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My Experience With Primary Immunodeficiency

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Primary Immunodeficiency – it is one of my most recent diagnosis by my allergist/immunologist.  Typically, I am not one to seek out definitive diagnosis, as chronic Lyme Disease can so closely mimic a myriad of conditions, that simply the acknowledgement and proper treatment by my functional medicine doctors is typically enough. However, this time, things are different.  For over a year now, I have been working with an allergist/immunologist to first figure out the reason I am allergic to everything, and then to find why I developed Mast Cell Activation Disorder.  While I have an entire article saved under my “drafts” on the topic of mast cells, I first wanted to share an update on my personal journey with this disorder.  After the most recent panel of extensive bloodwork by my allergist/immunologist, it was clear that I have a Primary Immune Deficiency.

 Immunodeficiency

Without going into detail, an immunodeficiency disease (whether primary or secondary) is where one’s immune system is lacking adequate pieces to function properly. When this happens, fighting against literally anything and everything becomes impossible.  In turn, this creates extreme susceptibility, and in my case, chronic infection despite sufficient treatment, mast cell activation disorder, and overall autonomic nervous system damage.  My doctor believes that this “hole” in my immune system has been present since I was born (i.e. primary).  However, it was not a serious issue until it got hit with a few factors, whether it be the Lyme infection or other stressors such as the various sinus infections I had in middle school. Many years ago when I was first ruling out the beginning factors of my Lyme, my Lyme literate neurologist found that I had small nerve damage, for which he put me on IVIG.  Though I have had two Lyme tests come back positive, one of them showed the bands to be very faint.  Why? Because my body never had enough antibodies to actually fight against the Lyme and show on the test.

The Diagnosis

In short, aside from having chronically low white blood counts, my blood work also showed that I have no antibodies.  Therefore, I am left unable to fight for myself, susceptible to anything that comes my way, including staph, strep and a variety of other infections I have been dealing with for over 4 years now. Not only am I susceptible to the “bad guys,” but as a result of having no antibodies to fight, my mast cells compensate and continually misfire.  My doctor likes to the use the analogy of the police coming to the rescue of a raging fire.  While it is nice that they are there, what the situation really needs is a slue of firefighters who can actually put the fire out.   In the case of my body, the mast cells are the police men.  It’s great that they are there, but really, they are quite useless in their act of defense, and in turn, create a myriad of other health complications due to the substances they are constantly releasing in my body (histamine – to name one of the most commonly known).  All in all, this diagnosis accounts for a large portion of the symptoms and conditions I experience on a daily basis.  While it was always quite obvious to me as the patient that something was wrong, a definitive diagnosis allows us to pinpoint how to fix the issues at hand.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin

The treatment my doctor has prescribed is IVIG, something I did for two, six month intervals a few years ago.  However, unlike my LLMD neurologist, she is going to start me very low and slow, with 2.5 grams per week, slowly adding up until I reach 60 grams.  Because I have gotten to the point of not being able to restore my body on its own, I must call on other’s supply for help.  By receiving immunoglobulins on a weekly basis, I will be able to slowly rebuild my immune system.  In turn, this will help my POTS, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, state of chronic infection, and resulting, body wide symptoms and health complications.  While there still is a long road ahead of me to obtain true health, this diagnosis will serve as a large piece of the puzzle to restoring my body.

What About AIP?

This situation serves as a great example of both the strong influence that proper diet and lifestyle can have, while also showing its limitations.  I have been following the Autoimmune Protocol, a long with various other healing diet and lifestyle protocols that I have needed in order to try and heal.  Yet despite following everything to the T (I’m a major type A personality), my body has not healed like it should.  As someone who hasn’t touched any form of sugar in years, eats organ meat almost everyday of the week, has successfully reduced stress, gets enough sleep, movement, and the variety of other primal life principles, I still deal with various issues that I technically shouldn’t be.  Yes, following AIP/Paleo has and continues to be a huge factor in my healing.  Even my allergist/immunologist recognized the fact that if it were not for this extremely healthy way of living that aims to support my body on all levels, I would be a lot sicker than I am today. That being said, everything I do has not healed me, rather has allowed me to cope and make the best of what I have.  However, it doesn’t and isn’t going to be this way forever, as getting my immune system back in action will allow my health-promoting diet and lifestyle make me thrive (not just cope).

Note: This is not a highly technical article, rather one sharing my person experiences and knowledge learned by my doctor.

 

References

Fernandez, J. (2015). Overview of immunodeficiency disorders. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/immune-disorders/immunodeficiency-disorders/overview-of-immunodeficiency-disorders

Immune Deficiency. (2015). Immune Deficiency Foundation. Retrieved from http://primaryimmune.org

2 Samuel 7:22 ““How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”

Tuscan Roasted Cauliflower (AIP/Paleo, Keto)

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 I am always looking for ways to change up the typical version of a recipe.  Yes, roasting cauliflower in some avocado oil with just a dash of sea salt is amazing, yet I didn’t feel that it would be sufficient enough to share with you all.  With the limited amount of ingredients when following the Autoimmune Protocol, it can be difficult to make recipes that are completely different in their flavor profile than the next.  Really, it just comes down to the different ratios and combinations of ingredients one uses that makes foods new and exciting to their tastebuds.  Therefore, while I could go on all month sharing recipes that are based off of Asian cuisine, I decided to take a turn towards Italian flavors, and more specifically, Tuscany.  On the Cooking Channel, there is a show that I have loved watching called “Extra Virgin.”  It is about a couple who moved to and fro Brooklyn, LA, and finally, Tuscany, where Gabriele Corcos is originally from.  The show is full of great recipes based off of real food sourced locally from the land right outside the families window.  Better yet, it is full of history and beautiful Tuscan scenery, something that I simply cannot get enough of.  With all that in mind, today’s recipe was my way of expressing just a bit of this Italian flare that I enjoy watching and absorbing through Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos.  Overall, I am happy to say that my inspiration shined through with great flavor in the end dish, and it was enthusiastically welcomed by everyone around the table.  Are there any cooking shows in particular that inspire you?

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Tuscan Roasted Cauliflower

Print Recipe

(Serves 2-4)
Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower (1 lb)
  • 1/4 cup Kasandrino’s olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 lemon – juiced

Process

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Cut cauliflower into like-size florets and place in a large baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, sea salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
  • Put the garlic through a garlic press, adding it to the mixing bowl.
  • Pour the olive oil mixture over the cauliflower, tossing until fully coated.
  • Place the baking dish in the oven and allow the cauliflower to roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until done to your liking.

 

 

 

Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God”

Spiced Mini Carrot Muffins (AIP/Paleo – Edible Insect Challenge)

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While I typically would follow up a treat recipe with some more, real food recipes, there is a due date for today’s post, so I must divert from the norm and share an AIP/Paleo friendly muffin recipe. When I was approached to enter into an Edible Insect Recipe Challenge, of course I could not resist!  While some may gag at this opportunity, I saw it as just another chance to brainstorm on how to present entomophagy to a nation that otherwise abhors the thought, as I have done in many previously posted recipes utilizing cricket flour.  Though the contest isn’t necessarily geared towards Paleo eating, I wanted to stay true to my roots and make a muffin that was both Paleo and Autoimmune Protocol approved.  While my parents have come to love when I creat recipes with cricket flour, there are some other members in the household that aren’t such a fan.  After my younger brother saw my post about receiving my insects from Marx Food Pantry, I was met with plenty of funny faces and gagging noises., at which I couldn’t help but laugh at.  Yet in order to take the drama out of it all, I chose to secretly add the edible insects to a muffin recipe I had been working on.  Much to what I had hoped, no one guessed the secret ingredients, but instead thoroughly enjoyed them with a cup of coffee and tea.   Overall, the tigernut, cricket flour, and pureed plantain make for a great texture.  Outside, the muffins have a slight crisp, as the spiced currant topping seeps into the muffins and caramelizes the tops.  The muffins are the perfect bread-y yet moist texture, as the shredded carrots add a nice natural sweetness, while the sustainable protein adds a subtle nuttiness to the muffins that highlights the spices quite well.  All in all, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed these mini muffins warm out of the oven slathered with Tinstar Food’s ghee, and still to this day, no one but myself knows of the secret ingredients.  As far as the contest goes, voting is live until October 25th here!

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Spiced Mini Carrot Muffins

Print Recipe

(Yields 12 mini muffins)
Muffin Ingredients

Topping Ingredients 

Process

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a food processor, blend crickets and larva until a fine flour has formed.
  • Transfer flour to a bowl and mix with tigernut flour, sea salt, baking powder, basking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
  • Back in the food processor, shred carrot then use the “S” blade to pulse the shredded carrot into smaller pieces.
  • Remove the carrot from the food processor and set aside for later use.
  • Back in the food processor, pure the lard, plantain, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Spoon dry mixture into the wet until full incorporated, then add in shredded carrot, pulsing until just combined.
  • Grease a mini muffin tin and use a cookie scoop to place an even amount of batter into each muffin hole.
  • To make the topping process larva until smooth, then add lard, dried currents, cinnamon, and ginger, processing until just combined.
  • Dollop the top of each muffin with a bit of the topping.
  • Place the muffins in the oven and allow to bake for 40 minute.

Recipe Notes

Those allergic to shellfish may be allergic to insects.
Tigernut flour can be replaced for almond flour if you are not AIP.
I made the muffins “mini” due to the small amounts of edible insects that I was sent by Marx Pantry.

 

 

 

Psalm 25:14-15 “The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”

Daily Dose of Encouragement: Limitless

DailyDoseEncouragement

Limitless, without boundaries, and complete freedom.  All three of these terms can easily seem impossible to obtain in today’s world, especially when dealing with trials or tribulation.  Whether it be mental, emotional, or physical, there are innumerable instances that we will encounter that will feel like immovable obstacles that have stopped us in our tracks.  These road blocks make moving forward in life seem impossible.    Much like you do while coming across road construction on your way to work or an appointment, the only thing to do is wait until the man in orange gives you the OK to slowly progress forward.  There are many times in life where this man in orange is God, and we feel like we have been left waiting for the “OK” to take another step forward.  It is not to say we can’t move forward by our own doing.  However, we are tired, worn, and without any solution or strength to get out of this mess through your own efforts.  Overall, we just feel plain stuck, and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.  Not only do we feel stuck, but we feel like we are slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the hole of going nowhere.

