Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes

When many people think Gluten Free (GF), they envision a bland life of rice, eggs, chicken and veggies.  This is FAR from the truth!  I have many friends who are completely GF (including my husband), and none of them eat boring, bland foods.  In actuality, they eat delicious, nutritious, colorful and vibrant foods.  Better yet, a majority of them have being able to lose weight (although not the reason many of them have chosen a GF lifestyle), have a more balanced digestive system and increased energy levels.

To honor a none bland GF lifestyle,  I’m featuring a recipe that’s easy to make and will change your tune about going Gluten Free.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh organic blueberries

• 2 cups Rice or Quinoa flour

• 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder (Clabber Girl brand is gluten free)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 cup diced walnuts or almonds

• 2 eggs, slightly beaten

• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil

• 2 tablespoon organic honey

• 1-1/2 cups almond milk
  

Puttin’ It Together:

• In a large mixing bowl whisk together dry ingredients. In another mixing bowl combine the remaining ingredients, except blueberries. Pour wet mixture into dry and stir just until combined and most lumps disappear, fold in blueberries.

• Heat a nonstick griddle to 350 degrees, or medium-low heat in a large nonstick skillet, or until a drop of water sizzles when dropped on. Pour in 1/3 cup pancake mix.

• Turn pancakes over when they begin to dry around the edges and are golden on the bottom. If desired, top pancakes with additional blueberries and drizzle with Agave Nectar.

Are you Alkaline Deficient?

There are many signs you could be suffering from too much acid.  When your body is in a positive alkaline state, you are more likely to feel balanced.  Everything you consume has a direct impact on the amount of alkaline and acid levels in your body.  High acidic levels can lead to chronic health issues.  Some health issues from a high level acid diet include: decreased energy, fatigue, gum and teeth problems, joint pain and inflammation, premature aging and a low functioning immune system.

According to cancer survivor and "Crazy Sexy Diet" author Kris Carr, "certain foods make your body more alkaline, meaning your cells, body tissues and fluids are healthy and you are less likely to suffer from illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer. On the other hand, if your body is in an acidic state, you are more likely to deal with sickness. You can find out if your body is acidic or alkaline by determining your blood pH level. If it is above 7.0, you are alkaline and should continue to eat your current diet. If your pH is below 7.0, your body is in an acidic state. There are a few dietary modifications you can make to become more alkaline."

Some of the most highly Alkaline foods include: 

• Avocado
• Grasses (Wheat, Straw, Shave, Camut, Barley, Alfalfa, Dog and Kamut)
• Cucumber
• Dandelion
• Kale
• Jicama
• Soy Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Stevia
• Summer Black Radish
• Soy Nuts
• Beans (Lima, Soy, White/Navy)
• Fresh Red Beets
• Red Radish
• Cayenne Pepper
• Celery
• Cabbage Lettuce
• Cilantro
• Endive
• Fresh Cut Green Beans
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Oregano
• Spinach

Check out this great smoothie recipe from  Alkaline Sisters 

 Alkaline Green Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

• 6" piece of cucumber
• 3 medium kale leaves
• 5 stems fresh mint
• 3 stems fresh parsley
• 1" fresh ginger
• 1 avocado
• 1 cup coconut water
• Fresh juice of one lime
• 1-2 tsp udo's oil
• 1-2 tbsp hemp seeds
• 2-3 drops stevia or a tsp agave

The Importance of Detoxing

You might be surprised by how many people live a relatively healthy lifestyle; eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, etc.  However, there are many factors that contribute to cellular destruction that you don't even notice because they're everyday occurrences that you've passed off as, "that's just life."  Does this sound familiar? more than 15 minutes of commuting in a car, long work days, carting kids to and from places, taking care of errands and chores, drinking too much coffee, multiple dinners/happy hours with friends, mortgage payments, car payments, saving for retirement, illness in your family?  And that's just naming a few!  Now, we can't all live in a Ashram high in the Himalayas year round and remove ourselves from society, but we can be proactive in our health.  If your home was your body, think of the best times to clean it out - Spring and Fall!   As we wind down from the summer, take note of how your mind, body and emotions are feeling.  If you're at all run down in any (or all) these areas, it could be time to refuel.

According to Natural Healing News:

Every day we are exposed to a variety of environmental chemicals and toxins that can be absorbed into the body via breathing, eating, drinking and more. In addition, lifestyle choices sometimes include smoking, alcohol, junk food and artificial sweeteners, just to name a few — all increasing the toxic load on our bodies.

 

Why and how to detox?

Everybody needs time and the opportunity to detox, or cleanse the blood. Toxic buildup often leads to headaches, allergies, infections, body odor, muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, and digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas and constipation. Detoxification can allow many of these problems to disappear, cultivating an energized, more positive state of health.

There are several ways to detox. Some individuals choose to fast for a few days, allowing the organs to rest, while others prefer a one- to two-week program in which they adhere to a restricted diet, consuming only natural fruits, vegetables and, occasionally, light proteins. In most detoxification programs, liver-stimulating herbs such as dandelion are taken along with herbal supplements intended to promote elimination through the kidneys, intestines and skin. Improved circulation is encouraged with lymphatic exercise and dry skin brushing.

 

When not to detox

It is important to note that detoxification is not for everyone, including nursing mothers, children, and patients with impaired immune systems or chronic degenerative disease.

While some individuals feel no different on a detoxification program, others may actually feel worse before they feel better. If one feels he or she may not be a good candidate for a traditional detoxification, there are plenty of other ways to maintain a healthy and clean balance, such as regular exercise, drinking plenty of filtered water and eating healthily.

Other lifestyle choices in a detoxification program include yoga, meditation or prayer, journaling and laughter. Each of these provides a mental, emotional or physical release — key factors in achieving balance in the body.