A Gluten-Free Birthday Gift

Today I have a guest post from a very good friend of ours, his name is Jim. He has a ministry called, Immpact Media Ministries. Jim has a really interesting gluten-free story to tell us.

I got an interesting gluten-free gift on my birthday. Turning one past half-a-century, I decided to treat myself with a visit to the acupuncturist. He is one of the best in LA and has had a very bright intern from South Korea in his office all this year. In my last few visits, I have made it part of my routine to linger awhile longer and chat with the intern. Being in the USA only a few years, he always has American culture questions for me, and usually some interesting ideas. This time, he mentioned a suggestion he learned for washing his face, to get rid of oil and clean out the pores well. He took rice flour and scrubbed his face with it, with great results. He said it was a little bit like rubbing sand in his face, but didn't cause any harm to his skin. I noted that his face had a particular sheen that I hadn't seen before.

I stuck this fascinating tidbit in my cap and went home. Later that evening, while having my birthday dinner out with my family, I mentioned this to my brother. After he dropped us off at home, he went back out to buy food for his rabbit. Shortly when he returned, voila, he handed me a bag of Bob's Red Mill Stone Ground White Rice Flour. I did not hesitate to head into the bathroom where I could give this a try. Sure enough, it was not unlike rubbing beach sand in my face, but the results are great. I am often putting aloe cream on my face to take care of dryness, so my face can use a nice scrub every now and then to manage the build-up of oils. Now I have a great method - that's my gluten-free birthday gift!

Thank-you Jim for sharing your amazing story with the readers of Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living.

If you have had a similar experience I would love to hear it.

3 Interesting Facts about Resistance Training to Keep You Strong and Healthy

Resistance training is described as a type of exercise that causes your muscles to work against a resistance using your own body weight or training equipment. It is most effective when you do it using progressive body adaptation. When performed with proper procedure and equipment, it increases bone strength, decreases risk of bone injuries, boosts muscle size, increases overall strength, results to leaner body, and promotes good heart condition.

Resistance training has gained popularity among many health-conscious individuals who want to naturally stay in shape and who want to be stronger. What really is resistance training and what can it do for you? Here are some interesting details about resistance training that will explain its nature and its benefits:

What is resistance training

Resistance training is a type of exercise that initiates your muscles to work against any type of resistance using your own body weight or training equipment. Doing push-ups and sit-ups are good examples of resistance training using body weight. Training equipment used in this exercise include elastic bands, weights, barbells, exercise cycles, steppers, tread mills, leg presses, and multiple-function compact training benches, and multiple-function compact training benches, such as VigorFit, which is a less expensive alternative to Total Gym XLS.

How should you do it

Resistance training should involve progressive adaptation of one's body to certain resistance to avoid injuries and to provide desired results. If you enroll for resistance training program in a gym, your instructor should tell you where and how to start. If you do it yourself, you should know what resistance your body can hold that does not result to injuries. Know what your body can handle. For example, you can start using lighter weights, such as four pounds per hand, and do it for only 32 counts. After a few days, you can increase the heaviness of your weights and increase the frequency of your exercise. It is advisable to follow a certain resistance training program that you can find on the Internet for free to reach desired results.

What can it do for you

Resistance training can do you more good than merely slimming and shaping your body as most forms of exercises do. Here are interesting benefits that resistance training can give you:

• Increases bone strength. Resistance training is a practical way to increase bone strength. As you apply adequate pressure on your bones, such as muscular contraction or mechanical pressure, you are promoting your bones to remodel. Bone remodeling is responsible for renewing the tissues and condition of your bones, thus increasing bone strength. It is particularly advisable for those with bone mineral density deficiency and those with osteoporosis.

• 
  Decreases risk of bone injuries. As resistance training makes your bones stronger, it is particularly helpful to the elderly. Older people have weaker bones since bone modeling is not anymore as active as in their younger days, particularly at its peak during puberty. As resistance training makes bones stronger, it will help reduce the risk of bone injuries for the elders.

• Boosts muscle size. As you do resistance exercises, your muscles will be toned. Otherwise known as hypertrophy, your muscles will also increase in size. Different resistance applications result to different desired muscle profile. Women engaged in this type of exercise should not worry about getting muscles that guys or even weightlifters or body builders have, since muscle growth is said to be dependent on male growth testosterone. Correct training procedure and equipment should dictate the muscle condition you will develop over time.

