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Short Message For Anyone Who Has to Eat a Restricted Diet: Tips and Advice from the Front Lines

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Salad with Chia Seeds

My Beloved Salads Have Never Betrayed Me!

If you have to eat any kind of a restricted diet, due to any of the following mood busters…

  • Celiac Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Food Allergies
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Or any other condition that insists on being your meal planner

… you know that the challenges are very real, you know that occasional feelings of gloom WILL happen, you know that others who do not have to eat your restricted diet have ZERO idea what it is like, and you know that… well, let’s be honest… it kind of sucks.

Having said that, there are certain tips and mindset “tweaks” that can help keep a smile on your face while keeping your body healthier and, thereby, helping you stay around longer for this extraordinary ride we call life.

I’ve had to live without gluten and wheat for over 10 years. There’s a certain reality you face when you have to make the dietary restrictions as an adult… it’s actually much harder because you know what you’re missing for one thing and, for another, it literally involves throwing aside everything you know and embarking on a journey that has been planned without your consent.

I was recently reminded of this very fact when, on top of having to diligently eat gluten and wheat free, my body has decided that… while we’ve had a strained relationship for years… it needs a trial separation from dairy. Possibly permanent, but definitely trial. Seems it isn’t completely thrilled about its relationship with hamburgers or eggs either at this time.

Cool beans… No wait, I can’t eat beans either… let’s make that cool carrots…  Cool carrots, time to restructure my meals and diet and to be even more mindful of everything I put into my face.

If this sounds like complaining, I apologize. I’m not angry and I certainly don’t feel sorry for myself, even remotely. It’s just kind of frustrating, that’s all. But, as I did many years ago, when I had to walk away from all wheat and gluten, including my absolute obsessions fried catfish at my favorite restaurant and onion rings from any restaurant, I will quickly adapt. In fact, I’m very blessed and grateful that plans and diets have already been laid out for me… I’m using a combination of the Paleo diet, the Bulletproof diet, and the Low FODMAP diet… in addition to my already firmly in place gluten-free diet. I’m unspeakably grateful that so many dairy alternatives exist on the market, as well as so many clearly-marked gluten-free foods. It makes cooking a lot easier when you simply have to make a substitution.. or, in my case, usually a couple of substitutions.

Cheese is going to absolutely be the hardest thing for me. I’m hoping that, once my leaky gut or IBS (whichever has been rough-housing me) has settled down, I can reintroduce it to cheese every now and then. If I can…. great! If not… well, that’s fine. As God reminded me recently, there’s a LOT more to life than just food. I mean, I always knew that, but one day (when realizing I needed to make yet another adjustment to my eating…which btw apparently will include stopping red meat for a while) I was driving through town, looking at all the cars in the fast food drive thrus and parking lots. I remembered the days when I could simply grab a burger and a diet Coke without thinking twice. I remembered when my husband and I could go out to eat anywhere we chose, instead of having the choice determined by my restrictions.

Just as a gorgeous day was becoming overcast with my negative thoughts, God reminded me (paraphrasing, here) to look at the beautiful blue sky, listen to the birds, think of my husband, daughters, sons-in-law, precious grandbabies, and cats. He reminded me to think of my flower beds I was already so excited about. He let me know that there is SO much more to life than food.

Amen!

Truth be told, though, over the years, this was one of my only weak moments. I attribute this one to the ‘yet again” emotions – the fact that big changes had to be made. Seriously, y’all, if someone would just stop moving the goalposts, it’d be lovely lol.

It’s been a few weeks since that wake-up call and I honestly feel SO much better. In fact, implementing dietary changes has me feeling so much better, physically, that I’m kind of excited to see how it all plays out. I even lost 5 very stubborn pounds that had already become such a part of my life I had all but given them names.

