Oh Tomatillos - Where have you been?

Tomatillos.  They were new to me, until last week.  Now they are my friends.

Variety is the spice of life...  it's true.

I had never paid much (if any) attention to tomatillos in the grocery stores.  I thought they were just another type of tomato, or something...  Something is right!  They are something wonderful that my kids like to eat and this makes me very happy.

For most children and adults on the GAPS, Rotation or Feingold diets, variety is a key factor in controlling food allergies and also in promoting healing, especially in the gut.  But, let's face it, it is work. All the cooking and dishes and dishes and cooking...   and the fact that we no longer go out for dinner anymore, well, you know how it is.  Home cooking double meals each day, it's time consuming and -- it's exhausting.

So, when I find something yummy that is affordable and safe for the whole family -- I get happy.  Yep.  Happy.

We eat a lot of fresh, raw and living foods already, so this recipe was embraced and welcomed into our family as one of own.  This slightly sticky-skinned food is a bit on the lemony or tart side and the juice seems to thicken as it sets.  I swear it thickens in the fridge.  Interesting...

As far as nutritional value goes, tomatillos are low calorie, cholesterol free, low in sodium and contain magnesium* and iron.  This alone makes me a fan!

It's ridiculously easy...  only 5 ingredients in the salsa.

Portion-wise - serves 4 of us for lunch.

3 - tomatillos, cubed (sugar cube-sized)
1/2 red onion, chopped, but - not too fine
Big pinch of salt
Juice from 1/2  of a lime (lime juice)

Fresh cilantro to taste - I use about 1/4 cup

In a glass bowl, combine ingredients and allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, stirring often.  That's it.

Serve with chips.  I add black beans and rice -- and call it a side dish for Nicolas.  He eats it.  He likes it.  He does not react to it.  All good.

I know, I know, red onion can be a bit strong... BUT, wait...  something wonderful and magical happens when the fresh squeezed lime juice, tomatillos and red onions combine with the salt...  mmm.

Cost for tomatillos:  $1.19/lb.  Hubs came home with 2 lbs, which will last a long time too.

Test for ripeness:  The shell should be dry, light brownish -- at least for the green tomatillos we find in the city closest to us.  There are other varieties and colors, but - I cannot find them here in Wisconsin.

By appearance, tomatillos remind me of my grandmother's ground cherries, but - are not the same.  Not at all.  She made pies and jams out of her ground cherries.  We make salsa.

Tomatillos are called Mexican ground cherries and from the recipes I have seen, they are used in Latin American dishes/recipes.  For us, they are a safe and nutritious food for my family.

If you try these, let me know if you like them?



*Magnesium post...   ASD Experiment #1

Note - I have removed all supplements from Nicolas' diet since May, due to allergy testing.  

I am filled bursting with thankfulness, when I look back at the magnesium post and realize just how ill Nicolas was.  I knew he was ill and I remember that post clearly.  Very clearly.  Looking back, it scares me.  Yes, I am frightened to think of what could have been if I had not intervened in our son's life.  

We've made so many changes over the last 2 years, I cannot count them all...

I do plan to add some supplements back, starting in November.  We'll see how it goes.

Our Newest Food I

The last couple of years, I have been on so many bandwagons and tooted so many horns - and tried so many new recipes!  Some we love and others are short-lived phases or temporary addictions.

At first, it wasn't easy to find gluten-free and casein-free foods... but, when we added yeast, vinegar, MSG and CORN to our list of forbidden foods, it did get a little bit trickier.

Now days, not such a big deal...

We deal with it. What other choice do I have? None.

The last couple of months, we have been doing something new!

Ready? Sprouts!

Yes, we sprout. We sprout just about anything than can be sprouted.

Why? Well, for many reasons, but - the biggest is that sprouts are tasty, full of vitamins and antioxidants and Nicolas loves them. And did I mention antioxidants?

We've learned so much about living foods, raw foods and our powerhouse antioxidant sprouts, that I just might have to do another post about how to sprout.

And, since I really need to shed some pounds before summer, I am eating sprouts too. We eat them raw, stir-fried, baked and often, just simply added in with our baked breads, muffins and scones. (Anytime my muffins don't turn out, I call them scones now...)

