My day yesterday included:
Blue skies and palm trees
Lots of watermelon eating.
Okay, you got me. I didn’t eat all of these.
But I went to town on this beauty.
Why can’t it be watermelon season year round?
Also included: Skylar putting her dolls down for a nap.
If only I could put her down for a nap. She’s apparently a chip off the old block and seems to need only a fraction of the sleep other kids seem to need. “But I’m not tired, Mommy.”
When I was her age I actually slept. And liked it.
I passed this sign on my run.
Even though I didn’t stop off for a cocktail all hot and sweaty mid-run…
…I did come home and make a snack with Dark Rum Caramel Sauce + Triscuits + Chocolate Chips
I used to live on Triscuits + Peanut Butter and lots of vodka on the rocks with marschino cherries. <– Actually, that was a pretty common “dinner” from ages 21-26.
Unbalanced? Yes.
Wonderful memories that I’d never trade? Yes!
You only live once, may as well make the most of it.
And I made the most of this snack.
I really can’t eat these Triscuits anymore, though. It’s a major bummer because I love them so much and they are such a versatile cracker. I laid off them for at least five years, and tried them again a month or so ago, and then re-tried them this week, and they are a no-go. I suffered major GI distress from them.
I can tolerate some gluten again and am less sensitive overall because I’ve healed my gut, but as I mentioned about nuts yesterday, I really can’t tolerate nuts. Or the gluten in the Triscuits.
Good thing I enjoyed these because no more.
Not worth the tummy ache and all the other gluten “poisoning” symptoms like pounding headache and major GI issues. Ugh.
But I encourage you to try my little snack.
I will be eating my own version of Homemade Mary’s Crackers from now on
Easy and you can bake them in the oven.
Vegan and Gluten Free. <— key
And with the Dark Rum Caramel Sauce you can dip fresh fruit like apples, pears, peaches, bananas (or veggies like sugar snap peas, carrot or zucchini sticks) into it, too.
Everything tastes better with dark rum + caramel
Funny the gluten in White Chocolate Blondies with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting does not bother me. I’m not just saying that. It really doesn’t if I eat say one blondie per day.
I think the way in which wheat is processed and milled and way in which certain foods are processed and made definitely effects whether or not I can tolerate it.
Food allergies, intolerances, and sensitives are such tricky beasts!
From my earlier post, thanks for the compliments about me in my new tshirt. Yes, I am digging it! Thanks again, Callie!
And it was fun to read about what’s been making you feel foxy lately. Or a lil sassy!
Questions:
1. Are there any foods that you are no longer including in your diet for whatever reason?
Some people eliminate foods on account of food allergies or intolerances.
Some people stop eating meat or animal products because they have moral or ethical issues with it. When I was in Mexico City and saw all the meat in the markets, all the blood and slaughter, it really reinforced my commitment to a plant-based diet. I just do not have it in me to see dead chickens hanging upside down and say, gee, I think I’ll have chicken today. Not that I was close to that or planning on it but it was one of those life moments I just won’t ever forget.
However, to each her own! I truly don’t care what anyone else does or eats, but for me personally, it’s a no go.
Some people no longer feel certain foods are “healthy” choices. Again, to each her own what you deem “healthy”, but I actually believe in an moderation approach. So even if a brownie isn’t “healthy”, I still include it in my dietary path. In moderation.
I look at the big picture, the forest not the tree, and don’t sweat the small stuff or obsess about one brownie, one cookie, one this or that, when the overwhelming majority of my diet is “healthy” and balanced. I am also not really into ‘healthifying’ desserts.
2. What did your day include that was fun or made you smile?
Mine included restocking my fresh produce. It’s the little things sometimes.
Last reminder for the Glass Straw Giveaway. Winner announced Friday.
Wowww those symptoms sound like no fun. I hope you feel better Averie! and yes, sometimes the little things matter so much! :D Today, I smiled b/c I was blessed enough to do yoga!! And hey, the fact that I have a body that’s healthy and I’m able to do all these cool things!!
I haven’t eaten any meat products for a long time, but lately I’ve been making an effort to cut back on dairy too. It just makes me feel better overall when I don’t have it!
My day included a kick butt spin class that made me sweat buckets!! That made me smile!
So true on watermelon, but they seem to be available in grocery stores much longer in CA than FL. For a good Triscuit alternative, try Gena’s juice pulp cracker recipe.
1. Animal products for ethical and health reasons. And refined sugar to stick to more natural sweets.
2. BDay flowers from hubby and sweet gifts.
“For a good Triscuit alternative, try Gena’s juice pulp cracker recipe.”– Really?
Was just replying to another commenter above you who wrote in…
“I wish there was a gluten free triscuit… that tasted like a triscuit! :) ”–
My reply: I spent YEARS trying to find sometihng too…but there isn’t. Marys Crackers are not triscuits. Nor are any of the GF/specialty crackers on the market. Sigh.
I too, loathe labels, but I have one severe one already attached to me – Celiac disease – so that means no gluten, ever! Then from your encouragement/blogging, I am now dairy free (for one month) and my skin has FINALLY cleared up. It’s a miracle. I don’t like red meat or chicken, so I don’t really eat meat either. I guess I’m gluten free, dairy free, but I eat eggs and seafood!
Hot hot hot day here, as with the rest of the country. I enjoyed reading outside!
you’re dairy free, gluten free, and meat free.
you go girl!
there are SO many people like you out there in food allergy communities I am a part of…just stay strong and keep on, keepin on!
