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Friday, May 1, 2009
We've Moved!
We hope you continue to follow us on our new site as we continue to investigate Eating for Evolution! Now you can find us at http://eatingforevolution.wordpress.com/
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Clairity of Intention: Food and Intentionality
The first step in the process of conscious change is having a desire to do so. This desire, this sincere questioning for the purpose of growth, has the ability to open portals to deeper and higher dimensions of being.
What does my relationship to food reflect? It does indeed act as a mirror for my/our core beliefs and values. How I eat is not separate from how I live.
What would it look like if I were eating in a way that supported my "inner" work as primary, knowing that my outer being is an emanation of this?
What happens if I honor the wisdom gained from listening to something more than what my mind is saying when choosing what to eat?
What happens when what I eat is actually a reflection of what I profess my core values to be? Do they line up?
What happens when I put my attention on something other than my momentary perception of comfort?
What happens in my body/mind when I eat ______?
Do I pay attention to what I put in my mouth? What happens when I do, and when I don't? How is this a real time reflection of my capacity to pay attention to and engage in a meaningful way with life?
What are my intentions?
This last one may seem general and not necessarily related to what or how I eat, but it has been becoming clearer and clearer to me that my intentions in regards to food, are a reflection of, nothing less than, my life intentions.
What is worth looking carefully into is this: Your thinking is greatly effected by what you eat... and what you think effects what you choose to eat. Your intentions are to a large degree fueled by your thinking. So where does this leave us: Both intentionality and eating are means of expressing and manifesting who you are, and their interaction with each other is profoundly intimate.
As we move forward in life, with the genuine desire to help make the world a better place, to transform the very culture that we are growing in, it is of utmost importance that we consciously cultivate clarity. If we truly want to see, then an excellent place to start is by looking into the mirror of what and how we eat. Through this we will learn to see ourselves with insightful subtlety.
This practice serves to further fuel my clarity of intention in life, and simultaneously my intentions influence what choices I make with food.
What does my relationship to food reflect? It does indeed act as a mirror for my/our core beliefs and values. How I eat is not separate from how I live.
What would it look like if I were eating in a way that supported my "inner" work as primary, knowing that my outer being is an emanation of this?
What happens if I honor the wisdom gained from listening to something more than what my mind is saying when choosing what to eat?
What happens when what I eat is actually a reflection of what I profess my core values to be? Do they line up?
What happens when I put my attention on something other than my momentary perception of comfort?
What happens in my body/mind when I eat ______?
Do I pay attention to what I put in my mouth? What happens when I do, and when I don't? How is this a real time reflection of my capacity to pay attention to and engage in a meaningful way with life?
What are my intentions?
This last one may seem general and not necessarily related to what or how I eat, but it has been becoming clearer and clearer to me that my intentions in regards to food, are a reflection of, nothing less than, my life intentions.
What is worth looking carefully into is this: Your thinking is greatly effected by what you eat... and what you think effects what you choose to eat. Your intentions are to a large degree fueled by your thinking. So where does this leave us: Both intentionality and eating are means of expressing and manifesting who you are, and their interaction with each other is profoundly intimate.
As we move forward in life, with the genuine desire to help make the world a better place, to transform the very culture that we are growing in, it is of utmost importance that we consciously cultivate clarity. If we truly want to see, then an excellent place to start is by looking into the mirror of what and how we eat. Through this we will learn to see ourselves with insightful subtlety.
This practice serves to further fuel my clarity of intention in life, and simultaneously my intentions influence what choices I make with food.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Cultivating Awareness
Having coached thousands of people on what and how to eat I have come to the realization that in regards to long term, sustained change, diets do not work, and telling people what to do does not either :).
That last part needs a qualifier: Telling people what to do, who are coming from the perspective of "give me the quick fix and I'll do it" does not work. We are indeed a quick fix society and we are conditioned to haphazardly focus our awareness on superficial, external distractions.
What should I eat, just tell me what to to eat. What pill or supplement is going to help me have more energy or lose weight? How many grams of protein do I need?
I can answer these questions for people, but if they are implemented without any serious personal implication.. personal responsibility then they have no where to take root and inevitably people revert back to known and comfortable ways of eating and living.
As I have evolved and my spiritual practice has become more mature, I have completely flipped the way I work with people in regards to food. Now we start with cultivating awareness.
"Awareness" is a nebulous word, so I will define what I mean.
If we start with paying attention and taking responsibility, then a genuine awareness is what begins to develop. It is the ability to be engaged with what is actually happening. When you take ownership of what is happening, you are in position to make change.
The first place to start is to ask what it is that we want in regards to our relationship with food. Ask yourself this question. And then acknowledge where you actually are. For example: "I want to desire the foods that are really good for me, and I want to eat in a way that keeps me looking and feeling good." "But what I actually do is eat on the run and eat the first thing that I crave." OK, so now we know where we are and where we want to be... there is only one way to bridge the gap and it is through clear intentions and commitment.
Next post we'll get into what it means to get "clear on our intentions" in regards to Eating For Evolution.
That last part needs a qualifier: Telling people what to do, who are coming from the perspective of "give me the quick fix and I'll do it" does not work. We are indeed a quick fix society and we are conditioned to haphazardly focus our awareness on superficial, external distractions.
What should I eat, just tell me what to to eat. What pill or supplement is going to help me have more energy or lose weight? How many grams of protein do I need?
I can answer these questions for people, but if they are implemented without any serious personal implication.. personal responsibility then they have no where to take root and inevitably people revert back to known and comfortable ways of eating and living.
As I have evolved and my spiritual practice has become more mature, I have completely flipped the way I work with people in regards to food. Now we start with cultivating awareness.
"Awareness" is a nebulous word, so I will define what I mean.
If we start with paying attention and taking responsibility, then a genuine awareness is what begins to develop. It is the ability to be engaged with what is actually happening. When you take ownership of what is happening, you are in position to make change.