• 
  Increases overall strength. With continuous resistance training, you will have improved power and increased endurance to perform vigorous tasks. You will also be able to do more activities that require more strength as your body becomes accustomed to resistance. After two to eight weeks of continuous resistance training, you will be able to observe that more strenuous tasks at home will be a lot easier for you, such as moving furniture, carrying your toddler, and bringing your groceries.

• 
  Results to leaner body. One of the main objectives of resistance training is to reduce body fats. Your body uses up more energy with the exercise itself, thus burning body fats. Unlike other exercises that also burn fats, resistance training makes fat burning faster as your muscles grow in size, requiring more use of energy. This will help you promote a leaner body faster when properly performed.

• 
  Promotes good heart condition. Resistance training is said to lower blood pressure and blood rate, thus promoting good heart condition and reducing risk of heart diseases. It is, however, not advisable if you intend to do resistance training to cure a heart disease or any other disease. Always consult your doctor before undergoing such exercise.

To achieve desired results and benefits, do resistance training with proper equipment and proper procedure. Do not rush yourself. Do not make it so hard for your body, especially in the beginning. It is advisable to do the exercise three times a week to give time for your muscles to heal and adapt the exercise. Always remember to do some warming-up and cooling down before and after resistance training exercises. Drink plenty of water during the exercise to replenish lost body fluids.

What do you do to keep strong and healthy?

Food and Health Carnival August 26

Every Thursday I will have this Food and Health Carnival on my website.

Do you have a Favorite Recipe, a Great Tip, a Great Resource or a Giveaway? Do you have a Giveaway Linky on your blog? Or maybe you would just like to share your Food or Health Blog/Website.

Link it here to my Food and Health Carnival.

If you have trouble getting your link to show up try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work try cropping your picture instead of getting it from the web.

This week I will share with you: Gluten-Free Breakfast and Snack Ideas

All I ask for in return is to add my new blog button above to your blog and/or a link to my website. Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living

I have have a "Blog of the Week" on my other blog, if you are interested in having your blog featured there please send me an e-mail.

Do you have a Blog or Website? Add it to my Top 100 Blogs and Websites Directory. Please be sure and add the button on your blog or website, so that your blog will get votes.

Check out these other sites that have Food Carnivals.
Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free (Tuesdays)
Gluten-Free Homemaker (Wednesdays)
Blessed with Grace (Tuesdays)
Get Healthy Cheap (Fridays)

Flirty Aprons Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the winner of the Flirty Aprons Giveaway.

And the winner is #67, Kelly. You have won a flirty apron. You can choose whatever apron you want with the exception of these four aprons: Chic Pink, Sassy Black, Cocoa Lime and Cupcake. Those four are not available for the giveaway. I used Random to determine the winner of this giveaway. Kelly, I will be sending you an e-mail to get your shipping information.

 

Flirty Aprons are quality double layered aprons and they have an adjustable waist and neck ties for a one size fits all apron. 100% soft cotton fabric and won't fade or tear. They have a 30 day money back guarantee.

You will look cute and feel great wearing these aprons. Women can't get enough of this fun and flirty woman's apron. Cooking, cleaning, gardening or doing crafts-the Original Women's apron is ideal for every woman who wants to look and feel beautiful while going about her day. Women will love wearing this 100% cotton apron. Women's aprons have been a necessity in daily life for ages, and now women everywhere are redefining the look and feel of their home lives with our fun and sassy aprons. Take the monotony out of daily life by adding the exciting and sexy flare of a Flirty Apron.

Flirty Aprons are available for women, children and men. They have lots of colors and styles to choose from.

They also have the cutest cleaning gloves you will ever see. Give cleaning new meaning with chic and stylish Gloveables, dressed up in dotted or damask ruffles.

So where can you get these very cute aprons at? Go on over to Flirty Aprons website and check them out. They even have their own blog.

 

Thank-you everyone for entering my giveaway. It was so much fun. I had 364 entries for this giveaway, that is a record for me. Thank-you everyone for following Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living, I really appreciate you.

Baked Pork Chop Dinner

Gluten-Free Baked Pork Chop Dinner


1 whipped Egg in a cereal bowl.
1 cup of Brown Rice Flour on a plate.
Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder to Taste mixed in with the brown rice flour.

