Is There A Such Thing As A Corn Intolerance?

 

YES

 

 

For the past month I have kind of been putting myself and body through a test. It hasn't been to fun because I'm trying to still figure out what is making me sick. Most days I have felt overall better, but there are times when I just haven't felt good at all. I have kind of been at a loss because cutting out gluten, dairy, and refined sugar has eliminated a lot of my problems, but not all of them. This whole month I have probably felt the worse than I have for a long time. I haven't been able to put my finger on it until now.


Corn

 

 

Yes, I truly believe I have some intolerance or something to corn because almost every time I eat any type of tortilla chips I have some type of reaction. There are a few times where I have eaten them that nothing has happened. That's why I didn't think of it until now. Also, when you have a food intolerance, it can take your body a day or so to even process it and then a reaction will occur.

Here are some of my symptoms that happen when I eat corn- especially tortilla chips:

Fatigue
Stomach Cramps
Nausea
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Upset Stomach
Chills
Just an overall sick feeling that's similar to when I eat gluten

Feeling this way lately has been making me concerned. Usually I have felt pretty good and really healthy. But lately that hasn't been the case. I have kept a track of what I'm eating and nothing contains hidden gluten or dairy. So I am okay there. It recently hit me that it's corn chips. I have been eating hummus with chips a lot more. Or just the corn chips alone. Sometimes I would feel a little off and then other times I would feel so bad I couldn't do anything...and that brings back the days when I was really sick. I never want to go back to that. So I have to make a change. Starting today, I am not eating anything with corn in it. Not even fresh corn itself. Just because corn can't be digested properly, even by the healthiest person. So it's no wonder that corn is really starting to bother me a lot.

Along with that being said. Most companies that have foods that contain corn, it's GMO. Now there are a few that aren't. But that's only a select few. I'm still going to stay completely corn free and see if that makes a difference.

I researched if there was a such thing as a corn intolerance, and to my surprise there is intolerances and allergies.

Here are the symptoms: Moderate to Severe

Vomiting

Migraine headache

 

 

 

 

Rash

 

 

 

 

 

Abdominal pain and bloating

 

 

 

 

 

  

Gas  

 

Nausea  

Itchy skin  

Swelling of tongue and mouth  

Fever

Diarrhea

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

 

 

Allergic asthma

 

Mood swing  

 

 

Arthritis


When I came across these symptoms. I was surprised on how similar they were to how I have been feeling. I know they say well you can find anything on the internet. Yes this I know. But I kept track of my symptoms first before I searched anything. I also came down with another UTI, which I am very prone to them and get them randomly. I take cranberry everyday, so when I got one it really made me think. Now I think I have figured out why I got one.

Also, when I went to the Naturopathy doctor a year ago, she told me to cut out corn. I did for awhile. But then I started to eat it again. And well now I know why I should have left it out of my diet.

I haven't been a big fan of corn anyways. Expect tortilla chips. So now I have to find alternatives and be careful not to eat anything with corn.

Curious about what brands contain GMO corn. Here are a few examples and what to eat instead:
Some alternatives aren't gluten & corn free. This is just to show what brands use GMO

Chart found from http://foodbabe.com/2012/09/28/do-your-favorite-snack-brands-contain-gmos/










I will update in a month to let you know if I have seen any changes to my health!

                                                                            Cheers!

Resources: foodbabe.com



A Cute Kitten and Engagement Pictures

I'm just going to get straight to the point and say that this post isn't about health or anything health & food related at all. Since this is my blog, I've gone back and forth whether or not I was going to introduce you to my full life or not.  Well I still haven't fully decided, but I think I'm going to just do small little topics that are going on in my life. How I feel about it, when you're reading a blog, don't you kind of want to know the person behind all the words? For me when I read blogs, I really like to see personal stories and stuff that's going on in that blogger's life. It just seems more interesting to me. And I'll be completely honest, sometimes it's just pretty hard for me to come up with a health topic or recipe every single day. I tend to get caught up in life. 

With that being said, I'll just fill you in on a a few things that have been going on in my life these past few months.

Late August, early September, Caleb and I took in this adorable little fuzzy baby. My dad actually found him out in their backyard, So we brought him in because it looked like he just started to walk. And there was no way I was leaving him outside. He was really helpless. He was the tiniest kitten we have found (and we find a lot of strays) I was searching for a home for this little one because I just didn't think I was a cat person. Well someway, somehow he literally stole everyone hearts and has become a member of the family. 

