Blog - My DairyFree GlutenFree Life

Dairy-Free But How Do I Start?

August 12, 2015 By Colleen 7 Comments

You’ve decided to go dairy free due to your choice or medical need, now what? When you love all things dairy, but your body doesn’t, it can be overwhelming to think about changing your diet. What will you eat instead of cheese or ice cream? What can you drink instead of milk with your cookies? These are serious concerns, especially when you live with dairy loving people! Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you make the switch to dairy free as easy as possible!

Almond Milk comes in many different flavors – one of them is sure to hit the dairy spot.

* Try to go one week without dairy or use a dairy substitute
“Wait,” you’re thinking about now, “I thought you said this would be easy?” Bear with me. You certainly don’t have to follow this step, but I believe it makes switching to dairy free easier. Here’s why: when you go from a full dairy diet to a dairy free diet, with no break in between, your taste buds are conditioned to the taste of dairy. Anything that is not dairy may taste different or substandard. Taking a week in-between these changes helps get the dairy out of your system, therefore you will start to notice how much better you feel or even how clear your skin is getting. Those positive results will give you even more incentive to want to make going dairy free work for you! The other reason is that your taste buds will not remember as clearly the taste of dairy. Many people notice they can taste fresh foods better during this time, too.

Daiya Cheese is delicious! Check out all of their flavors!

* Start slow and increase your substitutes gradually
Don’t begin your first day on dairy free eating dairy substitutes with every meal. Start slow, for example, have soy yogurt for breakfast or a snack and maybe replace almond milk for milk in a recipe. Give yourself time to slowly try different substitutes, a little at a time. Gradually add more dairy free choices every day until you have tried multiple items and are satisfied with your choices. Instead of starting with pouring a huge glass of soy milk with your meal or snack, try pouring in your cereal first.

* Buy the smallest sized dairy free products in the beginning
As you are trying different products, it only makes sense to buy the smallest size until you know which items you will be using. You may decide you don’t like the taste of dairy free cheese or an alternate milk product. You won’t be wasting food you don’t like if you buy smaller amounts. You can try a wide variety of dairy free grocery items when you buy the smallest size to start with.

* Stock your fridge and pantry with dairy free products. Once you have discovered what items you really like, stock your pantry and refrigerator with a good selection. This is really important, friends! We all have days where we don’t feel well, or we have to stay home with a sick child, or even days where the weather prevents us from going out. You don’t want to be stuck at home without the grocery items you need to stay dairy free! You should plan to always have enough on hand for at least a day or two of dairy free meals. Choose some items that are shelf stable and can go in the pantry and some items that can be stored in the freezer for those days. You can buy an extra package or two of dairy free cheese and stash them in the freezer. You can even buy shelf stable soy, rice or almond milk and store them in the pantry. I love So Delicious Coconut Creamer in my pantry. I use it as I would in place of any cream and I also bake with it.

* Be creative and keep trying new products
Now that you know what you like and have extra stored for emergencies, begin to branch out and try new things. Try going back to some of the products you didn’t think you liked in the beginning. You may find that your tastes have changed enough that you really like them! When I began my dairy free journey, I only liked one soy milk. I loved drinking a big glass of it and no other milk would do! I could tell if I was served anything with another kind of milk in it and it turned my stomach! Now, I happily pour unsweetened almond milk on my cereal and use it in cooking. I love the taste and more importantly, I love the way I feel without dairy in my life! What are some of your favorite dairy free products? I’d love you to tell me in the comments.

Coach Crossbody or Clutch Purse Giveaway 8/21 US

August 10, 2015 By Colleen 14 Comments

Who here loves Coach purses? What’s not to love? They’re quality made purses with the name to back it up. It’s nice to have a Coach purse but it’s even nicer to win one! Who wants to win this beautiful Coach Clutch or Crossbody purse? Here’s some details about it.

Coach Lyla Double Gusset Crossbody in Pebble Leather Black

LYLA DOUBLE GUSSET CROSSBODY IN PEBBLE LEATHER (COACH F53157)
Black
Details
Pebble leather Black
Inside multifunction pocket
Zip-top closure, fabric lining
Long strap with 21 1/2\” drop for shoulder or crossbody wear
9 1/2\” (L) x 5 3/4\” (H) x 1 1/4\” (W)
COACH MSRP:$250

It’s so pretty and serves two great purposes. If you like to travel you want a crossbody purse. It’s really nice that this one will then double as a clutch so you can go out on the town. Want to win one of your own? Just follow the rafflecopter below and win! Contest ends 8/21 at midnight and is only open to US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This blog and any participating blogs did not receive compensation for the published material in this post. No purchase required to enter this giveaway and there is a limit of one entrant per household. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning are determined by the number of valid entries received. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be emailed via the email address used to enter the contest. New winner(s) will be chosen if original winner(s) has not responded within 48 hours of email notification. This blog and other participating bloggers are not responsible for shipment of prize(s). Sponsor(s) are responsible for all shipping costs related to prize(s). This giveaway is not administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or other social media outlet. Disclaimer is posted in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

20 Gluten Free Appetizers

August 10, 2015 By Colleen

I love appetizers and often can make a main meal of them. You can never have too many appetizer recipes! I hope you enjoy these Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes. I know there are some Veggie and Dairy Free ones in this group so be sure to check them all out.