4 - 6 pieces of Pork Chops.
Dip the Pork Chops in the egg and then in the flour mixture

Place the pork chops in a 9 x 13 cake pan that has 2 tbsp. Olive Oil or Butter. (The Flour soaks up the olive oil and butter)


Cover with ten foil. (uncover the pork chops the last 10 minutes so that the pork chips can get brown on top).


Bake 400 Degrees for 30 - 40 minutes or until the pork chops are no longer pink inside.


Serve with Boiled Corn on the Cobb and Cooked Rice and enjoy.


The rice I used in this particular dish is Volcano Rice from Lotus Foods.

Katz Gluten-Free Review and Giveaway

This is a review and giveaway of Katz Gluten-Free products. Katz Gluten-Free sent me a sample box of their gluten-free foods to try out. My family and I were so excited when the box came to our house, full of goodies. My five year old could not wait to try everything!

Katz Gluten-Free products are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and Kosher. The products do contain sugar, for those of you who can't have sugar in your diet.

This is what they sent me.

Challah Bread

This bread was very moist and tasted very good.

5 out of 5 stars.

White Bread

This bread was also very moist and tasted very good.

5 out of 5 stars.

Marble Cake

Oh, Wow!!! This was my favorite out of all of the products. It was so moist and yummy. I absolutely love this marble cake.

5 out of 5 stars.

Honey Muffins

These muffins tasted very good and very moist.

5 out of 5 stars.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The cookies were a little on the dry side, but still tasted good.

4 out of 5 stars.

Cinnamon Rugelech

These tasted dry and stale to me, but it still tasted good.

3 out of 5 stars.

Chocolate Rugelech

These tasted like they were cooked too long and they were hard, dry and stale.

I did not like them at all.

1 out of 5 stars.

Large Challah Kaiser Rolls

These were the most dry and stale out of all the products. They still tasted good, they probably taste really good when they are fresh.

2 out of 5 stars.

My five year old loved everything, let me tell you. I was however a little disappointed and I will tell you why, about half of it tasted dry and stale, maybe because it was sent all the way from New York, so some of the freshness was more than likely lost. Which is understandable. I am sure they must taste allot better when they are fresh. All in all I would give Katz Gluten-Free 4 out of 5 stars, only because of the dryness.

Katz Gluten-Free operates out of a state-of-the art facility, which has been Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group), for their unmatched reliability in complying with strict gluten-free standards. Every single product that bears their label consits of only pure, high quality and fresh ingredients. Their production facility meets and exceeds industry standards for cleanliness and efficiency. All of their products are thoroughly researched and taste-tested to guaranteed goodness in every bite. Smart shoppers nationwide have acknowledged the incomparable taste and quality of their products by repeatedly choosing the Katz label for their dietary needs.

Founded by an individual who is gluten intolerant, Katz Gluten-Free personally understands the unique demands of the gluten-free market, a quality that distinguishes their company and enables them to consistently create products that revolutionize the taste and texture of gluten-free baked goods.

You can purchase Katz Gluten-Free baked goods at their website, Katz Gluten-Free. Check out their store locator to find a store in your area.

Now for the giveaway

Katz Gluten-Free is being very generous.
One lucky winner will receive $25 to spend on whatever Katz Gluten-Free products they want.
And
One lucky winner will receive a sample box of Katz Gluten-Free products.
That is two lucky winners!!!
Thank-you Katz Gluten-Free for this review and giveaway.

Entries:

1) Follow me on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2) Subscribe to my RSS Feed or E-mail. (1 entry each)
3) Follow me on Twitter. (1 entry)
4) Tweet about this giveaway daily. (2 additional entries a day)
You can use this for an example,
"I'd like to win Katz Gluten-Free Baked Products at @superglutenfree from @katzglutenfree #giveaway #win http://goo.gl/fb/ZwMY3".
5) "Like" my blog on Facebook. (1 entry)
6) Blog about this giveaway and link to Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living and to Katz Gluten-Free. (3 entries)
7) Add my blog to your blog roll. (2 entries)
8) Add my button to the side bar of your blog. (3 entries)
9) Follow Katz Gluten-Free on Twitter (1 entry)
10) "Like" Katz Gluten-Free on Facebook. (1 entry)
11) Enter to win $100 from Katz Gluten-Free, http://www.bit.ly/KatzSummerDesserts (1 entry)
12) Get a Katz Gluten-Free Sample Pack for free. (1 entry)
13) Check out my Squidoo Lens and/or create your own Squidoo Lens. (2 entries each)
Please leave me a comment while you are there as well leave me a comment on here telling me you checked out my Squidoo Lens.
14) Vote for my Blog on these Blog Directories by clicking on each of the following buttons. One additional entry per click. You can do this every 6 hours. Top Mommy Blogs can only be voted for once a day. Make sure to make a separate comment for each button you click on.










