Colitis Solutions

Learn any new lessons lately?

2011-04-20T00:22:00.000-06:00

Recently I took a trip to visit family that required about 16 hours on the road both directions. I started fatigued. About an hour and a half into the trip, I pulled over and grabbed a really, really giant diet soda. One with caffeine, of course.

Maybe that wouldn't have been such a bad thing, but the entire week long trip I kept loading up on the diet caffeinated soda. By the last day, you guessed it, the colitis issues paid a visit. It wasn't really a new lesson. I knew it wasn't the best thing for me. But I was tired and thought I could perk myself up. I perked up all right. My system reminded me I needed to make better choices or it would for sure make sure I remembered it next time.

Sometimes we need to relearn a lesson we've learned before. When colitis is a part of life, we need to remember to honor our bodies. Rest is more important than caffeine. Lowering our stress keeps us balanced. Avoiding food and/or drink that will hurt is a smarter choice than pushing our limits.

What lesson have you learned or relearned lately?

Angie

2011-03-03T05:42:00.001-07:00

Come join us on http://createchatter.tv/ March 3,2011 8p.m. Central for a fun webtv show featuring Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance!

I've never done a tv show via Skype before so the technology is just fun!
It sounds like the hostess and I are going to have a good time talking recipes and
tips during the show. Viewers can participate, ask questions, and chat but you'll have to bebop over to
http://createchatter.tv/ to give that a whirl. See you tonight on the air via the web!

Angie

Natural treatments for Colitis

2011-02-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for great information in managing colitis and other IBS problems. I like learning how to better care for myself. Today I ran across this link to help with natural treatments of digestive issues such as excessive burping, GERD, and the uncomfortable bloating people with IBS often experience.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/natural-treatments-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome.html

I was surprised to find peppermint oil, primrose oil, and grapefruit seed extract for some of the cures. Since I love peppermint, and am drawn to it, I think it's an interesting thing to try. For those who really struggle with painful gases in the body, the suggestion on many sites is to avoid cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Always listen to your own body when cutting out a food. I personally discovered that double cooking these foods makes them digestible for me, thanks to Dr. Cady :-)

One recipe I love is Broccoli & Cauliflower Fritters from Weight Watchers.
Parboil the veggies for 4-5 minutes. Drain.
Pat dry with paper towel.
Spray all side of the veggies with butter pan spray.

In a plastic gallon baggie:
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
generous sprinkle of garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste

Drop all veggies in the bag and shake well.
Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Enjoy! The double baking changes the chemical make up of the food, according to my doc, and helps us to digest it better. I've found it works for me. Everyone's body is different, but by keeping your food journal you should be able to discover which ones work for you.

There are lots of articles that seem helpful listed in this site. I hope if you're experiencing any of the uncomfortable effects from IBS or colitis that you'll explore your options too.

Pasta A Diet Food? 4 Tips to Eat Pasta and Lose Weight

2011-02-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, and yes! You can eat pasta and lose weight. I also find these tips helpful for those with IBD issues and gluten-free.

4 Tips to eat pasta and lose weight

1. Use Shiritaki style pasta. It's found in the vegetarian deli section. This refrigerated noodle must be rinsed well first, but then it's amazing with any sauce from Italian to Asian stir-fry dishes. High in protein and about 20 calories a serving!

2. Try high fiber, high protein pastas like the omega enriched Borelli or other brands. Be very aware of the actual serving size.

3. If you cannot give up the white, no fiber pasta then exercise moderation. It's crucial if you're going to eat pasta. Fill in with a large salad full of vegetables and keep the salad dressing to a minimum. One serving of pasta is 2 ounces dry. One pound of pasta is supposed to feed 8 people. There's our dilemma. We want to eat more than the serving size.

4. Use marinara sauces or low-fat alfredo style. With marinara sauces, you can have all you want. Any other, moderation by being aware of the actual serving size. Measure it and make your plate full of other lovely colorful foods rather than focused on heaping mounds of pasta and too much of a good thing.

Personally, I've switched to Shiritaki noodles for my everyday pasta choices and they work very well in the recipes for Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance too.
Angie

Five Steps to Regain Peace For IBD Sufferers

2011-01-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Eating for health is horribly hard when you're dealing with colitis or IBD issues of any kind. So many foods seem to trigger the condition. So what are you supposed to do?

I'm going to suggest some ideas that are common to success in weight loss and optimal health. You choose whether following the suggestions will work for you, but considering the alternative what have you got to lose? (Remember checking with your doctor before following any advice is a must.)

1. Fast--rest your system. Sometimes one day is enough. Sometimes your system is inflamed and needs 2-3 days. Be sure to have low or no sugar electrolyte drinks handy.
2. Addition planning--Break your fast with white rice only. Then build up slowly with mild foods as the base of your food plan first so you have "go to" foods you know are safe.
3. Journal--find one that's attractive or make your own. Write down what you eat that feels good. Write down what you eat that causes a reaction.
4. Plan--Yes, it's hard to stay consistent. But if you don't plan you'll either be hungry or in pain. So what if it takes a little effort to change? Again, what's the alternative?
5. Celebrate--Make small goals and celebrate each one. By celebrating those small goals you'll ingrain the new habits as positive experiences.