I'll introduce to you Sir Hemingway aka Hemmi and Little Sir. 

(That little baby face)

He has grown so much in the past few months. It's crazy. 

He now looks more like a cat then a baby. I miss him being really little.

That little guy has kept me pretty busy because he constantly wants attention. But he's so cute it's hard to ignore him.

Some of you may know, and some of you may not know, that Caleb and I are engaged. We have been engaged for over a year and a half now. We are having a long engagement, obviously. I don't and won't get into any of our wedding details, because well that is our business and only our close family and friends know our plans for right now. I'll let you know details, eventually ;) 

Since we got engaged last year, we literally haven't gotten any engagement pictures. So finally just last weekend we got some done. Fall pictures are one of my favorites because the colors are just so pretty. We had Caleb's cousin do our pictures since she has her own photography business. I'll post links to her Facebook page. 

Here's a few of my favorite ones from the shoot.

He's my best friend for life

My pointe shoes were incorporated into our pictures because I have danced my entire life

My ring! I haven't posted a picture of my ring anywhere..except instagram I believe. I didn't want to be one of those people who has a hand shot of the ring as soon as we got engaged. Also, I wanted family and friends to see it in person first.  So here it is for everyone to see!

Acting out our engagement. Yes he proposed to me on a stage. It was perfect!

The sign says engaged...the lighting doesn't show up well in the pictures on my blog.

So there is just a few of our pictures. I'm so happy we finally got some done. But we will be getting more! 

There's just a few things that have been going on. Okay it doesn't seem like a lot. But I'm not going to type out my life story ;)

Those are just a few exciting things!

Cheers for now! 

Engagement pictures done by: Graceful Perspectives Photography: Check out her page! https://www.facebook.com/GracefulPerspectivesPhotography

A Cute Gender Reveal

Instead of my recipe post or a health tip. I am going to share something different. Because I can. Because it's my blog and I want to.

We have exciting news in our family!

My brother, the baby out of my brothers, is going to be a dad! But even bigger news, him and his wife found out what they're having. Ever since my sister-in-law got pregnant she wanted to have a gender reveal party. Which is a totally cute and fun idea! So when the time came and they found out, the only other person that knew, was ME! I felt honored. She wanted to have cupcakes so all of the family found out together. And wanted me to make them for them. I decided to make all of the cupcakes gluten and dairy free. Just because I wanted to be able to have a cupcake. And I have almost perfected my cupcake recipe! Her gender reveal was cute and simple. And the main attraction were the cupcakes because everyone was eagerly waiting to find out. It was funny to watch everyone check the cupcakes to see if they could tell. But of course I wouldn't let that happen. 

We had family take a quick poll on a piece of paper to see their guesses. It was interesting to see how everyone used to say she was having a girl in the beginning, now everyone thought a boy. I think I just have a family full of people who hate to be wrong ;) 

The cupcakes that family couldn't wait to see what's on the inside! 

Boy or Girl?? They are soon to find out..

The happy soon-to-be parents will soon cut into those cupcakes to reveal to family what the sweet little baby will be.

And the verdict is.......

Instead of filling with frosting, I used blue sprinkles to make them a little different and more fun. 

BOY!!!!

They have having a sweet little boy! And they couldn't be happier! I'm excited to be an Aunt, once again. Even though I have been an Aunt since I was 5. It's still exciting welcoming a new bundle of joy. And this is their first baby, so it's an extremely exciting and special time for them. That little guy has such an amazing and loving family just waiting to spoil him. And of course two people who are going to be wonderful parents :) 

To the glowing parents: I wanted to make a post dedicated to you. You two deserve this little man that you have been blessed with. I'm truly happy for you two. It's amazing that in no time, you'll be holding him in your arms! 

So that is some of the exciting news that's happening in my family! 

I'll post a recipe for my cupcakes soon. Promise. 

Cheers! 

Enjoy Life Improved Baked Chewy Bars Review

A couple months ago I did a review on Enjoy Life's Decadence bars. Click here if you missed it. I had the honor of receiving free boxes in the mail to try. They were all amazing. 

