tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55234953513888119672012-01-01T22:38:45.661-05:00<b>We're Part of the Few, the Mighty! Our Intention --- To Live Freely.</b>GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-37799015615523555532011-11-01T13:09:00.000-04:002011-11-01T13:09:56.403-04:00

This is a request to members and readers of the GAPSters blog: I would love to hear updates on your progress while on GAPS. Please include what health-related issue brought you to GAPS, how you heard about GAPS, how long you've been following a GAPS protocol and any individualized modifications that you've made. Let me know if you think GAPS is helping your situation or if it isn't—OR if it's

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-67295226025356572352011-10-16T23:02:00.000-04:002011-10-16T23:02:26.180-04:00

When we began the GAPS intro on June 25th, 2009, my daughter was 3 1/2 years old and diagnosed with severe food allergies and managed eczema. Back Story: As I've written, we began the GAPS protocol in an attempt to treat/cure/decrease/help in any way possible my oldest daughter's food allergies. She had had eczema since she was 2 months old and had a clinical reaction to sesame at 13 months (

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-28931237340606825802010-02-11T20:42:00.005-05:002010-03-13T16:03:30.210-05:00

I haven't been posting. This is partially because we're not on intro which means that other things have become more important than meals/eating/prepping food/cleaning pots/etc. I've been freelance writing. I've also been attempting to organize myself and the house. When I get back to regular posting--look out!--I'll have some great suggestions. So, what spurred this random post, you ask? My

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-23287748578244537132009-12-06T19:16:00.004-05:002010-02-26T14:52:24.574-05:00

Originally written July 9, 2009 Imported seaweed baths--only the best for my babies! Well--yes and no. Anyone with eczema knows that you get to a point where you try ANYTHING. Aalgo Extra Fine Seaweed Powder comes well recommended. I felt it was worth a shot, even for the price (a whopping $79 with shipping!). FYI-Coming from England, the product took 2 weeks to arrive from the time that

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-25574153826187702682009-10-15T15:02:00.003-04:002009-10-15T15:46:05.331-04:00

Ingredients: 1 gallon cow's milk, preferably raw and grass fed2 containers - 6oz, of Dannon plain yogurt, room temperature Equipment: a large pota large glass bowla ladlea whisk5 quart mason jars w/lids, or other glass containers, preferably right out of the dishwasher (still warm) Heat the milk slowly on the stove. While the milk is heating, empty the yogurt containers into a large glass

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-36187604655570138472009-10-15T13:34:00.005-04:002009-10-15T14:59:32.709-04:00

First, make an infusion of wild cherry bark: Add one ounce by weight of dried wild cherry bark to a quart jar. Then fill to the top with boiling water, tightly lid and allow to steep for 4-10 hours. Overnight is ideal. After steeping, strain the liquid from the herb, squeezing the herb to get every last drop possible. Save the liquid, discard the herb. Second, make a decoction of the wild

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-56559050746622438232009-09-29T20:51:00.007-04:002009-09-29T21:47:34.741-04:00

The easiest way to fill our broth quota for the day is to offer Puréed Vegetable Soups during breakfast and lunch or as a snack. Prep and slice vegetables and add to a soup pot (this soup is tastiest and creamiest when a winter squash is used). Add enough bone broth for the broth to come 1-2" from the top of the vegetables. Add in fat/marrow if not already in the stock. Simmer at least 20

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-90215133758729077372009-09-29T20:20:00.006-04:002009-09-29T20:32:53.722-04:00

This is a perfectly satisfying 'banana ice cream.' The easiest recipe you'll ever make AND can always have the ingredients at hand. Enjoyed by GAPSters and non-GAPSters, alike! Serves 2 1 1/2 - 2 bananas, very ripe and frozen Top with any combination of: dried coconut, fresh ground flax seeds, almond pieces, fresh fruit, berries, yogurt whip cream Push bananas through a juicer configured with

