Throw A Touchdown Pass at the Grocery Store

Are you ready for the Superbowl this Sunday? I have a strong suspicion that you may fall victim to all the crackers, chips, sodas, etc that will be on display at the grocery store when you stock up on goodies prior to the game...

Check out these replacements: http://gigieatscelebrities.com/2013/01/29/throw-a-touchdown-pass-at-the-grocery-store/

Buon appetito!

I would love some clam sauce to be poured down my throat right now! What about you?

Buon appetito!

Different country breakfast cuisine

My friends were talking about how they don't like traditional breakfast food... Well, it's time to bust out of the breakfast food rut!

Different country breakfast cuisine - Boulder Nutrition | Examiner.com

Market methodology

Market methodology

Now that's DIRTY!

So I just got back from a shopping trip at my FAVORITE place ever: Whole Foods (yes, my credit card is going APE-SH** on my right now because of course I spent LOADS!)... I love that store so much though, I don't know what it is because it always calms me down and makes me happy!


Any ways, while I was surfing the produce section for some spinach, bell peppers and leeks, I started thinking about conventional vs. organic... I bought organic spinach (@ $5.99 per pound) and I bought conventional red bell peppers (@ $.99 each - I got 5!)... As for the leeks, I got 2 (@ $2.99 a pound)...


So yea, I know that bell peppers should be bought organic, but am I really willing to spend $4.99 a pound on ORGANIC BELL PEPPERS (or simply orange or yellow for that matter) when the bigger, harder, delicious conventional peppers are SO MUCH cheaper?! Well I guess it really is up to the BUYER and whether or not they want to consume pesticides, and in this case, BRING EM' ON!!!


Wanna know some of the dirtiest pieces of produce around that should be bought organic... here goes:



THE FAMOUS DIRTY DOZEN!

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

THE STRAIGHT EDGE & PRUDE DOZEN (ha ha!)

1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Sweet Peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Eggplant

*Yes I know you ALL love my color coding! ha ha*



So what's your preference, do you like your fruits & veggies DIRTY or CLEAN?! Is cost a major factor or are you all about health and not wanting chemicals in your body?! I do agree that we must treat our bodies well, but sometimes I just cannot get myself to buy ONE bell pepper at $4.99!!

Is There Such A Thing As Healthy BBQ?

Who doesn't have a memory filled with BBQs, family, friends, sunshine and outdoor activities? Oh the memories of helping dad at the grill flip the burgers and dogs while mom prepares the condiments. Of course it could have been the other way around or who knows, maybe you were the one cooking, well whatever your memories may be, I am pretty sure every one's included things such as hamburgers, cheese burgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn, potato salad, etc... This is where BBQing gets a bad wrap because all the foods listed are known for their extreme calorie and saturated fat content!


Foods such as...

• Hot Dogs (Pork or Grain-Fed Beef)
• Grain Fed Hamburgers
• Ribs
• White Buns (PLEASE USE WHOLE GRAIN BUNS!!)
  
• Ketchup (full of sugar)
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Corn rubbed with Butter
• BBQ Sauce
• Chicken Wings

... should either be eliminated completely or eaten sparingly...


Luckily though, healthy BBQ isn't an oxymoron; it certainly can be done! Here is a list of wonderful foods on the grill, that are healthy and won't do damage to your waistline/figure:

• Grass-fed Beef, Bison, Elk, Ostrich, Venison, Lamb & Goat
• Salmon Fillets
• Halibut Steaks
• Swordfish
• Tuna
• Kabobs of Scallops & Shrimp
• Eggplant
• Onions
• Zucchini & Summer Squash
  
• Chicken & Turkey (Breast or Ground White Meat)
  
• Sea Bass
  
• Grass-fed Bison or Beef Brats/Hot Dogs
  
• Bell Peppers
• Portobello Mushrooms

Some wonderful marinades (chimmichuri sauce being one) can be made for all of the above listed along with crazy combinations of different yet healthy foods... anyone ever try a turkey burger stuffed with olives, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes & hot sauce? What about a beef burger with artichoke hearts, olives, capers, garlic & minced onions?