A few tips for anyone who has new (or old) dietary restrictions they need to make peace with:

  1. Food isn’t everything. As a nation, we Americans pretty much make our lives revolve around food, don’t we. If we want to get out for a drive through the country on a beautiful day, we grab a quick hamburger and fries or milkshake for the journey. Every family get together (from Super Bowl Sunday to holidays) revolves around food. And while there’s no getting around it or really any reason to change things, we can be smarter. Maybe by grabbing a bag of snacks and large tumbler of tea  from home before the ride through the country. Or having get togethers center around healthier options – a taco bar or even salad bar if you have enough vegetable lovers in your group.
  2. Look at what you CAN eat rather than what you CAN’T eat. This one may seem subtle but it’s so important I would have put it first, but there’s no way I’m leap-frogging over God’s advice. I made a list and printed it out of foods I can enjoy while eating Paleo – whether it’s for a specific amount of time or forever and ever, Amen. I didn’t even write down the ones I can’t touch – after all, I already know them, I don’t want to give them any more attention. I’m turning my attention to the many foods and drinks waiting to help me out. They’re my teammates now and I’m focusing on them. A word of caution when you research what foods are and are not on a particular diet. Whether it’s FODMAP, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, or any such diet, there is a LOT of conflicting information online. For kicks (what can I say, it was a slow day) I Googled “are white potatoes high or low FODMAP” once and got at least a dozen different answers. Fascinated, I asked Google if white potatoes were on the Paleo diet.. again, different results! This bottomless pit of conflicting information led to the next tip..
  3. Do your research! If you’re embarking on a particular diet, please do a great amount of research first. Arm yourself with information or you won’t get anywhere. I would seek out the most reputable sources possible. I have a great number of books I’ve turned to for each of the three diets I’m pulling from the Paleo and Bulletproof diets are extremely similar, the Paleo one is simply more constructed and clearly-defined…. no “maybe this could be okay..” with Paleo – it’s more of a “don’t even put it in the cart,” which is the structured approach I frankly need right now. Having a great library of books will arm you with the information you need and help take a lot of worry and stress off of you. Let someone else do the heavy lifting with you! (Books I recommend are at the bottom).
  4. If you’re cooking for yourself as well as others without restrictions, take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay! One of the things I hear most people on restrictive diets complain about the most is having to fix several different meals instead of just one. Personally, I think of it as, “I GET to cook several meals instead of one” because (A) It means I have loved ones at my dinner table and (B) It means they don’t have to restrict their options.. good on them! I think most people aren’t setting themselves up for success. They’re making life way too complicated. For example, tonight I’m making Big Mac Salads for supper (one of my husband’s favorite meals in the world!). I’ll prepare the pickles, onions, romaine lettuce and other vegetables and throw them into a huge bowl. So far, so good. Then I’ll cook his ground beef in one pan while cooking my ground turkey in another (trust me, it’s delicious!).. each will be seasoned and placed in separate bowls to stay warm. When put together at the table, he’ll be able to add his meat, croutons, and dressing made with milk to his plate while I add my meat, gluten-free croutons, and dressing made with almond milk to mine. Easy peasy.  Meal planning may take a little more thought, but half the battle is simply having your options on hand and in mind. More on that next..
  5. Have a shelf for your food in the refrigerator and pantry. It will make it a lot easier, and healthier, on you if you (after careful label-reading and research) have a designated shelf in the fridge for foods that are safe for you. I mean, who wants to go digging through the refrigerator – especially if they have to keep reading those cursed tiny ingredient lists each time. Set yourself up for success and make life easier on yourself. Do the same with the pantry. Hunting for “safe” foods is a headache and does nothing but add stress.
  6. If you’re on Instagram or Pinterest, search out reputable accounts that deal with your particular dietary needs. Instagram has been a wealth of both information AND inspiration to me and have made a huge difference in making the dietary transitions. HUGE difference.

Some books and cookbooks I highly recommend:

(All links are Amazon links)

*** PALEO and BULLETPROOF ***

The Simple Paleo Kitchen

Eating Paleo (Complete Idiot’s Guide)

Celebrations

Five Ingredient Paleo Cookbook

The Bulletproof Diet

Bulletproof: The Cookbook

*** LOW FODMAP DIET ***

FODMAP Friendly: 95 Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Recipes

My next article will feature some of my favorite Paleo-Friendly snacks and foods, dairy substitutions, and favorite gluten-free foods.  And remember, stay positive… you’ve got this! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

 

Salmon Patties with Green Onions and Red Bell Pepper

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Salmon Patties with Red Bell Pepper

Salmon Patties with Red Bell Pepper and Green Onion

Few foods in this world make me as giddy as salmon patties (or salmon burgers, if you prefer). Seriously, if I know I’ll be making them for dinner, it casts a glow over my entire day. They’re delicious, sit easily on your stomach, and go with a wide variety of sides.