The first place to start is to ask what it is that we want in regards to our relationship with food. Ask yourself this question. And then acknowledge where you actually are. For example: "I want to desire the foods that are really good for me, and I want to eat in a way that keeps me looking and feeling good." "But what I actually do is eat on the run and eat the first thing that I crave." OK, so now we know where we are and where we want to be... there is only one way to bridge the gap and it is through clear intentions and commitment.
Next post we'll get into what it means to get "clear on our intentions" in regards to Eating For Evolution.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Survive to Thrive
What does it mean to move from surviving to thriving in regards to what and how we eat?
You may think, “I am doing much more than surviving when it comes to what I eat!”
Well let’s pull this apart a little: I’ll bet you are very busy; life is probably pretty full. There is not much time for creating delicious and healthful meals that nourish you to your core. Who has time for that?! Most of us are eating on the go. And if you are reading this I imagine that you actually care with some depth about what you eat and the impact that it has on the world. You may be busy, but you’re relatively selective, eating mostly or all organic, and regional when possible. Maybe you eat at the better restaurants that use quality ingredients, and you buy the whole food or raw energy bars that are easier to find nowadays.
But is this truly eating to thrive? Don’t get me wrong, anyone who makes the above choices for long enough will certainly feel better, and becoming more and more conscious of how our food choices effect the planet is very important.
Eating to thrive, I propose, goes one step beyond: This is why I call it Eating for Evolution (EFE). It is a mind set that takes “green” to the next level. Do we want to eat organic, or what some people call “beyond organic?” Yes!! Do we want to eat seasonal and as local as possible? Yes! Do we want to make conscious food choices? Yes, of course.
What I have found is that, although we are more aware than ever of being part of a global family, we actually don’t act like it on a fundamental level. Our motivations are primarily selfish in nature, and what generally gets us going in a particular direction is based on fear and the ever-present “problem” within or without that we need to fix. Please don’t take my word on it, look into this for yourself and you will see that it is true. This is actually the way our minds unconsciously work… part of thousands of years of survival conditioning.
What I propose is that we begin to operate out of a completely different paradigm. How you say? Well, we can start in and through the very thing that we are most intimately intertwined with… food!
Eating f
or Evolution is a position that we take in regards to life. It is an acknowledgment of the Truth of interconnectedness, which is embodied in a deep sense of responsibility. The realization on a gut level (pun intended) that how and what we eat actually alters culture on a foundational level. From an EFE perspective, we can see that what and how we eat is not separate from the creation of new and more evolved values, and shared values are what create culture. This is incredibly implicating if you really let it in!
I believe that you want to make the world a better place; I know I do. And how spectacular is it that we can do this by starting with what’s on plate and our relationship to the choices behind that!
I really look forward to diving into this deeper with you. Next post I will start with looking into what fueling our body for the “evolution of consciousness” means. And then we’ll explore the nitty gritty details of how we begin to EFE and balance that with a busy lifestyle.
Love,
Tiffany
You may think, “I am doing much more than surviving when it comes to what I eat!”
Well let’s pull this apart a little: I’ll bet you are very busy; life is probably pretty full. There is not much time for creating delicious and healthful meals that nourish you to your core. Who has time for that?! Most of us are eating on the go. And if you are reading this I imagine that you actually care with some depth about what you eat and the impact that it has on the world. You may be busy, but you’re relatively selective, eating mostly or all organic, and regional when possible. Maybe you eat at the better restaurants that use quality ingredients, and you buy the whole food or raw energy bars that are easier to find nowadays.
But is this truly eating to thrive? Don’t get me wrong, anyone who makes the above choices for long enough will certainly feel better, and becoming more and more conscious of how our food choices effect the planet is very important.
Eating to thrive, I propose, goes one step beyond: This is why I call it Eating for Evolution (EFE). It is a mind set that takes “green” to the next level. Do we want to eat organic, or what some people call “beyond organic?” Yes!! Do we want to eat seasonal and as local as possible? Yes! Do we want to make conscious food choices? Yes, of course.
What I have found is that, although we are more aware than ever of being part of a global family, we actually don’t act like it on a fundamental level. Our motivations are primarily selfish in nature, and what generally gets us going in a particular direction is based on fear and the ever-present “problem” within or without that we need to fix. Please don’t take my word on it, look into this for yourself and you will see that it is true. This is actually the way our minds unconsciously work… part of thousands of years of survival conditioning.
What I propose is that we begin to operate out of a completely different paradigm. How you say? Well, we can start in and through the very thing that we are most intimately intertwined with… food!
Eating f
or Evolution is a position that we take in regards to life. It is an acknowledgment of the Truth of interconnectedness, which is embodied in a deep sense of responsibility. The realization on a gut level (pun intended) that how and what we eat actually alters culture on a foundational level. From an EFE perspective, we can see that what and how we eat is not separate from the creation of new and more evolved values, and shared values are what create culture. This is incredibly implicating if you really let it in!I believe that you want to make the world a better place; I know I do. And how spectacular is it that we can do this by starting with what’s on plate and our relationship to the choices behind that!
I really look forward to diving into this deeper with you. Next post I will start with looking into what fueling our body for the “evolution of consciousness” means. And then we’ll explore the nitty gritty details of how we begin to EFE and balance that with a busy lifestyle.
Love,
Tiffany
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Eating for Evolution!
I've been asking myself what "Eating for Evolution" means... what is it all about? I don't have "the answer" but I have some thoughts, and I realize that as I attempt to articulate these thoughts, I am contributing to the very evolution of this topic.
Evolution means to push the edge of what is known. There is an inherent dynamic and forward moving quality to it. "Inclusive" is another word that comes to mind when I think of evolution... but not inclusive of every thing, inclusive of that which is serving a higher purpose. I think of development, and increased integrity.
So lets go back to that question: What does Eating for Evolution mean?
Tiffany
Evolution means to push the edge of what is known. There is an inherent dynamic and forward moving quality to it. "Inclusive" is another word that comes to mind when I think of evolution... but not inclusive of every thing, inclusive of that which is serving a higher purpose. I think of development, and increased integrity.