Well I just received another package. They have improved their Baked Chewy bars.

Here's what's new:

Improved taste and new look!

Now made with Ancient Grains!

Homemade, all natural goodness!

Morning, Afternoon, and Evening snack! 

I have tried their "old" chewy bars and they were pretty good. But now after trying the new improved recipe. They are simply AMAZING. It's very hard to tell that they are food allergy friendly. They are so good, it was so hard for me to pick a favorite. I received 4 flavors. Sun-butter Crunch, Mixed Berry, Cocoa Loco, and Caramel Apple. All sound good right? 

Let's get to the review. I'll start off with the Sun-butter Crunch.

This was the first flavor I tried. I will be the first to admit, I have tried things made with sun-butter...and I felt like I was eating a handful of sunflower seeds. Some people may like that, but it's just not something I enjoy. So when I saw this flavor, I was kind of worried I wasn't going to like them. But after I took just one bite. I could already tell they were completely different. They have a slight sun-butter taste, but it's not overpowering at all. These are fantastic! And a great choice for someone who has a peanut allergy. They almost have a peanut taste...but of course doesn't contain any peanuts at all. This is defiantly a good choice for a quick breakfast on the go, or an afternoon snack. 

Next is Mixed Berry

This bar is filled with berry goodness. It's so fruity, but it tastes like the actual fruit. Not just "fruit flavored". That's because Enjoy Life uses only the best and most natural ingredients in everything they make. So it's no wonder you'll find bits a fruit in these bars. I do enjoy fruity things, but only when it's natural, and not just an added flavor. These are defiantly at the top of my list. These would also be a good breakfast on the go, and great in kids lunches or after school snacks. 

Thirdly is Cocoa Loco

My oh my...we have a problem. These have such a chocolate flavor they are very hard to resist....

Enjoy Life added more chocolate chips into them, so they are extremely cocoa loco. Have I ever told you how picky I am when it comes to chocolate? Well I am so picky. And now that I can't have most chocolate things, it's hard to find something with chocolate that I even like. I've started to not even like chocolate because most have just been a very off flavor. But these little gems, have such a rich chocolate flavor that you wouldn't even tell they have no dairy or anything. Thank you Enjoy Life for making a chocolate bar that tastes like a rich heavenly chocolate. I now like chocolate again! These are defiantly a bar that can be considered for evening, an after dinner snack. 

Lastly is Caramel Apple

If you struggle with a dairy allergy, when was the last time you had caramel? I can tell you that for me, it has been years. I can't remember the last time I did. I do remember I loved caramel anything. And in the fall, nothing was better than enjoying a big caramel apple. I really do miss those..

With being really into fall flavors, since well it is fall. I love these. They have a smooth caramel apple flavor, with hints of cinnamon and spices. These should have been called Spiced Caramel Apple because they have that lovely spice flavor to them that is just warming and comforting. Who knew such big flavor could come from a small bar? It's sure amazing. Since these are perfect for fall, I will be buying more and stocking up because I am quite sad that these were the ones I ate up right away. Followed by the rest. Are they my favorite? Quite possibly because of the season. These can be enjoyed at any meal, well I find myself eating them anytime. 

I truly recommend ALL of these flavors. They are all baked to chewy perfection and bursting full of flavor. Even if you have no food allergies, these are much healthier than any other "snack" bars that are popular out there. I highly recommend these chewy snack bars for kids. Kids won't even realize how healthy they are, they'll will just love the flavor! 

Want to try Enjoy Life Chewy Bars for yourself?

For your first order of Chewy Bars, when you order online receive 10% off with this special code made just for all my readers!!

Enter in CHEWY10 at the checkout

Here is the link, so you can get to ordering your delicious chewy bars faster!

http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chewy-bars/ 

Cheers! 

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Muffins

I have a love hate relationship with Fall. I hate it because it is to cold for me, and it brings winter. I love it because the Fall colors are so pretty and I love the flavors of Fall. Fall is the time of year that you start making comfort foods and baked goods that are baked with spices that just make your heart warm.

Oh yes. I love pumpkin spice. I am one of  "those people" that loves pumpkin everything. Pumpkin pie though...I could live without. It has to be a very spiced pumpkin pie in order for me to like it. I have had so much pumpkin spice coffee already...and I'm not even ashamed. Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice Coffee K-cups are just one of the best pumpkin spice coffees. Plus I can add pumpkin spice creamer. Tastes amazing.