While I often change up the ingredients, the basic principle and technique is the same. Because I have to eat gluten-free, I use gluten-free dried breadcrumbs or panko. If you don’t have to eat gluten-free, use the breadcrumbs of your choice. Kroger has their own wonderful brand of gluten-free breadcrumbs – they even have a gluten-free Italian blend that’s outstanding for meatballs!

Some of my favorite options to add to my salmon patties:

  • green onion
  • red bell pepper
  • diced celery
  • shallot
  • sweet onion
  • green bell pepper
  • chopped sage
  • garlic

Choosing a combination of any of the above is outrageously good, but my personal favorite combinations are (1) diced celery and shallots and (2) red bell pepper and green onion.

The recipe below calls for red bell pepper and green onion, but (obviously) use whatever you prefer or whatever you have on hand.


Vegan and Gluten-Free Salad Dressings, Mayo & Butter from Plant Perfect (Exciting New Products!)

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Plant Perfect Vegan Ranch Dressing

Plant Perfect Vegan Ranch Dressing

Quite a while back, I devoured and reviewed Parma!, a Plant-Based Parmesan Cheese Alternative and, frankly, I’ve never forgotten the extraordinary, downright addictive flavor. It often comes to mind when I see other plant-based food, which is why I never, ever brush off the idea… I know better. I only wish Parma! was available in stores. It is available online and is absolutely worth seeking it out… positively addictive, I tell you.

I recently saw the following press release for a new rapidly-growing brand from Pivotal Foods called Plant Perfect. After reading the release, I found myself extremely anxious to try quite a few of the products – especially the one you see pictured above, a Vegan Ranch Dressing. See the “No Palm Oil” on the front of the bottle? LOVE that!

I’ve found a few of their delicious-sounding products on Amazon and have linked to them in photos an/or content below.

As soon as I try these exciting plant-based products, I will write reviews on the food blog and link to them here.

Ready To Pivot To A Better Class Of Vegan Salad Dressings, Mayo & Butter?

STATELINE, NEVADA – For years, countless people following a vegan diet for moral or dietary reasons have been asking the same rhetorical question: why isn’t there a dairy-free brand that actually frees us from our lifelong craving for dairy?

Happily, one company decided to answer that question by developing a line of dairy-free products so authentic in flavor and texture that even non-vegans are singing their praises.

Introducing Pivotal Foods (www.pivotalfoods.com) and its signature Plant Perfect brand, creators of a rapidly-growing line of dressings, mayo and – soon – butter that seamlessly blend mouth-watering flavor, authentic texture and wholesome nutrition in each and every bottle and jar.

Treating consumers to a literal and figurative taste of the future, Pivotal Foods is currently experiencing its most significant period of growth to date since the introduction of Plant Perfect Vegan Mayo in 2020. Indeed, largely due to word of mouth rather than the sort of massive marketing blitz usually needed to break into the crowded vegan marketplace, Pivotal Foods has already expanded its retail presence to over 2500 mainstream and health food stores around the country – most recently adding 1200 Safeway stores in six regions around the country.

Today, consumers can find Plant Perfect vegan salad dressings and mayo in such chains as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Raley’s, Lucky, and Safeway as well as on Amazon.com.. For a complete list of store locations, please visit www.eatplantperfect.com/find-us.

The Name Says It All

Living up to its name, Plant Perfect products represent a perfect fusion of great taste and important nutrition, utilizing wholesome ingredients sure to please even the most discerning vegan and non-vegan palates. The brand’s growing family of products include six distinct salad dressings that are all vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, non-GMO, EDTA-free (EDTA is a chemical that is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor), palm oil-free and Certified Kosher.