Katz Gluten Free Sample Pack (24 Oz)

20 Gluten Free Appetizers:

Grilled eggplant with pomegranate and feta from Not Enough Cinnamon
Roasted jalapeno hummus from Minimalist Baker
Tofu mango summer rolls with makhani dipping sauce from Vegan Richa
Spicy miso edamame from Love And Olive Oil
Loaded crispy baked sweet potato skins from Chocolate Covered Katie
Curry potato stuffed mushrooms from The Pretty Bee
Vegan spinach balls from Vegan Family Recipes
Sprouted lentil falafel with coconut yogurt from Our Four Forks
Gluten free cheesy bacon appetizer bites from Around My Family Table
Date and olive tapenade from Rabbit Food For My Bunny Teeth
Baked squash fries with marinara sauce from Against All Grain
Zucchini and shrimp fritters from The Healthy Foodie
Nacho cheese triangles from Eliana’s Pantry
Clean eating low carb bruschetta from The Gracious Pantry
Lasagna rolls from Healy Eats Real
Bacon-wrapped cheesy stuffed jalapenos from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Gluten-free kisir from Wallflower Girl
Cucumber avocado rolls from It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken
Bacon wrapped avocados from Oh Sweet Basil
Grilled shrimp recipe with roasted garlic-cilantro sauce from The Mediterranean Dish

Gluten Free Snacks Organic Gift Bundle – 15ct

25 Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Lunches and Snacks Recipes

August 6, 2015 By Colleen

When putting together dairy-free gluten-free school lunches, daily sandwiches can get rather boring. I like to grab a few “snack” type foods and put them together to make a lunch or add to a sandwich. I hope some of these ideas help you do the same!

All these recipes are great, one in particular from Momables peeks my attention because I love pastry and this recipe is a healthy pastry that could be made in many different ways. Momables, #13 below, has a recipe for healthy PopTarts! I would like to transform the recipe into date pockets 🙂 It is so nice to find inspiration from other gluten-free and dairy-free bloggers!

25 Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Lunches and Snacks Recipes

1. Smoked Turkey Cucumber Sandwiches {We subbed the cream cheese for non-dairy cheese.}

2. Apple Sandwiches

3. Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups

4. Peanut Butter Cherry Energy Bites

5. Yogurt and Berry Bites

6. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds {Easy to make ahead of time!}

7. Coconut Cranberry Energy Bites {These are no-bake!}

8. Easy Homemade Granola Bars

9. Crunchy Apple Chips {No dehydrator needed!}

10. Peanut Butter Rice Puff Squares

11. Moon Balls

12. Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

13. Delicious Homemade Pop-Tarts

14. Garlic Avocado Dip {Plus dippers, like carrots!}

15. Easy Hummus

16. Baked Potato Meals {So many ways you could use potatoes!}

17. Kale Chips {With or without the added “kick”!}

18. Paleo Trail Mix

19. Super Easy Nut Crackers

20. Coconut Cranberry Granola {Versatile: add all kinds of yummy ingredients!}

21. Cranberry Quinoa and White Chocolate Granola Bars

22. Chia Fruit and Nut Bars

23. Thai Cucumber Salad

24. Glitter Grapes {These are pretty cool!}

25. Pumpkin Apple Granola

Instant Pot Review with Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ (Vegan)

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 27 Comments

This Red Lentil Chili Recipe is made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal! Packed full of flavor, this will become a family favorite!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Are you afraid of Pressure Cookers? I sure was, I knew there were wonderful easy meals that could be made using a pressure cooker but the thought of it blowing up scared me to death!

I have only seen the kind of pressure cooker that you put on a stove top and it had the little rattling pressure value that hisses and swirls around. I just couldn’t bring myself to use one because my mind imagined all kinds of events with the cooker blowing up and hitting me in the head and blowing food all over the place.

My friend Bobbi, had just recently purchased an electric Pressure Cooker called a Instant Pot highly recommended by Chef AJ. Bobbi has had a fear of pressure cookers, like I had, but swares this one is so easy to use! So we cooked up a Red Lentil Chili Recipe from Chef AJ. The recipe is in the booklet that comes with the Instant Pot but I have it for you below!

