Best Oysters in Town - East Dennis Oyster Farm

East Dennis Oyster Farm Dennis, MA Cape Cod

I am embarrassed that it has taken me so long to write a blog post. Not only that but I wanted to make sure this one was perfect. The last two months have been crazy- my computer crashed, went on vacation, starting a new job, trying to find a place to live... the list goes on and on. I always say it but it's not an excuse. I wanted to make this a special post because not only has it been a long time since I've written, this post is about a two people who I can't talk more highly about.

A few weeks ago there was a bright spot in my otherwise crazy life. On vacation down in Cape Cod we were at our favorite spot The Summer Shanty- enjoying a nice beverage and watching the sunset. We love their menu and sea food options - especially because it's mostly gluten free and shell fish is one of our favorites.

To our surprise, the restaurant were doing things a bit different this year. They had a company called East Dennis Oyster Farm come in and supply fresh oysters from their farm- the freshest and tastiest I've have ever had.

I immediately struck up a conversation with the lady who I thought 'worked' for the farm and it turned out that she and her husband own, farms (year round might I add) sells, shucks and delivers everything. They are the real deal. Stephanie and John are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people I've met in a long time. Not only that, it was constant through everything- especially about their farm. They started farming oysters in 2003 and have been doing it ever since.

Stephanie was nice enough to invite us out to the farm the very next day. It's a tricky operation because you can only go out at low tide 2-3 times a week and farm the oysters. It was quite a hike out the farm. I felt like I was on a crazy adventure and I didn't know what to expect. John told me to bring a water bottle because it was a long walk from the car- but it was worth every step. Coming over the dunes you saw a sea (no pun intended) of cages with oysters in all of them with the Atlantic ocean as the back drop. Going to work in the Atlantic doesn't sound like a bad gig but keep in mind, they farm all year long.

I had SO many questions and have never seen anything like it. We learned that oysters don't come in to traps like lobsters, they come from all over the country as tiny babies- Stephanie and John get their 'babies' from New York and raise them from their infancy. They are tiny (smaller than a penny) and they raise them to perfection. It takes years to get to the oysters on our plate and not only that, they require constant changing of cages to help in the growth process. It was such a new experience. I had no idea what it took to farm and raise oysters. Here are a few things we learned from John and Stephanie while we were at their farm.

* Oysters are "filter feeders" filtering out food particles around them. An adult oyster can move 60-80 gallons of sea water in one day!

* Oysters change sexes many times over their life time.

* Oysters don't mature until they are a year old but like a good wine they can age for a few years longer- giving them their sweet and salty kick.

*You can cook oysters in many different ways- frying, baking, smoked and broiled but eating them raw is the most popular way. Especially because the oysters that come the East Dennis Oyster Farm are a step above. You have to trust me when I tell you there is such a difference. For starters, they are plump and come with little grit (natural sand) It's almost as if the Atlantic Ocean washes it away for the up most enjoyment. You have to make sure you don't spill the 'juice.' It's half of what makes the experience!

An oyster is a acquired taste and if you are unfamiliar with them, I suggest you try them from John and Stephanie. Take a few hours and experience their farm and the heart and soul that goes into it. The oyster is a salty, sweet explosion of the sea in your mouth and your going to want more and more- I promise.

Oysters are a delicacy and to think we have them in our very own back yard. East Dennis Oyster Company is growing every day and to our benefit. They are constantly getting involved in events, weddings, anniversary's - you name it they will most likely do it. If you get on their website you can have a fresh batch shipped to you directly- fresh and straight from the sea.

Take for example Megan and Mike's Wedding. I don't know this couple but they came to the farm and hand picked oysters for their raw bar at their reception. Jon and Stephanie also with Forklift Catering to help with their catering needs- they make a great team!

John and Stephanie are two of the nicest people I've ever met and their oysters are the best I've ever tasted. Please go and visit them on their farm- the freshness and their oysters are to good not to.... You'll be missing a great thing!