Now Plant-Based Certified, Plant Perfect dressings are available in 8-ounce bottles in these delectable flavors:

  • Ranch
  • Green Goddess
  • Creamy Italian
  • Caesar (Amazon link)
  • Chipotle Ranch
  • Cilantro Lime

Like Plant Perfect’s Vegan Mayo, the brand’s salad dressings are 12-month shelf stable. Plant Perfect salad dressings can be found on the dry goods shelf next to conventional dressings.

Vegan Mayo Comes Of Age

Representing a deliciously nutritious dairy-free version of a classic condiment, Plant Perfect’s Vegan Mayo is every bit as tasty, rich, versatile and satisfying as its traditional counterpart. Like the brand’s salad dressings, Plant Perfect Mayo is all vegan, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, non-GMO, EDTA-free, palm oil-free and Certified Kosher.

Offered in 12-ounce bottles, Plant Perfect Vegan Mayo enhances any dish and represents an ideal alternative to traditional mayonnaise when preparing meals, snacks and desserts (great news for vegan or health-conscious home cooks and bakers during the holiday season!).

Next on the menu for Pivotal Foods will be Plant Perfect Vegan Butter, slated to be introduced next year. Performing just like dairy European butter in every way – but without the cows! – the new line will initially consist of two irresistibly satisfying varieties: Original and Buttery.

A Pivotal Time In The Vegan Food Industry

Committed to developing high quality vegan food products that taste great, are healthy and minimize the environmental impact on the planet, Pivotal Foods is not only attracting a diverse range of new retail and foodservice partners, but is winning over both committed vegans as well as mainstream consumers ready to incorporate healthier dairy-free products into their diet so long as they don’t have to sacrifice flavor in the process.

Commenting on his company’s fast-track expansion, Pivotal Foods’ CEO Mark Garrison said, “Every Plant Perfect item is developed with one overriding goal in mind – to create the most nutritious and delicious vegan alternative product possible. Giving up dairy for ethical or dietary reasons is never easy, so we went to great lengths to make sure our Plant Perfect Mayo, Salad Dressings and Butter not only live up to, but exceed, customer expectations. We’re heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from full-time and part-time vegans alike and look forward to introducing many more vegan products over the years to come.”

For more information, please visit www.eatplantperfect.com and www.pivotalfoods.com.

 

Healthy and Delicious New Favorite Snack

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Chobani Greek Yogurt, Honey, Chia Seeds, and Flaxseed

I have a confession to make… I am, quite possibly, the biggest fan of crunchy & salty food in the entire world. My “sweet tooth” isn’t a problem – I’m fine with the occasional cookie, candy, or fudge and don’t feel I have to have it on a daily basis. Chips, pretzels, Funyuns, Fritos… these are my problematic friends! My brain and taste buds crave them (I’d wrestle a crocodile for a Dorito right about now).

I’m trying to simply keep healthier snacks on hand and turn to them when I feel the urge to snack. Fortunately I love fruit, healthy bars, and vegetables, so it goes pretty well – until, that is, I find myself face to face with the cute little bags of deliciousness at the grocery store. Somehow one or two seem to always follow me home.

I have happened upon a snack, however, that I have literally chosen over chips like 4 times in a row. I’m kind of astonished if we’re being honest.

My husband and I have been buying the Chobani Greek Yogurt you see pictured above for some time now. It’s simply incredible… never in a million years expected to be this infatuated with a yogurt, but here we are. I’ve found that adding just a little good honey (like one of my favorites, Nate’s 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey – Amazon link ) on top makes everything even better.

I’ve also started adding some chia seeds and Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal (Amazon link)… and often whatever fruit I have on hand. Berries, bananas, apples are all outstanding.

It’s a filling, wholesome snack that makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself instead of bad. I hope you’ll give this combo a try soon – it might just become your new favorite snack too!

Wilton Halloween Sprinkles and a SIMPLE Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

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Sweet Jacoby with Cookie

Jacoby (3) With One of His Creations!

Two of my grandbabies and I made Peanut Butter Cookies recently and decided we simply HAD to use our Wilton Halloween Sprinkles on top… it is the Halloween season after all! Like all Wilton sprinkles, they’re perfectly delicious and have ZERO hint of an artificial flavor (some non-Wilton brands do taste a little artificial).