So lets go back to that question: What does Eating for Evolution mean?
- It's a posture in relationship to food and eating. Its a posture of "wanting to know," of being interested in finding out what will create a sustain inner radiance. Inner radiance that has no real separation from its effect on the "outside." It's a stance of acknowledgment of the Truth of interconnectedness.
- It's a relationship to food in which we listen. We listen to the interaction of certain foods within us. We listen because we know that who we are "in the world" is greatly effected by what we fuel ourselves with and how we go about doing this.
- It's a relationship to food and eating in which we take responsibility; we face the fact that how we eat is a reflection of how we live.
- And finally, its a posture poised for evolutionary growth. When we are Eating for Evolution we are busting myths and blazing new trails! We are learning to trust our inner wisdom and melding this with our desire to reach unimagined potentials. We do this because we realize that the future truly does depend on us!
Tiffany
Monday, March 30, 2009
Spring Eating!!
Preparing for Spring
Spring is the time of new beginning. Mother nature becomes vibrant with growt
h and renewal, just as we become more active and energetic as we begin to shed the blanket of winter. Just as the tender young plants are pushing their way out of the earth, there is this sense of emerging energy coming up and out of us. We need to channel this energy into more movement and creative endeavors for the spring.
Simple for Spring
The energy of Spring is powerful! It is a burst emerging from the stillness of winter. We naturally want to expand, and lighten up. Spring energy is about renewal, planning and taking action to accomplish tasks and dreams. In order to harness the beautiful energy of Spring and be available to contribute fully to the fulfillment of our plans and heart’s true desires, our bodies need to be prepared. Because of the dramatic shift in energy qualities between Winter and Spring, Spring is a wonderful time to detox the body. Rid the mind, body and soul of the heavy weight that is no longer needed and is left over from Winter. While there are many ‘miracle remedies’ to help one detox, diet is truly the best way to clear out the toxins and lighten one’s load. Here are a few tips on how to detox:
Less is more!
Sour flavors:
Lemon, lime and grapefruit
Vinegar: Apple Cider, brown rice, sour plum.
Bitter flavors:
Rye, Romaine, Spring Greens, Asparagus, Quinoa, Citrus Peel, Alfalfa
What to eat
· Local and in season foods. This is a great time of year to check out local farmers markets!
· Foods with ascending and expansive qualities of Spring
· Pungent and naturally sweet flavored foods
Pungent
Basil, fennel, caraway, dill, bay leaf, rosemary, garlic and onion
Sweet
Complex carbohydrates- grains, legumes, seeds and other sweet starchy vegetables like carrots and beets.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Our relationship with food mirrors our relationship to life.
2. What does it look like for you to nourish the “spring within?”
3. Play, play , play!! As adults we get so busy that we forget to delight in the sheer joy of being alive... Right now take a moment to feel that joy bubble up, and experience gratitude.
Spring is the time of new beginning. Mother nature becomes vibrant with growt
h and renewal, just as we become more active and energetic as we begin to shed the blanket of winter. Just as the tender young plants are pushing their way out of the earth, there is this sense of emerging energy coming up and out of us. We need to channel this energy into more movement and creative endeavors for the spring.Simple for Spring
The energy of Spring is powerful! It is a burst emerging from the stillness of winter. We naturally want to expand, and lighten up. Spring energy is about renewal, planning and taking action to accomplish tasks and dreams. In order to harness the beautiful energy of Spring and be available to contribute fully to the fulfillment of our plans and heart’s true desires, our bodies need to be prepared. Because of the dramatic shift in energy qualities between Winter and Spring, Spring is a wonderful time to detox the body. Rid the mind, body and soul of the heavy weight that is no longer needed and is left over from Winter. While there are many ‘miracle remedies’ to help one detox, diet is truly the best way to clear out the toxins and lighten one’s load. Here are a few tips on how to detox:
Less is more!
- Lighten up and experience the Spring within!
- Eat more raw & sprouted veggies, seeds and grains
- Soak your grains and beans overnight before cooking
- Cook your veggies for shorter times and at higher temperatures or lightly steam them
- Increase sour and bitter flavors
- Eat very little heavy foods like cheese and meats
Sour flavors:
Lemon, lime and grapefruit
Vinegar: Apple Cider, brown rice, sour plum.
Bitter flavors:
Rye, Romaine, Spring Greens, Asparagus, Quinoa, Citrus Peel, Alfalfa
What to eat
· Local and in season foods. This is a great time of year to check out local farmers markets!
· Foods with ascending and expansive qualities of Spring
· Pungent and naturally sweet flavored foods
Pungent
Basil, fennel, caraway, dill, bay leaf, rosemary, garlic and onion
Sweet
Complex carbohydrates- grains, legumes, seeds and other sweet starchy vegetables like carrots and beets.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Our relationship with food mirrors our relationship to life.
2. What does it look like for you to nourish the “spring within?”
3. Play, play , play!! As adults we get so busy that we forget to delight in the sheer joy of being alive... Right now take a moment to feel that joy bubble up, and experience gratitude.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Part II of "Top 10 Spices"
6. “Herbamare” A lovely seasoning blend made in France. You should be able to purchase this in a health food type store, Whole Foods, or Central Market (or online). It contains sea salt, celery leaves, leek, water and garden cress, onion, chives, parsley, lovage, garlic, basil marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and kelp (which is loaded with life promoting trace minerals). This is one of my most used seasonings. Sprinkle on veggies, put in soups, use in sauces… put on anything really. It has well-rounded flavors, and the dehydrated veggies give it a depth you will treasure.