This electric Pressure Cooker looked very easy to use. It has all kinds of safety bells & whistles. When you close the lid, it sings to you so you know you did it right. Then when you turn it on and put in the time recommended for cooking, it slowly brings the cooker up to pressure then the time for cooking shows in the indicator.

It will cook for the amount of time you had selected and then it slowly releases the pressure automatically and when it is done switches to a warm mode!

NOT having to sit and watch that pressure gauge so it stays within range constantly is such a bonus!

There are 11 settings to choose from and you can choose a pre-programmed setting for specific things like:

rice
beans & chili
poultry
slow cook
steam
porridge
soup
meat & stew
saute
multi-grain
yogurt

If you have a pressure cooker try this recipe and if you don’t have one you can buy the Instant Pot HERE.

And all I have to say about this recipe is WOW, OMG my mouth is bursting with flavor! This is so delicious. It’s vegan, salt-free, gluten-free and absolutely yummy! I never expected such flavor. OMG you must make this recipe!

Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ

Print Recipe

3.67 from 33 votes

Red Lentil Chili Recipe by Chef AJ (Vegan)

This Red Lentil Chili Recipe is made in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight meal! Packed full of flavor, this will become a family favorite!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 152kcal

Author: My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life

Ingredients

1 lb red lentils
7 cups water
29 ounce salt free diced tomatoes fire roasted preferred
1 - 6 ounce can of salt-free tomato paste
10 ounces of chopped onion approximately one large onion
1 lb of red bell pepper diced approximately 2 large peppers
3 ounces pitted dates 12 Deglet Noor or 6 Medjool
8 cloves of garlic finely minced
4 TBs Apple Cider Vinegar
1.5 TBs Parsley Flakes
1.5 TBs Oregano
1.5 TBs Chili Powder salt-free
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Blend the dates, garlic, red bell pepper and tomatoes in a blender until smooth and place into the Instant Pot.
Place all remaining ingredients in Instant Pot and cook on high for 10 minutes.
Let pressure release naturally or quick release and enjoy immediately.
Serve over baked potato or have as is in bowls sprinkled with parmesan.

Notes

Nutritional values are based on one cup

Nutrition

Amazon Shopping List

Bone Builder’s Backpack #BacktoSchool Program

August 5, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

Here’s a shout out to the Bone Builder’s Backpack (Back to School) Program! I am visiting a friend, Bobbi, who works at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was telling me of this great program they are currently doing sponsored by Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Denali Center and Life Point Church, created to alleviate weekend hunger among students at Hunter Elementary in Fairbanks, AK. All hospital and Denali Center employees are encouraged to gather non-perishable, individual portion sized food items good for children to eat for snacks and meals and donate these foods for backpacks. These backpacks are then stuffed with food and sent home with enrolled children at Hunter Elementary, approximately 110 children in the program.

What a wonderful program to help with Child Hunger! It still is so hard for me to believe there are families who are not able to provide enough food for children that they go hungry on the weekends.

Questions? Email Leilani Sauer – [email protected]

Kitchenaid & Ice Cream Attachment Giveaway! #SummerofKitchenaid

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 17 Comments

Oh I’m excited to join with Host Budget Earth in giving away a Kitchenaid Mixer with an Ice Cream Attachment! Do you like to make delicious summer treats? Some of our best summer memories are sitting outside with family eating delicious fruit treats or even a yummy ice cream from the ice cream truck.

KitchenAid Mixer

We are celebrating Summer with the Summer of Kitchenaid! It isn’t too late to make some homemade ice cream, especially with seasonal fruits! And remember you can make wonderful Dairy-free ice cream too! Check out my Dairy-free Cookbook review and get a Dairy-free pumpkin ice cream recipe!

KitchenAid 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker Attachment

To help one of our readers make some last minute summer memories, Budget Earth and and a group of my favorite bloggers are joining forces to bring you this fantastic giveaway! One very lucky reader will win a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and official Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Ice Cream attachment. To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and then enter through the Rafflecopter.
Summer of Kitchenaid Sweepstakes

One lucky reader will win a Kitchen Stand Mixer & Ice Cream Attachment.
Open Worldwide.
Outside United States, prize will be cash-equivalent only in US dollars.
Winners will be chosen at random through Random.org.
Sweepstakes ends August 21st at 11:59pm ET.
Winner will be notified via email.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
Budget Earth is responsible for prize fulfillment.
Must be 18 years or older to enter giveaway form.
Only one entrant per household.
Void where prohibited.
Entering this giveaway means you agree to terms above.
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive monetary compensation or product for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. Prize fulfillment will be handled by Budget Earth.

Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure? Contact [email protected] to see how I can help YOUR company today!