Cookies with Babies

Peanut Butter Cookies and LOTS of Sprinkles

Our Gluten-Free 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

  • 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Egg

SIMPLE Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Mix your ingredients – sugar, peanut butter, and egg – in a bowl. You don’t even need a mixer!
  • Spoon cookie dough into heaps onto an ungreased cookie sheet (use parchment paper for easier cleanup).
  • Cust fork in sugar and use the tines to make criss-cross pattern on each cookie before baking.
  • Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Do not overbake! They’re best soft.

Sweet Maddox with Cookie Crumb Lips!

Maddox (4) with Sprinkle Lips!

Now, obviously, you can use these sprinkles judiciously and make VERY eye-catching cookies, candies, pies, cupcakes, and cakes… but if you’re lucky enough to have little kitchen elves, you can make a joyful, chaotic, and beautiful creation!

Cookies with Babies

Let the Sprinkles Rain AND Reign!

You can find a great number of Wilton sprinkles and sanding sugars (Amazon link) on Amazon. The one my little kitchen elves and I used, here, is available on their website and in stores.

Cookies with Babies

Easy Italian Meatball Soup with Gnocchi: SO Much Flavor!

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Italian Meatball Soup with Gnocchi

Easy Italian Meatball Soup with Gnocchi

I don’t think I spend nearly enough time thanking God and everyone else for all of the wonderful gluten-free products available these days. In fact I know I don’t. I just keep buying and loving them! One of the ones I’m most thankful for is DeLallo Gluten-Free Gnocchi (Amazon link). This is not an exaggeration, I literally buy two boxes each Friday at Kroger. I always use at least one during the week and simply put the other in the pantry for when its big moment arrives. I use this gnocchi in soup, salads, pasta meals, and even simply sautéed with garlic butter.

It goes perfectly in ANY soup – simply either cook it separately and add it at the end, or add it directly to the hot soup toward the end and enjoy its magic.

As with any recipe or meal plan, if you have to eat gluten-free, always check each item’s ingredients. Personally, because my health depends on it, I look for the “gluten-free” symbol AND read the ingredients. Also, a word of warning, not all broths are gluten-free – always check. I know, for example gluten-free beef broth can be tricky to find, which is why I love Swanson – they label their broths so clearly. Always appreciated.

As always, if you’re able to eat regular gnocchi and meatballs, go for it, they’ll work just as well as their gluten-free counterparts… and they’ll be less expensive!


Delicious and Simple Recipe for Pimento Cheese

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Pimento Cheese Recipe

Pimento Cheese

Two of my favorite things in the world of food are cheese and mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s), so it’s only natural that I love Pimento Cheese like a sailor loves the sea. When I had to give up gluten/wheat (health reasons), I lost the world of pimento cheese sandwiches because, no matter what anyone may try to tell you, gluten-free bread simply is not the same. If you toast it, it is more than serviceable, but straight out of the bag… no thank you, I’d rather dance alone.

Fortunately, I’ve found that pimento cheese is just as delicious on chips, romaine lettuce, or gluten-free crackers.

If you’re able to eat bread, then by all means do so!

The following is my “go to” for pimento cheese – it’s simple and delicious, as well as very spreadable and dippable.

Delicious Idea: This particular approach to pimento cheese is pretty savory – if you want to add a bit of sweetness, add a little softened cream cheese along with the other ingredients…. OR, if some people in your family prefer savory and others prefer sweetness, do what I like to do: Make the savory version of the pimento cheese. When someone who prefers a little sweetness wants a sandwich, spread some cream cheese on the inside of one of the slices of bread (kind of like mayo with a sweet tooth). This is an especially delicious trick when you toast the bread.


Review: New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka HoneyNew Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey

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New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey

New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey

Are you familiar with Manuka honey? If you’re as obsessed with honey (and for that matter, bees) as I am, I’m sure you have heard of this delectable honey before – whether you’ve had the opportunity to try it or not.

When I was contacted about reviewing Manuka Honey from the New Zealand Honey Co. in exchange for telling my readers all about it, I absolutely jumped at the change, with my cup of tea in hand. I use honey many ways in my kitchen (literally every day) and stirring it into a cup of hot tea is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it. I also combine it with my chocolate obsession on the daily as well – more about that in a minute.

