Finally Foods I Can Eat

My newest cookbook....

First, I want to thank Kathyann for the compliments and the kind words - who knew words from someone I've never met would strike such a cord in my heart.....I finally had some good news from my Naturopath doctor today. While some might not think news of this sort was good, to me I was ecstatic - I can finally begin to expand the foods I eat again. To explain, several years ago after going from Doctor to Doctor seeking their opinion as to what was wrong with me (being told it was everything from arthritis, I.B.S., stress, just the change,etc.) I decided to go to a Naturopath - best thing I ever did - after much history taking, an elimination trial diet etc., he was confident that I had a wheat and dairy intolerance as well as a sensitivity to many chemicals. So I eliminated all the dairy and wheat from my diet, threw out any household cleaners/chemical based products, got rid of rugs in my house, checked every inch of my house for mold etc. I felt like my old self slowly over several months - got the energy back, joint, stomach and intestinal pain disappeared, headaches went away and sinus's cleared. But slowly... so slowly I didn't really realize things started to worsen again - almost all the symptoms returned along with feelings of isolation and then mid summer this year I had a serious episode of depression. It really scared me - was I to have to suffer this all the rest of my life??? My good friend finally sat me down one day and ordered me to call the doctor again. My dear husband just blamed everything on Menopause. After extensive tests, it was determined that I was one of the small percentage of people who develop cytoxic reactions involving IgG mediated responses to foods (IgG antibodies are made to defend our immune system) The more frequently I ingested a sensitive food the greater the reactions I had, which lead to increased sensitivity and increased symtoms . The tests determined that not only did I react to wheat and dairy but now to yeast, sugars, most nuts, bananas and pineapple, garlic and EGGS BIG TIME. It was also determined that I had developed an increased sensitivity to molds, dust, petro chemicals, fungicides (traces of which are on most foods you buy) and a whole host of other things. Well, I eliminated all the problems from my diet, started to follow a carefully planned rotational diet, got an air purifier for my home and have become as "green" a consumer as possible (I was already pretty good -now I'm better!) Result -I feel soooo much better -still have a hard time on Mondays at school with the body sprays, perfumes etc. the kids wear -I just avoid it if at all possible. My check up today was the best in YEARS. I still can't begin to reintroduce foods that I can't tolerate right now - that won't happen until the new year, but I can begin to mix foods from the same food family at one meal, which translates to... I can actually begin to try some recipes from the book "Finally Foods I Can Eat" - and monitor my reactions of course. After 3 months of no baked goods I can't wait to try a muffin recipe......maybe Apple Walnut Muffins made with chickpea, arrowroot, tapioca, rice and potato flours......When I shop now I look for the unusual, go to ethnic grocery stores looking for different ingredients. I will try to grow more of my own food next summer - I had drastically cut down after my 2 boys left home. It hasn't been easy......I smell fresh bread and long for it.....I watch my husband eat old cheddar cheese and I just have to leave the room. It is just too difficult to go out to eat even occasionally as you never know what is in the food. We can go out to a Chinese restaurant once in awhile now, after explaining to the owner about all the foods I can't have -he personally alters recipes or cooks something up for me that is on my allowable food list. Great guy!

I picked up the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach in the summer from my favourite used book store. I've been reading it every night before I go to sleep....and while I don't agree with everything she says or how to find that authentic self by following everything she recommends.....I do find that I am more conscious of many things. Beginning this blog is my gratitude journal, my beginning to consciously put down in words and pictures the little glimpses of simple daily things that I am thankful for, that make me smile, my observations and explorations, my connections to others.....have a great day....smile......enjoy the sunset........

Sunset on the farm...