7. Pumpkin Pie Spice. This is one blend that I believe you will feel grateful to have. Just lift the lid and take a whiff.. ammmmmazing. It contains cinnamon, ginger, lemon peel, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, star anise, fennel, and black pepper. It is “warming” in nature, helping to circulate “qi” throughout the body. This blend is especially beneficial to my health living here in the Northwest, as much of the year is damp and cold. It brightens up my Seattle mornings
sprinkled a top my creamy buckwheat cereal. I use it in stir-fry (just a little), cookies, my pumpkin spice scones, I mix it in with almond butter and spread on rice cakes, it’s a beautiful way to add spice to roasted holiday nuts, and it absolutely makes my butternut squash soup. Whenever I use Pumpkin Pie Spice it feels like a holiday ☺.8. Herbes De Provence. This is a French blend that contains thyme, rosemary, basil, marjoram, fennel, and lavender. When we were filming our “Cooking for Fertility” DVD we used th
is herb blend in our black bean burgers. Oh my, did it make the recipe! It has an earthy aroma, and if it weren’t for the lavender you would think “Thanksgiving dinner.” But it does have lavender and it adds a uniqueness that will spark subtle surprise. Get creative with this… try it out in different recipes that may call for rosemary or thyme. My favorite: Use Herbes De Provence in the water that you boil to make quinoa. If you can get it, try it in “red” quinoa. The added benefit: lavender soothes the central nervous system,9. Red Chile Pepper Flakes. Well, if you like spicy, you need to have this on hand. I use it my gluten free lasagna, soups, sweet chile sauce (featured on “Secrets of Gluten Free Cooking Asian” DVD, and its tasty in marinades.
10. Sweet Paprika. This is a little more obscure, but I feel the need to have it one hand. I use it quite a bit in the late spring and summer. It is great added to anything that you might put on the grill. It’s smoky and slightly bitter. I love it on my chile rubbed shrimp over corn cakes with jalapeno butter (featured on my Sizzling Southwest Summer” DVD).
Spice makes or breaks a dish. Chose wisely. Vary what you use based on season and ingredients. Trust yourself… open up a spice or herb that you are not familiar with, give it a good whiff and imagine what it might go well with. Imagine the smells coalescing and see if they jive. And most off all, enjoy youself!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Kitchen Essentials
I just moved and I was stunned at the amount of edible “stuff” that I pulled out of my cupboards that was long forgotten, rarely used, or even never used! I have plenty of good reasons to have all of this: Chinese, dried black straw mushrooms… I know I had visions of some tasty ethnic “hot pot” dinner party… 2 packages of dried star anise… there was that evening that I roasted a duck “Peking style,” but why I have two packages I may never know. I have more varieties of dried beans than most people even knew existed. My spices filled an entire paper grocery bag. Mango relish, green chili chutney, 3 different varieties of shredded coconut, 6 different vinegars, 7 different quality cooking oils, And guess how many gluten free flours… 9!This inspired me to look honestly into what I consider “Kitchen Essentials.” What is it that I really need in the kitchen to get by and create a variety delicious and wholesome food on demand? The following is what I came up with. I will break this down over a few posts, and split it into different categories.
Lets start with spices. I do believe that variety is the spice of life (maybe that explains the entire grocery bag full of spices☺). But I also find that there are a few spices that go well with so many things and the health benefits are also noteworthy.
Top Ten Spices that I consider essential in the evolved kitchen:
1. Sea Salt. Get your self some high quality sea salt. It is full of life giving minerals. I suggest
adding at the end of cooking by pinching with your fingers and sprinkling over the top. This way you use less, and it really makes a difference in the way the flavors “pop.”2. Cumin. I was raised in New Mexico and grew up cooking amazing Southwestern food. Cumin is essential in this style of food. It has a musky, almost smoky quality to it, and I find it adds depth to the other flavors. It is particularly nice with black beans, corn dishes, chicken, and it compliments chile powder beautifully. It helps prevent gas and can ease a nauseous stomach.
3. Curry powder with extra turmeric. Curry powder can transform any ordinary dish into something extraordinary! It is truly an amazingly delightful spice. Put it into your stir-fry, put
some in with your beans, add to your rub for meats, sprinkle into the water that you cook rice or quinoa in, or add to salad dressing for extra pizzazz. Curry powder is a blend of several spices, most often including turmeric, cumin, cardamom, fenugreek, and ginger. These spices (particularly turmeric) can have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They are also “warming” and help to circulate “qi” or energy in the body. In addition they can be very helpful for smooth digestion. If you add extra turmeric then just be aware that this can increase bitterness.
4. Garlic powder. Garlic powder can be a big time saver and if you get fresh powder it can add quite a lot of flavor. If I am out of fresh garlic or if I don’t feel like taking the time to mince it, I just add in some garlic powder. I use it soups and stews, beans, quinoa, my savory breads, and in my pumpkin seed pesto. The antimicrobial benefits are not as high with the powder.
5. Cardamom. I am currently in love with the spice! The aroma is sweet, and citrus and enveloping. The health benefits are pretty stunning as well. Cardamom has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s great in spice cookies and sweeter vegetable-based soups such as pumpkin, or butternut squash. It also pairs well in dishes focused around chicken, rice, and lentils. I use it as my secret ingredient in my “GF Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies!”Ok, this should give you something to chew on for a couple of days ☺. I will add my next 5 shortly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Top 10 Gluten Myths
Ok, I'm on a roll with the "top ten" theme :)
Here is another one for you....
Top 10 Gluten Myths
1. Myth: Celiac disease is rare.
Fact: Celiac disease affects 1 in 111 people in the US.
2. Myth: Gluten intolerance or celiac disease only affect the gut.
Fact: Research has found that once gluten is in the blood the proteins can affect any organ or tissue of the body. Studies have found links between gluten and many illnesses and conditions including cancer, autoimmune disease, osteoprorosis, brain disorders, chronic pain, infertility and many more.
3. Myth: Buckwheat has gluten in it.
Fact: Buckwheat is gluten free!
4. Myth: “If my digestion is good, then there is no way that I could be gluten sensitive.”
Fact: A person who is gluten sensitive could have absolutely no digestive symptoms. Often symptoms are related to the bones, lungs, mental functioning and or skin.