Yum, everything looks delicious. Great idea with the Triscuits, I love simple but delicious recipes like this. And Skylar is adorable! :)
I used to LOVE triscuits – my favorite! I wish there was a gluten free triscuit… that tasted like a triscuit! :)
I am gluten free by choice, not diagnosis, because I feel better –> decreased “congestion” and the big one, inflammation (which means less joint pain for me!). I had some gummi bears the other day (they just looked SO good, my other favorite!) and I was SO achey the next day! boo :(
as far as meat, I still sometimes eat fish (I love a FRESH sushi). I first became a vegetarian at a very early age, and it was really just because the thought of what it is I am eating? grossed me out. that is still the main reason, although more and more it is also the ethics and treatment throughout the industry.
what made me happy today? a raise! (I increased the billing rate for a project – wee!). I also received a sweet email from an old friend – it was like a big hug.
“I wish there was a gluten free triscuit… that tasted like a triscuit! :)”–
I spent YEARS trying to find sometihng too…but there isn’t. Marys Crackers are not triscuits. Nor are any of the GF/specialty crackers on the market. Sigh.
I havent eaten fish in years but many times want to eat sushi…but don’t…not sure what I am doing on that front…
In college, I lived off of skim milk and lots of soy substitutes. (I was a “newbie” vegetarian, and loved the low calories in soy burgers!!) I literally went through a box of soy burgers and a gallon of skim milk every two days! And I thought I was so healthy.
Now, I know that I don’t feel my best on either of those things. I’ve cut out cow’s dairy almost completely, and much prefer the taste of almond milk now! And I avoid processed soy like the plague– my family has a huge history of thyroid issues, so I think it’s in my best interest to keep my body soy-free for the most part. I prefer my homemade veggie burgers now, anyway!
My day DID include a delicious chocolate cake for lunch– that I made with the NuNaturals stevia I won from you!!! Thanks! ;)
oh the choc cake with stevia…nice! glad you got your winnings :)
made me smile = I did a kick-butt Zumba class today, and then made dinner before I even made my lunch. Now dinner’s all ready to go when we’re hungry.
Thiose homemade Mary’s cracker look delicious. Skylar is a beauty and she looks just like you
thanks hon :)
Skylar is such a cutie! And those blue skies look amazing. It’s really hot, hazy, and humid here.
I don’t eat any animal products because of ethical reasons, and I try to avoid gluten because it makes me feel lethargic and bloaty.
My day’s been pretty average but tonight I’m painting pottery with my roommate to celebrate her finishing a class!
it makes me feel lethargic and bloaty too. i think for MOST ppl it does, if they are in touch w/ their bodies and watching for signs.
have fun tonite!
I don´t really use sugar, because it gives me a headache and I just don´t like it. Sounds weird, right? I love to bake, and I always use bananas and apple sauce, which is sweet enough for me. A little sugar here and there (like in chocolate chips) is fine, but I ate mango sorbet the other day and I felt horrible afterwards.
I made dinner tonight for the family (vegan, no gluten :D, although I am not allergic ;)) and they kept raving about it and helped themselved to second and third servings. This really made me smile :)
vegan and GF meals that the fam raves about = nice!
Well obviously sugar is no longer in my diet. I’m just super sensitive to it. This illuminates a lot of food by itself-any kind of dessert or processed product really. Then gluten and dairy both started giving my stomach massive pains…so they are gone. Which eliminates a lot of foods, too. But it really doesn’t bother me. I love to experiment and fine substitutes and replacements for recipes. My food illuminations have really opened my eyes to nutrition and cooking. I don’t think I ever would have fallen in love with it like I do now if I didn’t have the pain. (No pain no gain!) So really, my food sensitivities are a blessing :D
“I don’t think I ever would have fallen in love with it like I do now if I didn’t have the pain. (No pain no gain!) So really, my food sensitivities are a blessing :D”
I totally agree!
I would never have become the cook I am today had it not been for food all’s. A blessing in disguise in many ways!
I know we’ve discussed before – I used to LOVE triscuits and M&Ms. That salty/sweet combo is just so good. I was never a napper when I was a kid (still not now either)
There are a few foods I can’t include right now because I’m pregnant, but other than that all food is fair game. I guess I’m lucky as it seems so many people have trouble with gluten, dairy, etc.
We escaped some of the horrible heat in the pool today, which made me smile. :-)
Glad you enjoyed your snack, especially when you cant eat it in a long time! You can still eat the caramel-sauce though :D And it looks drink-able!
I became vegetarian when I was 12, simply because I felt sorry for the animals. I didnt care about my health! Then I became vegan when I was 18. This was both because i felt (and still do) it was the right thing to do (for animals, the earth and my own health), but sadly also because it made it easier for me to restrict my eating.
Now, I still am vegan, and I hope I will be for the rest of my life! I have a lot of food issues that I want to work out, but it has nothing to do with my vegan diet!
1. While I loathe labels, I am vegan for just about every reason there is to be vegan. And I completely agree with you on witnessing dead/slaughtered animals – it is absolutely horrifying and even if all my other reasons for being vegan suddenly didn’t matter anymore (which would never happen), I could never get those images out of my mind. I love eating a plant based diet and feel great doing so.
2. doing a little online shopping and spending time with family and close friends definitely made me smile today :-)