If your body has been in state of chaos and stress, why not try something that might offer peace?
Angie

Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance holiday tips today!

2010-12-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

On blogtalk radio today and there's a pdf full of tips for easing the stress in the kitchen this holiday season. Just go to http://www.leadershipattitudes.com to download the show tips and click on the right side of the page for the radio show link to listen in this afternoon.

Elegant Creative Cooking & Kitchen Shortcuts with Marnie and Angela Breidenbach on December 9. Kitchen Shortcuts author, Marnie Swedberg, interviews Angela Breidenbach, author of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance to help you make elegant, inexpensive, and simple tables full of joy in this crazy world. Enjoy tips to simplify your life right now! http://www.leadershipattitudes.com/
Thursday, December 9th
1-2 PM Pacific
2-3 PM Mountain
3-4 PM Central
4-5 PM Eastern

Listen live or archived, and download the training notes at
http://www.LeadershipAttitudes.com
by call in to listen at 646-727-2510.

Stress Buster--Laughter

2010-11-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

Stress adds to the problems of an IBD sufferer. Somehow stress activates gut to react. What do you do when it's family that causes the stress during the holidays?

Tips to lessen stress at family gatherings:

Preplanning goes a long way toward solving the dilemma.

*Bring along at least one dish to add to the holiday table. Ensure you're not hungry before tackling any other problems.
*Practice gentle responses to repeat situations.
*A little dab will do ya'. Eat in moderation and slowly. Over eating during the holidays adds too much pressure on your sensitive system to perform. Be kind to yourself and take small helpings. Go back for more only after you've become hungry again.
*Create laughter. Invite guests to enjoy a comedian or tell jokes. Laughter releases endorphins and lowers stress.
*Stick to the foods you know you can handle. Try exotic foods another time.
*When family get pushy ask for a serving to take home for when you're hungry again. Then when you're away, choose on your own whether you'll try that new food or not.
*Sleep the night before a big event or family function. Drink chamomile tea to settle down. Avoid wine or caffeine or computer use prior to bed.
*Do something you really love prior to going to the event. Attitude is everything. By engaging in something you enjoy, your spirits and facial expressions become more positive. You're less likely to be negative right away helping the event to start off on the right foot.
*Call a friend and chat. Get what you need emotionally before you show up. You'll be calmer and more confident if you aren't waiting on approval.

Most of all, take responsibility for your own joyful day by not handing your emotions over to others. Choose not to buy into negative discussions or behavior. Choose to remain joyful.

May your table be filled wih joy!
Angela Breidenbach

Sage Turkey-Best Thanksgiving Turkey Ever!

2010-10-27T14:26:00.000-06:00

Amazing Thanksgiving Turkey!

My son, Forrest, and I played with a ton of spices several Thanksgivings ago. It was a great time making the holiday meal together with a teen. Now many years later, it's our family tradition and a fantastic memory I share with my oldest.

Turkey, rinsed and dried
Turkey bag
Rub olive oil inside cavities and under the skin and over the skin.

Mix:

2 Tbls. of Garlic Powder
2 Tbls. of Garlic Salt
1 Tbs. of cracked pepper
1/2 Cup of sage, yes it is really 1/2 a cup

Rub the dry spices inside all the cavities, under the skin and over the skin
Following the turkey bag's directions put 1 Tbs of flour in the bag, shake. Now put the bird inside. Cut 3-4 slits in the top of the closed bag. Bake for the allotted time for the size of your bird (found on the bag directions.)

Insider Tips: By removing jewelry, you won't tear the turkey skin when oiling and spicing. A second person to hold open turkey bag is a nice benefit.

Recipe from Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance

By Angela Breidenbach, October 2010 Westbow

Gems of Wisdom Pre-Order Available

2010-10-05T12:14:00.000-06:00

Just released for pre-orders today!

Gems of Wisdom Pre-Order

Hard copy of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance coming in October!

2010-09-02T20:24:00.000-06:00

Oh the wait! The patience it takes to wait for a book to be available in print is excruciating, but worth it!

This October, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance will release in hard copy. It'll be available at any bookstore, Amazon, online through Westbow Press, and on my website or this blog.

A joyful announcement and a joy to share with those who have been requesting the hard copy. In the meantime, you can get either a CD or an e-book version from http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com.

May your table be filled with joy!
Angie Breidenbach

Zucchini Bread: Creative Cooking

2010-08-25T02:17:00.000-06:00

Healthy Zucchini Bread
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
5 cups zucchini or summer squash
1/3 cup oil
2/3 cup applesauce
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup wheat germ
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

Mix liquids. Add zucchini. Mix in dry ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees in greased dishes for 50-60 minutes. Toothpick should come out clean. I use my casserole dishes so after the breads are cool I just plop the lids on top. Loaf pans are common but you have to turn the loaves out and cover with foil. The bread just seems drier to me when stored that way.