We sprout grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, etc. And my goals is to keep 2 - 3 kinds of sprouts going at all times. Why? Well, because they all harvest at different times and are eaten/enjoyed in different ways.

Right now, we are sprouting broccoli sprouts. They look similar to alfalfa sprouts that you often see on salads and sandwiches, but - they are not the same. These little darlings are amazing!

First of all, broccoli sprouts are in the brassica family. Sound familiar? They should. Seems everywhere I look I find new information about broccoli being an excellent cancer inhibitor - at least the natural kind that we eat. 


From what I read, broccoli sprouts are also the highest known dietary source of the potent anti-cancer phytochemical, Sulphoraphone (antioxidant), and they contain 50 times more than the mature broccoli head. Yes - the little guys are better for us than the big heads! (That really sounded odd...)

The whole family is getting used to jars on the counter, growing our little sprouts.



I am just a newbie at this, but - it is going well and I hope to be sprouting for a long, long time.  Nicolas does not react to sprouts, and this is good news - especially considering that the boy is always hungry.  I am very aware that we need a variety of foods for him, and I need to keep them rotating.

After the last year, I will take all the good news I can get.

GMO's More Letters, Of Course

Why does Nick often react to watermelon? Seedless watermelon...

He has, he does and it's odd. He knows it too.

I found an article I read a while back, and it's pretty thought provoking. And, I am just now getting around to thinking about it, again. I need more time to think - I think... (ha-ha)

What are the dangers of genetically modified foods, and what are GMOs, anyway?

Posted on July 13, 2009
by Nikki Ostrower

We hear a lot about genetically modified foods (often referred to as GMOs, which stands for “genetically modified organisms”). But how many of us really understand what these things are, or what hazards they might pose to our health?

Genetically modified food is food that has been altered through genetics. Often, this is done to produce foods more quickly and in greater abundance. Seedless watermelons, for example, do not exist in nature. They’ve been genetically modified to produce more fruit with no seeds. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is another – it’s the thing that Ben & Jerry’s proudly proclaims NOT to use in any of its dairy cows. Why not? What’s so wrong with increasing dairy production or fruit production? Well, for dairy, at least, most other industrialized nations have banned rBGH because of potential harm to both people and animals.

And consider this: “The overwhelming consensus among the FDA’s own scientists was that GM foods were quite different and could lead to unpredictable and hard-to-detect allergens, toxins, new diseases and nutritional problems” (Seeds of Deception).

A big part of the problem is that many folks don’t know if they’ve ever even consumed GM food and, further, are unaware of what foods could contain GMOs. You can find a comprehensive list of these foods here. Potential health risks of these foods are numerous, and may include increased allergies, exposure and reaction to toxic herbicide (including endocrine and intestinal problems) and problems passed along to infants from mothers who have consumed GM foods. A thorough examination of potential health problems can be found here.

The very bottom line is your health it is possible that your health is being put in jeopardy in order to increase the profits of big industry food. We can all combat this by educating ourselves and by feeding ourselves and our families with love. As always, none of this is meant to be alarmist. Rather, it is meant as a tool to help you live your healthiest life. For a full comprehensive understanding of GM foods and GMOs and what you can do to stay healthy, check this out. Here’s to your good health!

Nikki Ostrower is the founder of NAO Nutrition, a private practice in New York City specializing in weight loss, eating disorders, autism, fatigue and heart disease. She has a degree in Business Management from SUNY Binghamton and a certificate from The Academy of Healing Nutrition.

I Can't Go Back to What Used to Be

Here's a few memories of what life was like before Nick's change. Common occurrences in a little boy's life: catching a fish, going to the zoo, spending time at grandma and grandpa's house.



I can't go back and change the past. So often, I wish I could though. For whatever reason(s), God has allowed and given us a child with special needs. When I look back at Nicolas, and I see him -- as he was, when I know he wasn't how he is now... well, it's sad. Really sad at times and at other times, it's ok. We are working toward a goal! Nick's recovery!