In order to retain the FLAVOR (that you might think is LOST from not eating the fatty cuts of meat typically seen at a BBQ) you simply have to be creative! (Oh and I am sure I will post some intense combinations sooner or later...) Just to suppress your intense desire for my creations... here is a list of wonderful herbs, spices, seasonings, and other condiments to use on your new and improved BBQ foods:

• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Sage
• Chili Powder
• Mustard Powder
• Curry Powder
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Rosemary
  
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Olive Oil
• Tomato Paste
• Olive Tapenade
• Sun-Dried Tomato
• Olives & Capers
• Pickles (no sugar added)
  
• Sauerkraut
• Mustard (no sugar added)
• Citrus Juices

And yes, you knew this part was coming... condiments to avoid:

• BBQ Sauce
• Jarred Relish
• Bread & Butter Pickles
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
  
• Honey Mustard
• Cheese

I'm sorry if this ruined BBQing for you because it really shouldn't... You just have to give the "It Is What It Is" Approved Food List a chance! I promise you will be impressed with the results and your stomach will also be thanking you and asking for more at your next family gathering! So why not break out the grass-fed beef and the halibut steaks and get grilling!!







*Things to remember: marinating all meat before cooking helps reduce the formation of chemicals that are formed when foods are cooked at high heat. Also remember to clean your grill before and after use! Pot Holders may be useful and also consider having a fire extinguisher near by if your new to the whole grilling thing!
*I don't know if you caught on... but the foods in green = GO FOR IT... while the foods in red = STOP! Ha Ha!
*Sorry Jack Daniels... but you are full of sugar!

MUNCHIE MOMENTS!

(SNACK ATTACK!!)

So you just got home from work... feeling exhausted... ready for a pick-me-up in the form of... well FOOD... you get to your cupboard and think... "well what do I want"... you know you should be healthy but with all those crackers, cereal, cookies, etc in there you know you can't be... and at a certain point (like right then and there) you just don't care. You know though, you will care later but for that moment in time all thoughts about the future are put on pause. You grab for the stash of Keebler Fudge Shoppee cookies. Ripping the sealed bag open emits a powerful aroma of chocolate and deliciousness. You grab two cookies, put the packaged back in the cupboard and before closing it, sink your teeth into the first cookie. "heaven" is the only thought going through your head... although you should be thinking, oh no, what have I done... this cookie is nutritonally void of ALL nutrients and won't satisfy me until dinner! After you polish off the second cookie, you look at your hands and see little chocolate bits on them so you start licking. When your hands look spotless... you think, now what. Instead of walking away to unwind in another fashion (reading a book, magazine, exercising, etc) you grab the box of cookies from the cabinet again and trek on over to the TV. You think to yourself... "today was a long day, I deserve this"... plop down on the couch and munch away mindlessly until the box is pretty much empty.....

While not EVERYONE follows this scenerio a lot of people do find it difficult to figure out a healthy snack option for when they get home from work, school, etc. I too come back to my apartment with a gnawing feeling in my stomach every so often and turn to the pantry for support. But what differs from me and most people is that my pantries are stoked with extremely healthy foods (as is my refridgerator) so I know my snack will be nutritious and will give my body the boost it needs. Everyone can do the same just as long as they purchase the right things...

Here is a list of some great snack foods to keep on hand for those "munchie" moments!

1. Cherry Tomatoes
2. Bell Peppers
3. Cucumbers
4. Pickels
5. Canned Fish
6. Canned Breast Chicken in Water

7. Pureed Pumpkin with Cinnamon & Stevia (no-calorie sweetener)
8. Kale/Eggplant/Zucchini "Chips" (bake any of these vegetables after seasoning with garlic, salt, pepper & olive oil spray, until crispy)
9. Iced-Black Coffee (Decaf, sweetened with Stevia - for the moments when you know you really aren't all that hungry)
10. Cabbage (Green or Red) with Olive Tapenade, Sun Dried Tomatoes or Mustard
11. Anti-Pasti (Aritchoke Hearts, Turkey Slices, Olives, Gerkins, etc)
12. Seaweed (Nori Sheets, Kelp, Laver, Dulse, etc)

13. Canned Tomato Paste (Yes, it sounds VERY odd, but it's astonishingly delicious and so very healthy for you!)
14. Cruditee (Raw Zucchini/Summer Squash, Asparagus, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Celery, etc) with Olive Tapenade (which comes in MANY varieties)
15. Cup of Tomato Sauce
16. Sliced Turkey or Chicken Breast
17. Hard Boiled Omega-3 Enriched Eggs
18. Hemp Seeds/ Flax Seeds
19. Egg White Omelete
20. Baked Low Sugar Fruit (Apples or Pears) sprinkled with Stevia & Cinnamon