The New Zealand Honey Co. is a wellness company that considers my beloved worker bees a key asset to their company. Manuka Honey is so rare, it is only able to be harvested for two to eight weeks each year!  In fact, The Manuka Honey UMF™ 26 is considered one of the rarest superfoods in the world.

You can absolutely taste the exclusive goodness.

From New Zealand Honey Co.

The brand has a complete line of Manuka Honey, a complex and high-strength raw honey from the native New Zealand Manuka tree. As the bees gather nectar from the tree’s flowers, they’re helping bring a vital superfood  to the lives of thousands who love what goes into their bodies to boost immunity and overall wellness. Plus, it tastes sweetly delicious!

The result is an end product bringing pure goodness to consumers worldwide. It tastes great, is a terrific natural sugar alternative, and delivers amazing health benefits (gastrointestinal, immune support, skincare, haircare, first-aid, wound care, and oral health). Even dogs and other animals benefit from Manuka Honey.

(Review Continued Below…)

Manuka Honey and Giant Sunflower

New Zealand Honey Co. Raw Manuka Honey

The Manuka Honey I was sent to sample is pictured here (with tea, chocolate, and one of my beloved “giant sunflowers” from my sunflower bed this summer… the jar of honey is not small, the flower is simply enormous) and I can 100 percent say this about it: It is extraordinarily delicious and so completely unlike any honey you will find in the store. Not only in taste, but in nutritional value as well.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has far superior antibacterial strength than other honeys. While honey is a healthy food, when it’s Manuka honey, it’s basically a superhero. Manuka honey has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant superpowers.

People actually use manuka honey to treat wounds, it’s that potent. It’s also said to improve your oral health, soothe a sore throat and treat ulcers. I used some a few days ago when allergies had given me a sort of annoying cough. Just half a teaspoon of the deliciousness chased the ticklish cough away faster and more effectively than any cough drop.

Manuka honey is also a natural source of energy.. and who couldn’t use a little more energy in their days (says a MiMi to three boys all under 5 years old!). For more health benefits of Mauka Honey, as well as MANY creative and wonderful ways to use it, please see New Zealand Honey Co.’s excellent resource, 176 Ways to Use Manuka Honey.

(Review Concluded Below…)

New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey and Chocolate and Ghee

New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey and Chocolate and Ghee

How I’ve Been Enjoying Manuka Honey:

  • Even a tiny amount stirred in hot tea is excellent. It pairs especially well with citrus tea!
  • I’ve been using it as part of one of my favorite “good fat” treats. I take a square of dark chocolate and add a little great-quality ghee (Ancient Organics Ghee is BY FAR the best I’ve ever had), a little honey, and either flaky sea salt or pink Himalayan salt on top. The combination of flavors will blow your mind.
  • Another healthy snack I’ve always loved is a sliced banana, topped with either peanut butter or almond butter with a drizzle of honey. Manuka brings even more flavor and health benefits than my regular “go to” honey.
  • I’ve also enjoyed a little manuka honey added to Vanilla Greek Yogurt.
  • I love to add a little, along with butter, to my gluten-free oatmeal.
  • 176 Ways to Use Manuka Honey has many, many, many other uses and recipes… easy homemade beauty products, recipes, pet uses, hair masks, throat lozenges made with manuka honey (saving this one for cold and flu season, y’all).

Yes, Manuka honey is more expensive than regular honey – but, the good thing is, you can taste the difference and it is absolutely worth it.

For more information, please visit their wonderful website: New Zealand Honey Co. When you arrive on the website, you’ll even be given a chance to receive a discount on their extraordinary products. This wonderful honey would make a VERY thoughtful gift idea this Christmas!

Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey

Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder: Delicious, Nutritious, and So Easy to Enjoy (Review)

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Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder Review Pic

Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder

I have an extraordinary new discovery in my world of smoothies, shakes, and smoothie bowls, but first a few words about why this “world” exists in the first place. I have always loved smoothies – even BEFORE “green smoothies” became a thing. When smoothies took off in popularity years back, I kept thinking, “What? Y’all are just now discovering smoothies? Where have you been?”