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-31363967512391535232009-09-29T20:09:00.009-04:002009-10-15T15:00:56.804-04:00

We've been home from our vacation for a week and a half now. So much has gone on since we left for our trip! We left for the beach with no less than 4 coolers -- yes, that's right -- full of GAPS food. One large cooler, 3 medium, plus an insulated grocery bag and an insulated lunch box made their way 4 hours to the coast. I had a slight panic attack on the way. . .what if everything didn't

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-49026963935871731372009-09-22T21:05:00.001-04:002009-09-29T21:43:02.974-04:00

Attempt to get bones from a reliable source, ideally an organic farm that raises livestock naturally (grass fed beef, pastured poultry, etc.). Place bones in a stock pot. Add water to cover and about a tablespoon apple cider vinegar (which helps to extract minerals from the bones and into the broth). Add salt (start with a tablespoon). Let sit for no more than an hour. With the lid off, bring

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-47542867013687548302009-09-13T23:04:00.005-04:002009-09-13T23:51:16.019-04:00

It has been difficult, to say the least, to stick to GAPS while on vacation. I came, more than prepared, thankfully. However, I struggle with feeding the kids "the same 'ol same 'ol" when we're in a different place with different foods, tastes, sights -- experiences to be had! Every experience is a learning experience. Just yesterday we had dinner on a porch in front of a marina. My oldest

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-34897601203041783592009-09-04T11:59:00.004-04:002009-09-04T12:16:17.745-04:00

We are going on vacation for 2 weeks. I have packed: crock pot, immersion blender, garlic, ginger, extra probiotics, fermented cod liver oil, avocado, olive oil, EFA blend We're going to the beach, so I'm skipping bath time additives since they'll be in the ocean water everyday AND because I don't want them soaking in someone else's bathtub! I have a freezer FULL of food to pack--and I'm

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-80115974000815630042009-09-01T20:37:00.008-04:002009-09-04T11:57:49.982-04:00

Fresh diluted carrot juice, strained and free of pulp, tickles our throats when we drink it. It starts about half way through drinking the glass of juice regardless of if it's just carrot juice or carrot mixed with celery and/or lettuce and/or mint and/or beet. I have no idea why this happens, but read on Dr. Campbell-McBride's website, gaps.me, to: "Make sure that the juice is clear,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-1565889531542934502009-09-01T10:40:00.007-04:002009-09-01T20:41:37.493-04:00

The discrepancies in the order of food introduction that one finds throughout the GAPS diet is concentrated in the end stages of the GAPS Intro. Do I start cooked apples first or raw vegetables first? Because I'm one that follows directions to a 'T,' I get thrown-for-a-loop when I have conflicting information, which has been happening for the last few days. I've been at a standstill, having

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-46121524851200898742009-08-26T22:14:00.003-04:002009-08-26T22:28:40.916-04:00

We're at the end of Stage 4. I'm ready to be. I don't like saying that, but I've been called upon to focus on things OTHER THAN GAPS -- if there are such things! My attention to the meals has become lax and I'm feeling it. Though, Full GAPS won't be much different if I'm lax with the meals . . . and when I say 'lax,' I mean that I'm not analyzing, calculating and formulating the correct

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-35785130247508360742009-08-26T20:18:00.003-04:002009-08-26T22:07:09.412-04:00

I've used henna in the past and have finally found the time to do so again! Things to know: All henna shades will have a touch of red. Henna sort of coats the hair – not really dying it – so it fades very gradually. When done, the grays end up looking like highlights (red highlights). To test what the henna color will look like on you, gather some loose hairs (like from the tub drain – I

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-46357222914188101112009-08-23T20:54:00.009-04:002009-08-23T21:13:02.367-04:00

We made bread today and it came out wonderfully! I was pleasantly surprised and how 'bread-like' it was. I expected something much more dense and bitter or sour. This was delicious and satisfying. Find the recipe here. First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic supplements -- kids, 1 full cap, me 1 full cap (with intentions of taking