*Combine any of the above ingredients*


I know some people are thinking that the foods listed above don't even come close to the Keebler Fudge Shop Cookies... which is true, but think about your health. Think about your body. How does your body respond to eating an entire box of cookies? How does your body respond to eating Hard Boiled Eggs with Olive Tapenade? I am pretty sure the latter makes you feel a lot better physically AND mentally! So do yourself a favor and the next time you're at the grocery store, pick yourself up some raw vegetables that can easily be cut for emergecy snacks when you arrive home famished and exhausted. After a while, you won't even desire the pint of ice cream or mac and cheese you would have orignally gone after!

*The Snack Selections above are extremely healthy and follow a gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free & sugar-free lifestyle - if you need "carbs" etc... by "googling" for healthy snacks you will be able to find numerous ideas!

Crazy Stir Fry Combinations!!!

Vegetables... Meat... Seasoning... All these ingredients (PLUS MORE) can be found in stir-fry recipes which is why I adore them so much! (And why places such as Mongolian BBQ always get my service - ha ha). I won't lie to you though, I eat a limited diet so my combinations may not be as "crazy" as others who do not restrict foods (allergy issues - long story)... but I find my combos still pretty "top-notch" and delicious which is why I thought I could share a few combos with all of you!

1. Diced Chicken Breast or Turkey Breast, Chili Powder, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Bell Pepper Strips, Cilantro, Sliced Onions & Olives

2. Diced Chicken or Turkey Breast, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olives, Capers, Green Beans, Sliced Onions, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper (Can be made with WHITE FISH of any type as well) 

3. Diced Chicken or Turkey Breast, Water Chestnuts, Diced Tomatoes (or Sun-Dried), Broccoli, Olive Oil, Basil, Garlic, Pepper & Salt

4. Salmon, Diced Cabbage, Straw Mushrooms, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Olive Oil, Red Pepper Flakes (a tiny bit), Onion Powder, Garlic, Salt & Pepper

5. Ground Elk, Diced Zucchini & Summer Squash, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Chopped Button Mushrooms, Garlic, Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper

6. Squid, Tomatoes, Red Wine, Olive Oil, Olives & Sliced Onions

7. Octopus, Paprika, Diced Olives, Red Wine, Olive Oil, Thyme, Basil, Lemon Juice, Salt & Pepper

8. Ground Bison, Diced Eggplant, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Oregano, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Garlic, Fennel Seeds, Salt & Pepper

9. Salmon, Fennel, Lemon, Celery, Green Bell Peppers, White Wine, Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper

10. Clams, White Wine, Clam Juice, Chopped Parsley, Diced Shallots, Garlic, Minced Anchovies, Olive Oil, Thyme, Salt & Pepper  

11. Ground Ostrich, Spaghetti Squash, Canned Tomato Sauce, Diced Onion, Green Bell Peppers, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Oregano & Basil  

12. Ground Grass-fed Beef, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Capers, Diced Zucchini, Sliced Onions, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Thyme, Rosemary & Garlic 

13. Tuna, Green Beans, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Hard Boiled Eggs, Olive Oil, Garlic, Artichokes, Salt & Pepper

14. Sea Scallops, Diced Leeks, Olive Oil, Garlic, Clam/Seafood Broth, Shallots & Diced Cabbage

15. Ground Turkey Breast, Diced Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Dill, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Sage, Thyme, Salt & Pepper

16. Hard Boiled Eggs, Shallots, Asparagus, Olive Oil, Olives, Salt & Pepper 

17. Ground Grass Fed Lamb or Goat, Spinach, Olive Oil, Garlic, Ginger Root, Curry Powder, Tumeric or Curry Powder, Salt, Pepper & Cardamon 

**So for the moment that's all I could come up with off the top of my head... but if I come up with more crazy, yet healthy concoctions I will certainly keep you POSTED - PUN INTENDED! 

OH and if you have any you would love to share... please feel free to leave a comment with your ideas! 

(Pictures on post were not taken by me, FYI)

Emergency Surgery

So it's been quite some time since my last post but I do have an excuse. I had emergency surgery April 15th and have been recovering ever since.