Leave a comment for each entry.

Be sure and leave me your Twitter user name and Blog URL of your post.

Leave me your e-mail address or make sure it is visible on your blog so that in the event that you win this giveaway I can contact you.

This Giveaway is available for USA Only.

Giveaway goes through till September 7.

2 Ways of Achieving a Realistic and Healthy Goal Weight

When you want to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight, you need to consider and do the following: keep track of your weight loss progress and set a realistic goal weight.


In your quest for a leaner body, it is necessary that you aim for a healthy one. To do so, you have to ensure that you carry out these important ways in order to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight:


Keep track of your weight loss progress


Oftentimes, you may feel disappointed realizing that your weight has remained the same even with your constant and regular exercise program. It is helpful to follow any improvement on your weight. This is possible by:

• tracking your body fat percentage – if you track your body fat, you will understand further the extent of the need to shed of fat from your body to lose weight. It can happen that your scale weight is the same even when you already have slimmed down. This is especially true when your gaining muscle as you lose your body fat.
• using the scale – using a scale is the least on the list when wanting to determine any progress in your body weight. It measures basically everything from bones, muscle, fat, organs to even your water intake. It does not help you determine on the ones you have lost or gained during your weight loss program. It may not be as popular as the other tool in tracking your weight, but it can be used effectively when combined with your body fat percentage.
• taking your measurements – this does not require any complicated equipment at all. This will aid you in identifying which parts of your body is losing fat. You should measure your chest, waist, bust, hips, waist, upper arm, calves, and forearm.
• assess how you look – this is, of course, the simplest. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and see how you look. You can even take a photo of yourself once a month and compare these photos. Find out if there are any changes, whether you look slimmer or heavier.

Set a realistic goal weight


First things first, set a weight loss goal that is absolutely realistic. Work on a goal weight that is achievable so as not to end up being frustrated. Ultimately, your goal should be a healthy weight. So, consult your doctor first. Realistic goal is positive, precise, prioritized, planned and performance-based. Along with setting a realistic goal weight, you also need to consider these two:

• BMI or body mass index – it is important to consider your BMI in setting your goal weight since it helps your doctor in determining any risks on any weight related health issues. Your body mass index or BMI is derived by dividing your weight (in pounds) by your height (in inches squared)., and multiplying it by 705.
• WHR or waist-to-hip ratio – your waist-to-hip ratio is also usually considered by your doctor. You can calculate it by taking the circumference of your waist and dividing it by the circumference of your hip using a tape measure. Women with ratios higher than 0.85 and men with ratios higher than 0.09 are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.

It is best to note that an exercise program along with a healthy diet are necessary in achieving the body weight you always wanted to have. Just make sure you choose the ones that fit you right. Always remember that a surgery is not always the solution for a leaner body. If you plan to go on a diet, be sure to read books to thoroughly increase your awareness and knowledge. Reading the every other day diet ebook might be of help to you too.

Katz Gluten Free Review and Giveaway

This is a review and giveaway of Katz Gluten-Free products. Katz Gluten-Free sent me a sample box of their gluten-free foods to try out. My family and I were so excited when the box came to our house, full of goodies. My five year old could not wait to try everything!

Katz Gluten-Free products are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and Kosher. The products do contain sugar, for those of you who can't have sugar in your diet.

This is what they sent me.

Challah Bread

This bread was very moist and tasted very good.

5 out of 5 stars.

White Bread

This bread was also very moist and tasted very good.

5 out of 5 stars.

Marble Cake

Oh, Wow!!! This was my favorite out of all of the products. It was so moist and yummy. I absolutely love this marble cake.

5 out of 5 stars.

Honey Muffins

These muffins tasted very good and very moist.

5 out of 5 stars.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

The cookies were a little on the dry side, but still tasted good.

