Glimpse into Foodie Friday week 7 2014 - Cinnamon

Good afternoon! Happy Foodie Friday! 

Yes, I know. It is Saturday. Oops! The first Foodie Friday of the new series should have begun yesterday, but as most of us know, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has its moments which make a regular routine unrealistic! I may have to change Foodie Friday to a bi-monthly thing, rather than weekly, but I will see how I go!

Today's ingredient is cinnamon. I use it all the time, such as in the Passion Pleasers I posted about on Sunday. Other recipes I have created on my blog which use cinnamon are:

• spiced pineapple syrup cake
• choc banana quinoa cookies
• zuchinni brownies
• breakfast cakes
• quinoa breakfast bowl
• nut, seed and banana bread
• waffles
• power balls. 

It is delicious, and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, and in meals, treats or drinks, and in an oil for therapeutic use. Even if you don't use it as the feature flavour in a dish, it can be a hidden added nutrient!

Cinnamon was once highly valued in trading, more so than gold, and it is not hard to see why. 

Just half a teaspoon a day can help lower your levels of bad cholesterol (LDL - low density lipoprotein). It contains manganese, calcium, iron, and dietary fibre. It has anti fungal, antibacterial, anti parasitic, anti-clotting and anti inflammatory properties (amazing!). It is a natural food preservative due to its ability to prevent bacterial growth.The smell can boost brain activity, and cognitive and memory function, and can relieve nervous tension. It can help improve the pain from arthritis, headaches, migraines and menstrual cramping. It keeps blood sugar levels steady, so is great for weight loss and type 2 diabetes.  It is also safe for people with Fructose Malabsorption and following a FODMAP diet. To top it all off, it is delicious! 

What a fantastically beneficial ingredient to add to your meals and drinks! 

Glimpse into Wellness Wednesday Week 7 2014

Welcome to the new blog series: Wellness Wednesday! 

Exercise is a scary word for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), and other chronic issues. I know I struggle with balancing the desire to get back to my active self, and the fear of causing yet another relapse due to even light exercise. So this blog series will focus more on the idea of moving and using your body and mind, at your level, when and if you can. If you are healthy and fit, then amp up the movement to your level. Anyone can be involved in Wellness Wednesday!

*Remember to always check with your doctor before you start any new physical activities.*

*I am not a personal trainer. These are ideas I have discovered along my journey. Ask a local trainer if you need guidance with movements so you do them safely.*

Today we are going to start out with the basics....walking! Walking is so good for you. So go on, get out there! This week, try to increase how much you walk. 

If you are bed bound, try to move your legs back and forth while lying on alternating sides. Or if you are in a wheelchair, move your feet out and in, bending at the knees, a few times. Or if you can not move your legs, move your arms, or enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you move along in your chair outside.

If you are very unwell but can get up for a little bit, think about adding a few more steps on your way to the bathroom, or the fridge for example.

If you have limited exercise tolerance like me, try to add in one or two short walks with a supportive friend or family member - somewhere different to where you usually rest, such as in your garden or a park. Not only do you move your body, loosen your muscles, increase your blood flow, and get vitamin D, but you can enjoy the company of another, and the fresh air!

Keep adding, step by step, but only when your body is ready. Do not push yourself until you are well enough to do so. There is dispute whether exercise helps people with CFS/ME, but gentle movement, at your level, will help your body and mind stay happy and rust free!

Glimpse into Motivation Monday - week 7 2014

Welcome to the new blog series... Motivation Mondays! To get things started, here is an idea to think about this week....

 "Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.
Beginning makes the conditions perfect."