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-20952500163631622922009-08-23T20:54:00.005-04:002009-08-23T21:00:55.900-04:00

I was very impressed with the results of this bread! The top had a perfect, pretzel-like crust, it cut perfectly into thin slices and did not crumble -- even in the hands of a 17 month old! 1.5 cups ground pumpkin seeds 2 eggs 1/8 cup ghee 1/8 cup yogurt Mix ingredients well. Grease baking dish (I used a small, stainless steel bread pan). Add mixture and bake for 50 min at 300 degrees. The

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-46276342051643077402009-08-19T23:35:00.000-04:002009-08-23T20:52:29.957-04:00

Slowly but surely -- I fell to temptations. In retrospect -- one could almost plot it out. I mean, the kids are away, I had great sleep, feeling good today, able to focus on the sty that is my home, took a break from the kitchen ( this one is key!). I felt like my old self, pre-kids -- able to work on a project without interruption only stopping to eat food that I ordered. My husband and I

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-85169103017783950582009-08-18T23:36:00.005-04:002009-08-19T00:08:46.347-04:00

My kids love to swim. We don't have easy access to lakes, oceans, or streams. We do, however, have a community pool at the end of our street. I want to foster a healthy attitude toward water and safe behavior in it. My husband was an All-American swimmer in high school, a life guard, and a swimming instructor for young children. It would be senseless not to encourage family excitement

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-4152779459511387192009-08-18T00:24:00.000-04:002009-08-23T20:51:37.198-04:00

First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and squeeze of lemon. Probiotic supplement -- kids 1 cap each, me 1.5 caps. Juice: Carrot juice diluted with water, about 1/2 and 1/2. It was still really sweet! About 1/3 cup for everyone. Breakfast: Eggs scrambled in ghee. Avocado. Fermented cucumber pickles. Lunch: Lamb stew from last night. Fermented cucumber pickles.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-50182902184573582812009-08-17T22:05:00.003-04:002009-08-17T22:27:41.888-04:00

We'll see how it all goes, but I'm hoping for at least one night without the kids. It'll be better for everyone. The oldest is needing attention and the youngest has entered her clingy stage. Mommmmeeeee! This is all I've been hearing from the 17 month old. She says it addressing me, when she's hurt, upset, bored, tired . . . even when she's just playing, just reading a book! It's that

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-11681576357195175892009-08-16T21:52:00.000-04:002009-08-17T22:05:26.775-04:00

Another family get-together successfully and enjoyably attended. It was a picnic. Everyone was to bring a dish to share. I brought fermented cucumber pickles -- dill pickles. They were delicious and the kids loved them -- especially since I don't limit how many they have. At this point, there aren't any negative reactions, is there any reason to ration them out? So here's what I did for the

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-1355187142315849162009-08-15T21:40:00.002-04:002009-08-17T21:52:38.953-04:00

I'm overwhelmed. It's not just doing GAPS diet. I really like being in the kitchen, prepping food, having things ready to eat -- not having to decide what to make on the fly. I'm overwhelmed with ALL of it. The house, the finances, the wanting to do something but can't (or won't until other things are done first) -- it's all feeling very heavy. I told this -- in other words, of course (too

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-88939036281823810792009-08-14T23:12:00.002-04:002009-08-14T23:43:24.605-04:00

Our day was all over the place, again. Started out by going for follow up blood work for my oldest. So glad to see that her veins, which were so hard to find and puncture as a toddler, are becoming more available with age. She's so brave. She cried when the needle went in (don't we all? on the inside?), but then she watched as the viles filled with her blood. Again, on the way out the door,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-22663003184795376332009-08-14T20:17:00.002-04:002009-08-17T20:40:55.396-04:00

