LadyAlissiya's Blog
15
Whole grain, yeast free, dairy free, sugar free lemon cake
Filed under: Recipe | Tags: | February 15th, 2011
Long enough title?
Anyhow, I was really wanting to make a little cake for Chris and I for Valentine’s day (as a surprise)… so I came up with a recipe that would be a healthy cake alternative. It isn’t super sweet, but it hits the spot!
Here it is:
Ingredients:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 ghee (clarified butter)
1 and 1/4 cups erythritol sweetener*
1 and 1/2 cups oatmeal flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
1 tsp lemon extract (or more for extra lemony flavor)
Method:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, combine oatmeal flour, sweetener, baking powder, olive oil, and ghee (melted). Mix in eggs one at a time. Once batter is smooth, add in your lemon flavoring. Mix well. In a well greased cake pan, pour in the batter. Bake for about 40 min, or until toothpick or knife comes out clean. Once cooled, enjoy!
*There is some dispute about this sweetener on yeast free diets. It is a sugar alcohol produced from corn (which most candida diets say to stay away from). I am using in this though because many websites state that this sweetener does not feed candida.
15
Valentine’s day 2011
Filed under: Home Life | Tags: | February 15th, 2011
I meant to write sooner, but sometimes I get busy just living my life. Funny how that works.
Anyway, this year Chris and I celebrated our Valentine’s day early. At least the part where we go out and do something together as a couple. Friday night Chris and I went down to Houston and dropped Tristan off with my parents. He wouldn’t tell me what he had planned, just that I should bring some socks. I thought… hmm ok, I bet we are going bowling or skating of some kind. Sure enough! We went roller skating! I LOVE roller skating. Call me a kid at heart or whatever, but I like it better than any other skating. I will say though that we were the oldest people there that were not with our kids lol!
Anyhow it was grand fun, and reminded me of my sweet 16th birthday party, which took place at a roller rink, and also of many fond childhood memories with friends who have long since gone their own ways. I thought it was a very sweet and fun. Oh, and he also brought me some beautiful flowers.
So that was our celebration… although yesterday we had a nice scaled down version. Chris dropped Tristan off with his parents, and came back home. I made a whole grain veggie pizza for dinner, and as a surprise, I also made a little sugar free whole grain cake! Both tasted pretty darn good, and while we ate, we watched Sweeney Todd! After it was over though, it was time to pick up Tristan. It was just as well since I was starting to miss my little boy.
I think I will try to post how I made the pizza and the cake too since both were yeast free and whole grain.
14
Yeast-free Oatmeal Cinnamon breakfast bread!
Filed under: Recipe | Tags: | February 14th, 2011
Today I did a little baking because we have missed bread a lot on this diet. So here is my yummy bread recipe. This will make 18-20 servings.
1 1/2 c. brown rice flour
1 1/2 c. oatmeal flour
1 c. whole rolled oats
1 c. rice milk
1 c. water
1/2 c. Erythritol (it’s a zero calorie natural sweetener) *
4 eggs
3 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp olive oil
3/4 c. craisins (optional – best after you are done with the official diet)
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flours, cinnamon, and erythritol. Add milk and water and mix. Next, add eggs one at a time, mixing after each one then add oil and mix again. Last, add your oats and craisins (if desired).
Grease bread pan with olive oil and pour mixture in. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Once done, let cool a little and then take bread out of pan. Cut into 10 slices, and cut each slice in half. This is a very dense bread and filling. Makes a great snack or quick breakfast.
*There is some dispute about this sweetener on yeast free diets. It is a sugar alcohol produced from corn (which most candida diets say to stay away from). I am using in this though because many websites state that this sweetener does not feed candida.
10
Just me and the kid tonight
Filed under: Health, Home Life | Tags: | February 10th, 2011
Yup, that’s right, it’s just me and Tristan tonight. Chris is off playing games with some friends tonight. I know he enjoys it and needs down time, so tonight I am watching Big Bang Theory and chilling with my little boy. I figured I should blog too since it has been a little bit. I do have to admit though… I look forward to a mother’s night out sometime. I know people think that being a stay at home mom is like being on vacation all the time… or that we get to do what we want all day. That’s just not true. My day completely revolves around whatever Tristan needs or does… and what ever time is left over, I spend cleaning, cooking, and maybe catching a shower. Really though, it is worth it. I found an article about the correlation of mother’s employment and children’s BMI as the child grows. Basically, the longer the mom is employed, the higher the child’s weight is likely to climb. It makes sense since mom is usually the one to make meals. I know that I am making better food choices for myself and my family now that I am home, not working, and not going to classes everyday. Not only does my family benefit, but so do I…. for instance, I can fit my wedding ring again!