 

A big part of having a chronic illness is waiting. Waiting for answers, waiting for results, waiting for improvements. It could be easy to fall into the trap of putting your life on pause, and just waiting. As I often say though, this is our life, we only have this one chance, and it is up to you whether you let your illness become you, or whether you let it only be a part of you. If we wait for that miraculous moment when we feel healthy again, we may have let a great chunk of our life ramble past us like a tumble weed. Maybe you can not do the exact thing that you want to do, but find an option that makes you happy. For example, I can not work at the moment due to my health. I love my work as a nurse, so in the meantime, I keep myself happy learning more, and reading and writing about health. In doing so, I have discovered a new path for myself and love the idea of helping people improve their overall wellness through improved nutrition and lifestyle choices. Find your option! Begin, and keep happy and strong, and things will get better!

If you are healthy and thankfully free of a chronic health issue, this still applies to you! What are you putting off which you could do now? What if you put off that dream job until you are more confident, or when the kids are older, or when the sun, moon and earth are at a 45 degree angle, and you find yourself in an unexpected situation that keeps you from that dream job?! Act now. You don't know what could change down the track. Be brave, begin, and the happiness and self love that comes from beginning will make you strong enough to keep going.

Do not wait; begin. 

Glimpse into passion pleasers

My mantra for baking is if it is healthy enough to eat for breakfast yet tastes deliciously naughty, you are on a winner! These cake squares fit this motto, and are super easy and quick to make!  

 All you need is:

 

1/4 cup nut butter (I used almond, brazil and cashew butter)

1/4 cup tahini

1/3 cup rice syrup

2 large bananas

1/3 cup coconut flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

*170 g passionfruit pulp

 

All you  need to do is: 

1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Line a baking pan with baking paper. Any size you have will do, but one about 20cm x 20cm will make a good thickness.
3. Pop all the ingredients into a blender or food processor; hold back with half of the passionfruit pulp and save it for later. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the pan evenly.
5. Top with the leftover passionfruit pulp.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until firm and golden. Keep an eye on the topping, as it will burn. If it starts to catch, cover the pan with a piece of foil.
7. Let it cool and slice into squares.

************************************************************************************
The fun part...alternative additions:
 
*Instead of passionfruit pulp, use about 100g of one or two of the following:

• chopped dark chocolate or choc chips
• berries (frozen or fresh)
• drained, crushed pineapple
• dried blueberries, cranberries or pineapple
• crushed nuts
• quinoa flakes or gluten free oats (you may need to add a little water if your mixture becomes dry when blended)
• chopped pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds or toasted sesame seeds

*You could also try:

• 1 tablespoon of raw cacao
• 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger
• 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons of LSA -linseed, sunflower seed and almond meal (you may need to add a little water if your mixture becomes dry when blended)
• Whole round slices of pineapple at the bottom of the tray, and then pour mixture over the top for a pretty and fruity pattern.

I hope you enjoy these nutritious treats, any time of the day! And they keep getting better...only the blender and pan to clean!! Winner!!

Glimpse into a community for health and happiness

I would love this blog to be a hub for a community of kindred spirits, coming together in the interest of their health, to find motivation, ideas, and inspiration. Whether it be due to CFS/ME, or other types of chronic illness, food intolerances, or healthy eating and a willingness to improve your well being that has brought you to this page, I would like us all to work together to improve our health and happiness.

I know that a big problem for people with chronic health conditions is boredom, motivation to keep going, and loneliness. So to help combat this, I am proposing that we come together and help each other. Even if you have good health, join us, as we all have different experiences, thoughts and goals.

For 2014, I will be bringing four new series to the Glimpsing Gembles blog. Take a look!

A book club! Every second month, we will begin a new book. This can be reading the book, an online edition, or listening via audiobook; however you are most comfortable. This will give us something to do, motivation to do it, and people to talk about a common subject with that will take our minds off our issues. 

On the 1st of the month (March, May, July, September and November), we will start reading a new book. On the 15th of the next month (April, June, August, October and December), I will post some of my thoughts about the book on the blog, and we can all continue to add to the conversation in the comments section below the post. This gives us all six weeks to read the book, and two weeks to discuss! The book for the next month will also be announced on the 15th, so as to give you time to buy or borrow the book. 

