EAT FRESH

Is Gluten Just Another Buzz Word? Is Gluten Just Another Buzz Word?

By: Jamie Gottschall - Lifestyle Expert

AS A LIFESTYLE EXPERT I

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO TRENDS, AND GLUTEN IS ONE TOPIC GAINING INCREASING

POPULARITY. AND, IT’S NOT JUST A BUZZ WORD. GLUTEN

IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR MANY. BUT, WHAT EXACTLY IS GLUTEN, AND HOW DO YOU

KNOW IF YOU ARE GLUTEN

SENSITIVE OR, THE WORST

CASE SCENARIO, HAVE CELIAC DISEASE?

WHAT IS GLUTEN & SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?

Gluten is a protein found in processed wheat, barley, rye and some other grains. Gluten helps dough rise and gives it its elasticity. It is also a known source of protein. But for many, it is a protein they cannot digest (or break down properly). I’m one of those individuals. For persons with celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, when gluten is ingested, an autoimmune response is triggered in the small intestines, causing damage to its lining. Eventually, the response causes inflammation, which in turn, leads to mal-absorption of nutrients. There is no cure for celiac disease, but eating a strict gluten-free diet will aid in healing the intestinal lining and prevent further inflammation.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GLUTEN INTOLERANCE OR CELIAC DISEASE?

Bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort/pain, muscular and or joint pain are the most commonly reported symptoms. But in other cases, such as mine, it actually has the ability to affect all the systems in the body from neurological to skin all of these I experienced myself, prior to adopting

a gluten-free diet. SHOULD PARENTS BE CONCERNED?

Is your child hyper-active, having trouble concentrating or focusing, restless, irritable or having trouble sleeping? These are just some recognizable symptoms that you may come across outside of the symptoms listed above. It seems as though (dependent upon the person/child), gluten hides or manifests itself in different ways, such as the muscles and joints, neurological system, etc. making a diagnosis challenging.

So before you put your child or yourself on anxiety drugs, antidepressants or medications for fibromyalgia or whatever it is that ails you, think twice. Get tested for gluten sensitivity or celiac disease first. The body sends messages; listen to the signals. If needed, try a lifestyle change by going gluten-free.

TRY THESE NON-GLUTEN FOODS — Quinoa — Millet — Rice — Non-gluten oats — Amaranth — Buckwheat — Teff — Tapioca

MY 20-YEAR BATTLE WITH GLUTEN

My gluten sensitivity hit me full force in my early twenties and I think I know why. When I officially left home, I dove in head first buying Doritos, cereals, microwave meals and every other processed food I could get my hands on, as my mother rarely let me have these treats. I wanted to experience everything I was missing in my tweens and teens. Soon enough, I began developing unexplained ailments, such as debilitating muscle and joint pain, irregular heartbeats, neuropathies, bloating and anxiety. I went from doctor to doctor in search of answers. I was asked if I were possibly depressed. Depressed? I couldn’t even tell you what that word meant; I couldn’t have been a more carefree spirit. This went on for years. I then began developing acid reflux in my early thirties. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and put on a medication that gave me very adverse side effects. I can recall telling my mother and husband that if I died, that it was something coming from my stomach. What put the icing on the cake for me was a woman asking me if I was pregnant. When I responded, “no,” she replied, “Yes you are.” I was 40 then, and decided to take the bull by the horns and listen to the cry for help coming from my stomach. After 20 years of suffering, I decided to make a significant diet and lifestyle change. I

began drinking more water to naturally detox my body. I started eating salads with lean protein, and fresh fruits and veggies—a gluten-free diet. I began running and quickly learned it was aiding my digestion, moving the toxins out of my stomach, digestive tract, muscles and joints. I was cleaning my very toxic body. By day four, the bloating in my stomach disappeared completely and I could actually count my stomach muscles. By day 7, all that ailed me was ancient history. I maintain a gluten-free diet and feel fantastic.

Visit my website for gluten-free recipes. www.jamiegotschall.blogspot.com

HOT TIPS FOR THRIFTY TRAVELERS

By: Amber Deemer When traveling with kids, some restaurants offer free meals for children under a certain age. Find those kid-friendly restaurants. Some even offer a “kids eat for free” night.

Bring your own snacks so you don’t have to eat out between meals. 4. What will you do?

Have fun with the locals. Look for local festivals or fairs. This can be cheap, fun entertainment.

Look for coupons or vouchers in advance. Most hotels provide a coupon book that provides cheaper rates.