Like I said, this post was a special one. Have a great weekend and go enjoy some oysters - East Dennis Oysters that is. :)

xo,

Amanda

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Granola Bars --------->

Phew, does it feel good to write again! I wanted to share a recipe with you that I feel is a step above. There is nothing like the taste of chocolate, honey, peanut butter and deliciousness all in one bite. I also like challenges and I love nothing more than to adapt a "normal" recipe and make it Gluten free.

This particular one I got from Ms. Giada De Laurentiis who with her Italian accent and talks about pasta and pancetta does not cook gluten free- that doesn't mean I still don't love her. Here is an adapted version of her recipe. YUMMM

Ingredients
Vegetable cooking spray
1 egg white
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup (1-stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups Gluten Free Bob's Red Mills Whole Oats
1/2 cup mixed nuts , toasted, *see Cook's Note
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

Directions
* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
*Spray a 7 by 10 3/4-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray.

*Lay a 6 by 18-inch piece of parchment paper in the pan, allowing the excess paper to hang over the sides.

*Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
*In a medium bowl, using a hand beater, beat the egg white until frothy.

*Stir in the peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey.

*Add the melted butter, oats and mixed nuts.

*Stir to combine, then add the chocolate chips.
*Using a rubber spatula, spread mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing lightly to form an even layer. Bake until the edge of the mixture begins to brown, about 15 minutes.

*Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. Cut into 1 1/2-inch squares and serve.
*Cook's Note: To toast mixed nuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

This was such a fun and easy thing to make. I had friends over that night for a little dinner party and they definitely enjoyed them. The best part was that no one knew they were gluten free! The other tip is that they are SO versatile. They make a great dessert, kids can easily grab them for a snack or crumbled up, they are fantastic on top of plain yogurt for quick gluten free snack!!

Like I said, I love a challenge and when my girlfriends "manhandled" the GF granola you know you did a good job. I look forward to hearing about your GF experience. Enjoy these fun little decedent desserts!

xo,

Amanda

Gluten Free Brunch

When you are gluten free.. sometimes Breakfast/brunch can be difficult. You hear the same old thing.... eggs, eggs, eggs. Well here is a neat spin on eggs and hash brows! It's called hash brown baskets with eggs! (This is my variation of Sunny Anderson's recipe)




Here is what you will need:


Cupcake pan


8 eggs


1 1/2 lbs of shredded hash browns


butter

1 onion


1 pepper


Spinach


bacon

Pam

salt and pepper to taste!

* It's that simple!!

Next Steps:

Preheat oven to 350*

Start by placing the hashy's in a kitchen towel and squeezing out the excess water. This way it will stick easier- place in bowl and salt and pepper.

Saute the onion and red pepper in extra virgin olive oil and a dab of butter

Add mix to the has browns already set aside in a bowl- salt and pepper

Spray cupcake pan with PAM. Add mixture to each cup in the cupcake pan and add enough to cover sides. Make sure to create a basket and enough room to fit an egg!

Drizzle 'baskets' with extra virgin olive oil. Put in oven and let brown for 5-8 minuets.

When browned add an egg in each basket and put back in oven. Let egg cook just enough so it's over easy. (8-10 minuets or to desired taste)

In a saucepan on the stove top, saute garlic and spinach until wilted and cooked.


On your plate place the spinach mixture in the middle of your plate. You egg basket should come out easily and it goes right on top of your spinach. Crumble crispy bacon on top (optional of course) and your yummy gluten free breakfast/brunch is all set to eat!!

Enjoy!!

I DID IT!!

March 14th 2010 Race day!!!

It's been a while since I have blogged. UGH!!!

To my defense, I have been training for a 5k. Lord knows I am tired! But not nearly as tired as I was in the past- not tired form gluten poising, tired from working out and training!

So this post is about my race. I DID IT. Can you believe it? I never had to wear shoes as gymnastics was my sport of choice and gymnasts didn't wear shoes. :) So I strapped on a pair of new Nike's an started to train. I trained really slow (thanks to George Cuddy) who told me not to push and to take it slow. "Nothing happens over night" he tells me. "Don't cross your arms over your body, keep them by your sides and take it nice and slow."

