Fresh herbs...

[babsmith]

I'm relatively new to both LC (a bit shy of 2 years) and this forum. I'm wondering if anyone uses fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil or tarragon to season chicken and fish. Having just suffered a flare up after 6 months of total abandon, I'm on phase one diet and looking for flavor. I've seen improvement so hope try phase two diet soon.

[Gabes-Apg]

I have found that i can cook with Rosemary, but can not consume it. I can put sprigs of fresh rosemary in with lamb or chicken when I am baking/roasting it. But am not able to actually eat the leaves etc.

hope this helps

[babsmith]

Thank you so much - I can do that! How about cooking chicken in wine? Also, what about cooking with lemon juice? I just have so many questions...and appreciate your help.

[Gabes-Apg]

I would be cautious of wine as it tends to rise histamines (and the risk of contaminates etc during the processing makes it high risk)
I have put small amount of lemon juice on fish after cooking.

as you may have seen, every body is different, it takes a bit of trial and error. start really really slow, and dont overdo new flavours.

in my eating plan I have my stables, (that i can eat everyday) my sometimes foods (1-3 serves a week max or I react) and then treat foods (once every few months)

here is a podcast that might make you rethink using commercial wines.. even those that claim to be preservative free
https://blog.bulletproof.com/todd-white ... osing-294/

(and from this discussion, i think the same issues apply to oils like avocado oil and olive oil etc)

[babsmith]

i'm sorry i didn't respond to your kind words and information. it seems, after reading about it for a while, i'm just too overwhelmed with both information and the sadness that is accompanying losing my best "friends" (food and alcohol)! i need to read up on exercise since i feel i'm not getting sufficient nutrients to do my normal weight training and yoga. today, i skipped yoga as i felt too depleted to actively participate in the entirety of the class. it is a major life change, needless to say, and while i'm not alone - it feels like it at times. entertaining friends with elaborate dinners is our social relaxation, hiking is my girl time to chat and catch up, yoga is my spirituality and planning all of the above, my creative outlet. whew...the past few weeks have been life-altering. i've lost a few pounds and since i started at 105, i don't want that to continue. i have to get more calories somehow. any and all insight is greatly appreciated.

[Gabes-Apg]

life with MC is a big adjustment, not just the eating plan, but the impact on lifestyle, social interactions, and tweaking beliefs and values a bit to embrace what works best... In the guidelines to recovery section there are some good resources for reading / audiobooks / podcasts that are a good support for the mental and emotional aspects of this journey. go through a grieving process of aspects of life before MC that we may not experience the same again..

due to my combo of health issues, I have made career changes, moved from capital city to smaller city and had to readjust hobbies and social activities to suit my life as it is now.... it can be a tough process.

weight wise, ensuring that you are having good serves of protein (preferably animal protein) every meal and snacks will help.
finding the more starchy vegetables that are safe MC wise will also help.

take care

[babsmith]

i am trying not to be too pitiful or self-absorbed but will listen/read and avail myself to the recovery section resources. again, i appreciate the guidance.

[hollyweb]

Hi Barbara,

Gabes and everyone is so right. This is truly a life-changing condition, and for most of us there are multiple conditions that come with. There certainly is a lot of loss, grief and adjustments which must be made, and everyone has their own ways and time frames which are best for them. Having this forum will provide much education, information, support, friendship, empathy and compassion, and a safe place to come where you know you will be listened to and heard by others who truly understand because they walk in your footsteps.

Not sure where you are in your diet, but wanted to share that one of the best sources of calories I've found in safe foods is nut butters. They can be pricey, but they are really really good. If you know what nuts you react to (or if you do), that's a good place to start. I had the EnteroLabs done, and found that I'm sensitive to almonds, cashews and walnuts. I might be able to have them as nut butters, but haven't tried them yet. On Amazon, I do order the Futter's nut butters, specifically, the Macadamia Nut Butter and the Pecan Nut Butter. Only ingredients are the actual nuts and water.

You can put these on all kinds of things, including frozen bananas, apple slices, rice cakes ... or just have a few spoonfuls by themselves. They are a source of "good" fats, and are high in calories. They're also comfort foods. So, as you find you're ready to try a few new things, these nut butters may be something you may enjoy and that may also help you maintain your weight.

Please say hello to the Pacific for me! I grew up in Playa del Rey, and spent countless weekends sailing to Catalina Island with my dad as a child.

~ Holly