Awesome Summer Treat: Colitis Diet

2010-08-01T22:40:00.000-06:00

A root beer float! Oh so satisfying and yummy in the heat. The crunchy ice that forms after pouring in the pop is my f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e! Then the creamy soda that follows... who can resist? Not me!

Keep it a low-fat ice cream and diet A & W to keep the calories down.

By following the guidelines on the serving size, 1/2 cup of ice cream, you'll only use 2-3 points if you're on Weight Watchers.

If you have a copy of Creative Cooking for Colitis, then you know my secret. I usually use low-fat cookie dough ice cream :-)

Enjoy!
Angie Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Colitis Diet: What's exercise got to do with it?

2010-07-22T23:00:00.000-06:00

Learning a new exercise plan doesn't seem like it would mean anything in managing colitis and IBD symptoms, but do I have a surprise for you!

One of the difficult elements of IBD and colitis is the stress factor. If you have it, you so know what I'm talking about. Stress will react inside your body to create symptoms that can easily fly out of control. So what do you do about it?

You exercise! By releasing the stress through healthy movement, you'll help blow the anxiety out of your system and avoid severe side effects.

So I decided recently that I was tired and starting to stress from my fast pace. I needed a way to get the nervous energy out. I asked my hubby to go for a long, fast walk with me. He let me chatter and we really kept up the speed. By the time we returned home, almost 3 miles later, I had calmed down and the symptoms that had begun to appear--disappeared.

I've started a new run/walk program to capitalize on this new found release. What are you doing to experiment or manage your colitis/IBD through physical movement? Do share. I'm always looking for ideas.

Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com
http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

Summer Parties & Barbecues: Colitis Diet

2010-07-08T23:45:00.000-06:00

Going to a barbecue?

It's a little stressful if you don't know what foods will be available.

Serious suggestion: Avoid eating out until you've had the chance to build a comfortable list of foods by using the Addition Plan. You don't need the extra stress while getting colitis, IBD, Crohn's under control.

The Addition Plan is really simple. Fast for 1-2 days to rest your system. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure you include an electrolyte drink often to replenish lost electrolytes during the fast. Then begin with white rice in small amounts until you are sure you can hold food. Add one new food every few days and journal what works and what doesn't. (Hint: Detailed in Creative Cooking for Colitis if you want more information.) As always, check with your doctor first.

Okay, so what to do at the barbecue...

~Stick with the foods that are cooked or proven.
~Stay away from spicy and unknowns.
~Take a fool proof dish as your contribution.
~Look for pure foods including pure protein like chicken, fish, and simple dishes. (If you don't know the ingredients, choose something else.)
~Take very small portions to avoid surprises. Sometimes people put heated spices in their recipes and don't mention it. Some surprise recipes could be cheese dip, chili, casseroles, and roasted meats.

When in doubt try asking with a compliment, "Wow, that looks great! What's in it?" You can always try a dab on your plate and share it with someone else like a hubby who loves spicy. "I bet my husband will love this!" Then smile, and walk away to share. No one will be the wiser and you will save your health without embarrassing hostess or yourself. Hubby usually enjoys the treat (and has been clued in to avoid potentially sticky situations.) I've been known to ask him how he liked it and report back to the hostess that he did!

If you're able to eat cheese and bread, that's a good safe staple when other options are not working at a party. They feel substantial enough to get you through until what you need is available. Even at restaurants, it's easier to nibble on a roll during the salad course than always answer questions about why you're not eating.

There are those folks who can't eat gluten. It's really up to us to provide for our own dietary needs even at parties. When we abdicate that responsibility, people who are unfamiliar with specialty diets can be very embarrassed. Save them the trouble and hurt by considering their needs above your own by bringing what you can eat to the party, and when possible, alert your host/hostess in advance so they aren't caught off guard.

Happy Summer!
Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Safe Travel Meals for the Colitis Diet

2010-06-30T00:29:00.000-06:00

In St. Louis I found a restaurant near the arch called Caleco's. It's pasta options varied widely. Some with olive oils, white sauce, red sauce, parmesan cream, and more. With chicken, seafood, and sausage on the menu it is easy to find a full meal that satisfies and is healthy for you too.

Strange foods introduced during travel can produce really uncomfortable side effects. But if you've built up on the Addition Plan, then pasta should be a safe option almost anywhere.

(Remember the Addition Plan is this simple: fast a day or two, add white rice for 2 days, add a new food every 2 days until you have a long list of edibles)

What restaurants have you found especially helpful in your travels?
Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Colitis Diet: Swedish Rice

2010-06-16T00:23:00.000-06:00

Does your body rebel? Mine sure does!

Today was a Swedish Rice day. It's a day when I know my body is worn out and not able to stay fully in the busy battle of life. On days like these, it's best to go back to the simple foods. One area we can control is the food we put in our mouths.

This simple meal is one that will help settle down your system and give you a sense that all will be well. What's in it? Super simplicity! White rice (great for relaxing all the pain and stress in your body), skim milk (or soy for those allergic to dairy), a sprinkle of sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Does your body need to rest or rebel? Try a day or two on rice to calm your intestines and then rebuild slowly to give your body time to heal.