The constant reminder was great because my personality is a fiery one. (Those who know me can vouch) I wanted to push, run fast, sweat, feel my lungs burn but that was not the way to do it.

First week of training: (10 weeks total) Walk 10 minuets, run 3

Week 2: Walk 8 Run 5

Week 3: Walk 7 Run 7

An so on and so on.... Not only was I doing my running, I had to make sure I was up on my strength training. I did that on my off days- Tuesday and Thursdays. I took ZUMBA (which I love because it satisfies my dance cravings) on Saturdays. It's a constant reminder of how much I love to move- and it also keeps the heart rate up.

So back to the race... I was nervous. Half way through the training my back started to act up again and I wasn't ready for it. Brain Barkwell, the on-site and amazing physical therapist at Revolution Fitness told me to take it easy. Perhaps running wasn't for me as I am still healing from a back injury from my gymnast days. But I didn't listen. (Sorry Brian) I pushed on.. taking down the level slightly because I didn't want to hurt myself for good..

The day of the race I was nervous. Had I trained enough? Was I going to throw up? Cross the finish line? People in my life had been asking me.. "Why are you running all of a sudden?" It was a personal goal. A mind game that I had to prove to myself that I needed to do this- perhaps it was a way I could tell myself I had finally beat GLUTEN and I was no longer a prisoner in my own body.

Sunday March 14th- Race day. I wake up to a monsoon.. all weekend it was wet and raining. One of the worst rain storms I had ever seen in my 24 years- It rained for 3 straight days and there was over 6 inches of the stuff!!! Not to mention it was cold... bone chilling!

There was NO hesitation. I was running my 5K. After all it was only 3.1 miles. I ran at my own pace and took my time like George told me to do- also I kept my arms at my side and didn't cross them. :) I was the most amazing experience ever. I felt STRONG, even with the pelting rain on my face and the wind trying to stop me.

The last 1/4 mile was on a slushy, muddy bike trail and I sprinted to the finish line. I ran with my arms up ecstatic that I finished. I was so proud of myself. 36 minuets it took me to run 3.1 miles. Completion of the 5K was a milestone for me.

No matter how short or long the race it's setting the goal and completing it that matters. Just set your mind to something.. especially if you have been feeling down and out in the past. Finishing something feels amazing.. I challenge you to try it- it's liberating!

I plan on setting more goals and completing fun things in the future because I am no longer confined to the couch. Thank god. Much more to come....

xo,

Amanda

EXERCISE @ Revolution Fitness!!

Hello...



On top of eating right, one forgets that exercise if right behind. Yes- I work at an incredible fitness facility (Revolution Fitness), but working out is not always easy. Thank god I have good people to push me but dragging myself onto the treadmill or the AMT is not easy....



Remember, there are many things that help in maintaining a physique that you want. Remember you can't do one without the other. Here is a quick list of exercises that I think are beneficial to your health. I don't think of it as one day arms one day legs. I go by the book of total body workout and I love it.



Monday: Kettle bell swings
Med Ball Slams
Push Ups
Cardio: 20 minuets on Arc Trainer
Interval training on the Woodway Dynamic Mode

Tuesday: Helix and Core Strength Class

Wednesday: Front and Reverse Lunges with weight bar above head
Free Weights triceps and biceps
Kettle Bell push ups

Cardio: Run/walk on treadmill

Thursday: Rev It Up Total body workout @Revolution Fitness w/ Derek and or Brendan (Mondays 6:15am and Thursdays 12pm)

Friday: Rest

Saturday: ZUMBA!!!! (Saturday 10:30am)

Sunday: Yoga

I mean, this is a BASIC list of things that I have learned in the past few weeks. I highly encourage anyone to get a FITNESS ASSESSMENT with on of our fantastic trainers at Rev Fit. It's very beneficial and BodyEvolver was created by Mike D our Fitness Manager.

Keep a few things in mind: eat before (consume at least 200-300 calories if you are working out first thing in the morning. I like peanut butter on a rice cake) Eat plenty of protein and drink a lot of water.

I hope this peaks your interest. Happy GF eating and exercising!!!!

xo,
Amanda

The Secret of the day is..... WHOLE GRAINS!

Hi!!

I promise I will get better at this.. I just have to set time out of my busy day to write!

So, I have to tell you.. I haven't been feeling my best lately. I am not full, I am feeling tired again and most of all, I don't feel like I am getting any nutrients. Ugh..

The other day, Craig Wright, someone who I met at the Healthy Villi Conference came into Revolution Fitness to chat with me, catch up and check out the gym. (Thanks Craig for coming! I am so happy I met you and Kim!)

We got talking.. and I slowly realized I am eating all wrong. Yes, I am conscious of my eating and wanting to eat healthy, but it's not enough. I am not getting any grains because of the drastic change in my diet. Then it hit me- (and Craig made it clear) I need to consume more WHOLE GRAINS. They will make you feel full longer... and remember when you have a diet restriction, remember the things you can not eat and try to find alternatives.

Here is a list of the things I went out and bought after our conversation:

1. Nature's Path: Mesa Sunrise Cereal
2. Buckwheat
3. Good for life Multi Seed rice bread
4. Hodgson Mill Milled Flax Seed
5. Blue Diamond Almond Milk

This is just the beginning of changing the way you eat I the eay I eat. And don't let anyone tell you things are expensive. YES- we all know gluten free products are expensive, but there is NOTHING we can do about it. Keep writing to your local state reps and keep putting the pressure on. Also, look into claiming all of your gluten free products on your taxes this year.

Enjoy whole grain shopping. Your body will love you even more. Have a great night!

xo,
Amanda

TGIF: A few drink ideas for you this weekend..

YAY!!



So the weekend is upon us and I wasn't going to Blog today, but someone inspired me to after the nice things he wrote on my FB page. (This one is for you Gene!)



I love beer. I think what I miss most now that I am gluten free is I can not have pizza and beer. The quintessential items for a late night or a fun Sunday watching football. But that has all changed. No more excuses because there are some VERY tasty beers out there that people have a preconceived thought about because it doesn't contain any barley or whatever it is they put in beer. People should explore more- there is more to just grabbing a 12 pack of Bud or Miller light. I mean, don't get me wrong I liked those, but common go and explore.



If you were in a microbrewery with a blindfold on and they told you to taste the beers, you would NEVER know they were gluten free. So here is a list of the top beers I love to drink. (In moderation of course!)



1. New Grist Delicious and crisp

2. Greens Refreshing and a great Ale

3. Bards I love the malted sorghum yummmy!



So there you have it. My top three. Now if you want something I call "Summer in your mouth" please see the recipe below!



The Amanda Drink (Summer in your mouth)

Start with a large 8oz cup

fill 1/2 way with ice

Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine (whatever tickles your fancy I like Pinto Grigio)

Add a drizzle of Grenadine (naturally Gluten Free)

Fill the remainder of the cup with Sprite

Add some cherries if you want, sit back, relax and enjoy!!

Yummm.. a Gluten Free wine spritzer. Is summer here yet?



Have a wonderful weekend and remember: Drink responsibly!



xo,

Amanda

For your interest: Monday Night's Gluten Free Comfort Food Dinner

Hello..

How are you? I wanted to tell you that this week was all about the comfort food. I am talking a lot of cheese ( I know I shouldn't have it) chips and dips and wings. All very yummy things. If you are in the mood, don't shy away from it. If you do, you will only want it more and that's never a good thing. Remember, everything in moderation.

Monday Night's Dinner: Roast Beef with Roasted Potato's and Carrots (Very Easy)

What to get:
1 3Lb Large Roast (preferably from a butcher who sells grass feed beef as it's naturally GF)
6 large Idaho potatoes
1 lb bag of carrots
Olive Oil
Natural Spread Butter
Garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste


*Preheat the oven to 300*
*Place the roast in a large roasting pan. Make 6 good size incisions in the meat and put cloves of garlic inside for taste.
*Salt and pepper the roast liberally (Don't be afraid of the salt, it creates a very nice crust- you can also add garlic powder if you'd like)
*Wash, peel and quarter the potatoes and place around the meat
*Peed and cube carrots and also place in roasting pan
*Salt and pepper the potatoes and carrots
*Add just enough water to made the veggies moist
*Keep checking the veggies so they don't burn and stick to the roasting pan
*The meat should be cooked 20 minuets for every pound of meat. (Depending on the size should take up to 2 hours. Have handy a meat thermometer. When it's done, it should be at 160*)

After it's done, let the meat rest for up to 10-15 minuets to let the juices reincorporate.

Slice the meat and lay on the plate and add potatoes and veggies. A nice garnish would be chives to add a little green and flavor.

This is a ONE POT DISH!!

Enjoy it and please let me know how it goes. Happy Gluten Free eating!

xo,
Amanda

Alive!!!

Hello..



I wanted to enlighten everyone on my great day. First, I had the most amazing workout. Second, after that amazing workout, I ran for a whole 13 minuets-the most I ever ran in my life.



I feel ALIVE again!! Not sluggish or depressed, not tired and rundown- ALIVE. I feel like screaming it from on top of a mountain. HAHA That was a total cliche. Oh well, that's just how I feel.



There is nothing like the feeling of being able to accomplish something again. This time last year, I couldn't do anything. Like I have said in other posts, I couldn't even get off of the couch. No more! I am working harder than I ever have and I am so happy to have the sinful gluten out of my system.



I should let you know that I am training for my first 5K in a few weeks.. I can't wait. Perhaps I will run a full marathon in Hawaii in December? (Can you tell that is my goal?) I am training for a sprint triathlon as well.. Sky is the limit. I can't even begin to describe how I am feeling. I am better than ever...



I hope you are all having a great day as well.. Tonight is Gluten Free Italian Night.. Please stay tuned for the recipes.



Have a great day!



xo,

Amanda

Protein Woes..

Hello again,

I have good news and bad. Which one shall we start with first? Lets go with good..

Good: I am back into my grove and working out again. I am a few days behind with my running schedule, but if I can walk tomorrow ( I strength trained like a manic today) I will do my 13 minute run. I am getting there.. the biggest news ever if I am not tired- not worn down like I was this time last year. Thank for god for the gluten free diet. Please read this amazing expert from "Gluten Free for Dummies" :)

Bad: Ugh.. my eating isn't as good as I want it to be. I don't know about you, but I feel like I have to micromanage what I put into my body. That is the bad news.. I am not getting enough protein. People who suffer from gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease didn't get enough nutrients as it is, and now we are learning how to get them back into our system naturally.

Ok, so enough with the science lesson. Let's talk about protein. According to my trainer, that is one of the most if not the most important things you can put into your body. Protein is FUEL. "Protein is an essential nutrient. There is no life without protein. Protein is contained in every part of your body, the skin, muscles, hair, blood, body organs, eyes, even fingernails and bone. Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in your body." (I really enjoyed this PDF)

Every time I work out I think about protein. Did I get enough, how many grams did I ingest- I know I sound like a lunatic, but I want to make sure I am firing on all cylinders. Nutrition, training, cardio, overall well being is all related. I can't do one thing right and not the other?! Really making the conscious effort to learn all I can has been both a blessing and a hardship. It's a lot to take in. I mean, it would be so much easier if I can eat whole grain toast, a bagel, or an english muffin. But no, that's to easy and it wouldn't be me if I didn't like a challenge. Not to mention, thinking about ingesting gluten makes my stomach turn..

On that note, I want to share a secret. Well two secrets...

Number one: (this one is for the ladies) Stay away from harsh protein powder. It doesn't digest well in your belly- there is nothing like a good protein shake after a workout. Try Aria It's a yummy protein and isn't chalky.

Number two: Oatmeal (GF oats for those who need it) Here is my magic recpie Oatmeal with Quiona

1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal (7 grams of protein)
1/4 cup of cooked quiona (Eden Organic is my fav) (6 grams of protein)

in total= 13 grams of protein!

Mix together, add a drizzle of honey, a dash of Cinnamon, and your favorite fruit (optional) This dish will keep you full longer and give you a lot of FUEL for your day. Please enjoy something else with your breakfast like a smoothie or a apple with peanut butter. In my opinion, you should eat your biggest meal at breakfast and then a good size meal at lunch and then your smallest at dinner. Who wants to go to bed with a on of food your belly? If you eat properly during the day you won't feel like you want to eat so much at night!

I hope this post was enlightening. There is more to come soon. (I promise more frequently) Remember, experiment with your food. Don't be afraid. I will be adding more recpies to my blogs, so please try them and get back to me! Have a great night.

xo,
Amanda

I am such a bad blogger.. ugh

So hello..

I am so bad at this blogging thing. I mean, it really does take dedication, time and energy. All of which I am directing to work since I have been back from vacation. Getting stuck that extra day took away from my time at work! And unlike most people, I really love what I do. (No offence to my family I had a WONDERFUL time with them)

With that said, I am back. I want to share whats been going on lately so I am going to close this post out and write another one dedicated to food and ideas.. ok more to come.

xo,
Amanda

Congrats to the Saints and to good GF food

First off.. let me start by saying CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SAINTS!!!!



It goes to show that even the underdog can succeed. When the going gets tough, jump into the rule book of the saints- GO FOR AN ONSIDE KICK. That's how I feel sometimes, like I need something to keep it interesting and that is just what the Saints did last night. They pulled out all of the stops- we can all learn something from them..



On a different and more tasty note, I wanted to talk a little bit about the Superbowl Menu I made for me and my family last night. It was simple and tasty. 1/2 gluten free and 1/2 regular.



I started off with appetizers:



1. Shrimp and GF cocktail sauce

• Start off with a precooked and divined shrimp. I prefer the JUMBO but the small ones were on sale at Walmart. Keep it real and go for the deal, a shrimp is a shrimp.

2. Chili and Cheese Dipping sauce (This one is not that great calorie wise, but sometimes you have to splurge. It was the BIG GAME and it's a Moorhosue staple love you dad)

• Start with a large, microwave safe bowl.
• Add two cans of naturally Gluten Free Hormel Chili
• (This is the bad part) Add 1/2 of a block of Velveeta Cheese! :) Cut in strips for easy melting
• Microwave on high until slightly melted.
• Add one dollop of sour cream (seeing how this recipe is already loaded why not sure whole sour cream) :)
• Mix and stir until incorporated and microwave until all incorporated
• Serve with GF Corn Tortilla chips (I like scoops)

3. Pistachios (Simple and a great snack throughout the game and also good for you)

The Entree:
Gluten Free Pizza with garlic hamburger, mushrooms and spanish onion!

• Start with Chebe Pizza Mix and follow directions on back. (I really like this mix because the mix itself has oreagno and basil in dough. NOTE: Don't be shy with the liquid, it is a DRY dough
• While the dough is in the oven, in skillet sweat a 1/2 of onion and 3 cloves of garlic in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil.
• Add 1/4 LB of gound beef (or turkey or chicken it's up to you.) Add Salt and Pepper
• When beef is browned, add mushrooms
• Take out pizza crust and poke the sides if the have risen-
• Spread red sauce (Whatever you have in your pantry)
• Add Cheese
• Add toppings and put back in oven.
• After 20 minutes you have a yummy, delicious GF PIZZA!

Yummm.. I am hungry again. Good thing there is leftovers.