I can be pretty judgmental when it comes to such things.

For as long as I can remember, a smoothie is as big a part of my mornings as coffee and cats. I love the convenience, the taste, and the ease of digestion after my digestive tract’s long night off. With both Celiac and a hiatal hernia, I like to make things as simple on my insides as possible. Keeps all of us happy.

I made a few adjustments to my smoothie ingredients a few years back when a little thing called a pandemic blindsided all of us and reminded us that our health is not something to be taken for granted or something to be taken lightly.

Yes… absolutely anyone can get covid (or the flu or cancer…) BUT the healthier we are going IN greatly determines the story we have to tell when we come OUT. Healthier individuals and those with their weight under control simply fare better with diseases – in fact, many diseases won’t even show up on their doorstep. I switched from regular milk to using either almond or coconut milk and began experimenting with healthier forms of sweetening. I also began adding healthy ingredients into the smoothie and found that flaxseed and chia seeds are as delicious as they are healthy.

Not even diseases, truth be told. How about falls and other injuries? I hate to brag but I’m a ridiculously accident-prone individual. My best guess is that it’s because I mind and feet go 99 mph, regardless of the speed zone. Last summer, on a rainy afternoon, I fell on a slope while feeding my outside cats. I happened to fall on my ribs on the edge of a steel bowl. The bowl didn’t give an inch and one of my sons-in-law and I could literally HEAR my ribs crack.

Accidents happen all the time in life (I mean, I don’t hog ALL of them), and like facing down diseases from the common cold to cancer, the odds of winning GREATLY swing in our favor when we are as close to “fighting shape” as we can get.

We’re all human, we can all get sick – even athletes get sick – but think of it as a zombie attack. If zombies attack a particular town (before you laugh, consider the news headlines we read every day!), who are the individuals that stand the best chance of surviving?

The ones who can run away (preferably without falling and cracking their ribs)! If thinking about diseases and falls don’t inspire you, maybe the brain eaters will. I’ll try anything to keep you healthy.

When I was contacted about trying one of the Naked Shake Vegan Protein Powders in exchange for telling y’all about it, I jumped at the chance (and, no, I didn’t fall down).  As a card-carrying chocoholic, I chose the chocolate flavor to review.

(Review Continued Below…)

Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder Smoothie with Oat Milk

Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder Smoothie with Oat Milk

I have enjoyed using Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder in smoothies and smoothie bowls (simply thicker versions of smoothies with your nuts, fruit, and seeds alongside the goodness rather than blended in). I’ve used coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk and honestly can’t decide which one is best.

While 12 oz of the milk of your choice and one scoop of the protein powder is easy enough in a blender, it’s especially simple if you have a blender bottle (Amazon link) – I mean, really, does it get any simpler than pouring in the milk, adding a scoop of chocolate goodness, shaking it like you’re on American Bandstand (just aged myself, didn’t I??), and getting on with your day?

If you go the blender route, you’ll find that it’s a lot of fun experimenting with ingredients – though, make NO mistake about it, there’s plenty of chocolate deliciousness without adding anything. I love adding a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter, especially when I’m making smoothie bowls.

(Review Wrapped Up Below…)

Blender Bottle

Blender Bottle

While, as a cook and foodie, I’m concentrating primarily on the fun and deliciousness of the Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder, I do want to emphasize the best thing about this product is the fact that it contains ONLY the necessary ingredients – simple ingredients. Pure ingredients. Healthy ingredients. There are no artificial sweeteners or additives. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy free, and vegan… so it is about as easy to digest as it gets.

I could go into further detail about the purity of the ingredients and the health benefits of Naked Nutrition products, but frankly.. I’d rather get you on their website for yourself! I very much want you to see their story and to see how they can greatly benefit your story.

Where can you buy Naked Shake?

You can find the wonderful Naked Shake products (as well as all of the Naked Nutrition products) on their website, in many stores (including Wal-Mart and Target), and Amazon (Amazon link).

Here are a few pages of their website I know you’ll especially enjoy:

Naked Shake Smoothie Bowl Recipes

Foods that Naturally Increase Collagen (because we all want to look good, right??)