5. Myth: Gluten is “evil” :)
Fact: Gluten is a naturally occurring group of proteins found in nature. It is not “bad” in and of itself. The harm comes when it does not get broken down properly and then enters the blood stream, leading to a cascade of immune reactions. The exception to this is people with celiac disease. In these folks gluten triggers immune reactions just by its very presence in the intestines; so they may consider it darn right troublesome!
6. Myth: Glutinous grains have been a part of the human diet for eons.
Fact: Glutinous grains have only been in the human diet less than one half of a percent of the time that we have been upright!
7. Myth: There is gluten in “glutinous rice.”
Fact: Nope! “glutinous” in this case refers to its stickiness. Sticky rice does not contain gluten. No rice contains gluten.
8. Myth: There is no way there would be gluten in my ice cream.
Fact: Many commercial ice cream brands contain “modified food starch” which is often made out of gluten. Call the manufacturer to find out for sure.
9. Myth: If my shampoo contains “wheat protein,” and I have a gluten sensitivity, it will make me sick.
Fact: It is ok to put products that have gluten in them on your skin or hair. Just be aware that they do, and avoid contact with your mouth.
10. Myth: Once diagnosed as “gluten sensitive” I can never have gluten again without it causing health problems.
Fact: For folks that have been diagnosed gluten sensitive or intolerant: If they eliminate gluten for a period of time (usually 3 to 6 months), they can often add it back in in small amounts without triggering immune reactions and subsequent health problems (work with your holistic care provider to figure out what is best for you). These people do much better if they stick to whole, sprouted wheat, rye or spelt, VS refined white (high gluten containing) products when adding the gluten back in. This is not true for people with celiac disease... These folks need to remain gluten free for life.
Here is another one for you....
Top 10 Gluten Myths
1. Myth: Celiac disease is rare.
Fact: Celiac disease affects 1 in 111 people in the US.
2. Myth: Gluten intolerance or celiac disease only affect the gut.
Fact: Research has found that once gluten is in the blood the proteins can affect any organ or tissue of the body. Studies have found links between gluten and many illnesses and conditions including cancer, autoimmune disease, osteoprorosis, brain disorders, chronic pain, infertility and many more.
3. Myth: Buckwheat has gluten in it.
Fact: Buckwheat is gluten free!
4. Myth: “If my digestion is good, then there is no way that I could be gluten sensitive.”
Fact: A person who is gluten sensitive could have absolutely no digestive symptoms. Often symptoms are related to the bones, lungs, mental functioning and or skin.
5. Myth: Gluten is “evil” :)
Fact: Gluten is a naturally occurring group of proteins found in nature. It is not “bad” in and of itself. The harm comes when it does not get broken down properly and then enters the blood stream, leading to a cascade of immune reactions. The exception to this is people with celiac disease. In these folks gluten triggers immune reactions just by its very presence in the intestines; so they may consider it darn right troublesome!
6. Myth: Glutinous grains have been a part of the human diet for eons.
Fact: Glutinous grains have only been in the human diet less than one half of a percent of the time that we have been upright!
7. Myth: There is gluten in “glutinous rice.”
Fact: Nope! “glutinous” in this case refers to its stickiness. Sticky rice does not contain gluten. No rice contains gluten.
8. Myth: There is no way there would be gluten in my ice cream.
Fact: Many commercial ice cream brands contain “modified food starch” which is often made out of gluten. Call the manufacturer to find out for sure.
9. Myth: If my shampoo contains “wheat protein,” and I have a gluten sensitivity, it will make me sick.
Fact: It is ok to put products that have gluten in them on your skin or hair. Just be aware that they do, and avoid contact with your mouth.
10. Myth: Once diagnosed as “gluten sensitive” I can never have gluten again without it causing health problems.
Fact: For folks that have been diagnosed gluten sensitive or intolerant: If they eliminate gluten for a period of time (usually 3 to 6 months), they can often add it back in in small amounts without triggering immune reactions and subsequent health problems (work with your holistic care provider to figure out what is best for you). These people do much better if they stick to whole, sprouted wheat, rye or spelt, VS refined white (high gluten containing) products when adding the gluten back in. This is not true for people with celiac disease... These folks need to remain gluten free for life.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Top 10 things you need to know to create excellent Gluten Free baked goods!
1. Always mix your gluten free flours rather than doing a one for one substitution. Watch this clip to learn about my favorite baking mix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxsl8bIfN0&feature=channel_page
2. You'll need something to help hold the baked good together (gluten does this well). I use either xanthan gum, guar gum, or you can even use chia seed. You can purchase these at a health food type grocery store.
3. Use bean flours, teff and quinoa flour for more savory items, and brown rice, sweet rice, tapioca, and sweet sorghum flours for sweeter items.
4. To create a lighter texture and whiter color, use more tapioca flour (starch) or potato flour. I'll use a 2/3 to 1/3 ratio in such cases (2/3 tapioca to 1/3 brown rice).
5. To create and retain wonderful moisture in your baked goods, the secret is to add some dates, apple sauce pumpkin or banana! This is a splendid "trick."
6. It is more challenging to get a nice rise out of gluten free baked goods. I suggest adding in a little more baking powder than you would normally use, and once you have mixed your dough or batter, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before baking.
7. When making breads, go for a shorter rise (put less dough or batter in the baking dish). This will help retain moisture and flavor.
8. Use chopped dried fruit to introduce more moisture. This also helps the baked goods to stay fresher longer!
9. Try using dates or agave syrup instead of sugar. Not only is this better for your health, but it also adds more moisture and subtly of flavor.
10. I know, I know... You have to buy so many types of flours to bake gluten free! I suggest sticking with 4 or 5 that you really use. For me this is brown rice, sweet sorghum, quinoa, tapioca and almond meal. Buy them and transfer in thick plastic or glass, label and store in the fridge. They will last longer this way.
Enjoy, and let me know how your goodies turn out! If you come up with something you just love, please send it to me and we can post it on "Tiffany's Healing Foods" site (giving credit to you of course) so that others may enjoy your creation. Click here to submit.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Are gluten free baked goods "for the birds?!"
