My Story

I am 29 years old and just had my first baby. I am a strong believer in breastfeeding if possible and have been doing so for the past 4 months. About 2 weeks into it, I learned that my baby was having problems digesting the proteins found in dairy. My doctor told me to stop eating it as long as I was breastfeeding, so i did. I carefully watched my baby after that to see her reaction to the different foods that I consumed. I learned that wheat also made her sleep less, cry and spit up more.
After doing research I learned that babies who have problems with dairy often have problems digesting wheat as well. So I stopped eating all gluten. Within two weeks, my baby was smiling more, sleeping 5-6 hour stretches and happy as can be which made me a very happy mama.

I was then left with the question...what in the heck do I eat? I am Italian and LOVE to eat pasta, cheese, bread, salami, gelato basically everything that has gluten or dairy in it so you can only imagine the sadness I felt when I learned that I could no longer eat them for the next 6 months to a year. No more pasta, no more cheese? No more salami or sandwiches?

I did some research. I was surprised to find how much there was available to me that was gluten and dairy free and how HEALTHY it was! I started getting creative with my cooking and have been coming up with delicious recipes that my husband and I love! I have also already lost all my baby weight and then some! In the past four months I have learned to eat healthier and have seen real results without dieting! I don't look at the gluten dairy free diet as a diet that limits me...I look at it as a lifestyle change that brings healthier recipes available to me.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Sweet Potatoes

This vitamin A rich food is said to be a powerhouse in the world of nutrition. It is loaded with powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene, and is rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients. According to Dr Oz, sweet potatoes contain 150% more antioxidants than blueberries. 


This amazing vegitable can also help regulate insulin levels in body. According to WH Foods, "Recent research has shown that extracts from sweet potatoes can significantly increase blood levels of adiponectin in persons with type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin is a protein hormone produced by our fat cells, and it serves as an important modifier of insulin metabolism." Hard to believe that a food with the word "potato" in the title can help keep blood sugar levels down!


Many people are misinformed about this wonderful vegetable and see it as a potato or starch. They do not realize the amazing health benefits that it can provide for the body! Please follow the link at the bottom of the post to learn more.


Baked Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

3 medium sized sweet potatoes
1 medium yellow onion
2 TB extra virgin olive oil
2 TB Earth Balance ( Non dairy butter substitute rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It can be found at Trader Joes, Whole Foods and other health food stores.)
Salt and pepper to taste

In large pot, boil sweet potatoes for 20 min or until slightly tender when poked with a fork. Drain and set aside. Slice entire onion and place in medium sized saucepan. Sauté with olive oil and Earth balance for about 10 min. Onions will be ready when they start to soften and brown or caramelize. Set aside when ready.
Cut drained sweet potatoes into one inch cubes and place in medium sized baking dish. Top with Caramelized onions, salt and pepper and cover with aluminum foil. Preheat oven to 375 and bake for 35 min or until potatoes are fully cooked. Potatoes should be soft when done. Dish out and enjoy!

Makes about 6 servings
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64
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