a big topic

Those of you who see me regularly know this already but for those who are reading from afar, its about time I "come out of the closet" about my health-related journey.  I could blog for hours on this topic, but will try to keep it simple.  Last year, I started to have random joint pains and inflammation which my family dr. and rheumatologist swore were no big deal.  Every other indication (physical exam, bloodwork, etc) pointed toward "health", but after putting up with the pains for too long, it was time to try something new.  Since October, I've been seeing a naturopathic doctor who is helping me to find balance and feel healthy again.  Thankfully, it's working :-)  The most interesting part about this experience has been the anti-inflammatory gluten-free diet that she has me on.  This is indeed a drastic change: no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol, no peanuts, no potatoes, corn or tomatoes.  Pretty much, back to a simple, raw diet.  It can include meat but should be organic (no hormones added) and grass fed beef if I eat beef.  Phew!  Rest assured, though, I am eating plenty, feeling great and energetic, looking better and just plain happier.  For the first few months, it was really hard to tell a difference and know whether it was the diet or something else that was the cause of the pain and inflammation.  In recent days/weeks, it is much more evident that the diet is working which is so refreshing.  It will be interesting to see where this journey takes me, but for now, I'm of course grateful to be here today with a smile on my face. 

One of my new favorite foods is hummus.  Not the junk-loaded hummus from the store, homemade hummus adapted from my mom's work recipe.  I have to share it with you, that's how good it is! 

Hummus:

2 cans garbanzo beans
3 Tbsp. tahini
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 c. lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. water
red pepper flakes, to taste
blend REALLY well for an extra creamy consistency

Inspired by some new blogs I follow, I thought I would share some cooking photos.  By the way, here are the new blogs in case you're interested:

Gluten Free Girl
Tasty Yummies
Ginger Lemon Girl
Gluten Free Goddess
Love Veggies and Yoga
The Spunky Coconut

When making hummus, it helps to have a nice man who will juice the lemons for you :)

Serve for dipping veggies, or all rolled up in a brown rice tortilla with spring mix and olives.

Meals always taste better with Susie's pickled beets.  And, my new addiction: kale chips. 

De-lish!

Cheers to good health!