Day: 1

I am so happy to start this blog! For the past two years, I have become passionate on food. I've had a food awakening!  I am beginning to understand the power of food-- both for good and for evil. Food has the effect of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, promoting peace, harmony and balance in our body. It can have the opposite effect, destroying cells, causing a plethora of ailments (including neurological and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, obesity), and basically contributing to all other sickness and our ability to bounce back from common infections.

I am following a basic 30 Day Food elimination diet, with a few exceptions. I took a food anti-body test which revealed specific foods that my body had a hard time processing. Though the test is still considered experimental, the idea is that if your body has to create more antibodies to certain foods, those foods are more difficult to digest and are likely causing inflammatory reactions. In my test, I have food items such as pineapple, almonds, green beans, eggs, pinto beans along with a long list of others that would comply with the 30 day challenge, but due to my personal reaction, I will be eliminating. This is all a big experiment! I want to see if I really do feel better after eating this way and to find good wholesome recipes that still taste good and do not have me craving all kinds of junk food all throughout the day. 

So here's the first meal for the first day in my challenge! The whole purpose in doing this is to eliminate and detoxify, while creating a well balanced (and well established) gut flora. I'm sure many of you have heard the latest medical news about the importance of the gut in our health and well being. Many sources quote 80% of our immunity is in the gut and several books (written by notable medical professionals) even go as far to say our gut acts as a 2nd brain. The complexity that goes on with our digestion in delivering nutrients, preventing toxins from entering our blood stream and sending signals to the brain and the rest of the body are just now being better understood. I am reading a book right now called 'Brain Maker', by David Pelmutter. If you'd like a synopsis here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Brain-Maker-Power-Microbes-Protect/dp/0316380105 --I can give my own book report once I have finished the book. So far I have really enjoyed this book and have appreciated the insight into the necessary role gut microbes play. Stay tuned to the book report!

I will always post the recipe or a link to where I found it, both for my future reference and for you in your own journey to healing and optimal health.

Here's the recipe for tonight's dinner: http://meljoulwan.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/

I followed the recipe except adding a can of green chili's and half a can of pumpkin. I topped with gluten free corn muffins from Bob's Red Mill. I didn't realize the ingredients listed sugar, so next time I will make my own from scratch so I can more strictly follow my sugar, dairy, gluten and egg free policy. 

The beginning of the month and beginning of a new year is a great time for new goals. Here's to a new start and a new year of better health!!