What a better way to kick off the Fall season, then with a Pumpkin Spice Muffin?

With a crumbly top?

How about a closer look? You want one?

The pumpkin makes these muffins extra moist.

Now that I might have you drooling over your computer. I'll get to the recipe. I can't take credit for this recipe though. It was put together by my mom. Which actually, if it wasn't for my mom, I wouldn't know how to bake. She is the one who taught me. I would always watch her bake...and play in the flour when I was little ;) But I always look to her for advice. She can throw things together without even measuring and they turn out amazing. I have inherited some of that. But I still will measure things out. Everything that I make I want her to try, just to make sure it meets her standards. So today I thought it would be a good idea to share one of her own recipes. She took a regular muffin mix and made fall inspired muffins.

Baking doesn't have to be complicated or so involved that you feel like you're losing your mind ( and yes I have been there) and you shouldn't feel like you HAVE to make things from scratch. Yes, it is always nice to share something that is fully homemade, but mixes that give you the right amount of dry ingredients just eliminates a few steps. I think mixes that are gluten free are truly a lifesaver. Especially for someone who is just starting out gluten free. I do make a lot of things from scratch, but that is because I now know what works, and doesn't work. Even though I do make things from scratch, once in awhile it's nice to use a box mix.

In this recipe, King Arthur Flour Gluten Free Muffin Mix is featured. 

Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake Muffins

Ingredients:

1 Box King Arthur Flour Gluten Free Muffin Mix

6 Tbsp Melted Shortening or Dairy free butter ( or butter if you can tolerate it)

3 Large Eggs

1/2 Cup Water

1 Can Organic Pumpkin

1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

Crumb Topping:

1 Cup G/F Bisquick mix

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Shortening 

Combine all ingredients until a crumb mixture forms

Directions:

Taken from the back of the muffin box

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease muffin pan or fill with paper muffin cups

Stir together the shortening, eggs, and water. Add in the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and mix until well combined.

Fill the muffin cups almost full. Let batter sit for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Crumb Topping.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Test with a cake tester or toothpick, if it comes out clean it's done.

Cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack.

Makes: 15-18 muffins

Enjoy these fall inspired muffins.

I know I did, I already had 1....

Okay I had 2....

Actually it was 3 in one day

Judge me

You won't be able to resist them either. So try them!

Cheers!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal Cookies

I know I post a lot of sweets....

Ok

I know I make a lot of sweets....

But what is life if you can't have dessert? I don't see anything wrong with having something a little sweet, everyday. Now that doesn't mean a huge piece of cake, or a chocolate bar. But if you don't let yourself have little treats you will over indulge and you will actually feel worse. Since I have cut out most processed sugars, I have realized that I don't care for extremely sweet things. I can only tolerate small amounts. I do find myself wanting something sweet in the evenings, so that's when I get creative.

Do you love peanut butter & jelly?  Okay, you're crazy if you don't. Sorry. Just stating my opinion. I know there are some people out there who don't. That's okay....maybe..

What about peanut butter & jelly with oatmeal? 

I know there are tons of recipes out there for peanut butter oatmeal cookies. But this is a recipe I concocted up because I got an idea and really wanted peanut butter cookies. This is my spin of thumbprint cookies. Also, this is a easy and fast recipe that you'll have them in and out of the oven and on your plate(or in your belly) in time! 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup All Natural Peanut Butter**

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Egg

1 1/4 Cup Gluten Free Oats

1/2 tsp Baking Soda

1 Tbsp Vanilla 

Strawberry Pie Filling***

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1. Combine peanut butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowel and beat until a fluffy mixture is formed.

2. Beat in egg

3. Next, add in oats, baking soda, and vanilla until well combined.

4. Drop onto a greased cookie sheet.

5. Use a Tbsp to form the center and fill with strawberry pie filling. 

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until sides are slightly golden brown. 

Best served warm!

**If you have a peanut allergy, I recommend using Sunbutter. Also, the peanut butter can be substituted for any other nut butters that you use.

***I used a pie filling that was homemade from a amish market. They make the best pie fillings. You can used canned if you choose. 

Cheers!!