4 out of 5 stars.

Cinnamon Rugelech

These tasted dry and stale to me, but it still tasted good.

3 out of 5 stars.

Chocolate Rugelech

These tasted like they were cooked too long and they were hard, dry and stale.

I did not like them at all.

1 out of 5 stars.

Large Challah Kaiser Rolls

These were the most dry and stale out of all the products. They still tasted good, they probably taste really good when they are fresh.

2 out of 5 stars.

My five year old loved everything, let me tell you. I was however a little disappointed and I will tell you why, about half of it tasted dry and stale, maybe because it was sent all the way from New York, so some of the freshness was more than likely lost. Which is understandable. I am sure they must taste allot better when they are fresh. All in all I would give Katz Gluten-Free 4 out of 5 stars, only because of the dryness.

Katz Gluten-Free operates out of a state-of-the art facility, which has been Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group), for their unmatched reliability in complying with strict gluten-free standards. Every single product that bears their label consits of only pure, high quality and fresh ingredients. Their production facility meets and exceeds industry standards for cleanliness and efficiency. All of their products are thoroughly researched and taste-tested to guaranteed goodness in every bite. Smart shoppers nationwide have acknowledged the incomparable taste and quality of their products by repeatedly choosing the Katz label for their dietary needs.

Founded by an individual who is gluten intolerant, Katz Gluten-Free personally understands the unique demands of the gluten-free market, a quality that distinguishes their company and enables them to consistently create products that revolutionize the taste and texture of gluten-free baked goods.

You can purchase Katz Gluten-Free baked goods at their website, Katz Gluten-Free. Check out their store locator to find a store in your area.

Now for the giveaway

Katz Gluten-Free is being very generous.
One lucky winner will receive $25 to spend on whatever Katz Gluten-Free products they want.
And
One lucky winner will receive a sample box of Katz Gluten-Free products.
That is two lucky winners!!!
Thank-you Katz Gluten-Free for this review and giveaway.

Entries:

1) Follow me on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2) Subscribe to my RSS Feed or E-mail. (1 entry each)
3) Follow me on Twitter. (1 entry)
4) Tweet about this giveaway daily. (2 additional entries a day)
You can use this for an example,
"I'd like to win Katz Gluten-Free Baked Products at @superglutenfree from @katzglutenfree #giveaway #win http://goo.gl/fb/ZwMY3".
5) "Like" my blog on Facebook. (1 entry)
6) Blog about this giveaway and link to Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living and to Katz Gluten-Free. (3 entries)
7) Add my blog to your blog roll. (2 entries)
8) Add my button to the side bar of your blog. (3 entries)
9) Follow Katz Gluten-Free on Twitter (1 entry)
10) "Like" Katz Gluten-Free on Facebook. (1 entry)
11) Enter to win $100 from Katz Gluten-Free, http://www.bit.ly/KatzSummerDesserts (1 entry)
12) Get a Katz Gluten-Free Sample Pack for free. (1 entry)
13) Check out my Squidoo Lens and/or create your own Squidoo Lens. (2 entries each)
Please leave me a comment while you are there as well leave me a comment on here telling me you checked out my Squidoo Lens.
14) Vote for my Blog on these Blog Directories by clicking on each of the following buttons. One additional entry per click. You can do this every 6 hours. Top Mommy Blogs can only be voted for once a day. Make sure to make a separate comment for each button you click on.











Leave a comment for each entry.

Be sure and leave me your Twitter user name and Blog URL of your post.


Leave me your e-mail address or make sure it is visible on your blog so that in the event that you win this giveaway I can contact you.

This Giveaway is available for USA Only.

Giveaway goes through till September 7.

2 Ways of Achieving a Realistic and Healthy Goal Weight

When you want to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight, you need to consider and do the following: keep track of your weight loss progress and set a realistic goal weight.

In your quest for a leaner body, it is necessary that you aim for a healthy one. To do so, you have to ensure that you carry out these important ways in order to achieve a realistic and healthy goal weight:

Keep track of your weight loss progress

Oftentimes, you may feel disappointed realizing that your weight has remained the same even with your constant and regular exercise program. It is helpful to follow any improvement on your weight. This is possible by:

• tracking your body fat percentage – if you track your body fat, you will understand further the extent of the need to shed of fat from your body to lose weight. It can happen that your scale weight is the same even when you already have slimmed down. This is especially true when your gaining muscle as you lose your body fat.


