Healthy can be scrumdiddlyumptious too!

Most of you may poo poo the healthy foods and those who like to eat them. Believe me, I used to shun the health food aisle and wrinkled my nose at anything that looked like it was made up of anything outside the norm. However, over the years and after being diagnosed with different health issues I've changed my tune. I've been on a low salt/sodium and low Tyramine diet for nearly 9 years. I've seen and felt the difference in my health from following the diet. I don't cut out these food completely, but by simply not buying processed foods, canned goods, frozen meals, and boxed meals I've improved my quality of life.

How? I don't have to live my life on medication and I was able to have 2 more children by simply changing my diet. Had I not changed I would still be on meds and had to adopt, and if the meds quit working I could easily lose my sight, which is a pretty significant thing to lose.

Over the last two months I've changed my diet again, this time cutting out the high Glycemic foods. Such as sugar, honey, and some fruits and veggies. It's only been two months, but I've noticed an even bigger difference in how I feel everyday. Plus I've not caught one illness, which is unusual. I used to get sick all the time.

Yes, it was hard, but it's getting easier. At first I would grumbled when I would see my kids eating peanut butter and jam sandwiches, cookies and chocolate. BUT, I've been finding things I can enjoy as well.

Here are a few of my new discoveries...

When I visit the grocery store with my kiddos, most of the time I stop by the bakery, because they always give free cookies to the children. While I was there the lady asked if I would like a sample of their bread. I gave my usual answer, "Thank you, but no. I can't have sugar." She informed me that their bread didn't have sugar or honey. So I asked more questions and found the starters they used for their artisan breads didn't have sugar either.

Eureka! I have found a way to enjoy eating bread! Artisan bread might not be the soft breads I was used to eating, but, hey, I'll take it where I can get it. So today I had my first sandwich in months.

 First, start off with your choice of artisan bread. I used seven grain wheat. Because I can't eat the sugar in any of the mayo's, I used avocado. Just spread it on as thick as you like. Next I used fresh mozzarella cheese (it's not aged, so it has no tyramine) then lean turkey and tomatoes. Then for my dessert I eat fresh sliced peaches from my tree. It doesn't get much better than that.

Wait... yes it does...

At the store today I came across a piece of heaven. Just so you all know, I'm really excited about this next item I found.

Chocolate!!!

Yes! I can eat chocolate again!
Weeks ago I thought I could get away with eating sugar free chocolate made with Splenda, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Splenda doesn't agree with me (I become musical in areas that aren't meant for music). So I gave up on the idea of eating chocolate. I even went so far as to say that I won't be making my traditional chocolate candies my friends and family have become dependent on over the years.
BUT! At the store I found this wonderful chocolate called Amberlyn. It's all sugar free. They use only a natural sweetener made from wheat that contains no gluten and is completely safe for anyone needing to watch what they eat. Plus it tastes yummy.

Great news is, they said it melts well enough for me to make my own chocolates! Now I can make my cherry cordials, peanut butter cups, turtles and truffles for the neighbors and not feel left out. I'm excited to try my hand at making my own sugar free treats this year. I'll keep you posted on that ;)

Next on the list of discoveries is my bottled peaches.

  I had a tree full of peaches to bottle and didn't know if I could get away with a 'no sugar' way of doing things. I went online and found that by simply adding sugar free apple juice to the bottles instead of sugar and water I could satisfy everyone without sacrificing taste or their shelf life.
All you need to do is blanch your peaches, peel the skins and pit them, shove them into the bottles and fill them to the top with apple juice. Then wipe the rim with a clean towel, place the lid on tight and boil in canning pot for 20 minutes.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

See, you can eat healthy without risking taste.