I've always been a stickler for storing my food in glass. I don't even like using ceramic, as there are 'leachable' metals in the glazes (lead, aluminum, cobalt, etc.). The only material (that I find suitable for storage) that doesn't contain these substances is glass. A few years back I experimented with freezing food in mason jars. Sometimes it worked and other times I ended up throwing

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-83578236441017836532009-08-13T20:21:00.003-04:002009-08-13T21:08:44.298-04:00

Spent most of the day in the kitchen again. I'm putting effort into creating a cache of frozen, prepared food for a two week vacation at the beach. At the moment, am planning to bring, frozen: puréed vegetable soups, nut/seed butter pancakes, containers of broth. Will bring the crock pot and the immersion blender. Will bring ghee, olive oil, avocados, fermented vegetables, and yogurt. Need

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-83906141683081544062009-08-11T19:50:00.005-04:002009-08-12T20:01:37.056-04:00

What a day. Started with my youngest breaking -- no -- shattering a bowl. I must have stepped on a piece of glass amid sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping because it feels like there's something in my heel. It just looked cut, but if I step on it the wrong way -- OUCH! So I dug around a little bit with a pin -- gross and not the smartest thing to do. Didn't find anything. I put alcohol and

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-1651054990454783382009-08-11T19:29:00.007-04:002009-08-11T20:11:44.556-04:00

Today was a kitchen day. We ran errands all morning--something like 6 different places! I was speedy, but knew I was going to be pushing it with the kids. Glad to be proven wrong! They were great, though we were all hungry when we got home. I was a little worried, as our food supply has been very low. One of our stops was the grocery store. Usually, on grocery days, I know that -- after a

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-70014037183738581992009-08-10T19:00:00.011-04:002009-08-10T22:27:03.827-04:00

Throughout the day I wonder. Fleeting questions pass through my mind, fodder for research and blog posts. The theme of today's drifting mind -- has anyone gotten divorced while following GAPS or similar dietary programs? How much of a role did the diet play? Marriage is hard. An unfortunate truth. And don't think that finding your 'soulmate' will make it any easier. It can even make it worse!

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-48867156069938882582009-08-09T19:27:00.004-04:002009-08-09T19:33:39.183-04:00

First, make a batch of Christie Eggies: Christie Eggies Put eggs in a pot and cover with water. Set on the stove, cover, bring to a boil. While waiting for boil, put a large pat of ghee in a bowl. When eggs begin to boil, take them off heat and let sit 2-3 minutes. Drain, fill pot with cold water. Peel eggs quickly and place them in the bowl with ghee. When all eggs are peeled, add Celtic sea

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-43974877701778861202009-08-09T19:10:00.006-04:002009-08-09T20:10:12.986-04:00

We took an impromtu day trip today--after being away from home all day yesterday. To say I was 'in a mood' this morning is putting it lightly! My husband and I spent yesterday at a retirement dinner party while the girls went to their grandmothers' house for the day. The only people that realize how much prep work that entails are readers of this blog! Considering not being home yesterday,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-17720979427344445302009-08-08T20:49:00.004-04:002009-08-08T21:24:29.741-04:00

So I went to a party--sort of. It was a retirement dinner for my husband's high school swimming coach. The girls went to their grandmothers'. I packed them a load of food and snacks. The grandmothers don't understand GAPS and don't really want to either. It's not their way. That's fine. What bothers me is when I can see it paining the great-grandmother. I called and spoke with their

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-55603016721693223692009-08-07T23:23:00.005-04:002009-08-07T23:41:53.922-04:00

These pickles are the best I've ever tasted, rivaling any barrel deli pickle for flavor and crunch. about 10 pickling cucumbers (3" - 4" long), or enough to fill a 1/2 gallon mason jar fresh dill, handful 2 Tablespoons dill seeds 1 clove of garlic, smashed with the back of a knife 4 Tablespoons Celtic Sea Salt 2 cups filtered water Wash cucumbers well (skins intact) and place in the 1/2

