Up until now, I have kept my posts short and (mostly) impersonal. Today I want to do something different. I am going to explain a few main components of my diet.
Yes, I do have celiac disease. And yes, I am gluten free. However, I consider my diet to be far beyond gluten free. I do not eat grains or sugar. I do not eat potatoes, corn or soy. I gave up dairy a few months ago, though you will find recipes with it on this site as I do use dairy in dishes I make for my family.
As I usually say when asked about my diet, “let me tell you what I DO eat, this will far simpler.” I eat a combination of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, nuts, fish, chicken, buckets of olives and of course a bit of agave. While many people think this is a restrictive diet, I have found it to be one upon which I thrive. I feel good when I eat these foods, beside which, not only are these ones my body can absorb and digest, I can make so many fun combinations from them –think sorbet.
People often ask, how do I know if there is gluten in this food or that? These questions always, without exception, regard processed foods. My answer –I don’t use a lot of processed items as there is no way to be certain that they are free of gluten and other hidden ingredients that my body rebels against.
Many of the foods that are commonly allergenic did not exist in their current, peculiar, omnipresent forms a century ago –think peanut oil, high fructose corn syrup and soy –cheap, subsidized products pervasive in today’s processed foods.
Flavoring? Lemon juice and garlic make great marinades. Once in a while you will find a processed condiment on this site such as toasted sesame oil , dijon mustard or ume plum vinegar –I have found these to be pure, with few ingredients, all of which I can pronounce. However, I do steer clear of tamari sauce (even the wheat free type), Bragg’s Liquid Aminos and all those other of flavor makers. I like to make my own combination and find that mother nature provides amazing ingredients.
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I love preparing my own food. First, I know what’s in it, which eliminates the fear factor and increases the pleasure of eating. Next, I like to flavor things exactly to my mood, the time of day or the season. Most of all, I believe that digestion starts in the eyes and hands, not just the mouth. Touching my food lets my body take it in on many sensory levels before it even hits my tongue.
Simplify. Satisfy. Eating the old fashioned way, shopping for good organic food, in season, touching and preparing my food is a passion of mine, not a restriction. Although many items are not on my meal plan, I am overwhelmed at times, such as when I walk through our farmer’s market, at the cornucopia of things that I can eat!
Connie Tuttle says
Just found your site and it’s great! I thought I would never find recipes for goodies made without grain.
The doctor has me on a gluten free diet and says I may also be prediabetic. The dietitican has suggested stevia. Do think that it would work in your recipes instead of agave nector. She is afraid agave will spike my blood sugar. I am trying to control this with diet. Thanks
elana says
Hi Eden,
Thanks so much for you sweet comment. What I eat is probably not all that inspiring. A lot of leftover protein (from the night before) for breakfast and tons of salad (during the summer), mixed in with some of the treats and lots of the entreesw found on this site. Leftovers are the key though, they save time on constantly cooking. Sometimes dessert for breakfast, though I try to do that on only the most rare of occasions as it’s not so great on my blood sugar.
I am so glad to hear your story about dinner at someone else’s home last night! That reminds me of what I do. I go home and eat something yummy and don’t feel deprived at all. Or, sometimes I’ll go home and make a healthier/gf version of whatever was served for dessert at the party –it can be inspiration rather than deprivation.
Elana
bob says
Inspiration rather than deprivation; exactly!
Eden says
Elana–This entry is the one that made me fall in love with your site. I was amazed that I had found someone else who didn’t eat grains, corn, soy, dairy or potatoes.
I’m really still stuck a bit on red potatoes and brown rice. I feel like I need more variety sometimes than veggies, fruit and protein and I love your site for that reason. You’ve made me see that there are other options with almond flour and coconut flour.
I would love(if the inspiration ever hits you) to see a log of what you typically eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner over a period of a few days. I know that is asking a lot but maybe if you ever feel so inclined. I just seem to still have gaps and holes that I’m trying to fill when it comes to my go-to foods.
Thanks for all of your excellent work. I had dinner last night at someone else’s home and as they passed around chocolate cookies, I was thrilled when I realized I had plenty of yummy treat options back at home that I could make that would be even more fulfilling then what was in front of me. I owe that to you and your excellent site.
Thanks!
elana says
Elyse -Thanks for your nice comment; I especially like the part about “to satisfy love of food and goal of regaining health.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Elana -Thanks so much for your comment!
elana says
I came across your website when a co-worker gave me the website. My name is Elana too and I am gluten free and dairy free. The desire to eat better and simply is one our whole society needs to do in order to create peace for our stomachs and our planet. Too many times I see people in my own office with a set of tums at their desks and then wolfing down a burger from lunch which they know will just sit there the rest of the day. So thanks for a great website with such tempting pics!
Elyse says
I stumbled on your website about 6 months ago because I was looking for healthy recipes and food that made me feel good sans wheat,dairy, or sugar. I told my doctor about your recipes and she was eager to get them. Thanks for giving people a simple yet delicious collection of recipes (I’ve loved everything I’ve tried) to satisfy love of food and the goal of regaining health.
elana says
Dear Diane,
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Elana
Diane Milette says
I keep coming back to your website because it is so unique and exactly what I need. You are right it is not just the gluten free but the lactose and soy free as well as the unadulterated fresh foods that we need for our health to flourish. I just tried the Chocolate Cream Pie which is to die for. I was so happy to have a nice creamy desert that didn’t make me sick. Thanks for sharing all your talents with everyone!
elana says
Dear Michele-
Thanks so much for your comment! I really appreciate it.
Elana
Kgositsile Johnson says
Your words give me some hope. I am allergic to wheat, soy, corn, glycerine, certain oils, sometimes nuts and milk. Because of soy, I can’t use soy sauce in stir fries. I am still trying to find a substitute for soy sauce. If you know of any, please let me know. I get so frustrated in what to eat, I wind up eating something I crave which is bad for me.
Rachel W. says
Hey, I rececntly saw a Coconut Amnios in our local Vegan Store. It is “soy free” and “corn free”. I am also allergic to corn and gluten intolerant. This may be an option for you if you can have coconut. Hope this helps.
Donna Stallings says
I found a good soy free sauce recipe online. It uses beek stock, basalmic vinegar, molasses, and galic powder. You just reduce it down to 1/2 and then add any salt if wanted. Very easy and tastes remarkably like soy sauce. I don’t remember the exact measurements off hand, but you can find the recipe online. I make my family’s dishes with it and nobody can tell the difference. I just typed in soy free soy sauce recipe in the search area.
Sandy says
I found a good soy free sauce recipe online. It uses beek stock, basalmic vinegar, molasses, and galic powder. You just reduce it down to 1/2 and then add any salt if wanted. Very easy and tastes remarkably like soy sauce. I don’t remember the exact measurements off hand, but you can find the recipe online. I make my family’s dishes with it and nobody can tell the difference. I just typed in soy free soy sauce recipe in the search area.
Michele says
Excellent article, Elana.
Liane carmel says
Elena I ove your recipes and blogs ! Do you have MS ? I do and am absolutely loving your healthy gluten recipes ! Thank you for being there ! Liane