• using the scale – using a scale is the least on the list when wanting to determine any progress in your body weight. It measures basically everything from bones, muscle, fat, organs to even your water intake. It does not help you determine on the ones you have lost or gained during your weight loss program. It may not be as popular as the other tool in tracking your weight, but it can be used effectively when combined with your body fat percentage.


• taking your measurements – this does not require any complicated equipment at all. This will aid you in identifying which parts of your body is losing fat. You should measure your chest, waist, bust, hips, waist, upper arm, calves, and forearm.


• assess how you look – this is, of course, the simplest. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and see how you look. You can even take a photo of yourself once a month and compare these photos. Find out if there are any changes, whether you look slimmer or heavier.

Set a realistic goal weight

First things first, set a weight loss goal that is absolutely realistic. Work on a goal weight that is achievable so as not to end up being frustrated. Ultimately, your goal should be a healthy weight. So, consult your doctor first. Realistic goal is positive, precise, prioritized, planned and performance-based. Along with setting a realistic goal weight, you also need to consider these two:

• BMI or body mass index – it is important to consider your BMI in setting your goal weight since it helps your doctor in determining any risks on any weight related health issues. Your body mass index or BMI is derived by dividing your weight (in pounds) by your height (in inches squared)., and multiplying it by 705.


• WHR or waist-to-hip ratio - your waist-to-hip ratio is also usually considered by your doctor. You can calculate it by taking the circumference of your waist and dividing it by the circumference of your hip using a tape measure. Women with ratios higher than 0.85 and men with ratios higher than 0.09 are likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.

It is best to note that an exercise program along with a healthy diet are necessary in achieving the body weight you always wanted to have. Just make sure you choose the ones that fit you right. Always remember that a surgery is not always the solution for a leaner body. If you plan to go on a diet, be sure to read books to thoroughly increase your awareness and knowledge. Reading the every other day diet ebook might be of help to you too.

Food and Health Carnival August 19

<center><a href="http://www.lisasglutenfree.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab216/oceansky12/LisasButton-2-3.png" border="0" alt="Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living" title="Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living" /></a>

Every Thursday I will have this Food and Health Carnival on my website.

Do you have a Favorite Recipe, a Great Tip, a Great Resource or a Giveaway? Do you have a Giveaway Linky on your blog? Or maybe you would just like to share your Food or Health Blog/Website.

Link it here to my Food and Health Carnival.

If you have trouble getting your link to show up try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work try cropping your picture instead of getting it from the web.

This week I will share with you: Gluten-Free Flours and Binding Agents

All I ask for in return is to add my new blog button above to your blog and/or a link to my website. Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living

I have have a "Blog of the Week" on my other blog, if you are interested in having your blog featured there please send me an e-mail.

Do you have a Blog or Website? Add it to my Top 100 Blogs and Websites Directory. Please be sure and add the button on your blog or website, so that your blog will get votes.

Check out these other sites that have Food Carnivals.
Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free (Tuesdays)
Gluten-Free Homemaker (Wednesdays)
Blessed with Grace (Tuesdays)
Get Healthy Cheap (Fridays)

Heathy After School Snacks for Kids

Susan from Massage Therapy Schools contacted me about an article they thought we might be interested in reading.

It is called 100 Healthy After-School Snacks for Your Hungry Kids. As a mom, I know I am always on the lookout for healthy foods to feed my 5 year old.  Then the challenge is how to make the kids snacks gluten-free as well as healthy. Check it out if you are interested, then tell me what you think. I know I am going to read through it.

I hope everyone is staying cool in the hot weather. Sure has been hot the last couple of days. Have a great week from Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living.

Joyful Heart Muffins

 

Joyful Heart Muffins

Nonstick Cooking Spray
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon canola oil - I only had olive oil
3/4 cup oat flour (I just ground some oatmeal in the blender)
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of cinnamon
1/2 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375. Spray a 25 hole mini muffin tin with non~stick cooking spray. (You can use a regular muffin tin~you'll only need 8 holes, fill the rest with water for even baking) In a bowl whisk the dry ingredients. Don't forget the cocoa, like I did.

