31 March 2017

The Weekly Roundup | IBD News, Clean Eating, Simple Living

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"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thomas Edison


The Weekly Roundup is a well-curated selection of insightful articles related to health, clean-eating, the gut microbiome, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, a Paleo lifestyle, simple living, positive parenting and delicious recipes.

I've been working on so many posts to share, but honestly, there just isn't enough time in a day! In addition to everything else I take on, I'm in charge of the school yearbook. I submit the final revision on Monday and I may just have to go out to celebrate. To say this task is an immense project is an understatement. When I officially hit the "submit" button a huge weight will be lifted from my shoulders and I'll have some spare time on my hands. I'll cheers to that!


1. New research at Seattle Children’s Hospital demonstrates that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet can induce clinical remission in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. I know I keep talking about this study, but this is a HUGE breakthrough and hopefully this study will open many doors.

2. Parents claim children who took MiraLAX developed 'neuropsychiatric problems." I have now read several articles linking consistent MiraLAX usage in children to behavioral and neuropsychiatric complications. Jonas was on a daily dose of MiraLAX for months even though multiple doctors assured us that prolonged usage was harmless. I was never comfortable with him taking it daily and swapped it out for a healthier option.

3. How Giving Up Refined Sugar Changed My Brain. This August marks two consecutive years for us with no refined sugar. I honestly believe that refined sugar is a trigger food for Jonas' Crohn's disease. And for me, I feel sluggish, foggy and lethargic when sugar creeps into my diet. I try to avoid it at all costs.

4. Why Social Media is Not Smart for Middle School Kids. This is a must read!

5. 5 Reasons High Fructose Corn Syrup Will Kill You. HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is probably number one on my list of foods that we never EVER eat. Before going on the SCD diet it was banned from our household.

Happy reading and cheers to a healthy, active weekend!

28 March 2017

CREAMY COCONUT CASHEW SMOOTHIE | SCD + PALEO

SCD Paleo Cashew Smoothie
SCD Paleo Creamy Cashew Smoothie
SCD Paleio Creamy Cashew Smoothie
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This recipe was created for Earth Fare.

Ten years ago, I never would have imagined that one day I would be adding fats into my diet. It turns out that not all fats are created equal and, in fact, our body needs healthy fats to function properly. Healthy fats can lower bad cholesterol, protect against heart disease, improve brain function and even strengthen hair and nails. Plus, these nutritious fats are packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit the body from the inside out.

One of the easiest ways I can add healthy fats into my family’s diet is through a hearty smoothie. This creamy coconut cashew smoothie is high in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, which makes it an excellent anti-inflammatory snack.

While cashews are full of essential minerals and vitamins, they are also rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help lower harmful cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol in the blood, which can prevent heart disease and strokes.

It turns out that coconuts, and coconut oil, are the richest sources of saturated fat on the planet. Lauric acid, the healthy saturated fat found in coconuts, can help fight off bacteria, improves cholesterol, and can help with weight loss. By adding coconut to your diet, you’re packing in extra healthy-plant based fats and getting a hearty dose of anti-inflammatory properties.

As a general guideline for consuming healthy fats, you’ll want to consume minimally-processed foods that have multiple benefits to your health. Avocados, coconuts, organic butter and ghee, salmon, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed beef and yogurt are all excellent choices.

Creamy Coconut Cashew Smoothie
SCD (omit cocoa drizzle) Paleo, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free, Vegan
Yield: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs. coconut butter
2 bananas
1/2 avocado
4 dates, soaked for ½ hour in water
1/3 cup cashew butter
½ cup coconut milk, canned (this brand is legal)
½ cup almond milk, homemade to be in compliance with the SCD diet
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp Himalayan salt
4-5 ice cubes
fruit for a topping

OPTIONAL:
4 ounces 100% cocoa chocolate bar
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 Tbs, honey
*you'll have leftover cocoa drizzle, save for later
*omit the drizzle to make SCD legal

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Vitamix or Blender (I use this one)
Classic Ice Cream Soda Glasses

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Top with blackberries, figs, bananas or any fruit of your choice.
3. Optional; melt the dark chocolate and blend in a blender with the coconut milk and honey. Drizzle on top.

24 March 2017

The Weekly Roundup | IBD News, Clean Eating, Simple Living

SCD Paleo Diet

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thomas Edison


The Weekly Roundup is a well-curated selection of insightful articles related to health, clean-eating, the gut microbiome, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, a Paleo lifestyle, simple living, positive parenting and delicious recipes.