Angela Breidenbach

Baked Banana Splits-Colitis Diet

2010-06-01T23:59:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had a blast trying something I'd seen a long time ago. A simple dessert recipe that's scrumptious and rich. I'm so sorry I forgot to take a picture. I'll try it again and get one for you :-)

Split Banana, leaving in peel
Spread with peanut butter
Sprinkle on chocolate chips
Dot with mini marshmallows

Roll in butter sprayed tinfoil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Take out and serve this wonderfully fun dessert. Of course, don't drop one upside down on the oven door like I did tonight ;-)

Enjoy!
May your table be filled with sweet joy,
Angela Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Colitis Diet: Carb Overload

2010-05-25T23:27:00.001-06:00

One of the biggest problems I've run into on "safe" eating with colitis is the carb overload. Once started, it's really hard to let go. It's almost like an addiction. Hmm, maybe that's what it is.

I do want to mention an excellent bread I've found recently. It's called Mack's Flax. Since I don't eat fish (I just can't tolerate it and that's nothing to do with colitis) I have to find other ways to get the healthy omegas into my diet. This bread satisfies my desire for bread and yet is a nutrient dense food and so much better for me than plain white loaves.

Adding flax and oils with omegas help me a lot on this quest. I've been using canola oil with added omegas to cook with and finding breads like the above Mack's Flax. My family loves it too.

If you're on Weight Watchers like me, you follow certain point allowances each day in weight loss. Mack's Flax is a delicious 1 point per slice option. I did check the label though and it is not a gluten-free choice so those who have celiac should not try this one.

So today I would love to hear from you.

How do you avoid carb overload when all you want is, um, carbs?

Please do share that on the facebook group for Creative Cooking, every 50 friends, I draw for a free cookbook! You can find it at: www.facebook.com/CreativeCooking

Angie Breidenbach

http://www.facebook.com/CreativeCooking
Giving away a free cookbook every 50 new friends

Contact Me

www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Colits Diet: French Dip

2010-05-21T00:56:00.000-06:00

Left over roast beef? Seriously simple and yummy solution!

Thin slice the roast.
Buy a packet of Au Jus sauce and whip it up. Usually one packet of mix to about 3 cups of water.
Toast sandwich rolls under the broiler by spraying with butter spray and sprinkling a little garlic salt on.
Slip the sliced roast into the Au Jus sauce for a minute to heat the meat without over cooking it.
Layer onto the toasted rolls.
Serve with a cup of Au Jus for dipping and some baked potato chips.

If your tummy allows, add horseradish sauce to the rolls.

Preparation to serving? About 5-10 minutes.

This is one of my old stand by meals for rush days :-) I can't eat salad, but I do serve it for my family. Tasty and nutritious in a flash.

French Dip is also a great meal to get when you're traveling. Simply ask for an alternate side dish as it's commonly served with french fries. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate.

Angie Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com/products-page for your copy of Creative Cooking for Colitis

Colitis Diet: Great Ideas for Left Over Beef

2010-05-20T15:49:00.001-06:00

We had steak for dinner. But with a large left over hunk of already cooked meat, recooking it would turn it into a dry unswallowable challenge. Or would it?

One of my family's favorite meals is stroganoff. There are some pretty fancy recipes out there, but one of my standards is a simple fix for left over beef. Steak and roast beef work out the best, but in a pinch you could use hamburger. (I have to admit that I don't tend to have hamburger in the house. I have a tendency to avoid it like the plague since growing up on it almost every day with my mother. I do, however, know many women who cook up a bunch of burger, drain it, and freeze it for future use in various recipes. That's just not going to happen in my house, lol.)

So what do you do with already cooked steak or roast beef?

Slice it thinly. Make up a large pan of brown gravy. Add the sliced beef and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add a big dollop of fat-free sour cream and mix into the gravy. Serve over hot egg noodles (or rice noodles if you need gluten free) and serve.

The point is that you don't cook the meat again, only warm it in the gravy so it doesn't turn into cardboard. If done at the very last stage, your stroganoff will be quite tasty and the family won't even know it's left overs :-) You can find this recipe in Creative Cooking for Colitis with more detailed instructions.

Tomorrow I'll share another tip on using left over roast beef or steak.
Angie Breidenbach
http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

Colitis Diet: Orange Oven French Toast

2010-05-13T00:30:00.003-06:00

This one is simple too, just like the one earlier this week, prep it for 10 minutes the night before.

8 pieces of dried bread (french, white, wheat, cinnamon, or even gluten-free)
8 eggs
1/2 cup skim milk
1 tsp. grated orange peel/zest

Beat eggs, milk, and orange peel together. Tear bread into chunks and mix into egg mixture.
Refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter spray or butter a baking dish.
Pour mixture into dish and bake 30 minutes while you run get ready for the day.
Serve with butter and orange marmalade.

Colitis Diet: Cinnamon Roll Oven French Toast

2010-05-11T12:22:00.000-06:00

The simplest, elegant breakfast that's delicious for everyone and even gluten-free for those who need it. The trick is that the dry rolls soak up the egg mixture and turn into a really amazing treat.

