When I started writing this blog I'd been living gluten free for about three years, with regular glutenings along the way. Recently I've been reviewing the blog content to see if there are lessons to be learnt from the journey I've been on, to date. One or two things stand out.
When I first started out I was eating from all the main food groups just so long as the food was gluten free. That meant that initially I was adapting the standard foods that everyone eats, such as cakes and breads to gluten free versions, for safety. At that point I knew I was on a journey, but thought I was more or less at the destination. How wrong could I be? The journey was just starting!
The first change came about, when I started to accept life's challenges and changes. I stopped trying to do adaptions! This in itself was a bit of a breakthrough, I was starting to accept the changes in my life and starting to accept myself. I was still eating from a large range of food groups, but heading towards foods that were naturally gluten free
I then started moving towards food that was fruit and vegetable rich while still eating pre-packed specialist gluten free food. The next step was to take me towards the foods of the Mediterranean. Good job I did, for very soon after this I found out I had elevated cholesterol levels. Saturated fats had to take a nosedive out of my life, except for special occasions
Now I find myself eating more or less only naturally gluten free foods, simply prepared. I now like simple foods that are easy on the digestive system. This sweet, comforting rice salad fits the bill perfectly. I don't imagine for one moment that the journey is over. Life would be terribly boring if I'd arrived at my destination. There must be new lessons to learn. For now though, its simple gluten free with low salt and low in saturated fats. Next, I'll be working on getting it low in sugar too!
2 cups pre-cooked rice
Handful sultanas
Handful dried apricots, chopped
Handful pine nuts, dry fried or toasted
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 tbsp runny honey
1 tbsp mint, roughly chopped, plus a few leaves for decoration
Serves 2 Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl
Divide between two plates
:)
When I first started out I was eating from all the main food groups just so long as the food was gluten free. That meant that initially I was adapting the standard foods that everyone eats, such as cakes and breads to gluten free versions, for safety. At that point I knew I was on a journey, but thought I was more or less at the destination. How wrong could I be? The journey was just starting!
The first change came about, when I started to accept life's challenges and changes. I stopped trying to do adaptions! This in itself was a bit of a breakthrough, I was starting to accept the changes in my life and starting to accept myself. I was still eating from a large range of food groups, but heading towards foods that were naturally gluten free
I then started moving towards food that was fruit and vegetable rich while still eating pre-packed specialist gluten free food. The next step was to take me towards the foods of the Mediterranean. Good job I did, for very soon after this I found out I had elevated cholesterol levels. Saturated fats had to take a nosedive out of my life, except for special occasions
Now I find myself eating more or less only naturally gluten free foods, simply prepared. I now like simple foods that are easy on the digestive system. This sweet, comforting rice salad fits the bill perfectly. I don't imagine for one moment that the journey is over. Life would be terribly boring if I'd arrived at my destination. There must be new lessons to learn. For now though, its simple gluten free with low salt and low in saturated fats. Next, I'll be working on getting it low in sugar too!
2 cups pre-cooked rice
Handful sultanas
Handful dried apricots, chopped
Handful pine nuts, dry fried or toasted
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 tbsp runny honey
1 tbsp mint, roughly chopped, plus a few leaves for decoration
Serves 2
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl
Divide between two plates
:)