Limitless

There are various instances in life that can make us feel as if we are unable to budge, one of them being physical limitations.  Anyone who has ever experienced a form of hindrance in their physical well-being can understand what this feels like.  Whether it be a sports injury or a chronic illness, we are left feeling immobile.  Sometimes, the situations are so severe that there is no thought or solution produced by man kind that could ever get us out of such of a predicament.   Yet we must remember one thing, as this one thing will help us to endure such seemingly unshakable circumstances, and that is, with God, there are no limitations.  There are no boundaries with the God who is “mighty in powder” with understanding of “no limit” (Psalm 147:5, NIV).  He is a God greater than anything we will ever encounter here on earth, and in the words of Susie Larson, “He is stronger than your fears, greater than your hurts, and deeper than your insecurities. And He has you in His hand.”  Yet satan will try and plague us with thoughts of despair.  “You will never get out of this,” “this will never end,” “just give up now, it will be easier in the long run.”  Yet these statements are pure lies, brought on to discourage and weaken our souls.  However, we must remind ourselves that yes, this will end, yes, God does have a plan, and yes He will get me out of here.   No, there are no boundaries when are lives are in the hands of the Almighty Creator.  No, the solutions we can come up with are nothing like what our Lord has in mind for getting us around these road blocks, over the mountain that won’t seem to move, or out of the miry mud that we are slowly sinking deeper and deeper into. When we change our thoughts  “I will get out of this,” to “God will get me out of this,”  we no longer have to wrestle with plans that are ultimately in God’s control all along.  So keep your head up valiant soldier, for if you keep pressing on, He promises to take care of the rest.

Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

Cassava Flour Fried Apple Donut Holes (AIP/Paleo)

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It is officially fall, the leaves are changing, the farmer’s markets are ramping up, and yes, the smell of cider doughnuts is in full swing.  To be honest, I’ve never actually tasted a cider doughnut.  I believe this to be due to the fact that I got sick at such a young age, and therefore the opportunity never really had time to present itself.  However, my mother certainly has had a few cider doughnuts in her lifetime, which is where the inspiration for today’s recipe came from.  I’ve always wanted to make some sort of “doughnut” utilizing Paleo friendly ingredients.  Of course, I hesitate to call a “doughnut,” “Paleo,” but, you get the point.  Yet due to never purchasing a doughnut pan, I was always left to making my recipes into muffins or cakes.  However, this past spring this all changed, as my family purchased mini, Cuisinart fryer.  We have filled ours with lots of healthy lard, and seriously, it is the best thing ever.  Automatically, this made my mother think of the doughnuts she had as a kid that were deep fried in lard (not rancid vegetable oil).  Therefore, with a mini fryer on hand and apples at their peak of season, I just had to replicate this treat from her childhood.  Overall, I was absolutely thrilled with how the doughnuts held together while frying, how they puffed up despite not containing yeast or eggs, and the best yet, how they tasted.  The fluffy interior and crispy exterior texture of these doughnuts is so scrumptious that the first words out of my mother’s mouth were “are these even Paleo?!”  Yes, in fact, they are Paleo-friendly, and just so happen to be AIP friendly as well!  After I got the approval of my mom, the rest of the doughnuts got passed out to my visiting extended family, all of which thought they were absolutely amazing.  Truly, no one cared that they didn’t contain the typical doughnut ingredients, as there was no evidence that pureed plantains were used as a binder, or that there was hardly any added sugar.  All in all, they were just too plain delicious.  Yet I must make note that aside from their taste, these doughnuts are truly very simple and quick to make.  If you don’t have a little fryer filled with lard, then this recipe can be your excuse to get one.

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Print Recipe

(Yields 16 Doughnut Holes )
Ingredients

Process

  • Whisk together the cassava flour, cinnamon, sea salt, baking powder, and maple sugar.
  • In a food processor puree the lard, plantain, and vanilla together until smooth.
  • Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and pulse until the mixture is crumbly.
  • Add in chopped apples and pulse until the mixture is no longer crumbly and the dough can be pressed together with your fingers.
  • Preheat your fryer to 375 degrees.
  • Roll the dough into 16 donut holes.
  • Carefully drop the doughnut holes in the oil 3 or 4 at a time, and allow them to cook 7-8 minutes, using a slotting spoon to move them around every now and then so that they cook evenly.
  • Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil, placing them first on a paper towel lined plate, then rolling them each in the maple sugar.
  • Place each doughnut hole in a parchment paper lined bowl or plate for serving.

Recipe Notes

370 is the smoke point for lard, and while I have not had any issues with frying the doughnuts at 375, I do not recommend continually using this temperature.  If you want to avoid any potential pitfalls, simply cook the doughnuts at 370 and add a couple minutes to the cooking time.

 

 

 

Deuteronomy 13:4 “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Oven Baked Pork Ribs with Ginger Thyme Peach Sauce (AIP/Paleo)

 

Ribs

I grew up absolutely loving ribs.  My parents should have known they were doing atleast one thing right in their parenting style! Right?  That being said, creating AIP friendly BBQ that actually stood the taste test against real, nightshade-full BBQ was once slightly intimidating.  Yet after successfully making two different recipes for pulled pork, as well as a loved Rhubarb BBQ Sauce, I was feeling a bit adventurous and decided to expand upon my experience in the realm of BBQ. Much like the sauce that I made this past summer, I chose to use peaches as the base for today’s recipe, as they are in season and therefore in great abundance here in New England.  The pork ribs that I used were also from a farm down the road, which made the entire dish locally sourced, something that I absolutely love both the idea and taste of.  While I have a deep love for ginger, other members in my family tend to shy away from it when cooking.  Therefore, I typically take any chance I can get to introduce it to them in subtle ways, all of which they end up loving once tasting.  In today’s recipe, ginger serves as a the “spicy” factor that would otherwise be present in BBQ in the form of chili powder and paprika.  The peaches give the sauce a natural sweetness, while the vinegar acts as the underlying “tang.”  In place of the umami factor that tomato paste would otherwise give a barbecue sauce, I used just a bit of fish sauce to give it this sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavor that our taste buds can’t help but jump at.  Overall, these ribs were eagerly accepted at the dinner table.  Even my younger brother, who first asked what they were made of, ate them without any negative comments, instead saying “cool” after I rambled off the ingredients.  As noted below, if your ribs are naturally lean like mine, basting the ribs with extra fat while roasting can help yield in a more succulent rib.  On the other hand, placing all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cooking anywhere from 4-8 hours would also be another fantastic method to make these finger-licking ribs.

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Oven Baked Pork Ribs with Ginger Thyme Peach Sauce

Print Recipe

(Serves 4-6)
Rib Ingredients

  • 3 lb baby back pork ribs
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil

Sauce Ingredients (Yields 1 1/2 cups) 

  • 6 whole peaches (3 cups chunked)
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp Red Boat fish sauce

Process

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
  • Prepare ribs by removing the thin membrane on the back of the meat and cutting off any tough end pieces of meat.
  • Place ribs on a large baking sheet and rub down on both sides with sea salt, ground ginger, dried thyme, and avocado oil.
  • Put the ribs in the preheated oven and allow to bake for 2 hours.
  • While the ribs bake, it is time to prepare the sauce.
  • Pit the peaches, cut them into chunks, and place them in a medium sized sauce pan on medium heat, a long with the fish sauce and white wine vinegar.
  • Allow the mixture to heat up, then add in fresh thyme, minced ginger and garlic.
  • Let the mixture come up to a strong simmer and allow it to cook for 10 minutes, stirring every now and then to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.
  • After 10 minutes, turn the heat to low and let the mixture cook another 5 minutes.
  • Once reduced,  pour the mixture into a blender to make a sauce the consistency of your liking.
  • After 2 hours, slather the ribs generously with the peach sauce and place them back in the oven to roast for another 2 hours, slathering with sauce as you see fit.
  • After the 4 hours are up and the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and slather with more peach sauce if desired and fresh thyme.

Recipe Notes 

If your pork ribs are naturally lean, basting them with lard or bacon fat throughout the cooking process can help yield in a more succulent end product.

 

 

 

Exodus 15:2 ““The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

The Healing Art of Pilates for Chronic Lyme Disease

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Much like real food, movement, especially in the form of pilates, has been a huge component of my healing journey from chronic Lyme Disease. Though it was something that I began even before I was sick, it has been during the many years of striving to regain my health that I have found Pilates to be helpful down to my very bone. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances, Pilates allows me to reconnect, relieve tension, be faced with a challenge yet have fun, and ultimately feel better in my own skin.

Where it All Began

UntitledIt all began In the 1900’s with Joseph Pilates, a German man who “turned to exercise and athletics to battle” the physical ailments that plagued him since his childhood. As a young boy, Joseph studied various anatomy books, intently watched how different animals moved with grace yet precision, and used the greek philosophy of man being balanced in his body, mind, and spirit, to create his own set of movements that did just that. This personalized exercise system allowed him to grow from a frail young boy into a strong man, so much so, that he later became Scotland Yard’s self-defense instructor for detectives in England. He then became a German “enemy alien” in World War I, which is where he ultimately refined his movements for what is now termed as “Pilates.” Funny enough, he actually “rigged springs to hospital beds,” which then allowed “bedridden patients to exercise against resistance, an innovation that led to his later equipment designs.” An example of one of these machines is the Pilates reformer, which is pictured in the middle image above. Fast forward to 1926, after Joe’s exercise method had become so popular in Germany that he actually immigrated to America, and more specifically, to New York, where he and his wife had a fitness studio. Many of the individuals from the New York City Ballet attended his studio, while outside of New York, his popularity spread quickly. Even after Joe died, Pilates continued to grow, and in the 1970’s, many celebrities jumped on the bandwagon. Now in days, not only is it in the “mainstream,” but it is also a key component for world renown, elite athlete’s training (those in the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, and Olympics).

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Yes, Pilates is quite legit, so much so that it benefits both those recovering from health complications like myself, and those looking to be the best athlete in the world. This is an aspect of pilates that cannot be said for many other exercise regimens, as they typically prove to be too stressful on the body, thus causing them to either hinder one’s healing process or are unable to be continued into one’s old age. Yet not Pilates, as the young Joseph himself used it to heal from “asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever.” Pilates produces strength, length, and flexibility, all of which are cannot be truly obtained through anything but depth, breadth, and relaxation in your workout. It may sound counter intuitive, as we have been taught that “pain is gain” or that you have to work your body to the ground to ever get the shapely form that you want. Yet this is the furthest thing from the truth, and can be detrimental to your health later on in life. You want your joints to last a long time, that’s why you exercise, take fish oil, or even take Vibes CBD oil to help keep them supple. But all that can be undone just by pushing yourself when in pain during exercise. Professional athletes have had entire careers wiped because they did one more push while hurting.