In a bowl measure the applesauce, flavorings, oil and sweetener. Whisk well to dissolve the sugar. Add the dry ingredients and then mix in the chips. Scoop into muffin tins. Bake 12-15 minutes.

These are a fun little muffin to eat! They are really moist and chocolatey and low fat! My kids enjoyed them for breakfast but they would make a good snack too!

This has been a guest post from Carol at Song Berries. She has an awesome blog, please check out her blog. Her blog is about cooking, crafts, tips, her family. Life is an adventure. She has a Facebook page and a Twitter profile, check them out and follow her. She is such a lovely person.

Thank-you Carol for being a guest blogger on Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living and sharing your wonderful recipe with my reader's and I. I really appreciate you and your blog.

Food & Health Carnival August 12

<center><a href="http://www.lisasglutenfree.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab216/oceansky12/LisasButton-2-3.png" border="0" alt="Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living" title="Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living" /></a>

Every Thursday I will have this Food and Health Carnival on my website.

Do you have a Favorite Recipe, a Great Tip, a Great Resource or a Giveaway? Do you have a Giveaway Linky on your blog? Or maybe you would just like to share your Food or Health Blog/Website.

Link it here to my Food and Health Carnival.

If you have trouble getting your link to show up try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work try cropping your picture instead of getting it from the web.

This week I will share with you: Blueberry Muffins

All I ask for in return is to add my new blog button above to your blog and/or a link to my website. Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living

I have have a "Blog of the Week" on my other blog, if you are interested in having your blog featured there please send me an e-mail.

Do you have a Blog or Website? Add it to my Top 100 Blogs and Websites Directory. Please be sure and add the button on your blog or website, so that your blog will get votes.

I want to thank everyone who has been participating in this carnival. All the recipes have been really good.

Check out these sites that have Food Carnivals.
Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free (Tuesdays)
Gluten-Free Homemaker (Wednesdays)
Blessed with Grace (Tuesdays)
Mother of Pearl it is (Tuesdays)
Get Healthy Cheap (Fridays)

Upcoming Review on CSN Stores

I was contacted by a representative from CSN Stores. She asked if I would do a review a product from their store on my blog, and of course I said, Yes! You would not believe the merchandise that they carry. They carry a little bit of everything, from home decor to bread machines and more. Check out their Le Creuset Cookware Collection.

Here is a set I like.

I decided to do a review on this convection bread machine. It has a gluten-free setting, which is what I need for my gluten-free lifestyle. I can't wait until it comes so that I can tell you all about it.

 

In the meantime, check out CSN Stores, you can click on their website for a full list of categories they carry. Happy Shopping.

 

So check back with me in a few weeks for my review on Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living.

The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar Giveaway Winner

 

Congratulations to the Winner of The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar Giveaway Winner. The Winner is #81 Kelly. You will receive one box of cookies and one box of brownies from The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar. I will be sending you an e-mail shortly to get your shipping information.

I used random to help determine the winner.

The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar has all natural and dairy free baked goods. All of their baked goods are:

• Gluten-Free


• Dairy-Free


• Nut Free


• Trans Fat Free


• Made with no Preservatives


• Using the Best Ingredients Available

Here is a list of the baked goods they carry.

• Chocolate Chunk Cookies


• Sugar Cookies


• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies


• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies


• Chocolate Chip Brownies


• Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies


• Cheesecake Swirl Brownies


• Vanilla Cream Canoe Cakes (twinkies)


• Chocolate Cream Canoe Cakes (twinkies)

The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar is a local wholesale and delivery bakery in south Florida dedicated to making great tasting gluten and dairy free baked goods.

The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar was founded by nutritionist and baker Randi Rakow. He started baking gluten free due to the high demand for tasty baked goods for those who suffer from celiac and digestive diseases.

You can purchase The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar Baked Goods on their website,

The Gluten-Free Cookie Jar. Where else can you buy them? Look it up on where to buy.

Thank-you everyone for entering my giveaway. It was allot of fun. I appreciate all of you following Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living.

Pastini Pastaria Restaurant Review

I had the opportunity to eat at The Pastini Pastaria Restaurant at the NE Broadway location in Portland, Oregon. There is over 30 main pasta dishes that they will substitute the pasta for a penne pasta, which is their gluten-free pasta.

