for a tasty glazed root veggie mix that goes great as a side dish. The taste somewhat reminds me of Thanksgiving.

Glazed Root Vegetables:

Ingredients:

   -  1 yam
   -  1 beet
   -  1 turnip
   -  salt (to taste)
   -  1/2 cup brown sugar
   -  4 tbsp. butter (or corn free margarine*)
   -  dash cinnamon








Directions:

1. Slice all vegetables and add them to a pot.
2. Fill the pot with water until all the veggies are covered.
3. Bring the pot to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes (until vegetables are tender).
4. Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot.
5. Add brown sugar and margarine; simmer on low for a few minutes until a glaze forms.
6. Add a dash of salt and cinnamon.

* I like to use Earth Balance margarine. It tastes just like butter but with less fat. There is also a soy free version available.

Going Gluten Free Made a Difference

Found this on facebook about how one woman found relief for her Crohn's symptoms from changing her diet. She went gluten free and found amazing results. The link is below.

https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/lifestyle-change-saved-life/?fbclid=IwAR0VOtsIKMipAMemLofH-iaLbQmwBB5o31XM1xD4tcV13yC3V810RlnKAbU

What I Eat: Salmon, Green Beans, and Za'atar Spiced Quinoa

This dinner was really similar to what I ate the other day at the fish fry. I had salmon again, but you can never eat too much salmon! I seasoned it with just some salt and pepper.

I also made some quinoa to go with it. Once the quinoa was done cooking, I mixed in some za'atar spice. Za'atar is a delicious Middle Eastern spice blend usually made of thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. I love to use za'atar in my cooking! It's pretty much delicious on anything. Try seasoning fish or chicken with it. Or, mix it into some hummus for some extra flavor.

I made some green beans as well. I just steamed them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. After that, I mixed in some butter.

I topped my fish with a yummy sauce made of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Then I topped the whole thing off with some dill and lemon juice.

What I Eat: Fish Fry Friday

What can be more delicious than Fish Fry Friday? Not having to cook is another big bonus! Although I'm gluten and corn free, there are usually still options for me when I eat out. I just have to be a little more careful.

Unfortunately, I can't enjoy deliciously crunchy "fried" fish when I go out with my family to Fish Fries. Fried fish is always a huge "no" for me since it's full of gluten. Luckily, the Fish Fry I went to offered some simple baked salmon. I got it with green beans and some rice.

Even when eating out, something simple like baked salmon comes with risks for me. There have been times that I've ordered similar foods in restaurants, only to flare the next day because I find out they've dusted the whole thing in cornstarch before baking. So always ask before you order. You can never be too sure and waiters are always willing to go double check with the chef.