Delicious Allergens

My health continues its back and forth dance. This is a true test of perseverance. Definitely visiting my parents and being around old eating habits was one of my biggest tests. I grew up in a home that had a huge clear glass cookie jar. Instead of the jar being filled with cookies, there were miniature sized candy bars. But back then the minis were more mega-sized. Three Musketeers, M&Ms, Krackel bars, Almond Joy and Milky Way.

During my past visit home, my mom actually had cookies and cake. All of which contain numerous delicious allergens. Overall I did pretty well abstaining. One evening I lost control. I sampled cakes that mom had picked up from a local bakery and revisited my favorite cookies. That evening I didn't sleep well. The next day I awoke with a dull headache, congestion and overall foggy feeling. Between the sugar, gluten and dairy, I guess it was too much. Could I have used up all my sugar cards from over consumption as a kid? Do we all just get so many that our body can handle and after that it's do or die? I managed to balance out my day with a green smoothie and a fresh green juice from Earthfare.

The other hiccup from my mini-vacation were the flights. It used to be when I flew my ears would experience a little congestion, but once I landed it all cleared up. Now, I get intense ear congestion and pain that lasts up to 36 hours after the flight. If anyone has any suggestions or remedies, I'm all ears.

Mom promised that for the next visit she'll attempt to make a low-sugar, gluten and dairy-free cookie. I think I can't wait. Hmm...although Peacefood Cafe has a darn delish gluten free, vegan chocolate chip cookie. So, maybe there is hope in a cookie jar. (One that looks like Mr. T would be truly sweet.)

Recipe For Disaster

I really enjoyed reading Green For Life. Sunday I decided to try one of the smoothie recipes from the book, especially since it made one full quart. Enough for right then and the next day. The recipe called for 1 banana, 1 apple, 1 cup of pineapple and 3 cups of dandelion greens plus 2 cups of water. I usually put ice and cucumber in mine, to give them a thick consistency. I turned on my Vitamix and seconds later I pulled a tall glass of green. I took a sip. And, the green drink was well....fugly. My recipes are so much better. I drank a tall glass of fugly then put the rest in the fridge.

The next day the smoothie looked like on of those layered desserts from the seventies. But the top later was swamp residue and the bottom liquid snot. I dumped the contents into my Vitamix and added an apple, half a cucumber, some ice and a teaspoon of each spirulina and goji berres. This time the taste was divine.

What do you like to put in your smoothies.?

Can't Take A Good Day Without Something Bad

I'll get the bad stuff over first. I have what looks to be a cherry-flavored Jelly Belly sprouting between the top of my nose and my left eye. Actually, it's almost a part of my nose. Possibly, I'm growing a second nose since my current one has failed me. Is this a side effect of ridding my body of years of antibiotics, steroids, peanut M&Ms, duck-fat-fried french fries and gruyere cheese? If so, then get out. Way out. Whatever it takes, just leave my body now.

On the bright side, the amping up my greens is truly helping. Since making this change this week, Tuesday to be exact, I'm noticing more and more improvement. My sinuses are not nearly as inflamed. When the congestion overcomes me, the mucus is draining easier. Instead of nasal douching (sexy), blowing my nose actually relieves me. I can't wait until the time when I don't have to blow my nose at least 20 times a day. Just think of the money I'll save when I don't have to buy three-packs of over-sized Kleenex boxes. Plus, the area around my nostrils is always red. I call it Rudolphitis. Every day I apply cover up over the red areas. Inevitably an hour later, I blow my nose exposing the ugly redness again. A losing battle.

I'm really impressed with Victoria Boutenkos Green For Life. It's a fast read. There are actual accounts of patients who have had chronic sinusitis and multiple food allergies find wellness simply by drinking a quart of green smoothie a day. I wish I'd known this before I had sinus surgery last November. Plus, there are accounts of people who have reversed pancreatic cancer, healed from strokes and gotten off breathing machines thanks to the green stuff.

I recall earlier in the year complaining to my otolaryngologist that I was always incredibly tired and exhausted. He said it was because I'm a mom. I believed him since he's a doctor. Well he was wrong. It's so nice to go to play dates with my son and feel as vibrant as a three-year-old. Six months ago they were a painful duty. Now I look forward to chatting with other moms and pretending I'm Sir Topham Hat. I'm happy I took my health into my own hands by educating myself. I encourage every one to do the same.

Happy weekend. Down those greens!