Pilates is not about forcing our bodies into motion, as this will result in little benefits and true physical fitness. As Joseph Pilates once said, “ideally our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably, our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.”. Pilates is a system that focuses on using the mind to connect and move the body without any tension or pain, strengthening our body down to its very core (no pun intended).

Breath in, Breath out

Without getting too technical, one of the most obvious reasons why Pilates is so beneficial to the body, is due its foundation being based on diaphragm breathing. Before you begin learning any of the movements, mastering this technique is very important, as it will later be brought with you into the more intense exercises. While diaphragm breathing is typically overlooked by the busy society that we live in, the benefits associated with this way of breathing are something that every individual needs. Long, deep breaths are shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system, and ultimately responsible for involuntary actions of our body (the GI tract, heart, and various glands). This causes the deep breathing in Pilates to inevitably be related to relief of muscle tension, stress, simultaneously connecting the mind and body. Other benefits include increase of oxygen flow throughout the body, concentration improvement, strengthening of the lungs, and increases blood flow to muscles. Due to the relationship between emotions and breathing, the quality breaths used throughout Pilates are also beneficial to our mental well-being, as various types of respiration patters are actually linked directly to different emotions that we express. We can all probably think back on a time that we were anxious, scared, happy, or excited. How did your breathing vary throughout these situations? When anxiety or stress is high, our breath tends to be shallow and quick, yet when when we are happy, our body is able to open up and breath fully, even when we don’t even realize it. Due to this strong link between mood and breathing, Pilates is able to stable one’s emotional and mental state of mind, while also preparing the body for future events that may be stressful, as it teaches you how to carry on with diaphragm breathing even outside of the studio or workout. I personally have found that when my body is being put through stressful situations, whether it be a busy week or simply flying in an airplane, focusing on taking deep breaths eliminates large portion of tension and resulting body ache that I can easily experience from chronic Lyme.

Alignment & Posture

Before I got sick, all of my friends always commented that my posture was always so “perfect.” While they weren’t sold on my statement saying it was from Pilates, the ability to keep my back straight and flat while sitting and standing truly was from just that. This is due to the fact that Pilates focuses on proper alignment, where muscles are not strained, rather in the right position to work at maximum potential. Again, the posture and flexibility from doing Pilates is inevitable, as you find yourself striving to lengthen your spine throughout both the simple and complicated movements. That being said, from all of the pain that my body has been in, as well as the many months lying vertical in bed, being able to stand up straight became very difficult. In fact, after receiving the surgery to release my compressed celiac artery, the stiches and surgical drain that were imported in the side of my abdomen made it practically impossible to stand upright. To this day, I still do not live a pain free life, therefore making it difficult to keep my posture correct and shoulders back. However, doing so has become a lot easier with Pilates. I have been able to open up both my back and front of the body through using the muscles deep in my core. In doing so, I also release tension in my shoulders, hips, and neck. This has allowed me to migrate out of the fetal position that my body has been in for years as an expression of of self defense and protection, into being the tall individual I was originally made.

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For Everyone, For Life

From an exercise standpoint, Pilates is something I can do whenever, wherever, regardless of how I am feeling. It is not to say I am doing an extreme workout everyday, however, at the very least, I strive to incorporate even the smallest of movements encompassed in Pilates throughout my week. While I prefer the reformer, mat Pilates is something that I can do on the floor of a hotel room or even when we are staying overnight on our boat in the summer (as funny as that may sound). Listening to my body is key, and with Pilates, I can do as little or as much of a given exercise as my body sees fit. Truly, you can find a great deal of work for your muscles in the smallest of movements. Nothing has to be big or dramatic. Instead, by focusing in on a specific group of muscles while releasing tension and lengthening through the spine, your body is put into the ideal form of exertion. Overall, Pilates helps you “tune in” with your body and “tune out” when you want nothing to do with your body. It is the best of both worlds. Somedays I zero in on the exercises I am doing, focusing on precision and various muscle groups throughout my core. Other days I focus solely on my breathing, not caring how many repetitions I do or what the form looks like. Pilates can also a fantastic way to “play,” which as previously discussed in my post on finding primal play in today’s modern world, is very important to keeping life new and exciting. True play is enjoyable, relieves tension, and helps you express yourself. Therefore, with Pilates as a clear form of play, it inevitably helps your cognitive, social, communication, and physical development. While elite athletes do it as part of their exercise regimen, Pilates is truly something that you can do simply as a daily treat for yourself. As pain therapy, pain management, pain reduction, and overall pain distraction, Pilates is my little get away from the rest of the world and all the responsibilities that come a long with chronic Lyme. I also find that Pilates helps significantly with keeping my lymphatic system flowing, while also helping regulate blood flow throughout my body. In the end, while posture, breathing, gaining strength and relaxation are just a few of the positive effects I personally experience from Pilates, there truly is a whole world of other benefits that each and every individual has the chance to find for themselves. Overall, Pilates is just plain fun, and the best thing is, it is fun that heals.

Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

References

Balance Body. (n.d.). Benefits of pilates. Retrieved from http://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/pilates/benefits-of-pilates.html

Pilates Bridge. (n.d.). 12 scientifically proven benefits of pilates for your peace of mind. Retrieved from http://pilatesbridge.com/12-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-pilates-for-your-peace-of-mind/

Thomson, B. (n.d.). Joseph pilates life and biography. Retrieved from http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/pilates/h_biography.htm

Wednesday Wellness. (n.d.). Importance of the breath. Retrieved from https://www.nmu.edu/wellness/sites/DrupalWellness/files/UserFiles/9.19_final.pdf

Turnip, Leek, and Greens Hash (AIP/Paleo, Keto)

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I am working on a few articles that I cannot wait to share in the upcoming weeks, one being on how pilates has helped me heal through chronic Lyme Disease, and another being on mast cells.  However, before I post those, I wanted to share a little bit of what is currently going down in my kitchen.  Now that my family and I are home for the fall, we are getting the local farm share full of a variety of veggies.  Therefore, with all of the produce on hand, I decided to make it my goal to share the different ways that my family typically enjoys the vegetables.  Truly, it is not hard to make sweet potatoes, kohlrabi, turnips, radishes, leeks, dark leafy green, and broccoli incredibly tasty.  Today I decided to combine three of these to make a savory dinner hash, though it could easily be served for breakfast.  The leeks make the kitchen smell absolutely wonderful, as they caramelize just a bit and add natural sweetness to the dish that offsets the slight bitterness of the turnips and kale.  If you are not usually a fat of turnips, thinly shredding them makes them a hundred times more appealing.  The same can also be said for kale.  I served this as a side dish to my families dinner of roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and my upcoming rutabaga gravy recipe.  It easily passed the taste test of everyone around the table, including my aunt and uncle who were visiting from out of state.  Overall, today’s recipe is an incredibly tasty way to add a punch of nutrients to any meal, and quite honestly, I could have eaten the entire hash.

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Turnip, Leek, and Greens Hash

Print Recipe

(Serves 4-6)
Ingredients 

  • 3 cups shredded turnips (from 4 medium size turnips)
  • 4 cups shredded kale
  • 2 cups shredded leeks
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lard
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Process

  • Use a food processor with the shredder attachment to shred the turnips and kale.
  • Use a knife to thinly slice the leeks.
  • Heat a large pan with lard on medium-low, and once hot, add in leeks.
  • Stir the leeks around until fragrant, then add in shredded kale and sea salt.
  • Allow the mixture to cook 2-3 minutes, then add in the balsamic vinegar, mixing it around until the vinegar has dissipated.
  • Add in the shredded turnips, stir the mixture around, allowing it to cook until the turnips have just softened and then serve.

Recipes Notes

For low-FODMAP, simply use leek greens instead of the white part of the leek.

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Chunky Monkey Tigernut Flour Banana Bread (AIP/Paleo, Coconut Free)

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 Before getting into all-things-pumpkin spice, I wanted to share today’s banana bread.  Growing up, my mother didn’t make banana based treats very often, as my dad was known for allergically reacting to them.  After reading the Paleo Approach, I realized this was probably due to antibody cross-reactivity, as bananas are grouped under those associated with ragweed-pollen allergies, something my father struggles with.    This lack of banana bread (I know, I was so deprived haha), resulted in a deep love for the snack whenever I was served it at friend’s house.  I can always remember the deep, rich, caramel-like flavor that the bread had.  Whether hot or cold, the moist yet scrumptious texture of banana bread simply cannot be beaten.  These memories and flavor profile that I remember from my childhood are exactly what I tried to encompass in today’s recipe.  Typically, the name “chunky monkey” indicates that the recipe has nuts, however, in place of this  I chose to use a bit of tiger nut flour to replicate this.  The great thing about this recipe is that it is practically flourless, as the bananas themselves act as a great binding and rising agent.  Not only that, but aside from the chocolate (or carob) chips that are used, there is no added sugar.  I always like to refer back to Flame to Fork’s carob chips, as these have proven to be a fantastic replacement for chocolate chips in many Autoimmune-Protocol Paleo recipes.  That being said, if you want to go completely fruit sweetened, dried currants, chopped dates, or even raisins, would work as a great substitute.  For those of you worried about to many “sweets” on the Autoimmune Protocol.…No, sweet treats shouldn’t necessarily be a “staple” in your healing diet.  However, I do like to offer the recipes my family thoroughly enjoys that just so happen to be AIP in nature.   In fact, this recipe proved to be just that, as I found my dad asking “where are those banana bars you made the other day?”  Overall, the rich flavor, moist center, and caramelized banana topping make these bars a sure winner.

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Chunky Monkey Banana Bread Blondies

Print Recipe

(Serves 8)
Blondies

Topping 

Process

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Puree 2 banans, vanilla, and shortening until smooth.
  • Add in tigernut flour, baking soda, and sea salt, continuing to puree until a smooth batter has formed.
  • Fold in chocolate or carob chunks.
  • Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, and transfer batter into the pan, smoothing out the top with your spatula.
  • Slice the remaining banana on a diagonal, placing each slice on top of the batter in a single, even layer.
  • Sprinkle with maple sugar, dollop remaining 1 tbsp of shortening, and place in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.
  • Once golden and pulled away from the edges, remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing the loaf from the pan to continue to cool in the parchment.

Recipe Notes

If you are feeding a crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake them off in a 8×8 inch brownie pan.

