Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Healthy Choices for a Healthy Lifestyle

Hey guys!

I hope that all of you are having a healthy week! I am feeling pretty good! I had a check up today with my GI doctor and all is well. He said that my choice to become gluten, dairy and raw veggie/fruit free was a VERY smart choice since all of them wreck havoc on our digestive track. We all knew that gluten and dairy are evils to the digestive system but who knew that raw veggies and fruits are just as bad when it comes to bloating, cramping, gas and digestive problems? Are we not taught that when our systems are not working to dive into salads, raw veggies and fruit? I know that is what I always did until I began to have serious issues after my gallbladder surgery. It was then I realized this too was something I would have to eliminate from my diet in order to function without digestive pain.

Here is the scoop, I will call this the"veggie tales."

It's not the veggies and the salad themselves that are at the heart of the problem. It is the vast amount of pesticides, chemicals and waxes used to treat the veggies and fruits. It's all the things that they use to prolong their life, keep the bugs away and make them "shiny" for the produce isle that poses the issue. Even if you wash them, many are porous and all of these things are absorbed into the flesh where we cannot get rid of it. Pretty sad I know... but the fact is the fact and unfortunately our health is left to deal with it. Unless you are buying 100% organic then you have to be concerned. Don't you ever wonder why those baby carrots last SO long? I remember years ago when a carrot was rotten in a week!

I now enjoy my veggies steamed or sauteed in safflower oil with a sprinkle of pepper and my organic fruit in the form of  refreshing vegan smoothies. My salads are now finely chopped if I even eat them at all. I never thought I would be able to live without my spring mix sprinkled with chopped walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, and a freshly made balsamic drizzle.  Although I do miss the taste, my system does not miss the pain that followed. I simply changed the way I eat them and all is well.

On another note, I am a total snack-a-holic, I especially love to snack on crunchy things and having to go gluten free, THIS was my biggest concern; that is until I realized how many snacks are gluten free! YAY! I will now share some of my favorite snacks with you in case you... like me are a sucker for all day snack attacks. Like always, it may take a little hunting depending on your geographic area but  if all else fails, the offerings and reduced pricing online always ROCKS!


Do you crave carbs? (yeah me too)
These carbs won't pitch a tent on your hips, thighs, butts or bellies!

My Favorite Gluten Free/ Dairy Free CRUNCHY snacks!
  
 Snyders Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks with Sabra Hummus 

(These pretzels are SO much crunchier and yummier than typical pretzels and can likely be found in your regular grocery store in the "healthy" section. I buy my Humus singles at Sam's club)



Food Should Taste Good Tortilla chips

(I originally found these in Target on the TOP shelf of the chip isle. They are AMAZING alone or with dips, salsa or cheese if you eat dairy)





Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Chips
(Need I say more? They are just good, cooked in canola oil, and can be found just about anywhere!)




So these are a few of my favorite CRUNCHY snacks, the list is longer but the point I am trying to make here is that you DO have choices, you DON'T have to eat things that are mushy or that taste like cardboard to live a gluten free lifestyle. The best part is that I no longer have to worry about where the carbs will park their tires. Many of these snacks are packed with fiber since the flours they are made with are fibrous, an added bonus is that they fill you up and then leave your "system" nice and clear. Next week I will be sharing my favorite "sweet" snacks. Although I am not a big sweets girl, I have my occasional "need for sweet" and realize that many people out there crave them more often than me. 


Protein Shakes, Energy Drinks, Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Supplements

When it comes to protein shakes it is NOT impossible to be gluten free unless you are drinking shakes and eating bars that are filled with whey, wheat, soy, or milk protein. (Yes, that is the majority) Since 2007, I have enjoyed the Vegan protein offered by Arbonne, and over the past few years they have improved upon the formula over and over again making it better and healthier; the taste is incredible! For all you work out guru's, energy freaks and smoothie lovers this is by far my FAVORITE protein shake hands down. 

Shakes are available in both chocolate and vanilla in ready to go form or 
in a powder that you mix with water. 100% Vegan, 100% Gluten Free

Each serving delivers 20 grams of vegan protein, plus 20 essential vitamins and minerals per serving.

Here is where to get it: 



And for all you energy drink lovers... 
these energy fizz sticks wont leave you crashing at the end of the ride.



When it comes to supplements you have to be sure that you are absorbing the recommended daily amount; our digestive system struggles to break down coatings that many supplements have. In order to be sure you are going to benefit from what you are taking, do your homework. 
Are your vitamins absorbed in 30 minutes or less?
These supplements meet the standards of the United States Pharmicopia


If you are into health and wellness, appreciate good, clean, healthy, products that will help you live longer look and feel better then here is an online shopping heaven for you

I love the products and the company!

Until next week! Stay healthy!

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to email me anytime
shelleygiard@gmail.com
I will answer you as promptly as possible! 


~Shelley Giard~






















No comments:

Post a Comment