I woke up the morning of April 15th around 12:45am with severe stomach pains and an extremely bloated stomach - more so than usual... Thinking it was just gas, I tried to cope for as long as I could but eventually couldn't handle it anymore. I called my mother at 3:00am (after calling my sister... I really didn't want to wake my mother up). She is a doctor so I thought perhaps she would tell me something "doctorly" and everything would be ok... She told me to try and throw up, etc but nothing worked. I finally hung up the phone with her around 4:15am still in severe pain but thinking maybe, just maybe I could sleep it off.... Of course that didn't happen although I think I did manage to get about 15 minutes of sleep - ha ha.

Around 8am, after pacing back and forth between my bed and the couch, I finally tried to use the bathroom again but of course that didn't work... then I crawled back into bed and around 9am my mother called me asking if I was feeling better. In agony I cried NO and fell to the floor because I was feeling as if I was stabbed 15 times in a row. My mother finally told me in a serious tone that I should go to the hospital so that's what I did. I called 911 and an ambulance came to my apartment complex and wheeled me out in a stretcher after of course, taking their sweet ass time trying to look for me (they got lost in my apartment). In the ambulance there was a professional EMT and an intern who had NO CLUE how to load a syringe with the DRUGS to take the pain away and boy was I going to go crazy... Oh and I did!

I got to the hospital and was drugged many more times to ease the pain which was nice except I still could feel it through ounces and ounces of pain meds. I had a barium enema (just to give you a graphic image - ha ha ha) and multiple x-rays (all tests extremely uncomfortable and painful because of my stomach).... but all technicians came up with the conclusion that I had a twisted colon/cecal volvulus - Emergency Surgery was the only way to fix me. I was rather shocked when they told me I needed surgery because I had never even been a patient in a hospital before... let alone get cut open!

After being informed, I was finally able to call my mother who was shocked herself because she just thought I had really bad gas pain from eating too many vegetables. It turns out I am one of roughly 10% with a longer than normal cecum/large intestine, which is why it twisted.... It was aggravated by the vegetables I ate too though (I won't be eating Lamb or Eggplant for a while - the meal I had the night before, ha ha)!

I had surgery (otherwise I would have died, seriously this is a fatal condition), in which they took out 22 cm of my twisted in a 360 degree purple knot cecum/colon/ ilium and my appendix, at 4pm and was in a private hospital room by 6:30pm where I was joined by my brother, the only one in the area at the time. My parents started driving to see me April 16th but got stuck in a snow storm and ended up getting to me by 6pm, April 17th - But I was perfectly OK with that because the hospital was incredibly boring and I wasn't doing much more than sitting and walking through the hallways of the hospital like an 89 year old lady (I couldn't stand up straight and was still incredibly bloated & weak).

Usually people who have the surgery I had stay in the hospital for 7 to 10 days but I got out at day 5 and then stayed with my mom at her hotel for a week until I was allowed to be in a car for eight hours (of course we did it in two days and stopped every so often so I could walk around - to make sure I didn't get any blood clots). So that's that. I am officially home and it's been two weeks post surgery and I am feeling pretty OK. Not 100% by all means but I feel at least 75%... I even went on a 5 mile walk with my mother the day after I was discharged from the hospital... When I was in the hospital, I walked the stairs to get some exercise! ha ha ha. I am now walking roughly 100 minutes a day (granted at a slow pace but still it's better than nothing) plus walking gets things MOVING because I have to wake up my bowels... because when they have been tampered with they forget how to work! I am currently only allowed to eat COOKED foods so NO SALADS, SASHIMI, CEVICHE or RAW VEGETABLES.... which stinks because I love those foods so much... but this "new diet" is not for life. I can eat my normal diet in about 5 weeks from surgery... so May 20th or so... I will have a nice large salad!

If anyone is curious about cecal volvulus, here is a definition: Cecal volvulus is the twisting of the cecum and ascending segment of the colon. Normally, the cecum and ascending colon are fixed to the internal abdominal wall. If not (which apparently was my condition), they can move and become twisted. The main symptoms of cecal volvulus are crampy abdominal pain and swelling (two symptoms I had) that are sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting (I tried, but it didn't work). When surgically taken care of, recurrence is extremely rare. (Although with my luck... ugh!)

*And if that isn't a good enough definition for you... and you have seen the movie: Marley & Me... think about what happened to Marley... and relate it to me!

*Oh and did I mention, I had the best surgeon in all of Boulder, Colorado! (Well that's what all the nurses, etc told me so there must be some truth to it... my mother even approved and as a doctor herself, she has a pretty good judge of character)