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Grilled Asian Lamb Chops (AIP/Paleo, Keto)

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Today’s recipe was my 19th birthday present to myself back in August. While I did play around with experimenting an AIP friendly treat based off of this chocolate cake, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my lamb chops much more than anything else on my plate. Prepared in an Asian marinade and full of juicy fat, this dish includes all of my favorite aspects of food piled into one. Honestly, I’d rather have a cut of meat accompanied by a thick slab of fat over a baked good any day. I served my chops alongside two heads of sauteed local swiss chard, as the dish is so satisfying there is really no need to make anything else to go with it. It is the kind of recipe that has your mouth salivating even before the chops are off the grill, and once they are, you will be making sure ever last bit of meat is off the bone and licking your fingers wishing there was more (atleast that is what I was doing). If that sounds anything like you, I’d recommend making a double recipe. Of course, if you are not a fan of lamb (which I have heard is an actual thing), you can easily use pork chops, steak, or even chicken thighs in place of the lamb. The marinade contains a few ingredients that are harder to find so I could suggest using an asian grocery delivery service as they will have everything you need. Plus, it has a healthy dose of fish sauce but I still like to finish my chops off with a sprinkle of salt once cooked, which helps round out the savory and sweet flavor. Though it is currently almost October and indoor cooking seems to be coming back in season, I believe that the grill should be used for cooking until snow literally prohibits me from walking out on the patio to turn it on. Therefore, even if it is a bit chilly in the state that you reside, I promise that these lamb chops are worth the fresh air. Overall, this recipe is quite flavorful, yet not so much as to take away from the delicious, natural taste of the lamb. If grilling, juicy cuts of meat, or anything Asian related is up your alley, you are sure to love this dish.

LambChops

Grilled Asian Lamb Chops

Print Recipe

(Serves 2-3)
Ingredients

  • 1 lb lamb chops
  • 2 limes – juiced
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Redboat fish sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 cup sliced scallions
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Sichuan pepper

Process

  • Place lamb chops in a sealable gallon sized bag.
  • Whisk together marinade ingredients and pour over the lamb chops.
  • Squeeze out all of the air in the bag and tightly seal the bag, allowing to marinade anywhere from 1-8 hours.
  • Once through with marinading, turn the grill to medium-high.
  • Place chops on the grill, watch them closely as to not allow them to burn to a crisp, and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes per side.
  • After the chops have cooked to your desire, remove them from the grill and serve.

Recipe Notes

Cooking time depends on how rare you like your lamb to be.
For a completely Low-FODMAP version, substitute maple syrup for the molasses, or omit all together.
Molasses on its own is not Keto, however, due to the extremely small amount left after the chops have been marinated and cooked, it is not an issue.

 

 

Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

Beyond the Bite Community: Andrew Hurley’s Story with Lyme

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Today’s post is one by a Andrew Hurley, an individual that is part of Beyond the Bite Community.  We both thought that my blog would be the perfect starting place for him to share his article of dealing with chronic Lyme Disease.  Not only does it show the depths of what battling Lyme is like, but it also contains humor and hope, both of which are essential to healing.   So, without further adieu…

Andrew’s Story

There are 3 reasons I want to tell the story about my experience with Lyme Disease: To educate people on this disease and spread awareness of its effects, to provide a beacon of hope for those who are currently suffering with Lyme, and to help people find silver linings during difficult times. My dear, dear friend and mentor Curtis “Fifty Cent” Jackson once said, “Sunny days wouldn’t be special, if it wasn’t for rain/Joy wouldn’t feel so good, if it wasn’t for pain.”  Preach on, Fitty!  So, is this a serious story? Yes, it involves my 2 bouts with near suicidal depression. Hey guys, don’t worry – I’m still here. Is this a happy story?  Yes, it involves a man completely changing his life for the better.

Where To Begin?

Let’s start with my Yelp review of Bishop Guertin High School in Nashua, NH: “Class of 2009.  5 stars! Would recommend to others!  I got to drink and be with friends all the time and had not a care in the world. Life is easy!”  Naturally, I assumed life would just keep getting better and better. But as Stephen King once wrote, “The World eventually sends out a mean ass patrol boy to slow your progress and show you who’s boss.  You reading this have undoubtedly met yours (or will).”

I met the patrol boy during the fall of 2010 in my second year at Northeastern University in Boston.  Seemingly out of nowhere I started developing some extreme symptoms that I had never experienced before.  I started feeling horribly depressed, anxious, dizzy, sore, tired, and just overall not like myself.  I heard everyone telling me college was supposed to be the best years of my life, and I panicked.  These are some of the thoughts that were running through my head around the fall of 2010.  Do I have cancer?  I feel so weak I can hardly get out of bed.  I feel tired all of the time.  I’m really dizzy 24/7.  Do I have some sort of chemical imbalance?  I’m suddenly Captain Anxiety and the only power I gained was the ability to compulsively eat pizza like I’m on a game show and the object of the game we’re playing is to eat the most pizza.  Why can’t I think through what I need to pack in a bag for a weekend trip?  Why do I feel like I’m in a dream (and not the cool kind of dream where you can fly or that girl you always had a crush on confesses her love for you)? Am I ever going to feel well again?

Folsom Prison

Lyme Disease affects the brain, so part of the frustration of trying to figure out what was wrong with me was the psychological and physical symptoms of this disease bleeding into one another.  At one point when we were trying to arrive at an explanation and diagnosis, I remember my mom asking, “Okay we know there is a problem here.  But, Andrew, is this physical or is this emotional?”  Thinking I was losing my mind, but still physically feeling like I got hit by a truck, I yelled through tears “I don’t know!”

Lyme is so hard to diagnose that from the Fall of 2010 through the end of 2013 I spent time with doctors that could not figure out what was wrong with me.  They were treating my symptoms instead of figuring out what the root cause of all of this was.  During this time I thought I had something called Adrenal Fatigue (which it turns out I did, but it was just a symptom of Lyme) and gut-health issues that were affecting my brain (sexy, I know).  I tried every remedy under the sun.  Adrenal supplements, bone broth, lots of kale, sinus surgery, and Native American Witch Doctors.  I didn’t try that last one, but I was desperate enough to consider it.

My symptoms did improve somewhat over this time as some of these treatments worked, but they only acted to mask symptoms – I was not actually getting any healthier.  Life ranged from bearable at best to “I can’t take this anymore” at worst.  I kept my head down, kept attending class at Northeastern, and completed three different full time 6-month internships while at school.  Looking back, I have no idea how I did I graduated on time and kept working, but it had to be strength from God.  We’ll get into God a little later.  But for now, here is the turning point.

Help Me, Obi-Wan Kenobi.  You’re My Only Hope.

I did so much research on the human body and doctors in the area from 2010 – 2013 that I basically became Dr. Gregory House (minus the Vicodin addiction).  At the beginning of 2014, I came across this facility in Central Massachusetts called the Ultrawellness Center.  It sounded like the name of a Scientology center so I was skeptical, but it had a fantastic reputation for diagnosing people properly who had bounced around from doctor to doctor without answers.  I booked an appointment for January 4th, 2014.

I saw Dr. Todd Lapine and within about 20 minutes of me telling him the history of the previous 3+ years, he was pretty sure that I had Lyme Disease.  I told him that I couldn’t possibly have Lyme because I was tested back in 2010 when this whole debacle started.  He replied by telling me that Lyme tests are very unreliable and that I most likely had a false negative. Touché, Lapine.  He told me that while Lyme Disease is difficult to diagnose, it is even more difficult to treat. Translation: the battle has just begun.

I drove home that afternoon in a snowstorm that turned a 3-hour drive into a 5-hour drive.  I was completely overwhelmed because I had just had this bomb dropped on me and I was supposed to start my first full-time job that Monday. I got home and went into my room alone for a few hours.  I just wanted to be alone and feel bad for myself.  A few weeks later, I officially got diagnosed with Lyme.  I still have the voicemail on my phone.  The woman leaving the message seemed so nervous… I remember thinking, “you’re not the one with Lyme, so why do you care so much?”  I had to take the next few months day by day.   I started my new job and would pretty much go to bed immediately after getting home every day.  This was a dark time in my life, but I started writing down everything positive from each day, no matter how small it was.  I started actually being treated for Lyme that March when I found a specialist in Hanover, NH.  I have made an incredible amount of progress since then, and I continue to make my way back to health little by little every month.  I have a long way to go, but there is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel.

This Is Major Tom To Ground Control.

I could sit here and tell you how hard my life has been since 2010.  Sorry, I think I am going to do that for me like 30 seconds.  But then it gets happy.  I promise. Have you ever had a problem that you literally couldn’t ever get away from – not even for a minute?  The amount of frustration I had watching my friends have fun and not being able to explain just how sick I was cannot be put into words.  I went to countless doctors who ran countless tests and responded every time with little more than shoulder shrugs.  It made having a girlfriend or meeting new people seem so far out of reach.  How are you supposed to even talk to people when you don’t feel like yourself and you want to crawl in a hole? For a few periods of time, I stopped wearing a seatbelt and considered driving my car into something.  But I don’t want to dwell on all of that.  I want to tell you about some of the amazing lessons I have learned since 2010 and how my life has changed in some unexpectedly beautiful ways.

Fun (With Problems)

So let’s lighten it up, shall we?  Through my years of trying to figure out what was wrong with me, I have learned so much about food. I basically minored in nutrition and completely changed my diet.  I also learned how to cook (LADIES???).  At the time that this all started going down, I hadn’t eaten so much as a carrot since the Bush Administration and would’ve lived inside a pepperoni Hotpocket if given the chance, so this was a big adjustment.  My sophomore year college roommate and I single handedly kept a Papa John’s in business one fall – I’m pretty sure we bathed in the garlic sauce.  Are you seeing a trend? I had a problem.  When I first changed my diet, I lost 55 pounds in about 3 months.  I thought that I was “big boned” my whole life.  Turns out I was just an extra thick milkshake that needed to lose about a quarter of his body weight.

Also, I loved drinking.  I have been crowned “Best drinking partner” on multiple occasions and I believe I deserve that honor.  But I don’t drink anymore.  Yes, it’s for my health, but I am not sure I want to drink even when I can some day. A casual 3 beers with friends around a campfire?  Sounds ideal!  Personally, I can’t do it.  I was always a 100 proof Rum guy.  More specifically I was a “drink too much 100 proof rum and attempt to yell at members of the New York Yankees through the television” guy (this really happened but it was 4 Loko.  OG 4 Loko.  I ain’t no rookie).   Although I feel like the Jimi Hendrix of drinking (cut down in his prime), alcoholism runs deep in my family and I feel like stopping at the age of 20 allowed me to dodge a potentially huge bullet. It’s been about more than just the physically harmful effects of drinking though.  I’ve taught myself how to be comfortable with silence and not rely on alcohol as a social crutch.  I have learned how to ask questions and listen intently during conversations rather than just stay in idle chitchat.  I also haven’t thrown up in almost five years, so I’ve got that going for me… which is nice. And as for me and pepperoni Hotpockets? We are never, ever, ever getting back together.