1. Vitamin D is essential to our health, but studies show that it may prevent Crohn's disease and UC from flaring up. Eating these foods can help you get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

2. 6 Critical Nutrients to Prevent Autoimmune Disease. Turns out Jonas was deficient in Vitamin D, Magnesium and the B Vitamins. Once we figured that out and started supplements and changing our diet to include these vitamins and minerals, we saw a drastic improvement in his health.

3. Functional Medicine played a KEY role in our path to finding health for Jonas. Rather than looking at the disease and treating the symptoms, they treat the underlying causes of inflammation. This article by Dr. Hyman explains this concept further and lays out 9 steps to heal your autoimmune disease.

4. 10 properties of bananas which you probably didn't know about. FYI: on the SCD diet you can only eat ripe to very ripe bananas. Unripe bananas contain too much starch. Plantains and mini-bananas are also illegal due to starch content.

5. UNC cancer researchers find potential treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases. More proof on the importance of a healthy gut microbiome (microbiome refers to the bacteria makeup in the gut.)

Happy reading and cheers to a healthy, active weekend!

21 March 2017

Dog Sledding in Breckenridge, Colorado

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Dog Sledding Colorado

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Dog Sledding Colorado

Dog Sledding Colorado

Dog Sledding Colorado

Dog Sledding Colorado

We can officially cross off dog sledding (mushing) through the back country of Colorado's wilderness off our to-do list. This adventurous activity has been on my bucket list for awhile, but honestly, I never imagined it was something we would actually pull off. When we decided to take the kids skiing out west this winter we knew this was a perfect opportunity to try something new, something bold and something filled with adventure.

Breckenridge was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend you visit if you get a chance. We didn't have a lot of spare time to visit the town because we took full advantage of our ski passes. Skiing in Breckenridge isn't cheap, but the experience is absolutely worth the price; the ski resort knows safety is a serious matter, they went above and beyond with customer service and they were so kid-friendly that I was beyond impressed.

In addition to skiing and dog sledding, we managed to sneak in a couple nice dinners and hit a few shops. The restaurants were very accommodating to the SCD diet and my garlic allergy. I'm still working on that post about dining out on the SCD diet, but one tip is to call ahead and give a heads up so the chef, manager and wait staff are prepared for your dietary needs.

Even if you don't enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and dog sledding, you can still enjoy Breckenridge in the off season. Colorado is a beautiful state that has so much to offer, especially to those who love outdoor adventures and nature.

Based on our trip, here are a few suggestions:

Dog sledding | Good Times Adventures
Dining | Briar Rose, Hearthstone, Relish
Juice Shop | LoLo Juice

I feel so blessed that I am able to give my children the gift of these wonderful experiences. The earth is a majestic land and I want my family to take in as much of it as possible. We've kayaked with the orcas, met seals in Washington State, hiked the rocky beaches of Maine and now experienced the back country of the mountainous west. We thirst for more adventures and are grateful for what we have experienced.

17 March 2017

Sautéed Broccoli with Peas & Pine Nuts

SCD Paleo Broccoli Dish
This recipe was created for Earth Fare.

The superfoods.

We’ve all heard about the extensive list of superfoods that include blueberries, kale, chia seeds, salmon, pumpkin, yogurt, green tea, broccoli and many, many more. The superfoods are known by their significant source of beneficial nutrients they deliver to the body. They contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and anti-antioxidants that can help prevent disease and improve cell function.

Broccoli totes a lengthy list of benefits. This vibrant, green vegetable is full of phytochemicals which contain anti-cancer properties. It is rich in fiber, which aides in digestion, and high in vitamin C to help boost the immune system. And because it is high in fiber, chromium and potassium broccoli can help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.

This dish combines texture with full flavor to deliver an easy side dish that can quickly be prepared. The olive oil and lemon create a subtle zest that pairs perfectly with the broccoli. Want to make it a meal? You can easily top this hearty side-dish with grilled chicken or salmon to make a complete entree.

Sautéed Broccoli with Peas, Pine Nuts and an Olive Oil Lemon Sauce
SCD, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free
Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch broccoli
½ onion, thinly sliced
1 cup peas
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp garlic (I omit this because I'm allergic)
2 tsp oregano
2 Tbs lemon juice
salt and pepper
¼ cup shaved parmesan

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Saute pan
Wooden spoon
Fun serving bowls

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Start by par cooking the broccoli. To do this, place broccoli in boiling water and cook until slightly soft, about two minutes. Quickly remove from heat, drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the garlic, oregano and then broccoli and continue to cook for two more minutes.
4. Add the peas and lemon juice, toss to combine. Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
5. Pour one tablespoon olive oil into the hot pan and add the pine nuts. Stir constantly for one to two minutes until the nuts begin to darken. Remove from heat immediately and add to the bowl.
6. Toss the ingredients together and top with ¼ cup shaved parmesan.

