Gluten...what is the big deal

It seems that everywhere you look, you see "gluten-free" or hear about someone who is going gluten free. It seems like it is the latest trend in nutrition, doesn't it?  What is gluten? It is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Since these ingredients are so prominent in the American diet, we are constantly exposed to it. The wheat of today is hybridized to have more gluten because it makes the bread fluffy and light. Wheat is used in many ways in processed foods so it can be a challenge for those who must remove gluten.
I have to admit, that I have questioned if gluten was making that big of an impact on people's health, except those that were truly gluten intolerant or had Celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten that destroys the intestinal lining. There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence that gluten free diets help those with autism and attention disorders so it makes perfect sense for them to go gluten free. But what about all of the others who are going gluten free, is it really needed?
Well, life just threw me a curve ball because I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroid disorder, an autoimmune disorder where the body destroys the thyroid (it happens in Graves disease, also). Guess what the culprit is that triggers the autoimmune reaction? Yep, it's gluten! So now I have joined the ranks of those who must be gluten free. I have been at it for 3 weeks now...and it is not so bad. I have always been an avid label reader and a very healthy eater, so the transition is not too hard for me. I feel different...and I am feeling better each week...and I am committed to staying gluten free because I really like my thyroid and want to keep it. I will keep you posted on my progress in this, my new eating adventure.

Eating for the season

Times of seasonal change are important re-organizational periods. They are also times of increasing self-awareness and looking at priorities in life. Seasonal changes can create greater stress and therefore, create the potential for illness. How you adapt is vitally important to your good health. Research supports eating seasonal foods –foods that are naturally available in your area at this time, which help to keep you in balance. Eating locally available food also means  fresher foods that haven’t been shipped thousands of miles away and are devoid of nutrition and life force.

Autumn is a time for warming foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, and squash as the weather turns colder. Be careful to stay balanced.  Ideally your diet should consist of mainly vegetables with a little fruit, along with some whole grains and building foods like nuts, seeds, legumes and small amounts of quality animal foods.  Some olive oil or healthy fats act as lubricants and is needed in the diet. Remember, eating a lot of congesting foods (dairy, meats, bread, pastas, sweets, cheese)  and overeating are difficult for the body.

Fall gives us wonderful immune building foods that are rich in beta-carotene like pumpkins, kale and squash. These provide extra sweetness, but with fiber to stabilize blood sugar. They help keep us energized as the days grow shorter. Baked squash stuffed with brown rice, sliced almonds, and mushrooms makes a great fall dish. Soups filled with root vegetables and some greens added at the end of cooking are wonderful for this time of year. 

Enjoy the bounty of the season and stay healthy!!

Dynamic Ease

I have a dear friend who teaches NIA, a fusion of dance, martial arts and the healing arts. She speaks of dynamic ease--knowing the moves and doing them properly, with strength and confidence--yet with ease and relaxation. I have been thinking about this in relation to food and nutrition. Having the wisdom and knowledge about eating for health is very important. But if it is presented in a way that promotes fear or anxiety, or if someone feels stressed about everything they eat......even a "perfect" diet may not produce health.  Toxic emotions and stress can undermine health as well as poor nutrition.
Eating with dynamic ease means having the wisdom and knowledge about nutrition, and acting on it--but with ease, calmness and non-judgment (toward self and others)-- understanding that you won't be perfect, but are striving to do your best. So relax.