Tired!

I'm going through a tired phase.  Week 3 detox.  I still soldier on but I feel a little washed out.  Not sure if there's something else going on or my body working hard to detox but I'm regularly feeling tired and run down.  I've got confident with my diverse cooking options and if all else fails - egg salad will do!  Gotta keep on going and know that this is a great investment in my future health!  :)

Sugar free, gluten free, lactose free...yet tastyyyyy Almond Meal Muffins!

I made 12 and froze half so I have them as a handy snack to defrost and heat up with a little butter as a treat! 

1 cup almond meal
1.5 cups Coconut flour (expensive but delicious and gluten free)
4 teaspoons baking power2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup soy milk (or rice milk)
150g butter (melted)
1/2 cup of xylitol or a stevia (remember it's strong so use sparingly)

Mix dry ingredients and then add wet ingredients ensuring the melted butter doesn't cook the egg!  Gently fold together.  Ensure you use a well greased muffin baking tray.  Bake for 20 mins but check at 15 mins and adjust time if needed.

These don't satisfy sweet cravings if you don't use sugar substitute but they are delicious in their coconut and almond flavour.  Enjoy!

Really easy to make humus dip!

Blend (in a blender) chickpeas (soak them overnight if using dried chickpeas and rinse then cook for 30 minutes - they should be soft but still hold their shape), tahini (sesame paste - yum), garlic (I use 3 cloves chopped up), lemon juice, olive oil, cumin powder, pepper and water as required.  Mix in a blender and keep tasting to find the right flavour for you.  Use cellery, asparagus, cucumber and any other vegies to dip in and enjoy.  Tasty!

Kapai Puku - great addition to your meals!

Filled with seeds, buckwheat, rice bran, amaranth, etc..High in Omega3. Fruit free/sugar free/gluten free. I add this to brown rice puffs for breakfast with brown rice milk. It's an exfoliate for your intestinal tract. Check out www.kapaipuku.com. Yummmmm....

Yummy stir fry!

You can stir fry all vegies using any of the oils allowed on the diet.  Add any vegies you like and chop into long thin slices for an authentic look.  Use sprouts & raw organic cashews to add some texture.  Use fresh ginger, coriander, garlic and chilly if you can handle it. 

Make sure your wok is hot to start with and put in the onion, coriander, ginger, garlic and chilly first to get the flavours out.

If using meat, cook this first and then take out and put aside.  Add more oil if required and then throw in the vegies and toss until almost cooked. Put the meat back in and leave to simmer for a few mins until all cooked.

So tasty!

Evening "cocktail"!

Chop up some fresh mint and mix with lime juice - add to filtered water and ice or use soda water.  Finish with a straw to make you feel like you're having a cocktail!  Delicious and refreshing. 

Leftover egg whites?

After trying to make an aioli (which failed as per last post) I had left over egg whites.  So I suggest you scramble them!  Mix with some vegies of choice (onion, capsicum/peppers, chilly, basil, garlic and tomatoes) and you have a delicious breakfast or snack.  I actually find it lighter than using all the egg.  Yummy!

Delicious salmon dinner to share!

I cooked a lovely meal with a friend on the weekend.  Here it is!

1. Chop finely fresh basil and mix with olive oil, lemon rind and a pinch of rock salt.  Rub it over 2 medium sized salmon steaks, then dip the salmon into some sesame seeds - cover and leave for about 15 mins.  When close to ready to eat, grill the stakes each side and then cover for about 5-10 mins to cook through the centre as you like.

2. Blanch asparagus spears in boiled water until just tender.  Service with some pine nuts (you can dry-fry these first if you like) and organic butter.

I also tried to make an aioli to drizzle over the asparagus but it didn't work.  It's really important to follow the instructions and use the appropriate utensils which I didn't so hence it failed.  I will try again though!

Here's the recipe:
4 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped fine
2 egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cold water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Add the garlic and salt to the mortar bowl and grind slowly with the pestle, moving in one direction only. You can do this first step in a food processor if you'd like, then transfer the mixture back to a medium sized bowl. Whisk in the mustard first, then the egg yolks. At this point you can transfer the mixture back into the mortar or use the whisk in the bowl.

Now you will add in half of the oil. This must be done very slowly or the oil will not emulsify and your sauce will not thicken. Add the oil in a slow, fine stream while either whisking with a wire whisk or using your pestle. Once the first half of the oil is incorporated, then add the water and the lemon juice, and mustard, whisking or stirring constantly with the pestle. Then slowly add the rest of the oil. The mixture will thicken as you continue to blend it. The mixture should be slightly thinner than commercial mayonnaise. If it becomes too thick you can add a bit more warm water, one teaspoon at a time.

Social Outing with Candida can be done!

Out in the real world people think I'm a little odd.  It's amazing how uncomfortable people get when you say no to food and alcohol.  I had my first social outing last night (after 2 weeks on detox) and I was fine.  I kept saying no to food with a smile on my face but people needed an explanation.  I simply said I was on a lifestyle change.  Wasn't tempted by anything!  Even brownies and cupcakes!  Just ensure you eat before you go and drink soda water with ice and some lemon or lime (if they have fresh mint that will be nice too) and it looks like you are having a cocktail!  :)