4 Gluten-free cinnamon rolls from your grocer or bakery.
12 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat eggs, milk, and cinnamon in large bowl with whisk.
Tear up cinnamon rolls and place in large bowl with egg mixture.
mix well to coat and soak in refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, pour mixture into 9X13 buttered (or use butter pan spray) baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees about 30 minutes.
Serve with butter, syrup or jam.

This recipe takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare the night before and can bake while you shower and dress. Pair it with a nice low fat sausage or bacon for the finishing touch.

My friends, Tom & Margie Lawson, bought gluten-free cinnamon rolls for me. We all agreed that they were quite dry and inedible. Making this dish saved the rolls and tickled all of us this morning. And we had a great laugh because I don't happen to need gluten-free, but they loved me enough to try and buy good, safe foods for me.

Do your family and friends want to cook healthy, fun meals for you?
Do they stumble on how too?

I gave them a copy of Creative Cooking for Colitis. That's a loving idea to help your family and friends too. Give them recipes and ideas they can make when you come to dinner. I think too many people feel helpless. They love us, want to share a meal, but don't know what to make. I think it's a loving solution back to those we love if we help them learn things that are simple and don't feel overwhelming or make them memorize lists of foods.

Enjoy!
Angie Breidenbach

Have you heard of the Life and Faith Tour?

2010-05-04T22:42:00.001-06:00

http://www.lifeandfaithtour.com is a huge family festival with famous recording artists, authors, and vendors. I will be at the first 2 stops on the tour with both of my cookbooks. The second one, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance is almost complete :-)

Each event in the tour, three of them, are held at speedways large enough to hold crowds of about 70,000 people. Musicians like Amy Grant, Mercy Me, David Crowder Band, and Point of Grace. The list is so long that the concert is going to be spectacular at all 3 venues.

Each Life and Faith Tour stop has 14-15 Christian authors ranging from fiction to non-fiction to cookbooks. My friend, Jennifer Hudson-Taylor will be there with her new release too, a Scottish historical, Highland Blessings. She even has accurate Scottish clothing! Hmm, should I wear an apron?

The special factor of this amazing tour full of concerts all day, author signings in an air conditioned tent, and even an opening act tent with comedians is the tie to charities. I've listed 2 with the tour. Each person who buys tickets has the opportunity to designate a charity of choice. When they do that, the charity receives $10 from the sale of that ticket. Those who do not designate automatically go to Karen Kingsbury's charity. Oh, did I mention she was the keynote? :-)

The 2 charities that I signed up are the American Christian Fiction Writers Scholarship Fund. This is a great way to keep our country and world literate, by teaching the next authors the craft. Then Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries because we not only help children get adopted in the U.S., but we have established homes in several countries with a pastor/wife team. These homes raise 10-11 children each. They are taught to love Jesus, educated, and raised to then reach out and bless their country.

Please designate either the ACFW Scholarship Fund or Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries when you buy your ticket to the Life and Faith Tour.

And please come say hi in the Author's Tent! I'll be so happy to meet you in person.
If it's within your power, would you spread the word? It would be amazing if these charities received funds from the tour and blessed the lives of those in need.

Another recipe coming soon,
Angie Breidenbach

http://www.facebook.com/CreativeCooking
Giving away a free cookbook every 50 new friends

Contact Me

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Boredom and the Colitis Diet

2010-04-23T09:21:00.000-06:00

I'm totally needing a change of pace from the standard. Some ethnic foods turn out to be really great options to banish boredom. One of my favorites is Indian cuisine. Though with all the potential for spices, this is one to be very careful in the choosing.

Honestly, the naan is my favorite. It's a flatbread made to go along side the other dishes, but I love it so much that I can make a meal out of just the naan variations! Here in Montana, there's not an excellent Indian restaurant with naan. So I have to enjoy it when I'm traveling. But the varations, oooh yummy! I love the garlic topped.

Greek cuisine is great too if you can avoid the lettuce and raw vegetables. Again, the fresh pita filled with either chicken or beef is a great alternative. Ask them to leave off the lettuce, but definitely add the sauce and feta for taste explosion.

One way I bring it home is to use the sharper, aromatic cheeses as toppings to perk up my taste buds. Sprinkle a bit of fat-free feta on any pasta or rice dish. Then it's also easy to chop garlic and saute' it in a tiny bit of olive oil with some sliced mushrooms. Spruce up a boring grilled meat by spooning it over before serving.

How do you perk up your taste buds?

Find more ideas in Creative Cooking for Colitis, newly released and easy to download now.

Angie Breidenbach

Eating Out on a Colitis Diet

2010-04-16T09:16:00.000-06:00

Traveling this week alerted me to the need to share some tips on eating out with a colitis diet.

It's hard to walk into a restaurant and not be sure the food will be safe to eat for this condition. However, with a little ingenuity, I've found it can be done.

While here in Memphis, I've been treated to Mexican food on 2 different occasions. That can strike fear into any colitis sufferer! But I've found a few strategies to help.

First, don't worry about ordering a full meal. Instead, take a look at the possibility of ordering flour tortillas with chicken and cheese. Ask them to add some plain avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream. Now you have the basics and something nourishing to eat while not being embarrassed about it.