I will admit that sometimes I feel like I need to do more with myself than just be mom and wife. I sometimes miss having to go somewhere – either for work, or for classes. I think this is just an adjustment period maybe though… or a sign I need a little me time. I don’t know. I do try to keep a little piece of myself alive though by doing knitting and gardening – those are things I enjoy. Although, I confess I rarely knit things for myself. I like knitting for other people to make them happy… so that’s usually what I do. My current project is a scarf for my best friend. So far so good!
So anyway, that’s my update for today. Life is pretty quiet currently.
5
slight cheat
Filed under: Health | Tags: | February 5th, 2011
I must confess, we did cheat on our diet yesterday evening. It was my MIL’s birthday, so we all went out to dinner. Regardless I didn’t gain much – if any – from eating not so healthy last night. We will be fully back on track tomorrow though! Some things I have noticed though…
1) I feel full much sooner than before, which is a very good thing
2) I have had more energy
3) I literally feel sick when I have things that are not good for me (excess fat or sugars)
So I have really realized that I need to listen to what my body is telling me more often. The biggest issue is portion control when we go out to eat. I have always had the tendency to eat whatever was in front of me, and not to be wasteful. Now this isn’t to say I won’t/don’t utilize to-go boxes sometimes… but that I don’t as much as I should. Once again… these are things I must master so that I can pass on good eating to my boy. I am pretty excited though still about my progress. Looking forward to more good things to come!
3
10 pounds down
Filed under: Health, Home Life, Knitting | Tags: | February 3rd, 2011
Yup, that’s right, I am not down 10 pounds from when I started this yeast-free diet. I have also pretty much stopped having sugar cravings (for the most part) and have more energy. I am pretty surprised about all of this to tell the truth. I have been on many diets throughout my relatively short life… and either I would loose weight and feel dreadfully sick or I wouldn’t really loose anything… and I would feel tired. Chris has also been doing very well too… I have to say I am really proud of both of us! I have even made it to my pre-pregnancy weight! YAY! I also have to confess that I haven’t been really working out or anything. I should… but I find that there is very little time in the day for myself. I always have far too much to do on a daily basis. Like for instance… right now lunch is cooking, and I have diapers washing, and a baby nursing. Geeze! LOL
I really think that this has been a good turning point for our family, and I am so thankful for it!
In other news… it’s very cold. Ok, I live in Texas, so cold to me isn’t so cold for someone accustomed to the North. We very rarely see temperatures in the teens. I own very few winter clothes… so in general Texans (especially those of us who live in central or South Texas) freeze during these times. They are saying we have a 50% chance of snow tomorrow too! We only get a real snow every few years (sometimes longer in between), so I am kinda looking forward to it. I am trying to make some mittens for Tristan so his little hands will be warm. :)
So yea, things are good right now! I will continue to update as I can about how things are going with the diet, weather, life, knitting… you know… whatever!
29
playdate and diet
Filed under: Health, Home Life | Tags: | January 29th, 2011
Yesterday I took Tristan to his first real play date at the park. I think he really did enjoy it, but unfortunately we only stayed for an hour because it was set so close to his nap time. The other moms were nice, but I kinda felt like I walked into the middle of a conversation the whole time pretty much. I think that this will get better in time. I always feel like I never know what to say, and when I do talk… I say the wrong/awkward things. Still though, I am going to keep trying! Besides, they were all very nice. Tristan really loved trying to climb up on the playground equipment (with help) and watching/following the older kids around. I really think that this could be a fun thing to do on a regular basis. Besides, it’s nice to try and make some new friends for both of us! 
Because he enjoyed yesterday so much, we took him to the park again today for a little family time. He had fun once again, but did end up tripping and falling and now has a slightly swollen upper lip. Kiddo didn’t even cry! I am always so surprised that he is so stoic sometimes. Anyway, it was a good time for him, although I was hoping we’d also go for a walk…but Tristan wasn’t too keen on leaving the main play ground. Go figure. So anyway, that’s been how most of today has gone. Right now kiddo is asleep (probably for not much longer) and Chris is making ME dinner tonight! Although he used to cook dinner all the time for me, now I do most of the cooking since I am a stay at home mom. Big change! So I will enjoy the indian curry that will be served tonight! Yum! Oh, and it is TOTALLY on the diet too. Yea, that’s right…I’m excited… hehe!
I think as far as the diet goes, I will post before and progress pictures at some point (at least of myself… Chris can do his own thing lol). I will say that I am so craving something sugary. You don’t realize how much sugar and corn (or corn derived ingredients) in just about everything we eat! It is so frustrating! I do think that the increase in corn use and consumptions definitely has a key role in America’s weight problems. If you look at most ingredient lists you will find one or more corn derived ingredients. I admit, that I think being as corn-derived-ingredients free as possible even after I am done with this diet seems like a good idea. The more I read about all the corn in EVERYTHING, the more I wonder if we really aren’t meant to consume so much of it. You know? Well anyhow, we will see how it all goes. I will be on this for a while I am sure…just because I really do need to 1) loose a good bit of weight, and 2) make healthier food choices – and this diet is awesome for that much.
