gluten free

10 “Healthy” Mistakes You Might Be Making

| Rachel Boulos

unsplash2Ever hear someone mutter healthy mumbo jumbo and it makes you cringe inside? Welcome to my top 10 pet peeves when it comes to health and nutrition. If you think these are healthy, think again.

Don’t fall for this popular nonsense. Take a look at these 10 misconceptions:

Natural is the same as organic. Not even close. “Natural” can still refer to minimal processed foods. Your “all-natural” blueberry yogurt does not guarantee it will have real blueberries in it. That mysterious “natural flavors” label might as well read “artificial chemicals for your flavor enjoyment”. Companies are getting smarter by using words like “all-natural” and “wholesome” for products that can still contain corn syrup, modified starches, and additives. Organic foods, on the other hand, have legal implications and must follow a set of strict processing, handling, and production standards determined by the USDA. These foods are generally free of pesticides, chemicals, and preservatives.

Rule of thumb: How do I know if the food I’m buying is organic? Look for the seal of approval.

Gluten-free is healthier for me. Only if you have a gluten intolerance. This one drives me nuts. I don’t get it. Unless you have celiac, an intolerance, or have been told by a medical professional to follow a gluten-free diet, don’t put yourself through that. Trust me, most of us who have to be gluten-free would rather eat gluten! Truth is, many gluten-free foods are still highly processed, loaded with starches, and low in nutritious value. Gluten-free foods can wreak just as much havoc on your system as eating gluten in the first place!

Rule of thumb: If you still enjoy the thought of being gluten-free, choose foods that are naturally gluten free (oats, buckwheat, rice, produce, etc.). Browse some gluten-free recipes here. 

Superfood means super healthy. Superfood, shmuperfood. I don’t buy it. Contrary to popular opinion, Continue reading →

Winter Pot Roast Stew

| Rachel Boulos

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When the temperatures reach an arctic level, I prefer to enjoy winter from inside my home.

This homemade stew is the perfect end to a chilly day. The best part? Throw it all in your crock pot for an effortless meal! A nutritious blend of protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs to keep you full. Healthy and hearty, this delicious soup will warm you from the inside out.

As a bonus, this stew is also dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-fodmap! Continue reading →

5 Guidelines to Healthy Eating Habits

| Rachel Boulos

foodtitle3If you’re still buzzing from sugar overload and feeling the irritable effect of one too many Christmas cookies, welcome to the club. Pants a little tight? Tired and fatigued? Headaches and mental fog? General feeling of yuck?

It’s not surprising that the gym is packed by the second day of January. Most of us are coming off a holiday high that has left us feeling miserable and desperate to get healthy. But working out isn’t going to do much good if your eating habits don’t change (more on that later).

Changing your eating habits can be difficult and frustrating, not to mention confusing. What’s more, each person has a different biochemical make up and what might work for one person may not work for you. For more on that, check out my post on When Healthy Food is Your Enemy.

While eating habits ought to be personally customized, there are still a few general rules you can follow.

But please.

Don’t just try any fad or detox out there.

Don’t just look for the quick fix. Just because it says “diet” does not mean it’s healthy. Not all diets are created equal. And not all of them are good for you. If it offers quick results without all the effort, it’s likely a sham.

Want to eat healthy this year? Not sure how to begin? Here are 5 basic guidelines to get you started on cleansing your cravings. Continue reading →

Gluten free Russian Tea Cakes (Snowballs)

| Rachel Boulos

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This recipe has always been a tradition in my family. And now I make them every year, mostly because they were my Dad’s favorite!

But this recipe isn’t just popular in my home! This cookie goes by many names: Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Swedish Tea Cakes, Italian Butter Nut, Southern Pecan Butterball, and today’s favorite – Snowballs! This recipe is pretty popular around the world and made its first debut in a 1950 Betty Crocker cookbook!

This Gluten Free Flour Now Rocks My World Continue reading →

Gluten free Cranberry Orange Bread

| Rachel Boulos

titleberryNothing says Christmas like cranberry orange bread! Ok, maybe Christmas cookies. And gingerbread men. And those little snowballs. Ok, ok, so maybe there’s a lot that says Christmas.

But let’s not forget about cranberry orange bread, friends! I think I’m in love.

I was out running errands like a crazy person and actually caught myself daydreaming about curling up next to the Christmas tree with a warm cup of coffee and this recipe. No lie. There’s just something about chopping cranberries that puts me in a merry mood.

This is by far the best gluten-free version I have found to date! I even caught my brother sneaking some out of the fridge when I wasn’t looking. This is super easy to make and has such a nice tart and citrus blend while still remaining moist. It will definitely be part of my Christmas morning breakfast this year. Oh yeah…it’s also dairy free and low-fodmap which makes it perfect for family members with food sensitivities! Continue reading →

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with cranberries & pecans

| Rachel Boulos

roasted brussels sproutsInstead of going for the traditional green bean casserole, why not try something different this Thanksgiving?

Roasted brussels sprouts are an all-time favorite in our house. I don’t understand why they get such a bad rap?! They are so freakin easy and delicious. And roasting them is such a healthy and simple way to provide all the crunch and flavor without all the effort!

We will be throwing these in just as the turkey is coming out. They make a great low-fodmap addition to the meal! Continue reading →

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

| Rachel Boulos

This cranberry cream cheese spread rocks my appetizer world. In fact, it has already been requested for Thursday in advance. This sweet dip has a nice kick to it and makes for an awesome Thanksgiving Game Day treat! Not to mention a pretty addition to your table.

This recipe is gluten free and can easily become low-fodmap.

Ingredients

  • 1 package fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 c green onion, chopped (fodmap – use green part only)
  • 1/4 c fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 c sugar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • (2) 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened (fodmap – use Green Valley Organics Lactose-Free)
  • dash of salt
  • your favorite crackers (fodmap – use Back to Nature Classic Round or rice crackers)

Directions

Chop cranberries in a food processor and add to a bowl.

Chop green onion, cilantro, and jalapeno and add to cranberries along with sugar, ginger, and lemon juice. Mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. When ready to serve, spread cream cheese onto a platter. Top with cranberry mixture and serve chilled with crackers!

 

Holiday Pumpkin Muffins: gluten, dairy, & fodmap free

| Rachel Boulos

pumpkin titleLet’s face it. Our holidays revolve around food and lots of it. Having food sensitivities can add an extra measure of stress to your hustle and bustle!

This will be my first year braving the holidays with food restrictions. But I am armed and ready. I have gathered my recipes. I laugh in the face of all things gluten. Bring it on, turkey day.

These little muffins just made my A-list for Thanksgiving breakfast. They would make the perfect gluten-free, dairy-free, low fodmap addition to your holiday!

I made these three times, once as a loaf and twice as muffins. They turn out moist, full of pumpkin flavor, and make great leftovers! You could make them the night before and store in the refrigerator overnight. I personally love to chill them first and then pair them with a warm cup of coffee. Mmm. Continue reading →