Second, tell the waiter your dietary limitations. People want to help. Be graciously honest without going into detail. I simply say, "Can you help me? I have a condition called colitis and need to avoid spicy foods and raw vegetables including lettuce and peppers. What's the best thing on the menu for me?"

I had the most lovely experience at Abuelos in Memphis when the waiter just sat down beside me and chatted about the food choices. He was spectacular! And so was my avocado enchilada :-) He was able to leave off the roasted peppers and the dish was delicious. Now, the rice was too spicy for me but the enchiladas filled me to roll-me-out-the-door stage anyway :-)

My advice: Share your need in a pleasant way and let people help.

Colitis Diet: Chocolate and Colitis

2010-04-10T11:24:00.000-06:00

Since everyone's system is a little different, going through a trial period is very important. Chocolate for one! Some people have no problem, some have a problem if it's over-indulged, and others can't touch it at all.

So how do you know and what do you do?

In the cook book, Creative Cooking for Colitis, I give the tip to use the Addition Plan for colitis diets. Why? Because you need time to listen to your body.

What is the Addition Plan?

Basically, it's resting through fasting (on doctor approval) and then adding only one food at a time. Colitis sufferers can get inflammation that is nearly impossible to settle without the resting time. Every food seems to be an issue. But by resting your system for a day or two (doc approved) then you calm the inflamed intestinal track. Chocolate may not be the culprit. But you'll never really know unless you test it.

Once you build up a regular colitis diet (meaning foods you can eat, not dieting to lose weight) then you can introduce more complex foods. Doing that before you've built up a regular list of foods that provide real nutrition just causes anger, frustration, pain, and hopelessness.

So take the time to rest your system, then start with white rice for a day or so. Add a protein like chicken and then see how you feel. Let your body rest in the mild foods and learn what really feels great before you attempt the more complex fun foods that won't be so fun if you don't understand which are and which aren't good for your individual body. You need a base to launch from before you can leap into the sky.

My results of testing by fasting and using the Addition Plan for my colitis diet: I can eat small amounts of chocolate. A little means a lot when none meant I felt deprived. Small amounts mean that I know the difference in the words scarf it and savor it. Savor. Such an image. Such a joy.

What would it be like for you to learn to savor?
In what other areas of life should we savor rather than scarf?

Here's to a joyful journey of discovery,
Angie Breidenbach
Author of Creative Cooking for Colitis

Twiced Baked Potatoes-Creative Cooking for Colitis Diet Simplicity

2010-04-05T10:14:00.003-06:00

This recipe is surprisingly good when the base is potato flakes. Why use them? Because so many busy moms need a very fast meal and don't have the time to start from scratch every night. When following a colitis diet, it's hard to find quick and delicious foods. This one can be tossed together and then baked in a very short turn around.

2 Cups potato flakes
1 Tbs. butter
1 Cup skim milk
3-4 Cups water

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Make the potatoes as per directions on box, or as above by heating water, milk, butter to boil. Add potato flakes. Stir to blend and cover while assembling the rest of the ingredients.

1/2 Cup fat-free sour cream
1 Cup sharp cheddar, shredded or grated
1 Tbs. dried chives (nice because they are more colitis friendly, but optionally replace with 1 tsp. onion powder)
1/2 Cup low-fat bacon bits (use real bacon bits as imitation cause an after taste.)

Mix these ingredients into the potatoes. Spray large baking dish with butter pan spray. Scoop all of mixture into baking dish. Spray top of mixture with butter spray. Bake for 30 minutes. If you like a crisped top, broil for a few minutes at the end to finish.

Please share your results or a great recipe of your own.
Angie Breidenbach

Drawing winners for a free Creative Cooking for Colitis cookbook today!

2010-04-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to both Shopping Queen and FrogStar :-) You have both won a copy of the new release, Creative Cooking for Colitis. Contact me at angela at mygemofwisdom.com (I broke up the email to avoid spammers. I hope you won't mind.)

Please contact me so I can send you the PDF download :-) Yay! I will look forward to hearing how you like it!

Other readers, you can purchase your cookbook here by clicking on the page, Purchase Creative Cooking for Colitis.

I'll be posting a new simple recipe this afternoon for Twice Baked Potatoes :-) You'll be amazed at how good they tasted for using the most simple elements.

Angie Breidenbach

Pre-Release Specials Creative Cooking for Colitis this week!

2010-03-31T13:04:00.003-06:00

Today I'm uploading the final files required for publishing Creative Cooking for Colitis by Easter. It's scary and wonderful all at the same time. This has been a labor of love and a fun journey! I have so many people to thank, but today I am thanking Julie Cowan of Cowan Creative especially. She designed my cover and the cover, spine, and back files for the CD version I'll have at the Naked Truth Singles Conference in 2 weeks and at the Life and Faith Tour this summer. Thank you for your skill, creativity, and flexibility, Julie!

In fact, there's a pre-sale special at the cookbook link. The cookbook will sell for $12, but this week you have three special opportunities.