It's often sad to me, because I took the pictures and I remember what was going on when I took them. Nothing. Nothing unusual or bizarre. Nothing out-of-the ordinary or strange. No growling, crying, loud antics, fighting, yelling, drooling or screaming. Just a happy little boy with a little sister.


A little boy, growing up in a safe, happy world without being tormented in his head or in his body. A little boy who could go to his grandparent's home and be welcomed and played with. All things that I would have simply considered "normal". It's all in the past now. I live in a different world now.

I am so thankful for our church. We have the best pastors in the whole wide world. They each have their own gifts, personalities (of course) ... and catch phrases too. I've heard one pastor say that we can't wish life to go back to usual and that in the kingdom of God, as well as in finance - it's no longer "business as usual". Ooooh, I love that thought! It's so true in my life.

Once I really understood, to the best of my human ability - just what Christ's death and resurrection meant, sin no longer had the same meaning. Sin lost it's pull and yes - its glamor to me. I was still tempted - of course... about a million times a day! But - with the understanding that there is an enemy of my soul and Someone who died to save my soul... life itself had a different perspective. Still does. Oh my - yes, I still sin... but - it's hard to whine and complain about temptation and imperfections (a.k.a. excuses for laziness) when Someone died to allow me the right to spend eternity in glory, ya know?

When I realized how precious and short life is, I changed my attitude about trying to make everyone else happy. The One whom I need to be concerned about pleasing is our good God in heaven; not silly (annoying) humans. I tend to let things bother me and have had to learn to "thicken my skin", although it's oftentimes still not easy.

And since I've covered my spiritual awareness and my perception of life, I might as well touch on money too. Money. There have been times when I thought I was broke and I wasn't; there have been times when I thought I was secure financially, and I wasn't. It was my perception, at those specific times. Yet - I still judged other people, unconsciously; whereas now - I try not to. I am in a totally different season in my life right now. I would like to think that I won't go back to any former attitudes, whether right or wrong. I just want to go forward! It doesn't matter if you drive a new car every 3 years or drive the same old beater for 15 years. Or if you buy a Coach purse or go to Walmart or a garage sale for that matter, to buy personal items. What the heck does it matter? It doesn't matter at all, in the big scheme of things. Nope, not one bit.

Most of our friends home educate their children, because they believe it is what they are supposed to do or they feel led or called to do so. But, not all of our friends. I can't imagine sending my children away when we love home educating. Focussing on and addressing strengths and weaknesses in a positive, safe and encouraging environment can't be beat.

And, most of our friends do not immunize or vaccinate their children. But, some do. Does it bother me? Yes, it does. Can I do anything about it. No, not really - but , I can pray for their children's safety and that they will be wise in their parenting and healthcare decisions for their own families. It's a tricky place to be and yes, my heart does ache at times... very much so. Especially since Nicolas was non-symptomatic until age 4 1/2. Honestly, I think things built up in his poor little compromised system. This is what I think today. A year ago, I only had suspicions and I was a wreck. Oh my goodness, Nick was so... well, he was how he was... let's just end that thought there.

Until Nicolas is recovered, I believe that I will keep investigating areas of concern regarding his sensitivities. What did I just attempt to say?

Nick's system is imbalanced . While in this state, and even after his recovery, I want to give his body the best opportunity and chance to heal. One way (out of many, many) that I am doing this is by removing allergens and environmental toxins.

Here's some of what we've done so far:

• Changed Nick's diet to be gluten free, casein free, yeast free and sugar free. (Huge noticeable results in just 3 days...)
• Started using as much organic and pesticide-free foods and whole foods, as we can.
• Added specific hypoallergenic supplements to his diet, such as essential fatty acids, follinic acid, metal-free multi-vitamins, extra magnesium, etc.
• Switched over to a dairy free probiotic.
• Changed our cookware to include using cast iron and glassware instead of evil Teflon.
• Eliminated all alcohol-based (vanilla), artificial colorings, preservatives and flavorings.
• Began using fresh herbs and spices to cook and bake with; instead of only using dry
  
• Use aluminum-free baking powder.
• Complete avoidance of known exitotoxins such as Aspartame (Nutrasweet & Equal), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and carrageenan, which many people are allergic to.
• Store food in glassware and use plastic products much, much less.
• Use sea salt instead of iodized salt and use gluten free spices.
• Removed all high fructose corn syrup from diet.
• Monitor all cartoons, video games, etc. - for over-stimulation in his brain...
• Avoid nitrites and nitrates as well as BHA, BHT and yes... even soy.
• Steer clear of triclosan and other carcinogenic chemicals.
• Use shampoos and soaps that are free of metals, toxins and sodium laurel sulfate.
• Never use anything "smoked" as it has hidden forms of MSG.
  
• We have decided to speak positive to and around him, regarding his diet and we focus on what he can have, not what he can't have.
  
• Use Amway sensitive laundry soap.
• Discontinued all fluoride use.
• Stopped using OTC cold medicines and starting using natural and herbal remedies.
• Use high quality essential oils for treatments and preventions - health related.
• Decided to laugh, joke and have fun when things get way out of control. Usually just going outside and playing catch will have a positive effect on the kids' attitudes.
• Add ph balanced, oxygenated, microclustered Perfect Water to his diet, daily
• Lastly, I have started juicing. Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables for him.

Want to know what else has changed? The amount of dishes that I do in a day's time! Wow.

My social life... well - it's rather... non-existent. It's not anyone's fault. I am thankful that we are blessed to be close to my folks; the kids love seeing them. In the country, we can be loud, run, play and pretty much do what we want, when we want to do it. This is a precious, precious freedom and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for what we have and for our home.

It's Memorial Day weekend and we'll be home -

putting in our garden. I may not be able to walk or move next week, but- we'll get that garden in. This year, we need it more than ever! Fresh fruits and veggies fit right in with my plan to help Nick's body continue to heal. After all, that's what we all want. Health.

My Latest Craze

I got a new book from the library a few weeks ago. It's different from any of the other GF-CF cookbooks that I've read... and - I keep picking up this book and re-reading the parts about enzymes and raw/whole foods. I've never really considered this intensive way of thinking about food and environmental factors...

Mother Necessity Gluten Free/Casein Free Recipes
Your “Favorite Foods” Allergen Free.
Whole Food, Organic, Gluten Free/Casein Free Recipes – Free of Common Allergens
Discover how you can create healthy, easy-to-make meals, that utilize whole food cooking and raw food preparation.

The book is called Mother Necessity and here's a link to read about how this woman - the author, recovered her son from autism. It's amazing!

"Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). This is now a part of his Educational Plan at school which protects him from chemicals and toxins which can overburden his system. We have come to understand that Dylan’s overburdened detoxification system and his inability to process and eliminate chemicals and toxins was the underlying cause of his autism, neurological dysfunction, impaired intestinal function and chronic health problems. A study conducted by the Environmental Working Group tested the umbilical cord blood of ten children and found 287 industrial chemicals and pollutants in each cord. Many children being born today do not have the tolerance level or the immune defenses that previous generations once did. Studies have shown that the damaging effects of toxic exposures may surface two or three generations later, leaving children more vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemicals and toxins found in vaccinations, medications, new building materials, personal care products, cleaners, and foods."

I am going to try some of her recipes and look further at some of her experiences. I'll keep you posted.

Best Restaurant All Year

It's been months since Nicolas has been out to eat or has dined in a restaurant. He misses it and I miss it too. I might be able to find some gluten-free and casein-free items on a few menus, but - now that we are yeast-free too AND avoiding all forms of MSG, I have no hope and I don't think it's worth my time. I am learning to be more protective of my time. It's worth it and it helps to reduce stress! Imagine that!

Anyway...

I had Nick with me one fine day, and of course, he was hungry. He is always hungry when he is not full. No in between with him. Our destination was Trader Joe's, and we did eventually get there, but - not before going to a new little cafe' that I had been wanting to check out for a very long time.

We went. We ate. I experimented with 2 new foods. We had a reaction to one of them, however, I don't know which one it was. Here's the details, taken by my camera phone... I wasn't planning on stopping or I would have taken my camera.

Here we are - at Bean Sprouts Cafe'. Cool, stroller parking outside! Very nice for all those who would want to walk here.


Oh good, easy-to-read doors. I have been known to walk into establishments/places and think I had entered another... ((sigh))

What's this? Hugh? A door for little people? Oops, excuse me - "Little Sprouts" ... I am likin' it already and we aren't even inside yet!


Parking is at a premium here - very nice. Can't get much better than free, clean and cute.



This place is obviously THE COOL PLACE for kids. See the wooden step stool at the counter where you place your order? Great for kids who want to ask for a GF-CF-YF entree'.



Nick got a sticker after he ordered and then we waited... wondering if the food would indeed be tasty, fresh and appealing to a 7 year old. As you can see - it was! The Boy ordered soup called "Hi Dahl" (in the orange petal bowl) with an octopus banana, at the suggestion of their very helpful, polite and friendly employee. (She knew exactly which items we could have, which wasn't much...) It came with hummus and some type of bread, which had yeast in it, so - they offered to substitute some edamame. Soybeans. We just got off a 3 month soy-free diet. Our dr. seems to think soy is ok for Nicolas... so - we gave it a try.






I ordered the Turkey, Avocado and Tomato Wrap. Whoa - I had quite the nice surprise. Sad to say that this little cafe' totally blew away the Cool Beans Turkey wrap in the healthy category. The tortilla was the freshest whole wheat tortilla I have ever had. Ever. And, it wasn't just a smushy avocado in there either. I don't know if it has some fresh cilantro (my guess), but - it was good, for being healthy. And filling. Mine came with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, which I think maybe Nick reacted to. Oh, I don't know though... maybe it was the soy beans? By the way, the edamame are served fresh and cold. Not hot. And, they were good too. (Did I admit that?)



The food was very good. It tasted really good actually; fresh and healthy, not flavorless at all! And, not like the salty, processed meats at other eateries. (Yuck - it's hard to even eat some of the meats at sub shops anymore... oh the BHS, BHT, MSG and nitrites at those other places... ew.)

Bean Sprouts Cafe offers three different sizes for your meals as well. A kid size, adult size and a big daddy size - with appropriate portions/quantities of food.

Another nice feature that they offer is that they have take out meals. Their menu boasts: "call us from the curb, we'll bring it out to the car for you!"

And, if you should have a baby, they offer organic baby food too. I know, it's an odd concept to wrap your head around... I am there too.

They offer the softest booster seats, which Nicolas wanted to use.. and he did. There's a small retail area and a bakery case with treats. I steered clear of it! I did see smoothies, soy milk and organic fair trade coffee on the menu as well. The decor is bright and clean with child-approriate toys out to play with, which was great while we were waiting. Nick chose Connect Four to play while we waited for our food.

Apparently, on Tuesdays, they offer something called "Tea for Two-sday" for $8/person, which is tea and three course of tiny treats. Sounds adorable! We weren't there on a Tuesday, thank goodness. It's still hard for the boy.

Obviously, I do recommend this adorable restaurant. I have nothing negative to say whatsoever. The next time I go, I will call ahead and chat a bit about our "allergies". Maybe a little notice would give us more menu options? We'll see. All in all, I was pleased and Nicolas was thrilled to go to a sit down restaurant for a meal.

Pesticides in Produce Guide - What A Find!

Ohhhh, I found something good last night! Well, this morning, actually. I found something that I have been looking for! No, not a spare $20 in an old purse (I wish), not quite that exciting... but - pretty darn exciting.

I found a list called The Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Wait! Don't click on it yet.

Nicolas called this pepper a Christmas pepper. Red and green...get it?

Before you check it out, which fruits and vegetables do you think are the worst? Which do you think are the safest? Think about it for a minute, then click here for the comparison chart. Any surprises?

I am so thankful he likes fresh fruits and veggies!

All the more reason to have our own garden again this year. Last year was the worst year ever! So, I am claiming that this year will be our best ever! I am sure my dad would just shake his head at me... he is such a faithful laborer in the garden. And it shows. He always has a wonderful huge garden.

Maybe this year will be my year for a wonderful huge garden, minus the weeds! Ha!

Time will tell...