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-6193505632929197212009-08-06T21:36:00.009-04:002009-08-07T23:39:26.369-04:00

In a stream of consciousness continuation of my last post-- Our great-grandmothers most likely had more 'wisdom of the ages' passed to them than we've had relayed to us. It's just our culture, I suppose. We don't value intelligence from experience as much as we do intelligence from, say, formal education. We use labels like 'folk medicine' or 'wives tales' and immediately take said statement

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-19124061487519296442009-08-06T20:39:00.009-04:002009-08-06T21:54:19.702-04:00

My mind wandered today, as it usually does when I'm peeling vegetables. I started thinking about my mom, then my grandmothers and then back even farther. I thought for a few minutes and pondered their mothering and then had this overwhelming rush of gratefulness culminating in a giagantic, "THANK GOD FOR THE INTERNET!" We have this brother/sisterhood here, that exists no where else in the

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-38370033114143013822009-08-05T20:24:00.007-04:002009-08-05T20:58:27.695-04:00

Stage 4. Not an exciting turn of events, especially compared to our prior stage passages. I think it's because--regardless of stage--we get to introduce yogurt back into our diet! It's very exciting. I need to go over the 'GAPS way' of making yogurt and see if my tried and true method coincides. It will be nice to have some dips, sauces, creamy elements in soup. I hope everyone tolerates it

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-66813357194214078512009-08-05T00:30:00.008-04:002009-08-05T00:53:52.108-04:00

I found a comprehenisve look at the medicinal qualities of artichokes here. Some excerpts: The artichoke is a widely consumed vegetable which was cultivated by both the early Greeks and Romans. One of the oldest cultivated plants, artichoke is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and the Canary Islands. The artichoke is a large herbacious perennial which produces a “globe” of edible

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-74593645821831500352009-08-04T23:30:00.011-04:002010-03-24T15:47:42.366-04:00

Neutrophils are the body's main defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body, making up 70% of all leukocytes (white blood cells). These cells play an important role in the immune system. When a pathogen (disease-causing microorganism) enters the body, neutrophils are the first phagocytes to attack the invader. When

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-23823778903185420292009-08-04T23:16:00.007-04:002009-08-05T00:59:18.171-04:00

I guess we're on GAPS Intro, Stage 4! Baking/roasting meat seems an awful lot like a 'casserole' when you add vegetables and a little bit of stock. And for the record--don't 'bake' your steak--save it till you can fire up the grill! My oldest is better today than she was yesterday and was incredibly busy--she made all sorts of food for me out of paper, though it was served in glass bowls,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-41712976046918613652009-08-03T22:34:00.001-04:002009-08-04T23:16:01.383-04:00

Granted, I'm new at wildly fermenting foods. I've successfully made sauerkraut using a crock and whey, but never just salt. Because of our vegetable limitations, I chose carrots and daikon which are wonderful together! I've made this twice so far and it's now being requested as a main course for snack. The youngest still kicks her feet when she sees the mason jar emerge from the fridge--and

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-51689116892799411022009-08-03T22:27:00.007-04:002009-08-04T23:12:46.981-04:00

Oldest is slowly recovering. This virus really took it's toll. Her appetite is increasing, but not full force yet. Am breaking rules--have given her walnuts at first as a snack, and now sunflower seeds. She did well with the walnuts, so we'll see with the seeds. She's also *downing* fermented vegetables--requests them, and then things to go with them. She still has her rash, is still tired

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-59605656447717347552009-08-02T21:58:00.009-04:002009-08-04T23:15:39.331-04:00

Mmmm. I love chicken salad and miss my mayo, however this chicken salad variation adds a whole new flavorful element. Chicken, boiled and torn into bite sized pieces Pesto Sauce Fermented vegetables Celtic sea salt, to taste In a large bowl, combine chicken and enough pesto sauce to coat chicken. Add fermented vegetables--as much as you're allowed. Mix. