Today's Training

Here is a short post on the training I did this morning under 20 minutes! It took me 19:27.84 minutes. It is a great full body pylo workout designed by my trainer Kyra. Enjoy sweating it out! Can you beat me?

3 Things that I Have Changed for the Better

Source: Uploaded by user on Pinterest

I am sitting here on Tuesday evening as I write this. Looking at election results as they poor in during the early evening hours, trying to read class materials for my health coach certification, reading emails, and wasting time on Facebook.  I feel like I am back in college. Docilely passing time on pointless things all the while procrastinating on what I should be doing.  I opened this email from the Wellness Warrior on her post on the 3 things that changed her life. So it got me thinking. What 3 changes have I made to my life on this health journey that has made all the difference for me? Well let me tell you.

Gluten Free Cherry Tomato Meatballs & Comfort Foods & Tailgate Treats Review

Today I am bringing you a new recipe from my trainer, Kyra's cookbook. Her new e-book cookbook, Comfort Foods & Tailgate Treats, was released earlier this fall. As you know this blog is primarily devoted to gluten free whole foods. This cookbook is not a gluten free cookbook, but many of the recipes can be adapted to be gluten free or are already gluten free. The cookbook has several comfort food dishes that Kyra has revamped to be more wholesome and nutritious. I tested out one of the recipes for this review for my daughter's birthday this weekend. Sadly, there wasn't a single meatball left! They were delicious with several good reviews at the party. I am posting this recipe with Kyra's permission. The only thing I changed in this recipe was the whole wheat breadcrumbs to a gluten free version. Before I reveal today's recipe here is a note from Kyra about her new cookbook.

Chocolate Chip Coconut Muffins (gluten free)

Today's recipe is based off of the Spunky Coconut's Easy Blueberry Muffins. The blueberry muffins are so good, but it is way past blueberry season. Though I do love my frozen organic blueberries from Costco. I don't buy them often as they are very pricey. I had Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips and some shredded unsweetened coconut on hand so into the muffin batter they went.

These muffins were incredibly tender and moist. Just look at that crumb. Don't you wish you could swipe that gorgeous muffin off my plate? I thoroughly enjoyed it after I shot photos. Reminder to self: do not take shots of yummy gorgeous food for blog while hungry!

Chocolate Chip Coconut Muffins (gluten free)

4 beaten eggs

2 TBS of melted ghee

2 TBS of extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp of liquid stevia

1/4 cup of honey

1/3 cup of tapioca flour

1/3 cup of coconut flour

1/2 tsp of sea salt

1/2 tsp of baking powder

1/3 cup of Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate chips

1/3 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin well with coconut oil. Beat the eggs, ghee, oil, stevia and honey in a medium size mixing bowl with hand mixer. Add in flours, sea salt, and baking powder. Blend with mixer until combined. Stir in chips and coconut with a spatula. Bake for 20-23 minutes until browned. Makes 10 muffins.

Chicken Reuben Sandwhich

I started reading Real Food: What to Eat and Why by Nina Planck. There is a section on fermented food focusing on fermented soy products. Nina writes," Fermented foods like sauerkraut, cheese, and yogurt, are among the oldest, and most nutritious processed foods. Yogurt is widely associated with longevity." The same week I received an email on an Intro to Probiotics and Fermented Food by Brian Johnson. Below is a video on how to make your own fermented sauerkraut  This is something I am thinking of trying in the future. Right now I'll stick with Bubbies Sauerkraut. It is sold at my grocer in the dairy section with the eggs. It has to stay refrigerated because it has no vinegar or preservatives. I've been adding more fermented foods and probiotics containing foods, like kefir, into my diet to help my immune system. It has taken a beating the past 6 months.

Chicken Reuben Sandwhich

4 slices of gluten free sandwich bread ( I used a recipe similar to this one from Small Plates and Sweet Treats: My Family's Journey to Gluten-Free Cooking, from the Creator of Cannelle et Vanille )
2 cooked chicken breasts chopped
1/4 cup of shredded asiago cheese
1/4 cup of Bubbies Sauerkraut drained
1/2 cup of spinach leaves
2 TBS of Bolthouse Farms Honey Dijon Dressing (this is gluten free)
Organic Ghee or organic butter ( use amount desired)

Heat a cast iron griddle skillet on medium low heat. Spread ghee onto bottom and top of sandwich bread. Top with cheese and chicken divided evenly between the two sandwiches. Place sandwiches in skillet cook until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Flip once to evenly toast each side being careful to not lose the filling. Remove from skillet and top with kraut, spinach, and dressing. Makes 2 sandwiches.

Heavy Heart

                                                                                     Source: flickr.com  on Pinterest

I debated and debated whether to post this. I feel asleep thinking about this last night. There is no recipe for this post. There is a food related post for today posted separately.This is a real life and real heart post. I know you are here to find yummy healthy gluten free recipes and healthy life style tips. Sometimes apart of living a healthy life is being able to freely speak your mind and share your heart.

How To Make Blanched Almond Flour

 I was in a pinch. I really needed blanched almond flour pronto. Only a small amount too. I needed under a cup. Buying a 1 lb bag of Bobs Red Mill Almond Meal Flour for over $11 at the grocer was out of the question. I usually buy Honeyville Blanched Almond Meal Flour, 5 lb.online. However, I needed the flour now so I couldn't wait for a delivery. I spent less than $5 and bought this 2 cup bag of blanched almonds at my local grocer. Today's post is a how to on how to make your own blanched almond flour when you need it fast.