The restaurant is easy to get to, there is bus access and bike lanes. If you are going to drive there make sure you give yourself a little extra time because there is only street parking. Also the restaurant is close to The Rose Garden and The Coliseum. You can eat dinner there and then head on over to The Rose Garden to watch The Trail Blazer's play a basketball game or go to a concert.

My family and I had a great time there. We were warmly greeted. They took us to a table to sit down at. There was music playing in the background. The restaurant is very pleasant to the eyes and is kept very clean.

Yvette, The Director of Kitchen Operations gave me a tour of the kitchen. Yvette is terrific, she showed me where the gluten-free pasta is stored. It is stored in the refrigerator all wrapped up and kept separate from all the other food. Then she showed me the cooking area. The kitchen is kept very clean. She explained to me that the gluten-free pasta is cooked in a separate pan from the regular pasta and they use a tong that has a black rubber end. The tongs used for the regular pasta has no rubber end, so they can tell the difference. And the tongs are kept in a different area from each other.

The meat for the main dishes are kept wrapped up till they are ready to heat them up in a different pan from all other meats. They do a very good job of guarding against cross contamination. They educate there staff very well about celiac disease and gluten intolerance. When you order and tell them that you are gluten intolerant they touch the wheat free and gluten-free buttons on their computer to ring it up. When you get the receipt is says wheat free and gluten free right on the receipt.

 

Now I will tell you what we ordered. We ordered The Antipasto Platter off there Antipasti (appetizer) menu. Picture showing above. It is a spread of soprasetta, mortatdella, provolone, Italian olives, roasted eggplant spread, fresh mozzarella and marinated tomatoes with mixed greens dressed in balsamic-red wine vinaigrette. We dug into it. It was very delicious. A very good appetizer for the gluten intolerant.

 

Then for the main dish we ordered The Fusilli alla Roma from their Pasta Con Il Pollow (pastas with chicken) menu. It comes with gluten-free penne pasta tossed with grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and roasted garlic in a parmesan cream sauce. Oh talk about good, the pasta tasted very good, you would not know that is gluten-free. A very good gluten-free dish. Between the appetizer and the main dish we had plenty to eat. We ordered The Spaghetti Marinara off their kids menu for our son. My husband and our son are not gluten intolerant, I am the one who is gluten intolerant. So the guys did not have to have the gluten-free pasta.

For our beverages we ordered water of course and milk for our son. Coffee for my husband and I ordered the Strawberry Italian Soda. They have a terrific wine list.

Then for dessert we ordered Chocolate Tartufo. They separated it for us. I got the ice cream and the guys got the warm triple chocolate cake with a chocolate truffle center with whipped cream. Very decadent, yum. Yevette told me that they are working on getting gluten-free bread and gluten-free desserts to add to the gluten-free menu.

I give Pastini Pastaria5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend this restaurant for when you want to got out to eat. Everything was excellent and the waitress did a wonderful job. Everything was clean. You don't have to worry about cross contamination at this restaurant. Pastini Pastaria has eight locations in the Oregon area. There are four locations in Portland. The other locations are located in Tigard, Beaverton, Bend and in Corvallis.

Thank-you Pastini Pastaria for the wonderful food and the amazing dining experience. Everything was excellent.

For more Gluten-Free Restaurants, I have a Gluten-Free Restaurant list on the top left hand side of my website.

Food & Health Carnival

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Every Thursday I will have this Food and Health Carnival on my website.

Do you have a Favorite Recipe, a Great Tip, a Great Resource or a Giveaway? Do you have a Giveaway Linky on your blog? Or maybe you would just like to share your Food or Health Blog/Website.

Link it here to my Food and Health Carnival.

If you have trouble getting your link to show up try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work try cropping your picture instead of getting it from the web.

This week I will share with you: Gluten-Free Breakfast Burritos

All I ask for in return is to add my new blog button above to your blog and/or a link to my website. Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living

I have have a "Blog of the Week" on my other blog, if you are interested in having your blog featured there please send me an e-mail.

Do you have a Blog or Website? Add it to my Top 100 Blogs and Websites Directory. Please be sure and add the button on your blog or website, so that your blog will get votes.

Check out these sites that have Food Carnivals.
Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free (Tuesdays)
Gluten-Free Homemaker (Wednesdays)
Blessed with Grace (Tuesdays)
Mother of Pearl it is (Tuesdays)
Get Healthy Cheap (Fridays)