We Can Rebuild Him…

I have completely different goals, interests, and aspirations than I did a few years ago. I am a more well-rounded person, and I have a clear vision of what I want my future to look like.  Since I have had my health taken away from me for a (temporary) period of time, I now cherish the thoughts of hiking, running, camping, singing, drawing, and climbing.  Most “ing” words, really, that don’t involve “sitting.”  In these past few years, I have watched enough Netflix for a lifetime and can quote every line to Dumb & Dumber (“Excuse me, Flo?”).  Enough is enough.  I plan on being that annoying healthy old guy who is running marathons with the young guns.

“Patience is a virtue.” I believe it was Andrew Hurley who gave us that nugget of wisdom back in 2014.  I agree with him.  The whole time period has given me much more patience.  Those who know me well might say that the last sentence might not be saying much, but it’s still an improvement.  So now when I can’t get a parking spot at Trader Joe’s, I just swear at the guy taking up two spots for 30 seconds instead of a full minute.  Silently and in the safety of my car, obviously. What am I, a tough guy?  In all seriousness, I am much more patient in many other areas of my life – difficulty at work, moving stresses, unexpected relationship problems.  It’s given me so much perspective on what is worth getting upset about and what is simply out of my control.  But in less seriousness, that guy at TJ’s has to know he’s taking up two spots, right?

Once More Unto The Breach, Dear Friends, Once More.

This time period has allowed me to empathize with those who are struggling.  I am not just talking about Lyme Disease – there are other physical and mental health problems that can be treated if people are pointed in the right direction.  Hopelessness doesn’t have to be the norm for those suffering.  Now that I am getting treated, I feel so much better than I did in 2010.  My depression and anxiety are going away. I am a living example that you can come through the deepest darkest times of your life if you just keep going.  I really thought that I was in an absolutely hopeless situation and that I was never going to get better.  These feelings were the strongest during the winter of 2010-2011 and when I found out I had Lyme in early 2014. I never specifically planned on killing myself, but a few times I thought, “I can’t do this anymore.  If this lasts any longer, I am going to have to die.  That’s that.”

But life got better.  That’s what I would say to anyone who is really having a hard time.  Just keep pushing. Clean up your diet. Exercise.  Seek professional help.  Make sure medication is the last house on the block, but make sure it’s still on the block.  Don’t take it off the table.  And please don’t be embarrassed to talk to someone about your struggles.  Crying is like throwing up for the soul- you will feel so much better.

I’m No Longer A Slave To Fear.

Above all, the most important change in my life has been the development of my relationship with God.  Full disclosure: I’m about to get a pretty Jesus-y here, and I mean that in the best way.  I grew up in a Christian home, but my faith didn’t become real until I was confronted with extremely trying times.  I learned what it was like to give up control over circumstances I was trying to hold on to in vain and see God work things together for good.  God replaced some of my selfishness with a desire to love others more than myself.  I have never felt adequate in sharing the Gospel with others and cannot eloquently put into words the changes I have seen in my life since putting faith in God, but I can say I am nowhere near perfect and never will be.  Neither is anyone else, and that is the whole point – grace for all exists anyway.

Studying Jesus himself has been fascinating – I’m actually reading the Bible instead of being told what it says by “Christians” who don’t act like Jesus whatsoever.  I don’t have all of the answers and struggle with questions all of the time, but I do know that I am more kind, gentle, accepting, loving, generous, and honest than I have ever been.  I take approximately zero credit for that, personally.  God pulled me close to Him during this seemingly impossible time of my life and I quite literally could not have survived without Him and the friends & family in my life.

The Best Of What’s Around

I recently dug through some old notes I wrote down and this is what I had to say in November of 2010: “All I want is to feel normal again so I can move in a positive direction in my life, but this is not happening right now.  I have been pleading with God to heal me, but I am honestly not very optimistic.  I’m trying to be, but it’s just not really in my nature.  All of my other issues, whether it be about girls or friends or school or whatever have kind of fallen by the wayside right now.  This is like the sound of a jet plane, drowning out everything else.  It’s the only thing I think about because I can always feel it.”  I still can feel like that some days. But instead of waddling in despair, I get excited about everything I am going to accomplish in the future and I thank God for all that I have learned. I don’t know when I will be completely better, but I know I will be some day.  I’m lucky enough to see the bright side of this difficult season of my life and feel honored to share it with you.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get a “Smooth Seas Never Made a Skilled Sailor” tattoo.

-Hurlz 2.0

P.S.

I’ve added a FAQ portion on the next few pages that dives into diagnosing and treating Lyme if you are so inclined.  If not, that’s cool too.  This is America and I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.  As a bonus to reward you for reading the FAQ’s, I have included some pictures from the past 5 years.  I’m realizing now that you can totally just scroll past the FAQ’s and look at the pictures.  Welp… what can I say?  With great power comes great responsibility.

End p.s.

faq

Lyme disease is misunderstood, under diagnosed, and significantly less delicious than it sounds.  Here are some questions that have come my way over the years, and I hope that these can help steer people in the right direction if they suspect that they have Lyme:

1. What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Here is an example of a chart that doctors will use to measure potential symptoms of Lyme.

lymesymptoms LymeSymptoms2

(Luckily I managed to avoid the “bedwetting” symptom.  Hey, you gotta count your blessings, maaaaaaaan.)

2.  I have some of those symptoms, but not all.  What does this mean for me?

Lyme is called the “Great Imitator”.  This means that it can mimic the symptoms of other diseases and vary wildly in intensity.  Some people with Lyme need a wheelchair to get around while others could have Lyme living in their bodies and never have symptoms.  Patients with Lyme usually have some unexplained medical issues that have gone on for a few years and they have never been able to figure them out.  It is very possible to have one or two of the symptoms in the chart above or almost all of them.  It completely depends on the patient.

3. If basically every symptom under the sun could be Lyme, how do you diagnose it?

That, my friends, is one of the million dollar questions.  Tests for Lyme are incredibly unreliable and mostly inaccurate.  For example, I was tested for Lyme in early 2011, and it came back negative.  I crossed that off my list and pursued other diagnoses.  Little did I know that this test was a false negative.  The best course of action is to find what is called a Lyme Literate Doctor.  These doctors have much more reliable tests than others, but more importantly they will listen to your symptoms and try to put the puzzle together on whether or not you have Lyme.

4. How do I find a Lyme Literate Doctor?

Lyme Literate Doctors who treat for Lyme in certain states can be prosecuted for long-term antibiotic use.  It is absolutely unexplainable why this happens, but it is the reality.  As a result, LLMDs are hard to find and contact.  Please see the below site for information on how to get in touch with a LLMD: http://ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/

5. What protocol for food and medicine are you on?

It is best to eat a nutrient-dense diet that supports your immune system while you are healing.  This means a lot of vegetables, fermented food, fish, and genuinely “real” food.  This means very little sugar and no processed food.  This keeps inflammation down and aides your body in healing.  This inevitably leads to people asking me, “So what do you actually eat every day?”.  I respond by saying “vegetables and meat”.  As far as medicine goes, I am currently on antibiotics.  I take clarithromycin, rifampin, and hydroxychloroquine.  I am in the process of seeing a new doctor and adding some additional support for my body in the form of supplements, probiotics, and the like.

6. Why is there so much conflicting information on Lyme treatment online?

Doctors and researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how Lyme behaves.  As a result, opinions on how to best treat Lyme vary.  It also depends on the person’s body and how they respond to certain treatment.  Some people barely respond at all to antibiotics and claim to be completely healed by the use of essential oils.  Others have had an incredible amount of success with antibiotics.  Basically, whatever method you are using, you will be able to find contradictory information online that you are doing the wrong thing (you stupid idiot).  It is important to get in touch with your body (sorry for how hippy dippy that sounds, but it is kinda valid) and see what treatment is working for you.  It’s vital to stick with a treatment plan long enough to see if it’s working, but to also change strategies if you are not improving.

7. Is there a good resource for symptom and treatment information and to keep up to date with Lyme news?

Yes, http://tbdalliance.org.

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Fall 2009. I want to be formal, but I’m here to party.

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 Summer 2010 vs Summer 2013.  Still was in the midst of figuring out what was wrong with me, but at least I didn’t look like I had just eaten the entire McDonald’s Dollar Menu and then drank 30 beers.
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Florida in February 2014. Crazy how deceptive pictures can be. I look like I’m having fun, but that month was one of the worst of my life. I was transitioning doctors and was in the midst of still learning a new job.  I got to escape the harsh New England winter to go to Florida for a week, so I guess it wasn’t all bad.
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Graduation in May of 2014.  Had just started Lyme treatment with antibiotics about 2 months previous to this.  I look a little… shall we say… Mellow Yellow.

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Summer 2015.  On the road to recovery.  Let’s get after it.

 

 

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

AIP Paleo Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad

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Growing up, I never was a fan of mayonnaise, and therefore was never drawn towards dishes such as chicken, tuna, or egg salad.  Yet one day I had a taste of the tarragon chicken salad from a cafe up at Cape Cod that was unlike anything I had ever tasted.  From that day on, I was sold, not only on chicken salad and mayo, but also the amazing herb that tarragon is.  While the back story of how I came to love mayo may seem like a weird segway into today’s recipe, it isn’t that far off.  You see, once you cannot eat eggs, you realize that chicken salad just isn’t the same without the mayo.  No amount of added avocado or olive oil results in the rich, tasty dish that chicken salad otherwise should be.  So far, throughout all my experimentations of trying to find a good egg-free substitute for mayo in chicken and tuna salad, the best yet is leftover melted marrow.  I plan on sharing a recipe for that eventually, but for now, I am sharing my second technique, which is making a creamy garlic sauce to smother the chicken in.  Whenever we roast a chicken for dinner, more than likely my family will end up having plenty of leftover white meat (watch out, I hoard all the skin).  This will typically get used in quesadillas for my younger brother, however, this time around I wanted to make a recipe that my mom would enjoy as well.  Overall, she was a fan, regardless of her deep love for Primal Kitchen’s Mayo (which she is addicted to).  Afterall, garlic makes everything better, right?