Find local parks where you can rent bicycles or roller blades (bring your own) take a walk, or enjoy a day of hiking with family. Nature is typically always free. Some attractions even offer cheaper or no cost for children under a certain age.

FROM EATING TO ENTERTAINMENT, COLLEGE STUDENT, AMBER DEEMER, IS LEARNING TO STRETCH HER DOLLAR BY BEING FRUGAL AT EVERYTHING SHE DOES. SHE SHARES HER HOT TIPS ON HOW SHE TRAVELS ON THE CHEAP. The first place to begin is planning in advance by doing research. Map out your travel route, meals, hotel, and attractions to make certain they will fit your budget. The last thing a thrifty traveler needs is a costly surprise. Advance preparation is the key to traveling on the cheap. 1. How will you travel?

If you prefer to fly, check airline prices often. Look for last minute deals; they are cheaper. Don’t be afraid to look at airlines that are nonU.S as they tend to be cheaper.

Depending on your destination, driving may be the cheaper route. Map out the mileage and compare gas prices over airline tickets. Decide which is cheaper. 2. Where will you stay?

Look for smaller independent hotels, rather than big chain hotels. They are often less expensive, just as comfortable, and family friendly. If you are reluctant to choose an unknown hotel, you can always check online reviews before booking your stay.

An even better idea is to travel to a place where you have family or friends. They are often more than welcome to offer a room for free. 3. Where will you eat?

Find out where the locals eat. Ask where the hidden best places to eat are. Often, family-owned restaurants are cheaper than chain restaurants.

Avoid room service. Since you are paying for convenience, it’s often very costly.

Hotel drinks, even water, is often costly. Bring a small ice chest and pack your own drinks.

Do an online search to look for coupons or specials for the nights you will be traveling.

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ENERGETIC Stay During your fun-filled summer

Photography by Jana Weiss

Jaime Michelle with her kids, Dean, 9, and Blaire, 6.

With warmer weather brings increased activity requiring loads of energy. Moms, dads, kids, grandparents, almost everyone, is eager to take full advantage of the longer sun-filled days of summer. After all, while the weather is perfect, there is fun to be had, vacations to take, and outdoor chores to complete. But, when your schedule revs up, there’s no need to get off-kilter; you

can still stay healthy and energetic while enjoying your fun-packed summer.

Have you ever been so busy that time just flies by and you skip a meal? It happens, but don’t make it a daily practice. If you continually ignore hunger signals, your body may kick into survival mode and desperately hold onto body fat rather than burn it—a crisis during bikini season. Besides wreaking havoc on your body, forgetting to refuel is a sure way to hit the dreaded mid-afternoon slump. Be certain to pause and take

JAIME is fueling her passion for fitness by inspiring women through a program she calls, BAM (Body and Mind Day for women). On this day, Jaime challenges your way of thinking. She asks you to take note of what you tell yourself. It’s a day of total positivity to motivate women to live the best life they can live. Learn more about Jaime and her program at www.Jaimemichellefitness.com

adequate time to enjoy nourishing, healthy meals throughout the day. An easy light salad, smoothie, or a simple one dish meal can be super easy to prepare and will provide ample nutrition to keep you going without invading your busy schedule. Fueling up is so important for both the mind and body. A well fed brain and body will contribute to steady energy levels, helping you accomplish more with relative ease. Skip the energy pills and caffeine; you don’t need it. Try adding nutrition boosting whole foods to your daily diet instead. They will help boost energy naturally. Some examples include maca root powder, chia seeds, spirulina, and flax seeds.

What else will keep you energetic this summer? Along with healthy nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise are both crucial elements for cultivating enduring energy levels. Make sure that sleep and exercise rank at the very top of your expanding to-do list. You simply will not feel inclined to lead an active day if you are not well rested. Additionally, exercise sessions will be more productive and enjoyable when you are well rested. When it comes to leading an energetic lifestyle, exercise is just as important as rest. Make adjustments to your schedule as needed, so you can fit fitness in. If you can’t make it to the gym, don’t get perturbed, but simply go for a walk outdoors. If you are a mommy, make a healthy impression by having your kids exercise alongside you. Temporary changes to your normal schedule may

offer exciting opportunities for new experiences; embrace the momentary changes and don’t get discouraged. A lasting healthy lifestyle calls for adaptability.

Along with adaptability, a little prioritizing will help you stay balanced, avoiding an energy drain. Adjust your schedule as needed, but remember your health is indeed a priority. Being sat down with Jaime to find out her secret to staying healthy and energetic while maintaining a busy life.