Keto Friendly Collagen Coffee Cake Recipe

Naked Shake Supplements

You’ll find so much information, great articles, and amazing recipes on their website, I hope you’ll visit them right away. And don’t forget to check out my new obsession… the Naked Shake Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder!

**** I’m happily experimenting with different smoothies and smoothie bowl recipes and will add them to the food blog as I hit upon my favorite combinations!


Rule Breaker Blueberry Lemonade Bites: Plant Based Snack Full of Flavor

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Rule Breaker Blueberry Lemonade Bites

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for healthier snacks, not just for the children in your life, but for yourself and other adults as well. Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a challenge finding snacks that are guilt-free and healthy, without tons of sugar, salt or other ingredients synonymous with snacks. Snacks you WANT to eat, ENJOY eating, and actually look forward to having again.

The frustrating thing is the addictive snacks (the ones we enjoy so much and look forward to again and again) usually have addictive ingredients like sugar and/salt. Sure, healthy snacks without tons of sugar and salt exist, but they’re usually are SO lacking in flavor that you don’t want anything to do with them. In fact, they’re often so bad, you worry that they’ll turn the kids in your life completely against “healthy food” all together!

When I was asked if I’d like to sample the healthier snack alternative, Rule Breaker, in exchange for telling my food blog readers about it, I jumped at the chance. I’m always interested in healthy snacks for myself AND even more so, for my three grandbabies.

I believe that one of the biggest reasons we have such a problem with diabetes and with overweight children and adults in America can be traced back to most of us developing somewhat of a sugar addiction very early in life. That’s why I want so VERY much for my grandbabies to start eating healthy snacks today so they’ll enjoy them tomorrow.

When bags of Rule Breaker Blueberry Lemonade Bites came in the mail, I anxiously tried one. After all, the flavor combination is one I’ve been hooked on for ages – blueberry/lemon tea, blueberry muffins with lemon zest, blueberry/lemon smoothies, etc.

The first bite was a knockout of flavor – the lemon and blueberries battled one another for dominance and it was a pleasure to be caught in the middle.

  • These would make ideal snacks for kids to take to school with them.
  • Perfect for the office – they don’t need refrigeration. Simply keep them handy for a quick bite whenever the need arises.
  • Great, healthy afterschool snacks.
  • Great for kids to take to band practice, sports activities.. anyplace a healthy boost could serve them well.

The next day, I anxiously gave one to each of the two grandbabies who were with me (Jacoby, 2, and Maddox, 4). I’ll be completely honest with you (as always)… the four year old, at first, refused to take a bite. When I convinced him to at least try one, he wasn’t a fan. In all fairness, though, he can be a really particular eater.  He loves blueberries and the taste of lemon, however, so I thought he might buy into these.

So far not only has he not bought into them, he won’t eve lease one! I plan to try again really soon. I think he may have been expecting more of a blueberry muffin and it simply isn’t muffin-like.

His little brother Jacoby, however, loves them! He ate the one I gave him, the other half of Maddox’s, and then asked for more. He wasn’t expecting a muffin, so I think that worked to his advantage.

The flavor is a perfect 10, even if their appearance isn’t lmao… they simply aren’t terribly yummy-looking. The texture and “mouthfeel” are different from most things kids are used to (I really think this is where Maddox got tripped up), but if we can get kids to become more familiar with healthier food, these things won’t seem so unusual to them.

That’s the mission!

There are other flavors and varieties of Rule Breaker Snacks on Amazon (Amazon link) and I think most of them would be a big hit with kids (though I’m absolutely sure most adults will love these Blueberry Lemonade Bites as much as me and the two year old do!) and adults. Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Pumpkin Spice, Mint Chocolate Brownie, and Chocolate Chunk Brownie are the exciting flavors. All are wonderfully gluten-free and vegan.

True story: Jacoby just walked up to me at the computer while I was working on this review. He looked at the picture below, recognized the bag, and said, “My want some, MiMi!”

So… MiMi is off to give her adorable Jacoby a snack we both feel good about. I think I’ll even see if Mr. Picky Pants will give them another try!

Rule Breaker Blueberry Lemonade Bites

Rule Breaker Blueberry Lemonade Bites