Nasal Allergies Get New Guidelines from Academy of Otolaryngology

August 5, 2015 By Colleen 7 Comments

Nasal Allergies Get New Guidelines from Academy of Otolaryngology

New guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology are focusing on nasal allergies. It is estimated that one out of every six people in the United States suffers from these types of allergies. However, the academy has information about treatment options that may help.

New Recommendations

Nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are a common problem for people across the country. The American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests that sublingual immunotherapy may be a better option than traditional immunotherapy injections as a treatment. Experts believe that immunotherapy will be developed more in the future. In addition, the academy recommends considering surgery in extreme cases. However, before surgery, patients should think about other treatments. They should also consider their environment and how they can reduce exposure to allergens.

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Nasal Allergies

The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends acupuncture as a treatment for people suffering from allergic rhinitis. It points out this is an option that does not involve surgery or drugs. Natural treatments are preferred by many allergy sufferers, so they may want to consider acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Beginners

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Questions Despite recommending acupuncture, the academy does not suggest trying Chinese herbal medicine. It mentions that these herbal treatments vary widely and are difficult to track. Although some patients report improvements, others have documented reactions to the herbs or no change in their condition. Safety concerns are also a problem because treatments are not tested.

Chinese Herbal Medicine 192 Key Herbs with Photos and Uses

Over-the-counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications are a common treatment used by nasal allergy sufferers. However, the American Academy of Otolaryngology reminds people that antihistamines cannot relieve their stuffy noses, but they may provide other benefits like reducing sneezing. If you are looking for help with a stuffy nose, decongestants may help. Nasal steroid sprays are another option to consider, but they usually require a prescription.

SOURCE:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_150722.html

Back to School Backpacks

August 4, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

This summer is flying by and with back to school approaching, are you in need of backpacks? Check out a gazillion cute new backpacks for the coming year.

When I think of back to school, I think of travel time! Summer crowds are gone and getting into national parks are so much easier. And with fall approaching, wildlife is easier to view. Almost any time is travel time for me! I have been looking at my luggage noticing how worn and out of date it is. I love the look of the hard sided luggage.

One thing my friends has a hand held scale devise to hook your suitcase to so you can easily see how much it weighs. I am thinking about getting one and Amazon has a scale on sale for $10.50! In fact, there are a lot of fun looking travel gadgets that I need to check out!

The best thing about shopping online is the ease of shopping at home and with PRIME at Amazon, getting free shipping, which is huge benefit for those of us in Alaska.

Click on the link below and check out what kind of back to school and travel deals you can get! What are your favorite back to school treasures?

Juvederm Ultra Smile, for a younger look

August 3, 2015 By Colleen Leave a Comment

Juvederm Ultra Smile, for a younger look

Our body is a great machine. Everything inside of it is built so that it can function perfectly. But, over time, our biological system is no longer be able to produce substances that are important for its maintenance. Skin is one of the organs affected by this change.
As we get older, skin reduces production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. All of these substances are crucial for the skin because they absorb bad elements from our environment and restore lost cells. Without it, skin slowly starts withering away. At the same time, other environmental factors increasingly lead to destruction of tissue. When it comes to internal tissue rejuvenation, the body is not able to replenish lost tissue. However, that is not the case with the skin.
The Cosmetic industry provides us with advanced drugs such as Juvederm Ultra Smile that is able to restore lost tissue by introducing a purified form of hyaluronic acid. The Substance works by binding water molecules, creating a plump appearance. This drug belongs to a group called medical fillers. In a world of cosmetic medicine, this is a newer treatment which has already shown excellent results. The Important thing about these drugs is that they do not cause severe side effects. Unlike other procedures that are very invasive and can endanger a patient’s health, the use of medical fillers is based on natural substances. They are additionally purified so that the body can absorb them with ease. Given that hyaluronic acid is already present within the body, our bodies register it as a normal, natural substance.
Treatments that use medical or cosmetic fillers have temporary effect. A few years back, collagen was the main substance used for production of these drugs. However, companies have noticed that hyaluronic acid provides much better results so more and more manufacturers are trying to change their formulas and provide consumers with a better solution. This acid is dissolvable within a body. According to Doctor Medica, Juvederm Ultra Smile can last up to 12 months within a body. During that period of time, a patient can decide whether he likes the result. After that, he can opt to take additional shots. Otherwise, there is no commitment of any sort and the drug will run through the body as if it was never there. Additionally, a medical filler treatment prolongs the duration of hyaluronic acid within the body.
By using Juvederm Ultra Smile, a patient is able to treat facial wrinkles that appear bellow nose and around mouth. Although (as it’s name suggests) this drug is primarily used for lips. Treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes and it is painless. Doctors recommend use of ice packs to reduce potential swelling after the procedure. Side effects are minimal and consist of skin irritations. These side effects can appear a few days after medical filler treatment and last for up to a week.

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