As January has gone and February has begun, if you happen to be in between books, join me this month, otherwise, wait til February 15th for the announcement of March's book choice, and begin reading for March. The book choice for Jan/Feb is The Testament of Mary, as it is a short book.

Send any book suggestions you have to GlimpsingGembles@hotmail.com and I will try to include everyone's picks at some point :-).

Motivation Monday: Every Monday we will have a new motivational quote. Feel free to send me suggestions to GlimpsingGembles@hotmail.com. The quotes will be posted on the blog and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/glimpsinggembles.

Wellness Wednesday: Every Wednesday, I will explore a new form of movement for the body, or activity for the mind, which can be adapted to all our varying levels of mobility and comfort. 

Foodie Friday: Every Friday, I will explore a new healthy ingredient which we can add into our cooking and baking. If you have any ideas, suggestions or questions, leave a message and I will do my best to find information out for you!

I hope that you enjoy these ideas and that you will join me in the journey for health and happiness!

Glimpse into a misunderstood illness; Chronic Fatigue Syndome/Myalgic Encephalmyelitis

Having a chronic health problem is frustrating and horrible. Having a chronic health problem which is yet to be fully understood by medical and scientific explanations is like slamming your head against a wall of nails. The sheer arrogance, ignorance, insensitivity and degradation put towards people with these illnesses is mind boggling. 

I recently had a cardiologist tell me that all I had to do was to "change my attitude." This was based on an extremely brief summary of my current diagnosis and a tilt table test. The fact that he heard the words "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" was enough for him to summise that I had just got up one day and said "eh, I couldn't be bothered." Had he stopped a minute before his relentless lecture, I could have informed him of the years of pain, discomfort and illness I have pushed through, trying to live a normal life and keep going. I could have told him of all the tests and doctor visits I have undergone; all the days at work when I could barely make it though; all the times I've blacked out while driving. I could have shown him the out of whack blood results, the kilos of weight loss, the limited diet my body allows me to eat, the signs of physiological stress, such as hair loss and nail ridges. My extremely low blood pressure alone could have shown a cardiologist of all people, that there are multiple physiological issues with my body. I could have told him about all the social events I miss out on, the relationships that have abruptly ended, about the work that I love but can not do, about the mind numbing boredom and loneliness that comes with it all. I could have told him about the endless articles I read looking for answers; about the hydrotherapy sessions I do each week; about the natural therapies I undertake; about the never ending hunt for something to help me improve my health. It just blows my mind that someone could have such an almighty view of himself to think that telling someone who is chronically unwell to change their attitude, when he obviously has absolutely no idea what my attitude is, was something appropriate or useful. He barely told me the results of the actual test I went in for; he just got lost on his tirade against a condition he clearly does not understand.

Glimpse into New Year choc chip cookies

For New Year's Eve, I decided to make a quick and easy batch of cookies. I know, I know...I make up a lot of cookie recipes! But I love them! So easy to make and so yummy to eat! I used a different combination of ingredients this time, and they turned out to be probably the best cookies so far. Slightly crunchy but soft in the middle...yum!

 

Glimpse into the New Year

Today is New Year's Day. A day typically dedicated to reflection and statements of intentions. Every New Year for the past 3 years, I have made New Year's resolutions. These have all revolved around my health and improving its state of deterioration, which had begun to speed up between 2008 and 2010. Each year, I felt more determined than the previous to work harder at finding out what was wrong with me, how to fix it, and go about doing so. And at the conclusion of each year, I was left feeling varying levels of failure because of these resolutions. (Although, 2013 has probably revealed a lot more potential than other years, even if it has been one of the worst for my body.) So this year, as 2013 began to wrap up, and 2014 loomed closer, I decided to not make a resolution. I felt I did not want the self imposed pressure, when I already know that I am doing my best to improve my health. More specifically, I didn't want that added feeling of failure when reflecting on previous resolutions, when my health battles are frustrating enough.