1. Comment on this post and be put in a drawing for a free cookbook to be drawn on Easter Sunday!

2. Win a free cookbook by following this blog that partners it at:

CookingforColitis.blogspot.com but earn more entries by commenting on any of the posts. One entry for each different post comment :-) I'll draw on Easter for the winner.

3. If you'd like to buy your own copy, the pre-sale special is $10 buy purchasing it before Easter Sunday at: www.mygemofwisdom.com/products-page/books/creative-cooking-for-colitis-cookbook/

Summary

Creative Cooking for Colitis: Tips & Recipes on how to start living and eating confidently again has simple to elaborate recipes sure to thrill you and your family! Full color photos for every dish. 25 Tips including the Addition Plan to help you find the joy in eating without pain and reclaim your life. Lovely recipes for elegant parties and holiday treats. Creative Cooking for Colitis will help you enjoy family & social life again without fear. Gorgeous e-book format in pdf download. Also available in CD format.

Releases Easter Sunday!

Exciting News for Colitis Cooking

2010-03-27T23:21:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

One free e-cookbook given away this week on Easter Sunday! Follow this blog for your chance to win. Comment on each post for another chance, one for each comment!

Onto the post for today :-)
I'm so happy to tell you I'll be on tour with the Life and Faith Tour this summer. There are 3 major venues. I'll be signing, speaking, and enjoying the company of 70,000 people at the Rockingham, NC and the Richmond, VA speedways. It's going to be HUGE!

To attend, buy your tickets early for the best prices. In advance, they are $47.50 for 12 hours of music festival by amazing Christian artists, vendors, family fun, and the author tent. (That's where you'll find me.) Each ticket purchased will have $10 donated to the charity of your choice. The charities must be listed on the Life and Faith Tour website.

I've added my 2 charities to support through Life and Faith Tours. They're Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries and the American Christian Fiction Writers Scholarship Fund. So when you buy your ticket, you'll be asked to specify a charity. Please consider choosing one of these.

I'll have copies of the cookbook on CD with me for sale too! But you'll be able to download your own ebook pdf in the next week!

Creative Cooking for Colitis will be uploaded and ready for sale by Easter :-)

Here's a fun photo from the Creative Cooking for Colitis to give you some Easter dessert ideas. The recipe is in the cookbook, but it's so simple to make with angel food cake, pudding, berries, and whip cream. Try it and you'll please everyone at your Easter Tea!

Blessed to be on the journey with you,
Angie Breidenbach

Colitis Cooking: Researching on the Web

2010-03-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I spent hours researching to find the actual numbers of people with microscopic colitis. Didn't find it.

Why? Every study seems to lump all colitis together unless it's UC (ulcerative colitis) or Crohn's. So there are somewhere around 2 million people with colitis. But what kind? sigh. There appears quite a disconnect in understanding each type and so we are left to uncover our own best lifestyle (of course with our doctors.)

It's frustrating when every time I mention the cookbook, someone says either they or a family member has the disease.

Additionally, there are many differing opinions because not enough research has been conducted. No one really knows how a person ends up with it. There are theories, yes, on heredity and NSAIDs. (NSAIDs are meds like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen and others.) There's a tie to arthritis and thyroid problems. Two food-borne illnesses also appear to influence the embarkation on this journey.

My goal with Colitis Cooking blog and cookbook (s) will be to regularly introduce new information, ideas, and ways to manage colitis long term. I hope to bring you hope and reduce your fears.

Creative Cooking for Colitis will be out in just a few weeks. The concept of the cookbook is to help people with colitis reduce their fear of food, eating, and bring joy back into fun meals. I hope it will help others as it has helped me.

Joy in the journey,
Angie Breidenbach

New Recipe Created-Blooming Chicken Savory

2010-03-17T04:06:00.000-06:00

As I played around looking for ways to use left over gravy, chicken, and phyllo dough, the simplicity of creating a fun and elegant tea savory struck me.

Blooming Chicken Savories

This little play time resulted in an addition to Creative Cooking for Colitis due out this month! Whew! It's been a whirlwind to make the changes and add it to the book, but I think you will be glad I did.

Fun, elegant, and unique, the Blooming Chicken Savory is sure to surprise your family and guests with the feeling that you did something extraordinary. Shh, don't tell how simple it is ;-)

Always looking for more ideas, please share yours :-)

Angie Breidenbach

Cooking My Heart Out

2010-03-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today I'm cooking my little heart out because I'm down to the last 3 recipes for the cookbook, Creative Cooking for Colitis! I'm making Grandma's Orange Rolls this afternoon and then The Best Spiced Roast Beef Ever! for dinner. (My husband is smiling.)

For brunch (oh yes, we slept in) I made Swedish Pancakes again. The photos I'd taken the last time didn't have any blackberries in them. So I just had to remake them ;-) Now you'll see them made a couple of different ways in the cookbook.

I'd love to hear back from you on recipes you enjoy too.

Angie

Journey to the Finished Land

2010-03-10T01:20:00.001-07:00

Highway 200 heading to Great Falls, MT

Starting the journey takes preparation. But I'm finding that ending it does too. I've talked the last few weeks about my project, Creative Cooking for Colitis, and even "tasted" finished last week with you.