My good friend's husband likes to say, "gluten free baked goods are for the birds!" He says this as he looks down at all of the crumbles that have now landed in his lap and on the ground attracting masses of hungry birds.
It is true: The bulk of GF baked goods are dry and crumbly. You see, some of the redeeming factors of gluten are; it holds things together (like "glue"), it holds in moisture, and it allows little air pockets to form giving baked goods a nice lift job.
I set out on a mission, a mission that took... Oh about a year or so. The mission was to find a way to create moisture AND cohesion, all in one supreme baked good. And of course, because this is "Tiffany's Healing Foods" I was to do this in a way that did not sacrifice my integrity... My belief that we should strive for more nutritious and unprocessed foods, rather than their refined alter egos.
My mission was a success!! I have created a top 10 list based on this year of field work. I consider them "GF healthy baking secrets." Stay tuned for the list....
PS... Also, stayed tuned for "Secrets of Gluten Free Cooking Sweets and Treats" DVD. If you would like to be notified when it comes out, please click here, and enter your name and email (this remains private and we do not sell emails nor do we spam).
Here's to foods that heal!
Tiffany
It is true: The bulk of GF baked goods are dry and crumbly. You see, some of the redeeming factors of gluten are; it holds things together (like "glue"), it holds in moisture, and it allows little air pockets to form giving baked goods a nice lift job.
I set out on a mission, a mission that took... Oh about a year or so. The mission was to find a way to create moisture AND cohesion, all in one supreme baked good. And of course, because this is "Tiffany's Healing Foods" I was to do this in a way that did not sacrifice my integrity... My belief that we should strive for more nutritious and unprocessed foods, rather than their refined alter egos.
My mission was a success!! I have created a top 10 list based on this year of field work. I consider them "GF healthy baking secrets." Stay tuned for the list....
PS... Also, stayed tuned for "Secrets of Gluten Free Cooking Sweets and Treats" DVD. If you would like to be notified when it comes out, please click here, and enter your name and email (this remains private and we do not sell emails nor do we spam).
Here's to foods that heal!
Tiffany
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How you eat is how you live
Our relationship to food is a reflection of our relationship to life. Another way to think of this is “how we eat is how we live.”
As we forge ahead, blazing new frontiers in consciousness, we are faced with the task of honestly evaluating what serves the purpose of fueling and contributing to this voyage, and what needs to be left behind. This is the metaphor for conscious evolution.
Our relationship to food is a reflection of our relationship to life.
If you are sincerely interested in pushing the edge of the possible, in creating a sustained movement in culture based on new and integral values, how is this reflected in the way that you eat?
It’s an important question and one that I find myself pushing into on a daily basis. Its easy to separate what we eat from how we live and what we believe in, but does that really make any sense in light of our expanding awareness of the nature of unity?
Once we acknowledge the holistic reality of the many “parts” of who we are and how we live, we are faced with the fact that our choices lead to increasing integrity and transparency or they contribute to inertia and the experience of separation.
What is the best way to fuel the body? We are figuring this out right now, together! There is no one right “answer” as there are many different bodies with different needs in varied climates with varied ages and ethnic backgrounds and changing seasons…
you get the point. But there are some beautiful bites of wisdom, some ancient and some modern, that can offer us tremendous guidance on our path to Eating for Evolution!
In the goal of Tiffany's Healing Foods to bring you cutting edge information merged with ancient wisdom that will serve to enhance the functioning and coordination of all aspects of being. Together we will discover and develop a truly enlightened relationship to food!
Love,
Tiffany
As we forge ahead, blazing new frontiers in consciousness, we are faced with the task of honestly evaluating what serves the purpose of fueling and contributing to this voyage, and what needs to be left behind. This is the metaphor for conscious evolution.
Our relationship to food is a reflection of our relationship to life.
If you are sincerely interested in pushing the edge of the possible, in creating a sustained movement in culture based on new and integral values, how is this reflected in the way that you eat?
It’s an important question and one that I find myself pushing into on a daily basis. Its easy to separate what we eat from how we live and what we believe in, but does that really make any sense in light of our expanding awareness of the nature of unity?
Once we acknowledge the holistic reality of the many “parts” of who we are and how we live, we are faced with the fact that our choices lead to increasing integrity and transparency or they contribute to inertia and the experience of separation.
What is the best way to fuel the body? We are figuring this out right now, together! There is no one right “answer” as there are many different bodies with different needs in varied climates with varied ages and ethnic backgrounds and changing seasons…
you get the point. But there are some beautiful bites of wisdom, some ancient and some modern, that can offer us tremendous guidance on our path to Eating for Evolution!In the goal of Tiffany's Healing Foods to bring you cutting edge information merged with ancient wisdom that will serve to enhance the functioning and coordination of all aspects of being. Together we will discover and develop a truly enlightened relationship to food!
Love,
Tiffany
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Appreciation & "Eating For Recovery"
I expereinced some medical issues this last week, and needed some minor surgery.
Being a holistic health care practitioner, my slant is definitely towards "alternative medicine," but I have prided myself on being both knowledgeable and respectful of "western medicine."
After this experience my cognitive "respect" grew much deeper and transformed into a solid and genuine heart felt appreciation of western medicine and its "tools."
The surgery went smoothly, the Dr's and nurses were fantastic, the center was clean, the drugs did what they were supposed to, and my "problem" was handled.
The need for alternative treatments was loud and clear while recovering. With my knowledge of herbs and foods, I was able to speed recovery, ease the burden on my liver (from the drugs and anesthesia), aid with sleep, and help relax myself.
I'm sure I could have gotten more pills for those various symptoms, but I know they would have created other symptoms. So I took what drugs the Dr said were necessary, and I took care of the rest with food and herbs!
It is such a beautiful thing that we have a tremendous degree of influence over our bodies (for the positive or negative) based on what we decide to eat, and sometimes it makes the world of difference the amount we eat.