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Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad

Print Recipe

(Serves 3-4) 
Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cup chopped roaster chicken
  • 4-6 garlic garlic cloves
  • 1 lemon – juiced
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup Kasanindro’s EVOO
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Process

  • In a NutriBullet, blend together olive oil, white wine vinegar, sea salt, and garlic cloves until smooth.
  • Place chopped chicken in a bowl and mix with garlic puree, then add in lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until just combined.
  • Serve chicken salad on lettuce wraps and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

 

Using a large blender may be difficult due to the small quantity of the garlic sauce.  It may be helpful to opt for a food processor if you don’t have a Magic or Nutribullet.

 

Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

Daily Dose of Encouragement: The Silence

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There are various types of trials and hardships in life.  Some are physical, while others are emotional, mental, or a combination of all three. Whether the trying circumstance you are going through is caused by your personal doing or by those that surround you, all three types of tribulation are equally difficult to get through.  While the trials themselves may be made up of entirely different types of suffering, it is through these past years of my teenage life that I have noticed one similarity between all the differing hardships that ail us humans, and that is the struggle in the silence.  We are promised that God will “never leave us nor forsake us” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV), that “if we ask anything according to His will He hears us” (1 John 5:14, ESV) as He gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5, ESV).  Yet if you have ever been in the midst of a seemingly relentless storm in life, you know how hard it can be to hear God’s voice above the loud pounding and crashing of the waves around us.  We plead for God to show us the way out, or at least give us some sort of answer or understanding to the problem at hand.  Patiently, fervently, and in complete surrender, we wait.  It is in this waiting period that we experience the silence, a time where we can very easily feel lost, with no sense of direction, wondering where to turn, and ultimately, completely helplessness and hopeless.  Events continue to pile up on our shoulders and the weight of the burdens they bring become too great to handle.  It is here, in the silence, with the walls pressuring in on all sides, that we come to our breaking point.

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Much like David who was experiencing affliction on every side, it is during these times that we must cry out to God.  It is true, without Him we will be lost, broken, consumed, and utterly destroyed by the storms that surround us.  However, we must realize that simply because we are in a season of silence, does not mean that He has stopped working on our behalf (John 5:17).  In fact, while the silence may seem unbearable at times, it is a time that we can find the most growth in our souls.  The pain we are experiencing is very real, and there is no shame in crying out to God both physically and verbally.  Yet we must not let the silence ring so loudly in our ears that we cannot find peace through Christ.  This can be extremely difficult, especially when the events that are taking place seem completely unfair.  In reality, they very well may be unjust, however, this is simply the sinful world we live in.  Yet as horrible as things may seem, God only acts out of love for His children.  Even when our  “enemies surround [us] like a herd of bulls” and our “strength has dried up like sunbaked clay” (Psalm 22:12-13, NIV) God promises to always rescue, protect, answer, be with, and ultimately deliver us if we make the Most High our dwelling place (Psalm 91, NIV).  Therefore, while all of our own efforts may prove useless in getting ourselves out of present situation, we have a God whose ways are higher than ours and can make all things possible (Isaiah 55:8-11; Matthew 19:26, NIV).  Overall, dealing with the silence can be a tricky task, as we are naturally inclined to run from it.  However, this is precisely what the Devil wants.  Instead, we must learn not to resist the silence, but embrace it, as it is in these moments God is doing His greatest work in and through us.  While we may not know when the silence will end, He does, and He will see us through (Colossians 1:13) 

1 Kings 19:12 “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

AIP Paleo Pina Colada Shake (Dairy Free)

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After purchasing a bottle of pineapple juice to create my pickled pineapple relish , I wanted to come up with other creative ways to use it up.  With a few hot days in a row here in New England, I figured both my mother and brother would absolutely love a refreshing smoothie.  Much to what I had hoped, they slurped it right up.  What’s even greater is that due to the natural sweetness of the pineapple, no extra sugar is needed. It even hit the spot for my little brother, who typically thinks the “sweets” I make are not “sweet enough.”  While collagen typically gets confused with gelatin, it is quite different in that it does not gel.  As pointed out on Vital Protein’s site, collagen is made up of “short chain amino acids naturally derived from pasture-raised collagen protein.”  Not only that, but they are “identical to the protein found in skin, nails, hair, bones, cartilage, and joint,” and thus are also incredibly helpful in healing the tight junctions of one’s gut lining.  My family especially like collagen because it makes for the perfect protein powder, as there is no added ingredients or aftertaste.  This also makes it indistinguishable for picky eaters (like my younger brother).  By adding collagen and MCT oil, the shake has a bit more sustenance, as well as extra creaminess from the fat and protein. Overall, this pina colada was a clear winner with my family, and certainly the best way to cool off this summer.  If you are looking for ways to “change things up,” pouring the mixture into an ice cream maker would also make for a fantastic AIP friendly sherbert!

PinaColada

Pina Colada Shake

Print Recipe

(Serves 2) 
Ingredients

Process

  • Pour fresh pineapple juice into ice cubes trays and freeze until solid.
  • Remove the ice cubes from the trays and place 1 cups worth in a high speed blender, a long with the coconut milk, blending until just combined.
  • Add in remaining 3/4 cup ice cubes, MCT oil, and collagen, blending again until smooth and frothy.
  • Pour into two glasses and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Isaiah 48:7 “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

AIP Paleo Honey Glazed Grilled Baby Broccoli

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Typically, grilled broccoli requires par-boiling before placing on the hot grill, in order to ensure an edible dish.  However, I felt that this took away from the initial reason to grill in the first place, and that is to avoid any extra clean up in the kitchen.  Therefore, I decided to take a route a bit different than the usual, and that is to spread the broccoli on a large roasting sheet. Yet instead of placing the sheet in the oven, I use the grill as a heat source much like my grilled kale chips. Not only does this eliminate heating up the kitchen (which is the last thing you want to do on a hot summer night), but it also gives the broccoli an amazing, smokey flavor unlike any other cooking method would yield.  Of course, if you cannot find baby broccoli (sometimes called “broccolini), you can just as easily use a regular head of broccoli.  Otherwise, this recipe is just another great way to enjoy greens, and I am sure you and your family will like it just as much as mine!

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Honey Glazed Grilled Baby Broccoli

Print Recipe

(Serves 3-4)
Ingredients

Process

  • Rinse and dry broccoli, then cut off the end of the stems like you would to prepare asparagus, then place in a large mixing bowl.
  • Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic and onion powder, fish sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl, then pour over broccoli and toss until fully coated.
  • Heat the grill to high, and once hot, place broccoli on a foil lined baking sheet, and place the sheet on the grill, allowing the broccoli to cook for 35-40 minutes until brown and crispy around the edges.

Recipe Notes

Be sure to line your baking sheet very well with the foil.  Once cooked, the marinade becomes very sticky!
Keep in mind, how fast your broccoli cooks depends on its size, as well as the temperature of your grill.  Take the time to check it about every 10 minutes to make sure it doesn’t get over cooked!

 

 

Psalm 91:1 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” 

AIP Paleo Marinated Orange Ginger Shrimp (Coconut-Free)

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Orange ginger shrimp – it’s quick, it’s simple, and it slightly reminds me of Chinese takeout…Fresh, local shrimp are pretty rare to find here in Connecticut, and it is only by surprise that they show up at a fish market a few towns over from where I live.  Due to this, shrimp are not something that I eat every week.  However, sometimes it is just nice to have something out of the “norm.”  With a deep love for anything remotely related to Asian cuisine,  I chose to marinate the shrimp in orange juice and maple syrup.  If you are like myself and chose not to eat sugar while healing your gut, this recipe is one that I ate with full pleasure due to barely any of the marinade actually remaining on the shrimp once cooked.  Truly, it just acts as a nice flavoring agent, and not something you should be afraid of.  That being said, to give the shrimp an even stronger pop of citrus, I recommend slicing a few pieces of orange for serving.  Overall, this recipe was great on the hot summer night that I prepared it, as there was hardly any prep or cook time, and the end dish was just what I was looking for – light, tasty, yet satisfying.  To make the recipe even more like Chinese takeout, whip up a batch of cauliflower rice to serve it over, and maybe even douse a few drops of fish sauce or Coconut Aminos over the top.

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Orange Ginger Shrimp

Print Recipe

(Serves 2-4)
Ingredients

  • 1 lb deveined shrimp
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Chopped fresh chives

Process

  • Whisk together the juice, maple syrup, ginger, and sea salt, then place the shrimp in the bowl and allow to marinate for 30 minutes (or) up to 2 hours.
  • Heat grill to high, then place shrimp on it once hot, turning the heat to medium, and cooking 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Use a grill spatula to remove the shrimp from the grill, garnish with optional chopped chives, an extra squeeze of orange, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

 

 

 

 

John 6:29 “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”

Book Review: Paleo in 28 by Kenzie Swanhart

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Overview 

Are you faced with the fear that changing your diet will be too difficult, or even worse, that it won’t be worth it in the long run? Much like many individuals who seek Paleo for a healthier body and overall well-being, Kenzie Swanhart was faced with the dilemma of no longer being able to quickly stop at her favorite cafe for a bite to eat before heading to work in the city.  However, this did not stop her from pursuing Paleo, rather inspired her to share her experiences with adopting a Paleo lifestyle on her blog, Cave Girl in the City.  Now, she has taken the next step and published her very first cookbook, Paleo in 28, of which she kindly gave me the opportunity to review.

Paleo in 28

As someone who has been following the Paleo diet and lifestyle since my early teenage years, I am always looking for resources that can help my friends and (or) family members who are knew to this way of living.  Yet with Paleo in 28, I now have the perfect resource.   Kenzie’s cookbook is exactly what the name implies – 4 weeks of delicious meals to help you kick start your Paleo lifestyle.  There is also a fifth week included, of which is left blank so you can use your own imagination in creating a meal plan filled with your favorite dishes.   While desserts should be sweet “treats,” and therefore are not necessarily emphasized while eating Paleo, a great roundup of Paleo friendly desserts are also included in the end of Paleo in 28 for when you are looking to indulge. As a whole…

  • Paleo in 28 contains 4 weeks worth of meal plans (shopping lists included), all of which use 5 ingredients or less, making up a total of 130 recipes.
  • Paleo in 28 is divided into three sections that are easy to understand and learn from.
  • Part 1 takes a closer look into what the Paleo diet is as a whole, part 2 goes over the four weeks of prepared meal plans, and part 3 is comprised of all of the delicious recipes to help you turn a “diet” into your lifestyle.
  • Paleo in 28 is full of a great variety of dishes, stemming from breakfast recipes, smoothies, salads, soups, and stews, snacks, sides, entrees, desserts, and kitchen staples.
  • The meal plans are very straightforward, simple, and quite tasty, with easy to read shopping lists and notes by Kenzie to help you stay stress-free while shopping and stocking up the pantry.