Just an FYI for lunch today, I had a salad of the rainbow:

• Spinich
• Iceburg Lettuce
• red onion
• kiwi
• red pepper
• 1/2 of a grapefruit
• On top? A warmed cut up peice of my pizza on top of my salad for added protein. :)

Enjoy your day and remember, Be Creative! Go for the onside kick!

xo

Amanda

Motivation- Get off of the couch!

Hello All..

I can see how easy it is to get away from blogging when you are busy. I am on 'vacation' in Detroit! My dad's brother is here and his family. My Uncle Kent had been serving our country in the United States Army for over 20 years and finally he will be retiring. I am happy for him and relived that he is safe and sound from the fighting he has been involved in. Who can really say they are for war? I mean, let's face it, it's something we have to do in this moment of crisis. All I can say is that he is safe and my family is back in one piece. He served this country and we should all support the troops. :) I am so proud of him.

I am so happy to have been able to come out here and see my cousins Kandice and Kassisy and my Aunt Nancy. They are amazing people who huge hearts and I love them all very much.

Ok- So.. let's be honest- staying healthy on vacation? It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE!!!! I am lucky because the family has a built in gym and treadmill downstairs in their awesome basement, but that means NOTHING!!! Yesterday, I was on the couch for 1/2 the day and I had to text my trainer because I couldn't get off of the couch. I needed motivation. The kind of ass kick I get from him Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I didn't get a text back for a while, and in that while I thought to myself.. "Amanda, seriously? You are waiting for a text to get off of this couch? Get your s*** together and workout!" (Yes, that is what I said to myself) So I did. I put my workout clothes on, warmed up by taking the dog for a brisk walk in the Detroit cold, ran up and down their stairs for 1 mintue, completed my 7 ,mintues running on the treadmill (HUGE goal for me BTW) and put myself through a complete body workout!

It can be done. No need for excuses- it has to be apart of life. Exercise for the first time in my life means something. With every sit up, push up or jog I feel a bit less tired and a lot more stronger. So get off of the couch and do something. I swear, it can change your life. :)

Last night I took my cousin Kandice out for dinner http://http://maps.yahoo.com/map?q1=17757%20Hall%20Macomb%2C%20MI%2C%2048044&mag=5&ard=1#mvt=m&lat=42.628489&lon=-82.944999&mag=5&zoom=14&q1=17757%20Hall%20Macomb%2C%20MI%2C%2048044

We had a blast- I can't believe she will be going away to college! She picked a great steak place for us because she knows that steak is for the most part Gluten Free. www.branns.com (She rocks)

Anyway, I wanted to give a shout out to the Manager Paula and our waitress Jenn who was very supportive of my allergy and was there to help. Although I was a bit disappointed of the lack of education they waitstaff had, they wanted to insure I had a great time- which I did. I might have embarrassed my cousin (sorry Kandice) But I have to look out for my well being.

With that said, I am going to end this posting for today. I have a wonderful day planned and remember, you can get a workout in. No matter how big or small- Just get off of the couch! :)

I can't believe I am saying this but : GO SAINTS!!!!

xo
Amanda

Thank god for friends, family and travel

So today I am on my way.. I am here in NYC for the night visiting Haley before I leave for Detroit for family.

Such a great day.... just wanted to say hello and tell you about a quick restaurant we went to tonight in NYC.

It's called Opus. The most amazing service and food. Check it out...

I am with friends and need to hang out.. lotts more to come! Have a great night.

xo
Amanda

Phew.. was that tough

Hello there..

Today was a great day. I feel totally relaxed and calm but energized all at the same time.

Today was also a mile stone- it marked the first time I have ran for 5 straight minuets. I mean seriously that might not sound like a lot to you but it sure was to me. Especially with NO cramps. This is leaps and bounds above where I was this time last year.