07 March 2017

A Time to Explore and Wonder + Tea Collection

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“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
-Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

After yet another mild winter, spring is certainly in the air. On numerous winter days our windows were wide open with a warm breeze gently filling our house. Winter may still linger for a few more short weeks, but the scent of spring is present and growing. And with this new season comes a fresh perspective of the world; it's a time of plans and projects. I've started several projects around the house; cleaning and decluttering, rearranging rooms, sprucing up the office so the kids have a space to work and organizing the basement. My hands are definitely full and I welcome any suggestions for our office space! It's challenging trying to create an office to accommodate two adults and three kids of different ages.

While spring is a time for projects, it's also a time to get outside, enjoy nature and embrace the world around us. It is a time for slowing down so we can reevaluate how we spend our precious moments. If I can give my children the gift of exploration and adventure, curiosity and wonder then I am setting them up to become independent souls who aren't afraid to embark on new adventures, who aren't afraid to ask questions and who aren't afraid to dive right in.

So our goal for this spring?
Get outside and be active.
Explore. Wonder.
Let our imagination take over and see where it takes us.

During these days of exploration we'll find comfort in Tea Collection's newest spring line. It is designed with the adventurous child in mind; from hiking to running to dancing to twirling these unique and whimsical styles are meant to be worn with comfort.

Tea is offering my readers 20% off Tea Collection today through 3/13/2017 at 11:59 PM. The 20% off cannot be used on the purchase of non-Tea branded merchandise or their Everyday Playwear Sets.
Use code EMJXTEA20 at checkout.
Click HERE to start shopping today!

Jessica wears the Zygo Henley Dress and Capri Leggings c/o Tea Collection.

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01 March 2017

Make Ahead Berry Yogurt Parfaits + Healthy Gut Flora

SCD Yogurt Parfait
SCD Yogurt Parfait
SCD Yogurt Parfait
SCD Yogurt Parfait
This post was created for Earth Fare, healthy food for everyone.

We know beneficial bacteria lives all throughout our bodies, but the gut bacteria play a crucial role in our health. The gut flora, also called the microbiome, is the complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Recent research has shown that a healthy and balanced gut microbiome may play a role in reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.

On the other hand, bad bacteria can promote inflammation that has been linked to autoimmune diseases. When an unbalanced gut flora is present it could possibly contribute to a wide range of diseases and conditions including allergies, diabetes, celiac, asthma, obesity, arthritis, irritable bowel disease, acid reflux, cancer, autism and even mental and psychological conditions. There is a clear connection to a healthy gut and overall physical and mental health.

So, what causes the gut flora to become unbalanced? A diet high in processed foods and excessive sugars, pesticide residues and even early exposure to antibiotics could alter the microbiome. To ensure a healthy, happy gut you should focus on unprocessed foods, watch your sugar intake, eat plenty of greens and add fermented foods into your diet. The live bacteria found in fermented foods and yogurt is key to keeping your gut healthy and balanced.

Yogurt with live cultures is a great way to ensure probiotics are making their way into your digestive tract. This layered yogurt parfait can easily be made ahead of time and would make a perfect healthy breakfast or afternoon snack. Since following the SCD diet, we make our own yogurt to ensure that it is fermented for 24 hours. By doing this it has a higher probiotic count than commercial brands and many people who are lactose intolerant are able to tolerate this yogurt. Homemade yogurt is part of the key to success with this anti-inflammatory diet and adding this yogurt to your diet will aid in the process of repopulating the gut with beneficial bacteria and ridding it of harmful bacteria.

MAKE AHEAD YOGURT PARFAIT WITH MIXED BERRIES
SCD, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free
Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups organic yogurt* (we use homemade and add honey)
¼ cup strawberry fruit spread* (again, we use homemade)
½ cup frozen blueberries, unthawed
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup slivered almonds
¼ tsp lemon juice

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Parfait Glasses
Medium Mixing Bowl
Whisk

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place two cups yogurt plus honey into a bowl. Add strawberry spread and lemon juice, whisk to combine.
2. Distribute the blueberries into four small glass jars.
3. Next add three spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt into each jar.
4. Sprinkle with almond slivers and strawberries.
5. Add three spoonfuls of the yogurt strawberry spread mixture.
6. Sprinkle with almond slivers and strawberries.
7. Add another layer of yogurt and top with berries and almonds.

*In order for this recipe to be SCD compliant the yogurt should be homemade and sweetened with honey and the strawberry jam should also be homemade and only sweetened with honey. In place of homemade jelly you can use this. Use this recipe for homemade yogurt.
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