Right away Jaime admits, “I have help!” She knows she could not do all that she does alone. She says, “I’m not afraid to ask for help. It is a struggle and it does take forethought and planning. My husband makes all of this possible. I

JAIME MICHELLE PERRY IS A HARD WORKING FULL-TIME GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, PERSONAL TRAINER, WIFE, AND MOTHER OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. BUT, THAT’S NOT ALL; SHE’S ALSO A PASSIONATE MOTIVATOR PERFORMING BOOT CAMPS ON A REGULAR BASIS TO HELP WOMEN ACHIEVE GREATER HEALTH AND DISCOVER THEIR VERY OWN MIND-BODY BALANCE.

prepared is one element of prioritizing. Preparation helps reduce stress—an energy drainer. Be prepared by packing a water bottle and healthy snacks when traveling or running errands. This will prevent you from stressing over what to eat. If you have food in tow, you won’t skip meals, and you will avoid fast food lines when you are in a time crunch. When vacationing, plan ahead by finding a hotel with a gym, pool, or nearby beach and actively indulge in the change of scenery. You can stay active by going for a morning walk on the beach, playing in the swimming pool, or diving in the ocean.

After you have planned, prioritized, and exercised, don’t forget to relax. There is much fun to be had during warmer months, but do not forget to just stop and relax. Relaxation is an important component of a truly healthy, balanced lifestyle. Although you may be entertaining kids or traveling with your partner or friends, you can still carve out time for relaxation. Seek out a calm setting on a regular basis. Spend time with yourself and just relax. Enjoy the moment and absorb the memories. This will help rejuvenate you, so you can be a better, more efficient you. Don’t feel guilty about needing a little alone time; it will allow you to refresh your mind and body, leaving you more energetic.

Jaime, like most women, has a very involved schedule. You may wonder how she is able to balance it all while still giving her health priority. Inspire Health could not do this without his help and support. This is a two man show. We share the same lifestyle.” Jaime recognizes this is not the case for every woman. In fact, the majority of couples do not share the same healthy lifestyle habits, and this creates an even greater challenge. However, help and support systems can be found. Both Jaime and her husband admit their health really turned around when they sought the help of a personal trainer. Oftentimes, help and encouragement is needed along the way, but you have to ask for it.

Aside from having help, a healthy lifestyle requires considerable planning. Jaime has found that planning her day ahead of time is an enormous help. Every day, she faithfully uses the calendar on her smart phone to plan for the next day. This allows her to mesh her activities, including a date with the gym, and her kid’s activities, so that everything gets accomplished.

She also told IHM that some days she just doesn’t get to the gym. But she does not let this discourage her or let it lead her off track. Jaime says, “Ultimately, this is a lifestyle. It’s a habit. That is what keeps me going. I have these habits confirmed and established now and they are harder to break.”

Jaime talked about another challenge many women face. Despite gaining weight after having kids, and struggling to take it off, Jaime did not work out because guilt was holding her back. She simply did not want to leave her kids

Photography by Jana Weiss

with a sitter just so that she can go to the gym. But, soon enough, she changed her way of thinking. She feels that living healthy is a good example to her kids and she is able to be a better wife and mother when she does take care of herself first.

Jaime is only 4 years into this lifestyle and has managed to lose 30lbs. and totally transform her body, adding lean muscle mass that keeps her looking fit, toned, and strong. She has entered fitness competitions and enjoys doing triathlons. Jaime is happy to have learned the true power of a proper diet and a regular exercise program.

Jaime’s Tips for creating lasting energy.

— Drink water throughout the day. — Eat consistently; don’t skip meals. — Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible. — Exercise regularly. — Avoid energy drinks and energy supplements.

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By: Michael Kabel

SUMMERTIME IS HERE AGAIN, AND THAT MEANS IT’S TIME TO TAKE ALL THE BEST PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE SUN, INSECTS, AND ROUTINE SEASONAL DILEMMAS LIKE SWIMMER’S EAR. PARENTS CAN SAVE THEIR CHILDREN A LOT OF DISCOMFORT – AND THEMSELVES A LOT OF WORRY – JUST BY FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE PLANS: Sun Healthy Fun in the Summer

Sunscreen – Experts including the non-profit Environmental Working Group recommend using sunscreens that include minerals like zinc oxide, which protects against both kinds of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB.)

Don’t be fooled by higher-SPF products. The FDA has called products with a SPF of 50 or higher “inherently misleading” because they encourage sunbathers to apply too little and remain in the sun too long. And while Vitamin A may be good for your body, spreading it on your skin can cause irritation and even provide a cancer risk.

