Gluten-Free Life

Since this blog is about sharing possibilities for healthy living, why not revisit the subject of gluten intolerance (from a previous post)? Being a raw foodie I have already had my own experience of the benefits of eating a simpler way without processed foods. But you may want to ask yourself how many products containing wheat, oats, etc are already in your diet - and then consider the possibility that these products may be the cause of lingering problems in your body? An easy way to do your own test is to eliminate breads and gluten products for a couple of weeks and see how you feel. If you do feel considerably better - then maybe you would benefit from a gluten-free diet!

You can see more in my September 10, 2010 post, but here are a few of the symptoms that may arise from gluten intolerance:  fatigue, joint pain, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, weight loss, depression, dermatitis, lactose intolerance, and anemia, just to mention a few.

When I chose to stop eating bread, bagels, and wheat products, my sinus symptoms went away, no aches or pains, and I did not have that bloated feeling. So after some research, I decided that in my raw food classes I would provide the option of being wheat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. And from there it was a natural progression for me to adopt this way of eating into my lifestyle - this has been a good choice that feels right for me!

For more information - view my post in the Blog Archives on September 10, 2010 - which includes links to follow!

Raw Zesty Orange Chia Pudding

My bag of juicy organic oranges and Chia seeds wanted to get together somehow, so today this quick and healthy dessert came into being!

The oil from Chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid - approximately 64%. Chia seeds contain no gluten and trace levels of sodium, and when mixed with water, Chia seeds create a mucilaginous gel that helps heal the stomach lining. There are no known toxic components of Chia.

Raw Zesty Orange Chia Pudding
2 oranges, peeled and seeded
1/4 tsp (or less) orange zest, grated
2 tsp Agave
1-1/2 tsp raw carob powder (optional)
1 tsp raw cacao powder (optional)
1/4 cup Chia seeds, dry

• You can make this an orange pudding by simply omitting the carob and cacao powders
• Grate the orange peel (before peeling orange) and set aside this zest
• Place oranges in a blender and blend until you have a smooth liquid (about 1-1/2 cups)
• In a bowl mix together orange liquid, orange zest, Agave, carob and cacao powders
• Add 1/4 cup Chia seeds to bowl and blend through
• Allow to sit for 10 minutes to thicken
• Serve in dessert dishes topped with an orange slice!