Good rules when recovering (some of these I learned the hard way :)):
1. The first meal post op should be small and light. I recommend staying away from animal products and nuts, as well as greasy foods.
2. Chew really well and make some nice, easy to digest grains. I choose quinoa and buckwheat.
3. Go for cooked rather than raw. It will be easier to break down cooked foods until your stomach "fire" gets back up to par.
4. Drink lots of pure water and hot herbal teas.
5. Stay away from sugar, especially ice cream :)! Sugar lowers immune function and drains energy from the body. It also feeds bacteria, yeasts, and molds inside your body.
6. Clear broth soup is great idea... so are steamed veggies.
7. REST! That is a hard one for me, but I gave in to it and slept more than I had since I was a teenager. My body is really thanking me.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Opening Awareness
I was away on a long meditation retreat over the holidays. It was profound. I never imagined that serious meditation could actually be a training ground for a sane and purposeful life. And that is what it literally is. I have been meditating for several years now, and it has radically changed my relationship to life, but this retreat added another dimension... depth.
To take responsibility for one's relationship to their mind is no small task. But you can really start to see that we actually have to start with that if we ever intend to evolve. Otherwise we repeat the same reinactments of the scenes of our life with slightly different twists over and over again... half aware that we are doing it. This is impersonal, meaning all of us humans do it, unless we get serious about taking ourselves on.
My experience has been that if in meditation I take responsibility for dropping my compulsive need to attach to every thought and make assumptions about what that means about me, me, me, me... then space opens up; awareness expands. It is quite beautiful, and ultimately liberating. And extraordinarily challenging at times. But what else are we going to do?!
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to help make the world a better place? Most people I meet do. If we are really serious about this, then it has to start with the individual. What would it mean to evolve ourselves... to consciously evolve ourselves? Ultimately culture changes due to shifts in value systems, and this happens from "the inside out." We have to ask ourselves what we want to perpetuate, what we want to consciously create, and what we want to leave behind.
It is easy to fall into ruts with eating habits. Easy to be narrowly focused on the familiar. Having Celiac disease, forces me in a way, to think outside the box about food. For this I am eternally grateful.
When I ask myself what I want to leave behind to may space for the new, the answer is my unconsciousness. I want to become more and more and more aware. I care deeply about the evolution of culture, and I don't intend to be asleep during such a creative a dynamic process!
I notice that what "puts me to sleep," so to speak, faster than most anything is eating poorly.
I'm sure you know what I mean. Some foods and ways of eating just zombifiey the psyche and the vehicle that it occupies! Do we really want that, do we really have time for that?
What has worked to help get me "off" the addictive foods that are nothing less than harmful is to focus on all of the beautiful and stunning whole foods that I can have that love me back, that open up my mind, clear my senses, and provide clean fuel for my physical body. When I really do this, it is impossible for me to feel deprived!
The earth provides such richness and diversity. Literally gifts for us. It is a process of shifting your attention to what has real depth and value. Deep down, that is what we all long for. And deep down we all long to truly live, truly give, truly create! Well we are the ones choosing in every moment whether or not this is the life we live.
It sounds corny and simple, but its the truth: What you put in your mouth has great consequence. See it as an act that is no way separate from your very own philosophy on life. "How you do anything, is how you do everything." Do you care or not, are you conscious or not? Stop long enough to see that what you put into your body in not just in service of the immediate gratification of the taste buds. Open your awareness to the rest of your body, to the rest of the planetary body. I'll bet what you'll find is far more compelling than that junk food! :)
To take responsibility for one's relationship to their mind is no small task. But you can really start to see that we actually have to start with that if we ever intend to evolve. Otherwise we repeat the same reinactments of the scenes of our life with slightly different twists over and over again... half aware that we are doing it. This is impersonal, meaning all of us humans do it, unless we get serious about taking ourselves on.
My experience has been that if in meditation I take responsibility for dropping my compulsive need to attach to every thought and make assumptions about what that means about me, me, me, me... then space opens up; awareness expands. It is quite beautiful, and ultimately liberating. And extraordinarily challenging at times. But what else are we going to do?!
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to help make the world a better place? Most people I meet do. If we are really serious about this, then it has to start with the individual. What would it mean to evolve ourselves... to consciously evolve ourselves? Ultimately culture changes due to shifts in value systems, and this happens from "the inside out." We have to ask ourselves what we want to perpetuate, what we want to consciously create, and what we want to leave behind.
It is easy to fall into ruts with eating habits. Easy to be narrowly focused on the familiar. Having Celiac disease, forces me in a way, to think outside the box about food. For this I am eternally grateful.
When I ask myself what I want to leave behind to may space for the new, the answer is my unconsciousness. I want to become more and more and more aware. I care deeply about the evolution of culture, and I don't intend to be asleep during such a creative a dynamic process!
I notice that what "puts me to sleep," so to speak, faster than most anything is eating poorly.
I'm sure you know what I mean. Some foods and ways of eating just zombifiey the psyche and the vehicle that it occupies! Do we really want that, do we really have time for that?
What has worked to help get me "off" the addictive foods that are nothing less than harmful is to focus on all of the beautiful and stunning whole foods that I can have that love me back, that open up my mind, clear my senses, and provide clean fuel for my physical body. When I really do this, it is impossible for me to feel deprived!
The earth provides such richness and diversity. Literally gifts for us. It is a process of shifting your attention to what has real depth and value. Deep down, that is what we all long for. And deep down we all long to truly live, truly give, truly create! Well we are the ones choosing in every moment whether or not this is the life we live.
It sounds corny and simple, but its the truth: What you put in your mouth has great consequence. See it as an act that is no way separate from your very own philosophy on life. "How you do anything, is how you do everything." Do you care or not, are you conscious or not? Stop long enough to see that what you put into your body in not just in service of the immediate gratification of the taste buds. Open your awareness to the rest of your body, to the rest of the planetary body. I'll bet what you'll find is far more compelling than that junk food! :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Just because we can does not mean we should!