Look for creams instead of powders and sprays, and remember to use protection even on cloudy and partly cloudy days.

Insect Repellents – Insect bites and itchy skin are summertime rites of passage, but risks of Lyme disease and other debilitating illnesses are nothing to shrug off. If you’re leery of using products that include artificial chemicals, try these alternatives: — Soy-based protection, such as Bite Blocker — Lemongrass and Lemon Eucalyptus products are effective, but kids might not like the smell. Experts recommend they’re

not for use on children under three, too. Buzz Away Extreme and Repel rank among the highest-recommend.

As a last resort, repellents that include the chemical DEET shouldn’t be ruled out, especially in areas with heavy mosquito infestation or where insects are known to carry disease.

Swimmer’s Ear

– Though annoying, this perennial summertime risk isn’t potentially dangerous if treated right away. Doctors can clean or suction the water from the ear canal. For home remedies, try: — Using a bulb syringe and saline solution to rinse the ear clean. The solution should be body temperature, not warm or cold. — Heating pads set to low can help, but they’re not for use on children or when lying in bed.

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elp H CREATE CHANGE… with fed by threads

IN ADDITION TO DONATING A PERCENTAGE

OF EACH ITEM SOLD TO FEED HUNGRY AMERICANS,

FED BY THREADS IS

BRINGING SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MISSING LINKS TO THE FOREFRONT OF ORGANIC CLOTHING.

Whitney Alexandra

Photographer: Nick DuPlessis Styled by: Whitney Alexandra Model: Lauren Free from Arizona Model Management

Fed By Threads is changing their already sustainable lineup of organic fabrics into Organic Farm-To-Garment Cotton Apparel, which is made entirely in America. All fabrics are organically grown, spun, knitted and dyed without the use of heavy metals… and finally, cut and sewn right here in the USA. In essence, their clothing is genuinely 100% organic. Other organic brands typically ship their fabrics across the border to be finished. Often times this takes away from the notoriety of it being considered positively organic. An additional link, which Fed By Threads fills the void, is creating fashions that have style. Many organic clothing lines keep it simple with t-shirts and loose fitting silhouettes. Fed By Threads owner, Alok, takes the time to create clothing that highlights women’s curves, which makes an impact on the style of the garment.

Whitney: Exactly how is organic clothing better for the environment?

Alok: Organic textile production avoids the heavy use of pesticides that is common practice in non-organic cotton production. When pesticides are sprayed on cotton fields, they can contaminate rivers, streams, and other drinking water sources as well as erode soil quality. In contrast, organic farming prohibits the use of pesticides, keeping soil and water safe from contamination. There are other upsides to using sustainable fabrics but this is a great place to start.

Whitney: What can we share with conscious consumers to motivate them to purchase organic cotton?

Alok: Often, consumers may be unaware of the importance of buying and supporting organic farming. For instance, they may not realize the rippling effects of their support, which provides improved working conditions for garment workers, reduced carbon footprint and decreased environmental destruction. But the simple step is helping people see how loud their choices reverberate. Individuals matter, company’s listen to them, and that what they choose to buy directly shapes the world we live in.

Whitney: From a fashion standpoint, where do you see the design direction heading? What has inspired your designs for the upcoming season?

Alok: We are an everyday-wear apparel company and are now focused on designs inspired by Japanese minimalism that offer subtle, yet eye-catching fashions. To accommodate a wide range of women’s body types, we are adding some looser fitting designs to our selections. Our design ambitions will always be a modernist aesthetic that values clean lines. We may add printed patterns in the future, but for now, we are enjoying our solids lineup.

If you have been weary about incorporating organic clothing into your wardrobe due to style or comfort, Fed By Threads puts these worries at ease. Visit Fedbythreads.com to see what amazing styles they have to offer. Once you purchase one piece of organic clothing, it may change your perception on shopping. You will not only look amazing in your clothing, but you will feel great about where your money is being spent. Purchasing Fed by Threads organic clothing not only helps our environment, it also feeds hungry Americans with 12 meals provided to the hungry per item sold.

Whitney’s Eco-Friendly Fit Fashion Find:

Keep your workout clothing simple and organic this summer. Fed By Threads “Elisa” Tank is made from 100% repurposed wood pulp giving this tank an ultra-luxurious feel. Pair the “Elisa” with their “Nalini” Leggings composed of a mix of organic cotton and lycra, making them ultra-breathable with a slight stretch allowing maximum movement during workouts!

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