However, on the day of New Year's Eve, as I read people's statements, and listened to them explore their purpose and decisions, I began to think that maybe I do need a New Year's Resolution. After all, it is but a goal, and I constantly have small, medium and large goals in my life, which all of you with chronic health problems will understand too well. So after mulling over what I need to improve or appreciate or stop doing or start doing, I came to this conclusion. In 2014, I will just be.

          ~ Let go. Just be. ~

I am constantly over thinking things in my head, partly due to having too much time to over think, partly due to the frustrating dead-end feeling that comes with chronic illness. I find myself unnecessarily worrying, or unnecessarily being frustrated or saddened by some one's actions, or building something up and then being unnecessarily disappointed when it doesn't happen that way. Chronic illnesses takes what you thought was normal, and throws it up in the air and causes it to land in a million different directions and angles. I have said it before and I will say it again; we need to allow ourselves to step out from the dark cloud that chronic illness is, and enjoy what we do have. Live in the moment. We don't get to do this "life" thing twice (as far as we know!), and it seems ridiculous to let it slip past us, while we let illness tarnish our thoughts, alter our plans and change our happiness. Obviously, chronic illness comes in all shapes and sizes, and inevitably our thoughts, plans and happiness will be effected. Also, chronic illness requires determination, motivation, strength and perseverance to battle, so I am not saying we can just sit back and hope all will go the way we would like.
However, somehow, in the blur of pain, confusion, frustration, and sickness, we need to find a way to see the good in a moment, not just the discomfort. In 2014, I need to, we need to, just be.
           Happy New Year!

Glimpse into brain fog

Something that a lot of people ask me about or don't understand, is the feeling of "brain fog", which is so prevalent in conditions like Myalgic Encephalmyeltis. Obviously, brain fog is not a scientific term, but it so clearly depicts the feeling.

                                                                  Pic taken from here

Glimpse into spiced pineapple syrup cake

With the wet weather recently, I have fancied a spiced fruity teacake! After an unsuccessful search with Mum one day for an open café that sold cake I could tolerate, I decided to sit at the kitchen bench and create one.
This cake is moist, gooey and tropical! It is delicious and decadent warm, and great cold!

Spiced Pineapple Syrup Cake.

Glimpse into Gembles' ultimate bowl of goodness

I very often talk about the fantastic breakfast I eat daily (and sometimes twice a day!), and have mentioned the basis of it on this blog before. Hence, I can't believe it that I haven't actually gone into detail about it on the blog!! So here it is; you are in for a treat!
This bowl of amazingness has converted yours truly from the ultimate non-morning person, who has always resisted breakfast and only eaten it as a necessity, to someone who pulls their heavy body out of bed with one thing in mind: GET A BOWL OF THAT AMAZING, ULTIMATE BOWL OF GOODNESS...NOW!!!!

                                             

Glimpse into my thoughts about chronic illness

I have chosen to write 5 things I hate about having a chronic illness, 5 things that help put a positive spin on chronic illness, and 5 things I still need to learn from or about living with chronic illness. I hope this helps people feel less alone, get some ideas, or understand other people's situation...

Glimpse into choc banana quinoa cookies

You can probably tell, I love to bake, and I love the ease of cookies! This week, I wanted to make a treat that is packed with nutrition, so healthy that I could eat it for breakfast without guilt, and that was super easy to whip up! This is what I developed...a choc banana quinoa cookie!

Glimpse into green pudding

Happy Hump Day! You have made it to Wednesday; the weekend is on its way! This, of course, has no relevance to me, as I have been too unwell to work since November, but I know a lot of you will be celebrating that you are over halfway!!

 

With my body at the level of health that it is, I need to eat regularly. Even if I am not hungry or being active, if I do not eat every 2-3 hours, I plummet quickly, and it takes me quite some time to recover. So I have learnt to eat, whether I am feeling physical hunger or not. So this means, a lot of snacks!! I love coming up with new things for my morning and afternoon teas! I have been loving the ease and chocolatey goodness of my choc nut smoothies this week, but today I was in the mood for a change!