Kenzie takes you through all of the basics, not only including what the Paleo diet is, but how it compares to SAD (the Standard American Diet), and why eating primal is the optimal way our bodies ware created to be fueled.  She brings to your attention what to expect, both the good and bad, as symptoms of sugar withdrawals when transitioning to a “fat burner” are never pleasant, but do subside. For those who have been on the Paleo diet for quite some time, answering the most common newbie question, “is it Paleo?” can seem quite obvious.  However, for those who are just beginning, putting two and two together of what is considered “Paleo” can be quite frustrating.  Kenzie answers all these questions with diagrams of foods to avoid and (or) emphasize.  She teaches you how to make a balanced meal, which foods and kitchen tools should be essential in your household, as well as other aspects of the Paleo lifestyle including exercise and movement that will not only help benefit your body, but also state of mind as you make the transition to better health. 

The Food

There are so many recipes that use readily available and practical ingredients that there really was no need for my mother or I to take an extra trip to the grocery store in order to make recipes from Paleo in 28.  What is great about the book is that many of the recipes are small portions, meaning that you are not left with a huge batch of something you are unsure that you will even enjoy.  The 1-4 serving sizes in each recipe allows you to mix and match throughout the weeks, finding your favorite dishes and ones that you would tweak to your own liking.  After all, the Paleo lifestyle is about meeting your individual needs.  No one Paleo plan looks the same, and throughout the four weeks that Paleo in 28 maps out for each individual, you will realize just how functional living in such a way really is. 

What to Expect

As for the recipes my family enjoyed…The granola smelled like a cinnamon bun while baking, and the end result was a crisp, crunchy, and totally scrumptious granola that will have you forget about your oat-based cereal in a matter of seconds! We have continued to make this, as it is a sure keeper in my families house.  Next, my mother whipped up a batch of the tomato gazpacho, of which is made entirely in a blender.  She especially loved that there was no extra chopping involved, as all you must do is stick it into the blender and go!  The gazpacho was said to be very refreshing, while both my family and friends enjoyed it the following weekend that we spent on the boat in the hot Cape Cod sun.  It was very simple recipe packed with flavor, and reminded her exactly of the gazpacho she ate as a kid.  My mom and I then decided to put Kenzie’s almond flour pancakes to the test on my 16 year old brother.  Typically he refuses to eat anything that is “Paleo,” however, he was reluctant to try them, and in the end, gobbled up quite a few, declaring they were “a lot better than I expected.”  I too found this to be true, as the batter whipped up like any other “normal” pancake batter would, cooked easily, and turned out to be light, fluffy, and tasting quite like my last recollection of fried dough served at summer camp when I was little.  As for vegetables and entrees, my mother chose to make the cabbage slaw and roasted broccoli as the two sides for dinner.  Both dishes came together super quick, and as previously mentioned, all necessary ingredients were already in our fridge, proving them to be very easy and accessible.  As a chocolate lover, my mother also made the flour-less chocolate brownies, which got an exclamation of “wow” from both friends and family members.   We even fed them to my brother’s picky eater friends, who didn’t even bat an eyelash and gobbled them up quickly. Overall, I couldn’t speak any more highly of Kenzie’s book, as it proves just how fun, easy, tasty, and exciting the Paleo lifestyle is.  My entire family genuinely loves it and cannot get enough.   Therefore, wether you are new to Paleo, or a seasoned “veteran,” Paleo in 28 is a great addition to your cookbook collection.  Below I am excited to share the opportunity for one lucky person to a win a copy of Paleo in 28!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway

    *Giveaway is open to US residents only and will run from 8/25-9/01.*        

 

 

          Psalms 94:18-19 “If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” 

Beyond the Bite: What 19 Feels Like – Notes from an Overcomer

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This August (today to be exact) is my 19th birthday.  What does it feel like? Well, that is a complicated question. I have been able to accomplish a lot in the past year.  Last August around this time I began the PK Protocol, of which I am still currently on, and will be for atleast another year in what is termed “maintenance mode.” I made the decision to implant a medi-port, as IV’s were not working in my veins anymore (best decision ever).  There has been a lot of heartache, physical ache, and lessons learned, as well as times of confusion and not knowing where to go next in pursuit of healing. However, it is through these trials and storms that surround me that God’s hand has proven to be very involved in my life.  For one, I was able to officially complete high school in the fall of 2014.  I got my license Christmas Eve, and have slowly been able to work up driving stamina, a long with learning stick shift from my father.   After that, I had the privilege of taking Mark Sisson’s, Primal Blueprint Certification course.   This past spring, I began my first online college course, which is a huge risk and accomplishment in and of itself.  I then had the amazing opportunity to go to Paleof(x) with my mother, where I was able to meet up with many blogger friends and make various connections with those in the Paleo-sphere.  On Beyond the Bite, I also began Daily Dose of Encouragement posts, and even started my very own Beyond the Bite Community, a place where individuals seeking to overcome and live beyond chronic Lyme Disease, can connect and share information, as well as encouragement.

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Throughout the past year I have continued the Autoimmune Protocol, though I am pleased to say with a few re-introductions.  Occasionally, I can tolerate small amounts of cocoa and raw sheep yogurt, and on a more weekly basis, TinStar Food’s ghee.  I am also in the process of incorporating egg yolks, which I must say, may be the most exciting food introduction of all.  For all of you just beginning AIP and wondering how you will ever get used to offal, let me just say that one year later, eating organ meat has become second nature to me.  Some weeks I go on what I joke are organ meat “winning streak,” where some type of nose-to-tail protein has been incorporated into at least one of my meals for numerous days in a row. Bone marrow, lamb liver, duck tongue, chicken heart, turkey liver, beef heart, duck liver, chicken feet, and so on and so forth…You name it, I eat it.  If you are interested, most of the odds and ends that I consume are purchased from US Wellness Meats.    I’ve also been able to slowly add in fermented foods, primarily Eileen’s from Phoenix Helix, No Fail No Pound Sauerkraut, of which is the easiest recipe of all time.  While my gut healing still has a bit to go, I am currently working with my functional medicine doctor to treat the chronic parasite and protozoa infection that I has been undermining my healing for quite some time now.  I believe finally getting this under control will help both my gut health, overall fatigue, and strength immensely, and I am very excited to see what the healing protocol has in store.

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Throughout the past year (and primarily thanks to the PK Protocol) I have  become a lot stronger both physically and mentally.  While fatigue is still something that I struggle with, and a key aspect that my doctors are working on, I have been able to incorporate more physical activity into my weekly routine.  Exciting enough, pilates has come back into my life, and I now enjoy reformer workouts both at home and classes out of the house.  I have slowly added in the basic primal movements (as outlined by Mark Sisson here), including squats and pushups.  The key to all of this is to listen to my body more than ever, get necessary rest in between, adequate amounts of sleep every night, and ultimately make sure that my cortisol hormones do not remain raised.  Spikes in my “flight or fight” response can be good, however, if they remain prolonged, my body becomes exhausted beyond ATP repair, and that is when the potential for going backwards becomes very high.  In the next few months, I am looking to expand my movement and exercise, as I incorporating more strength and conditioning exercises at Crossfit (all according to my bodies needs of course). On top of being stronger, I am up to my complete normal weight after years of never being able to put on an ounce, or keep an one ounce of weight on for that matter.  For the first summer in almost five years, I’ve enjoyed swimming, boating, laughing, playing games, going places with my family and friends during both the night and daytime.  95% of my neurological symptoms from chronic Lyme have healed enough that I can actually listen to music now and be around loud noises without getting completely overwhelmed.  A part of this is due to IVIG, the PK Protocol, as well as the Listening Program, which is something I do on a daily basis to help exercise my brain. As far as being stronger, I also got my wisdom teeth out (woot woot), traveled via plane to more than four places in the past year, neither of which made me go backwards in my health (a  complete opposite of what used to happen).

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It is truly crazy how much you can learn about the human body in just the span of 365 days seeking to do all in your power to heal from the inside out. The great thing is, this act of learning all the knowledge I can possibly get my hands on, will only continue throughout my healing journey.  This past year has shown me even more specifically where my passions in life lay.  Going through the PK Protocol and having to study my body at a cellular level has spiked a serious interest in becoming a functional medicine doctor, and (or) having my own practice where I combine science based medicine with the healing power of food and culinary arts.  Overall, this past year has been a time of great growth.  While it is still very trying, life is also very exciting.  It can be easy to get “down in the dumps,” with all that still must be healed in my body, however, I choose not to dwell on these things.  A given illness never will and never does define a person, and despite having seemingly impossible obstacles to overcome in life, God has given me the tools and resources I need to do just that.  Even when healing seems like it will never come, we serve a God who can do all things, is constantly working on our behalf, and is always ready and waiting to help us through whatever may come our way.  While a given trial in life may come as a surprise to us, He already knew it was going to happen, and He also already knows how it is going to end.  Therefore, in order to keep persevering, we must hold on to God and continually seek Him, for He is our Redeemer.  So, where will I be at the age twenty?  I have absolutely no idea!  However, I do have many goals, plans, and dreams that I am currently working on and praying about.  As these aspects of my life become a reality, I will sure to keep all of you clued in (one of which is culinary school).  Yet in the meantime, I just want to spread a word of encouragement for anyone recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, beginning AIP and completely overwhelmed, or anyone simply looking to get more out of life as we know it.  While there have been many aspects of living, such as diet, lifestyle, stress management, skilled doctors, and family support that have all gotten me this far in my healing journey, the One, and ultimate source of all my strength is God.  There is nothing else here in this world that has gotten me to where I am more than His hope, peace, wisdom, love, grace, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.  Throughout the ups and downs, seemingly minor and major accomplishments, He is there, and He is never leaving (Deuteronomy 31:8).