I also did strength training today. Phew... that was tough-a whole lot of exercise. The good news is I had a great eating day (perhaps I could have used a little more protein). Please see below for my GF food dairy:

Pre running workout
1/2 of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on GF whole wheat bread and a 1/2 of a banana (don't want to be really full)

Breakfast
1 Yoplat vanilla yogurt
2 hard boiled eggs
1 cup of cinnamon and apple gluten free hot cereal

Snack
1/2 of a grape fruit

Lunch
1 serving o Lola' gluten free lasagna http://lolasnatick.com
the other 1/2 of grape fruit
I Vanilla, mango and strawberry protein shake

In between snack (yes- another snack)
Food Should Taste Good Chips multi grain chips

Dinner
2 cookies (I know this is bad)
Homemade gluten free pasta sauce and rice noodles

Yumm... I love good days. I am starting to feel like things are looking up..

Have a wonderful night my GF and NON GF friends! :)

xo
Amanda

What's for Dinner?

2.2.10



Hi!



So today I was supposed to train-but I took a core strength class instead. Man did that hurt. I am more aware of my eating now.. thank god because I need proper nutrition. Being gluten free is tough but like I said, I will not let me get me down.



I am hungry... whats for dinner tonight? I think I might make pork lettuce wraps. I have a 1/2 of a left over pork roast. Think.. think.. YES! Please see below for my quick and easy recipe.



Pork Lettuce Wraps (with a side salad)
4 Large lettuce "cups"
1/2 a roast cut small
2 shallots
4 cloves (I LOVE garlic)
Enough Extra Virgin Olive Oil to coat the pan
A splash of ginger oil
A splash of sesame oil
1/4 tbsp of GF teriyaki sauce
1/4 tbsp of GF soy sauce
1/2 cup of cocktail peanuts
1/2 cup of broken up CORN tortilla chips for crunch
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a pan, saute the onions and garlic until tender in heated extra virgin oil
Add pork salt and pepper to taste ginger oil, sesame oil, teriyaki and soy and mix
Let all ingredients incorporate in pan under medium heat
After about 5 minuets add the peanuts and corn tortilla chips stir until you have desired taste.

Wash lettuce cups and put them in a bowl scoop mixture into lettuce cup. Wrap it up like a tortilla wrap and enjoy! This is great with a side salad of greens, kiwi and tomaoes sprinkled with a dash of Himalayan sea salt.

Yumm.. what a satisfying dinner. NO tummy ache for me! Enjoy...

xo
Amanda

Gluen Free Runner

2.1.2010

Today marks a new chapter in my life. I have decided to run. Train, exercise and run.

This is partly due to the fact that this time last year I couldn't physicly get off of the couch-or at least that was the feeling. Rundown, exhausted- the feeling I was carrying around 100lbs of bricks on my shoulders.

What I was really feeling was a food allergy that took over my body. After finally being gene tested it was found that I carried both genes for Celiac Disease. This is all thanks to my mother; whom I love VERY much.

10 years ago my mom was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. (I should have known I was right behind her) Thank god it wasn't cancer.. but it sure felt like we were dealing with something similar. No one knew what it was or what to eat. No one knew if there was ever going to be a cure-cutting out gluten was and is still the only cure.

This began the journey. The cooking, the buying of separate pots and pans (we can't have cross contimination) Literally separating my parents kitchen. I knew I had to help- I started cooking for her and wanted to educate the public on this... but how. That's something I am working on to this day..

So getting back to running.. ( I swear it all ties in) Last year I was very sick and found out I have an intolerance to gluten but for months I was NOT myself. I didn't have the energy and for someone who is as personable as me that was difficult. I was sad because I didn't feel like myself. I felt like a stroke victim- I was stuck inside my own body. I knew I was in there but couldn't com out.

2009 was a blur for me. Thank god I was diagnosed-with the diagnoses came a new me. A slowly re energized me who wanted to start working out again. (something I haven't done since I was a gymnast)

Then I saw it....a 5K race. I thought to myself I can do this. Gluten isn't going to beat me.

This is my journey on how I was rundown but now transforming into a runner. But this is also a place where I want to share my recipes and ideas on how to live life with food allergies. I swear it's possible- my mom and I are living proof.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get on the treadmill.

x0
Amanda