We might be tempted to ask the question: Are whole grains good or bad for our health?
Perhaps, we are asking the wrong question.
Instead, let’s ask: Could going grain-free help my health?
Are you struggling with: digestive issues, allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or any other illness that could be aggravated by inflammation? If so, I’m going to encourage you to consider taking grains out of your diet for a period of time and notice how you feel.
- GLUTEN – The truth is, no one’s body can digest gluten. The havoc it wreaks will be different for everyone. Some people have no “apparent” issues. Some people experience digestive discomfort and bloating. Some people will experience inflammation and flu-like symptoms (this happens to me every time I consume too much gluten…I literally get a fever!) Gluten is the first thing you should eliminate from your diet if you are struggling with your health!
- RICE (& OTHER GLUTEN FREE GRAINS)– Good news! Rice is gluten free! Most people who cannot tolerate gluten, CAN tolerate rice. Many gluten free products (pasta, bread, etc) include rice flour. However….rice is a grain. Some people, who are sensitive to all grains, may not be able to tolerate rice. My husband is a perfect example of this. We have been living a gluten free lifestyle for many years. However, when he eats rice (or any other “gluten-free” food that contains rice flour), he gets bloated, his sinuses start to drain, and his respiratory system fills up with mucous. At times, he even feels an asthma attack coming on.
- CORN – Another gluten free grain. Except…the majority of corn grown in the US is genetically modified and filled with pesticides. There are so many reasons to NOT eat corn. I won’t bore you. Cut out as much as you can….and save it for the times when you really need a taco! LOL!
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I NEED TO ELIMINATE GRAINS?
Try it and see how you feel! Eliminate all grains for two weeks and see how you feel. Add grains back in one at a time (rice, wheat, etc), and notice if your body has any undesirable reaction. Your reaction might NOT be related to digestion! You might notice a flare-up of pain, a reduction in energy, etc.
If you’d like to know more about a “healthy reset” protocol that cuts out grains and reduces inflammation, click below:
Who doesn’t love a delicious mug of hot chocolate in the winter?
Did you know I am a self-identified chocoholic? Almost ten years ago, I changed my diet and cut out the majority of dairy and sugar. (There’s a long story for another time…LOL!) Of course, I feel WAY better. My immune system is stronger. But….what did I do about the hot chocolate dilemma? Those little packets you mix with water are full of sugar and chemicals.
After some searching, I found an excellent recipe! This has become my go-to for my family!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups Almond Milk
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- 3-4 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder
- ¼ Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
DIRECTIONS:
Heat milk and maple syrup in a pan on the stove. Once hot add cocoa powder. Whisk to mix the cocoa powder into the milk. Add in the dark chocolate chips and whisk.
* Substitutions for personal preference…. Use any kind of non-dairy milk you prefer. I love vanilla unsweetened almond milk and canned coconut milk/cream for this recipe. You could substitute raw coconut sugar for maple syrup. Use your favorite kind of chocolate chips! (There are brands that offer dairy free and sugar free options.) I love Ghirardelli brand 60% dark chocolate chips. They do have a bit of dairy and sugar. You could omit the chocolate chips completely if you prefer.
* Take it to the Next Level …add your favorite extract or food-grade essential oil. Peppermint hot chocolate! Orange hot chocolate! So many delicious options!
ENJOY!
PS…I’d love to know if you try this recipe! Drop me a note or tag me in your social media post!
