Healthy and natural cooking

A very dear patient of mine wrote a wonderful cookbook. It is full of delightful, healthful and (most importantly) tasty recipes.

She is having a book signing this coming Saturday, June 26th, from 11 - 1 at Lotus Natural Living Boutique, 125 Dunlop St. E Barrie ON.

Please go and check it out. Buy a book and say hello to Cathy.

Yours in Health,
Kerri Fullerton

What is gluten anyway?

Many people are becoming aware of gluten-free products but are not always sure of what that means. Here is a breif summary.


Gluten is a protein found in many commonly used grains such as wheat, rye, spelt, kamut, and barley.


Oats are in a grey area because although they do not contain gluten, it is often contaminated with glutinous grains.





Why is gluten bad? It's not to most people. However, people who have celieac disease are destroying thier guts by eating gluten containing foods. The good news is, when it's completely avoided, their guts do heal up. Naturopaths can help speed this process up and deal with the associated complications from having celiac disease.





What grains are safe for celiac patients? Buckwheat, amaranth, rice, soy, millet (in the grey area with oats), corn, and quinoa.





An important note: if you are experiencing gastrointestinal problems, try to get a celiac test done before removing gluten from your diet. Once it's removed, the intestines start to heal and the tests can come back inconclusive or negative.

This is only important if a confirmed diagnosis is important to you. If you've removed gluten, and you are improving. Don't let a negative diagnosis deter your new dietary efforts. Your body is ultimately the final word.

Yours in Health,

Kerri

Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

This time of year I am often asked by parents what they can pack in their kids lunches that are healthy and nut free. With the limited amount of time some kids are given to eat, they need calorie dense, nutritious food.

Here is a recipe that was given to me quite a few years ago - I believe it originally came from the Running Room magazine, but I'm not sure. (I really would like to give credit to the original source!). These granola bars are more like granola cake but they are nut free, wheat free, but certainly not taste free! Add a piece of fruit and you've got a healthy, filling snack.

1 cup oil (olive is fine but has a distinct flavour - you may prefer canola)
3/4 cup brown sugar (I only use about 1/2 cup or less)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup barley flour (available at the bulk barn - you can also use a blend of rice flour and chick pea flour to make them gluten free)
1 cup rolled oats
3 tsp ground flax seeds
1 tsp each: baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pitted honey dates (raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries work really well too!)
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (sunflower seeds work well too)

Beat oil and sugar on low speed until very smooth.
Beat in eggs, one at at time, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients except the fruit and seeds.
Beat dry into wet until just combined.
Stir in fruit and seeds.
Pour into a greased 9X13 pan.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Makes 24 small bars (which is good because they are loaded up with good calories)

Enjoy!