Are we there yet?

Not quite.

I am looking for one last recipe to include. Most I've stumbled on them in the kitchen. Prepping for dinner, ready to feed my family, and I'll suddenly disappear for the camera realizing the dish would be perfect for the cookbook.

Now getting down to the very end, I have only a few more photos to take and upload once I make the meals. It's kind of funny, really, the lengths I'm going to for this project. Lots of cookbooks don't have a photo for each recipe. But it drives me crazy to not see the finished product. I decided my cookbook had to have at least one photo per recipe and for more complicated recipes, at least two photos of preparation and final product.

Today I worked from 9a.m.-6p.m. with very little break. I've been pulling 2 a.m. vigils to get all my work done. Still the road looks longer than I'd like. Formatting each text box, oh my goodness! But I want the finished product to be something I'm proud of and my potential customers will love.

So though it looks like a long, long road, I know it's just over that next hill to the Finished Land.

I'm going to be setting up a blog tour for this cookbook. Not sure of all the details yet, but if you'd like to be on my list please comment. I'll give you the ability to download in exchange for your review of any recipe in the cookbook (or an overview of the entire book) on well populated sites.

Just a few more weeks of this journey to the Finished Land. Whew! I'm ready to dance. I want so badly to share this with people.

Where are you at in your goal journey?

Angie Breidenbach

http://www.MyGemOfWisdom.com

(post also up at http://www.WritingByFaith.blogspot.com)

Colitis Cooking-the Adventure Begins

2010-03-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

Fun recipes, simple recipes, elegant recipes. I'm just finishing a cook book called Creative Cooking for Colitis complete with photos, tips, and simplified versions that make cooking for your family and yourself a breeze. No more fear of food!

I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis after months of debilitating symptoms that kept me hurting and malnourished. The colonoscopy showed both collagenous and lymphocytic colitis.

I felt defeated. Months later, the diseases were still out of control. Once I learned a few simple things like getting my electrolytes balanced, fast to rest, and start over I began to get better.

Within a week of balancing my electrolytes and fasting, I began to see improvement. The reason? I'd been told to eliminate all the foods that "bothered" me. Everything bothered me! The discovery? My system never rested and healed. The solution? After fasting for a day, I started on plain white rice and added foods. Coming at it from the opposite direction, I was able to pinpoint foods that really bothered me. Think of it as an Addition Diet instead of an Elimination Diet. (And diet is uses as the descriptive word for nutrition intake and not weight loss in this usage. We'll deal with weight loss later on.)

Then came the hard part. Even as I learned what I could eat, I was making separate foods for myself and feeding my family completely different meals. Cooking became laborious. Food, well, it was my enemy until I approached it as an adventure.

I'll share tips I've learned and would love to hear the tips you've learned.

Each week I'll share a recipe that I've altered and enjoyed myself. Please feel free to share your tips, recipes, and adventure of living with colitis. You may find it shows up in one of my books or freelance articles :-) We're all here to help one another.

Creative Cooking for Colitis: The cookbook will be available soon. Details to come!

Angie

Colitis Solutions

Learn any new lessons lately?

Natural treatments for Colitis

Pasta A Diet Food? 4 Tips to Eat Pasta and Lose Weight

Five Steps to Regain Peace For IBD Sufferers

Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance holiday tips today!

Stress Buster--Laughter

Sage Turkey-Best Thanksgiving Turkey Ever!

Turkey, rinsed and driedTurkey bagRub olive oil inside cavities and under the skin and over the skin.

Mix:

Insider Tips: By removing jewelry, you won't tear the turkey skin when oiling and spicing. A second person to hold open turkey bag is a nice benefit.

Recipe from Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance

By Angela Breidenbach, October 2010 Westbow

Gems of Wisdom Pre-Order Available

Hard copy of Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance coming in October!

Zucchini Bread: Creative Cooking

Awesome Summer Treat: Colitis Diet

Colitis Diet: What's exercise got to do with it?

Summer Parties & Barbecues: Colitis Diet

Safe Travel Meals for the Colitis Diet

Colitis Diet: Swedish Rice

Baked Banana Splits-Colitis Diet

Colitis Diet: Carb Overload

Colits Diet: French Dip

Colitis Diet: Great Ideas for Left Over Beef

Colitis Diet: Orange Oven French Toast

Colitis Diet: Cinnamon Roll Oven French Toast

Have you heard of the Life and Faith Tour?

Boredom and the Colitis Diet

Eating Out on a Colitis Diet

Colitis Diet: Chocolate and Colitis

Twiced Baked Potatoes-Creative Cooking for Colitis Diet Simplicity

Drawing winners for a free Creative Cooking for Colitis cookbook today!

Pre-Release Specials Creative Cooking for Colitis this week!

Exciting News for Colitis Cooking

Colitis Cooking: Researching on the Web

New Recipe Created-Blooming Chicken Savory

Cooking My Heart Out

Journey to the Finished Land

Colitis Cooking-the Adventure Begins

Turkey, rinsed and dried
Turkey bag
Rub olive oil inside cavities and under the skin and over the skin.