Alrighty, that’s enough for now. More posts to come later…
27
New baby carrier!
Filed under: Gardening, Home Birth/Baby related, Home Life | Tags: | January 27th, 2011
I have time to blog tonight since Tristan went down early… thank goodness!
So I invested in a new baby carrier. I got the original Ergo baby carrier – Galaxy! I really like it a whole lot. It puts most of Tristan’s weight onto my hips, so it doesn’t stress my shoulders like some others I have tried. I love that it can be worn on the front, back, AND side! I really feel like I am going to get a good bang for my buck since now I can get a whole bunch done around the house and out of the house too. Tristan is a pretty clingy kiddo, which is sweet and fine.. but I have things I have to do (as most moms do) so this thing is a life saver. Oh… Oh… and it has a sleeping hood thingy that supports his head when he falls asleep. Yay!
I have a moby wrap too, and it was nice when Tristan was much smaller and not so squirmy… but I don’t feel comfortable wearing it on my back, and he really escapes it too easily. I also had a go baby front pack… but especially as Tristan gets heavier it really kills my back. Plus it suspends him by his pelvis which it not the healthiest for development.
So yea, I am pretty psyched about this thing. I can’t believe it took me so long to find it. Oh well, better late than never!
In other news, we are still trucking right along with our yeast free diet and seeing results (pretty darn good for a little over a week). Chris is traveling though, which makes the diet very hard for him to follow very easily. I opted to hang back at home so I could continue doing it easily here. Maybe…if I get brave, I might start posting weekly pics of how we are doing. Maybe.
One last little note for the night… my little seedlings have sprouted! I am so excited!
Tomorrow is my first outing to a local moms group for a play date. Wish me luck! (Or maybe just wish that Tristan doesn’t beat any of the other kids on the head too hard…)
25
one week yeast-free
Filed under: Health, Home Birth/Baby related | Tags: | January 25th, 2011
We have made it to the one week mark on the yeast free diet. You know… when Chris and I have tried things in the past, it rarely lasts long. With that in mind, I have to say I am proud of us both. We both lost some weight the first week, which is an added bonus. I honestly am surprised I have cooked all week like I have. Also super rare for me! Chris will likely be the first to say that cooking isn’t my hobby in the least usually. I am pretty happy that things have gone so well, but I have some serious sugar cravings here and there. Oh … and chocolate! Too bad though. We will continue this until we both feel it is time to stop. If nothing else, it is getting us used to eating better proportions and lots more veggies. I hope my will power will hold out!
So…in other news…
Today I went by the only natural baby store I know of in College Station. I was pretty darn happy to find out we even had one! It was pretty small, and the hours are very limited…. but they have my cloth diapering needs, as well as some other cool little things! I found some very cute diaper covers (I usually use an all in one type diaper, so has to be pretty cute for me to consider this option) with little trees on it put out by Thirsties. So I admit, I got one, and am having Tristan try it out. The bonus is that it will grow with him (I am always a huge fan of that) and can maybe used during potty training! Oh and they also sold training pants. The woman who ran the store was very helpful and nice too! The one really good thing about using a cover, is that it can be reused for multiple changes, all you change is the pre-fold diaper on the inside – unless kiddo has really messed himself and the cover that is. If the cover is messy…well yea, you do have to switch it out. Still, it can be used several times before needing a wash (maybe 3-4 diaper changes). Donno why I hadn’t investigated that route before…oh well. Live and learn!
23
Well that shoots that in the root
Filed under: Gardening, Health | Tags: | January 23rd, 2011
(cause plants don’t have feet)
Yesterday Chris rented the aerator we needed… and guess what… it stopped working not even half way through our back yard. Go figure, right? Not only did we have to unload it from our honda fit, but also re-load it after is quit working. Let me tell you – those things are heavy. Chris took it back in hopes that they could get it to start, but no luck. Oh, and it was the only one they had. So at least we got our money back, but it still leaves a lot of work left to do in the back yard. That was our major bummer for yesterday. However, there is some good news… I got my composting earthworms in the mail, and they are now in my compost heap chowing down (I hope!) Perhaps we will have better luck with an aerator next time we try and rent one.
In other news, the yeast-free diet is going extremely well so far. I am a little tired (although that could be due to cooking so much or to driving around, as I have been pretty busy.) I am also surprised that I have already lost 6 lbs. I can hope good results would continue, but we shall see. I would also be super excited to have a stronger immune system. That is ALWAYS a plus. I will be on this for a total of at least 2 months… maybe longer should I choose. Well I think dinner is about done, so time for me to sign off for the night.
Ciao! (and Chow… literally!)