I've been thinking about how incredible the quality of life is for the average American. Some may argue this, but really, in general, we are afforded luxuries that kings and queens did not have even 150 years ago! We can eat from many different cuisines, we can make a trip to a grocery store and there we find types of foods right at our fingertips. No slaving in the fields most of the year to create what will become our sustenance, our means for survival. We have rather high cleanliness standards. We have regulated sewage and in most places garbage that is handled. We have the luxury of cars, or buses to get around. We have TVs and computers and cell phones.
Many gen X's and gen Y's have been raised with the perpetual question of "what do you want?" Most of us have a rather unconscious track running constantly in the mind that says something like "what do I want?" "I need this" "I don't want that" "will this make me happy?" "if I could only have that" "if only I didn't have this" It is a relentless self referencing machine fueled by fear and desire.
You see, at this point in our development our basic survival needs have been met (if you are reading this then you are most likely in that camp), and because of that we have a whole lot of time alone with our own thoughts! Couple that with a culture that places empha
sis above all else on the individuals wants, needs, and desires, and you get what is referred to as the highly narcissistic predicament of "post modern" conditioning.
What I have been looking into is how I/we can first off, really look honestly into this reality and individually own it, and then get over ourselves, and shift our focus to the reality of... "its not all about me!" We are part a stunning, constantly unfolding, universal process. Its important to adjust our reference points in order to reflect this reality.
Most of my patients suffer far more from the fall out of this postmodern conditioning (constant self referencing and self obsession), then they do from physiological symptoms. The "mind" problems are definitely leading the way in terms of what prompts folks to seek help. And the reality is, because we are a body/mind/spirit, that perceived suffering of the mind, if not taken on (and I'm not talking about taking anti-depressants), leads to physical problems.
So I was thinking, where can we start? What can we do to begin to take this on? Simplicity! Simplify your life and you will see that your mind does the same. When you begin to simplify you will start to see through the unending madness of the mind. You will start to see that you are something more than your fears and desires. You will start to see that you are not the center of the universe. But we have to chose simplicity over confusion to even begin to see this.
We have a million options, a million choices. We are bombarded with marketing and media that says "buy this "do that" and the promise is that whatever "it" is will finally be the thing to make us happy.
Simplify and you will begin to taste some peace. What I mean is, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Just because you can do 5 things at once does not mean you should. Try just driving and paying attention, try just eating one or two whole foods and pay attention to what you are doing... enjoy the moment. Try choosing not to pay attention to the narcotic voice that you (we all) have on auto pilot in our heads... choose to simply focus on 1 thing.. whatever you happen to be doing in that moment.
In terms of food: Just because you can eat junk every day, or sweets every night, or diet pop every day, does not mean you should! The power to choose what you put in your mouth is a truly amazing gift! Do you realize how much time, evolution, blood, sweat, and tears had to come before us to afford us not only all of our options, but also the level of consciousness that exists in order to be able to self reflect, discern and choose?? This is truly a gift, and we disregard and abuse that privilege.
Its time that we grew up, and actually acted appropriately in regards to our level of privilege.
Join me this month, the beginning of this new year, and ask yourself if you really should do it (whatever that might be), just because you can. Inquire into what simplicity is, and experience the freedom of letting go of complexity... because you choose to.
Happy New Year!
Tiffany
Many gen X's and gen Y's have been raised with the perpetual question of "what do you want?" Most of us have a rather unconscious track running constantly in the mind that says something like "what do I want?" "I need this" "I don't want that" "will this make me happy?" "if I could only have that" "if only I didn't have this" It is a relentless self referencing machine fueled by fear and desire.
You see, at this point in our development our basic survival needs have been met (if you are reading this then you are most likely in that camp), and because of that we have a whole lot of time alone with our own thoughts! Couple that with a culture that places empha
sis above all else on the individuals wants, needs, and desires, and you get what is referred to as the highly narcissistic predicament of "post modern" conditioning.What I have been looking into is how I/we can first off, really look honestly into this reality and individually own it, and then get over ourselves, and shift our focus to the reality of... "its not all about me!" We are part a stunning, constantly unfolding, universal process. Its important to adjust our reference points in order to reflect this reality.
Most of my patients suffer far more from the fall out of this postmodern conditioning (constant self referencing and self obsession), then they do from physiological symptoms. The "mind" problems are definitely leading the way in terms of what prompts folks to seek help. And the reality is, because we are a body/mind/spirit, that perceived suffering of the mind, if not taken on (and I'm not talking about taking anti-depressants), leads to physical problems.
So I was thinking, where can we start? What can we do to begin to take this on? Simplicity! Simplify your life and you will see that your mind does the same. When you begin to simplify you will start to see through the unending madness of the mind. You will start to see that you are something more than your fears and desires. You will start to see that you are not the center of the universe. But we have to chose simplicity over confusion to even begin to see this.
We have a million options, a million choices. We are bombarded with marketing and media that says "buy this "do that" and the promise is that whatever "it" is will finally be the thing to make us happy.
Simplify and you will begin to taste some peace. What I mean is, just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Just because you can do 5 things at once does not mean you should. Try just driving and paying attention, try just eating one or two whole foods and pay attention to what you are doing... enjoy the moment. Try choosing not to pay attention to the narcotic voice that you (we all) have on auto pilot in our heads... choose to simply focus on 1 thing.. whatever you happen to be doing in that moment.
In terms of food: Just because you can eat junk every day, or sweets every night, or diet pop every day, does not mean you should! The power to choose what you put in your mouth is a truly amazing gift! Do you realize how much time, evolution, blood, sweat, and tears had to come before us to afford us not only all of our options, but also the level of consciousness that exists in order to be able to self reflect, discern and choose?? This is truly a gift, and we disregard and abuse that privilege.
Its time that we grew up, and actually acted appropriately in regards to our level of privilege.
Join me this month, the beginning of this new year, and ask yourself if you really should do it (whatever that might be), just because you can. Inquire into what simplicity is, and experience the freedom of letting go of complexity... because you choose to.
Happy New Year!
Tiffany
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