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Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

AIP Paleo Fresh Citrus Tuna Ceviche

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As mentioned in previous posts, every summer my family and I go to Cape Cod.  This is something that my parents have been doing long before I was even born, as my mother in particular, grew up spending summers here in MA.  Though my father didn’t come into the picture many years later, he quickly embraced the Cape because of his strong love for fishing.  Due to this passion of his, I grew up with sea legs, knowing how to fish for the “big ones,” never really being afraid of big waves, and ultimately loving every moment of being on the water.   There is just something about the open sea and fresh, salty air that my body loves, especially after battling chronic Lyme for many years.  However, I don’t always go on all of the fishing trips my father takes, especially when they are at 4 or 5 am in the morning.  Those are for the hardcore, completely healthy people, and while I eventually plan on being able to get up that early and actually enjoy myself, I’ll leave it to my brother and father for now.  Of course, you can never guarantee that you will hook up when setting out for a long fishing trip, however, my family got very lucky last time, as they reeled in a whopping number of 9 bluefin tunas.  Therefore, with a freezer and fridge full of tuna, I knew I had to create a recipe highlighting the fresh fish.  For some, the thought of eating raw fish is detestable.  However, ceviche is not truly raw, as citrus is always used.  This slow act of cooking is due to the acid component of the citrus coagulating the proteins in the given seafood. There truly is no right or wrong way to make a ceviche dish, however, it is recommended that the fish or seafood semi-firm, with fresh always being best.  That being said, it is good to know that the longer the dish marinates, the more cooked the fish will become, making day-old ceviche a completely different mouthfeel all together.  Overall, I am happy to say that both my parents, brothers, cousins, aunt, and uncle, thoroughly enjoyed the citrus ceviche.  The tuna was highlighted perfectly with just the right amount of citrus pop and refreshing crunch from the raw veggies.  If you are interested in seeing beautiful scenery on the water, and how this fish was caught, be sure to check out my younger brother’s video he created on him and the boys in action – click here*

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Fresh Tuna Ceviche

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2-2 cups chopped fresh bluefin tuna
  • 1 cup chopped jicama
  • 1/2 grapefruit – juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 lime – juiced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1, 12 inch cucumber

Process

  • Cut the tuna into like-size chunks, and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • To the bowl, add the juice from 1/2 of a grapefruit, olive oil, chopped jicama, and sea salt, and toss with the tuna chunks.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge, allowing to marinate for 20-25 minutes.
  • Once marinated, toss in the chopped parsley and squeeze the juice from 1/2 the lime over the fish.
  • Peel and cut the cucumber into 1/4 inch rounds and top with prepared ceviche.

 

 

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 “But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

AIP Paleo Blueberry Cobbler (Fruit Sweetened & Coconut Free)

 

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Now that it is officially August, my family and I are back from the Cape, only returning on weekends. School has also begun, and while it still is rather warm here in New England, the feeling of summer has almost passed.  Yet this does not take me away from being outdoors, as I try and do as much of my studying out on our patio.  My mother and I also like to blueberry pick, which we try and do at least twice a week. With all the blueberries hanging around, I couldn’t help myself but come up with a new recipe.  That being said, when I set out to make a recipe, I typically have certain individuals in mind, today’s being those who prefer only to eat sugar derived from fruit.  Of course, dates were the perfect way to do this, especially when paired with Anti-Grain apple flour, as it also contains a natural sweetness and tang that any apple would have.  Much like all other dessert recipes I make, this recipe is compliant for those on AIP.  While sweet treats are certainly to be kept to a minimum and seen as a special “treat” (much like the name implies), I truly find much joy in making AIP desserts that can pass the test of my family.  Of course, I got the run around by my younger brother, who views Paleo eating as the “devil,” despite eating 75% this way without even realizing it.  He kept asking if the cobbler was “real,” and I replied there wasn’t anything more real than fresh picked blueberries from right down the road.  While he wasn’t too thrilled with my answer, he eventually tried some, and not begrudgingly.  In fact, he actually enjoyed it very much, and I didn’t once here a comment or complain.  Overall, I am thrilled with the responses over this cobbler from both family members and friends, and am sure you will equally enjoy it as well!

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Blueberry Cobbler

Print Recipe

Topping

Filling

  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Process

  • Peel and puree green plantains in a food processor until smooth to make the plantain puree.
  • Measure out 1/2 cup of the puree and add it to the processor a long with 1/4 cup lard (or) shortening, vanilla, and softened dates, pureeing until smooth.
  • Whisk together the apple flour, tigernut flour, sea salt, and baking soda, then add to the food processor, pulsing until a ball of dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap, allowing to chill for at the least, 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • While the dough is chilling, grease a 8 inch pie plate with remaining 1 tbsp fat.
  • Mix the blueberries with the remaining 1 tsp vanilla, cinnamon, and remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt, then evenly spread them out in the greased pie plate.
  • Once chilled, cover the blueberries with the biscuit topping.
  • Place the cobbler in the oven and allow it to cook for 25-35 minutes, keeping a close eye on the topping until it is golden brown.

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Paleo Debunking: Fat Phobia Recap – Refined Vegetable Oils & Saturated Fat

OILS

This past spring I successfully enrolled in an online college.  This is an enormous accomplishment for me, as I took it slow, one class at a time.  Now that the summer has passed, I am starting courses again, this time with two classes.  I am not sure how well this would go, but I am constantly pushing myself and believe God will certainly help me tackle the classes.    The last paper I had to write in the spring for my english composition class was a concise academic paper, of which I chose to write on why humans need to avoid refined vegetable oils, with the solution of consuming more saturated fats.  Overall, I am happy to say I received an A, and thought why not share it with you all, as the subject fits perfectly with Beyond the Bite.  You can view my past posts on “fat phobia” here in parts 1,2, and 3, and the paper I wrote divided into the sections below.

Intro

Refined vegetable oils are very harmful to the health of human beings. Due to their polyunsaturated chemical structure, they are extremely prone to damage.  This causes inevitable oxidation when processed which damages the human body at a cellular level.  In turn, deranged cells set the stage for a wide variety of health complications.  Therefore, in order to avoid damaged fat, cellular degradation, and disease, individuals need to avoid all forms of vegetable oil, instead replacing them with health promoting saturated fats.

The Dangers

The chemical structure of vegetable oils is polyunsaturated, thus causing them to be significantly fragile and very easily damaged.   The use of vegetable oils began in the 1900’s with Crisco, a popular trans fat that was later banned by the FDA in 2013, due to being linked to to heart disease, cancer, and infertility (Wolfe, 2014, p. 67).  However, the use of refined vegetable oils, including canola, peanut, cottonseed, and corn continued, simultaneously degrading human health.  The issue stems from their fatty acid chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms which have two or more insecure links (Fallon and Enig, 2000).  In turn, this causes the chemical makeup of the oils to be very reactive, with a structure that is inevitably damaged when exposed to even the smallest amount of light, heat, and oxygen (Wolfe, 2014, p. 70).  Yet these elements are impossible to avoid through the lengthy refining process of high heat, chemical extraction, removal of impurities through deodorization, toxic solvent treatments, bleaching, and degumming, all of which is needed to make vegetable oils fit for selling (2014, p. 67).  Not only does this result in rancid oil void of nutrition, but due to the large amount of reactive free radicals,  consuming them “[triggers] mutations in tissue, blood vessels and skin,” while also causing the buildup of plaque in arteries, tumors, as well as premature aging, and even autoimmune disease (Fallon and Enig, 2000). Overall, refined vegetable oils have been shown to spike inflammation throughout the body, causing an increase for heart attacks, heart disease, insulin resistance, obesity, and even damage to DNA, which in turn can set the stage for a variety of cancers (Wolfe, 2014, p. 70).   

The Solution

There is a solution to avoiding the health conditions caused by refined vegetable oils, and that is through the consumption of saturated fats.  Unlike vegetable oils, saturated fats are fully secure in their carbon hydrogen bonds, causing them to be very stable, therefore unable to be damaged when exposed to heat, oxygen, or light (Fallon and Enig, 2000).  The most common sources of saturated fats come from animals, including red meat and animal fat, eggs yolks, high fat butter and other dairy products, as well as coconut oil. The sources themselves create an extra barrier against damage, as the antioxidants by the plant or animal itself are passed down to the end product (Wolfe, 2014, pp. 68-69).  When saturated fats are eaten,  they are directly supporting the human body at a cellular level, therefore proving to be a very integrated part of how one’s body functions (Fallon and Enig, 2000). This is due to the fact that 50% of cell membranes are made up of saturated fat, which are the building blocks of the human body (2000).  Due to this significant, health promoting role that saturated fats have in the body at a cellular level, they are inevitably a key component of many biological processes, including the regulation of hormones and appetite.  They have also been shown to be vital in allowing calcium to be absorbed into bones (2000, The Skinny on Fats).  Saturated fats are also important in keeping a healthy GI tract, immune and reproductive system, skin, eyes, emotions, and heart (2000; Wolfe, 2014, p.74).  Not only do they promote cell health, they are also full of fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins K2, A, and D, all of which are only absorbed properly by the body when eaten from the fat sources themselves (Wolfe, 2014, p. 74).

Debunking Myths

Unlike popular belief, there has never been a study proving a direct link between saturated fat intake and heart disease, high cholesterol, or arterial plaque (2014, p. 37).  According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, out of the 350,000 participants that they used to prove saturated fats were linked to heart disease, “no significant evidence was found” (as cited in Wolfe, 2014, p. 62).  In a 2011, systemic review released by the Cochrane collaboration, out of all of the “[combined] data from numerous randomized controlled trials,” saturated fats proved to have “no effect on death or death from heart disease” (as cited on Authority Nutrition, n.d., Does Saturated Fat Cause Heart Disease).  Instead,  figures show that when refined vegetable oil intake increased, and saturated fats decreased through the years 1980-2008, obesity in the United States doubled, and even quadrupled in terms of “extreme obesity” (Wolfe, 2014, p. 43).  However, when intake of saturated fats is sufficient, the body is supported as inflammation decreases.

Summary

Overall, the health of many human beings has been degraded by the consumption of refined vegetable oils due to their altered structure, thus being unhealthy at a cellular level and causing a wide range of health complications.  In order to avoid widespread inflammation throughout the body, saturated fats should be eaten instead, as they have never been proven to be harmful to the body, while instead, supporting the body on many levels, including the heart and cellular function.

References

Authority Nutrition. (n.d.). Saturated Fat: Good or Bad? Retrieved from

http://authoritynutrition.com/saturated-fat-good-or-bad/

Fallon, Sally, Enig, G. Mary. (2000, January 1).  The Skinny on Fats. Retrieved from

http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/the-skinny-on-fats/

NTP, Wolfe, Liz. (2014). Eat the Yolks: Discover Paleo, Fight Food Lies, and Reclaim Your Health. Las Vegas: Victory Belt Publishing, Inc.

Psalms 119:15-16 “I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.”