I have seen a few blog posts of people eating their chunky green smoothies rather than blending them further into a drink, and I thought I would work on that idea today!

Glimpse into berry oat bars & a useful recipe book

A few weeks ago, I received a copy of an eye opening recipe book that was so exciting for me to discover! It is called "Flying Apron's Gluten-Free & Vegan Baking Book", and is written by Jennifer Katzinger, who owns a bakery in Seattle. Oh how I would love to live near her bakery!! If anyone wants to take me to Seattle, I will assure you that we will be dining in her bakery daily, possibly multiple times per day! Her recipe book is inspiring; not just for me, as someone who enjoys creating recipes, and dreams of releasing a recipe book one day, but also for those of us who have multiple food intolerances or allergies. Her recipes, like mine, cater for people who are avoiding gluten, wheat, dairy, soy and egg. Some recipes involve fructose, but are easily adapted. I thought I would share with you this book discovery so that you can enjoy it too. I will also show you the first recipe I used from the book recently. I was not feeling too well, so when we both craved sweetness, Mum made it while I directed! It was a delicious success!

Glimpse into choc nut cookies & choc nut smoothies

Cookies make me think of my little (well, not so little, but younger) brother, who lives in France, who has the nick name, among several others,  the Cookie Monster. He is the family's sweet tooth, but I am finding that I am also developing quite the sweet tooth these days, which is ironic now that I eat a low fructose diet!
I made up a batch of these cookies last week as a last minute, quick throw together for a treat for friends. This week, I have been in short supply of sweet treats, so this morning, my energy was dedicated to making another batch of these cookies.
I was not feeling fantastic this morning though, so to help me to power through while I made the cookies, I whipped up my latest favourite smoothie. I am absolutely a green smoothie convert, and love the additional serve of greens it gives you in the day. However, I have also discovered recently the wonder of adding nut butter to a smoothie! So my recent fav does not have greens, but is packed full of goodies; perfect for those moments when you want to trick your tastebuds into thinking you are having a decadent, naughty treat, but it is actually filled with great things to make your body happy!

Glimpse into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A couple of weeks ago, I went to see my doctor, and came out feeling like we had had a break though. I have been seeing him for close to a year now, and he has tested me for so many conditions in an attempt to explain my symptoms. I have had several tests come back out of whack, and now, along with a new result showing that I have had Ebstein Barr Virus in the past, combined with my symptoms and ruling out other similar conditions, he has officially diagnosed Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Along with that I already knew I also have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition), multiple food intolerances, Fructose Malabsorption, low parathyroid function, and a couple of other things I will have to monitor.

 

Glimpse into nut & seed, banana power bread

Last night, as I lay wide awake with my usual night time companion, insomnia, I brainstormed ideas to make a cake/bread which contained healthy ingredients. I wanted to create something that I didn't need to feel guilty about eating, but tasted good, and would give me a hit of nutrition, energy and keep me feeling full, which is important to everyone, especially those with chronic fatigue issues. This morning, I woke with enough energy to hit the kitchen and experiment. A friend who doubted the flavour potential has taste tested, and he has given the tick of approval!

I think it would be nice toasted, with some dairy free butter or nut butter for breakfast or a snack.

Glimpse into gluten free & vegan fruity waffles

On the weekend, I treated myself to a waffle machine (and a dehydrator...posts on that to come!). I could probably count on one hand the times that I ate waffles before I had to restrict my diet, however, the idea of creating something yummy, crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and a winter meal change from my usual delicious quinoa porridge, made me excited to get my hands on a waffle iron and create! I sieved through multiple recipes and came up with a combination of ingredients which I can tolerate, and what I had in the kitchen. This is what resulted! (And I had to make them again this morning; they were so good!).

 

Glimpse into defining ourselves through illness

I read some advice recently about not letting your illness define you. This initially sounded logical, and quite a basic instinct. However upon mulling it over, I started questioning the feasibility of this concept, when you are deep in the throws of a chronic condition.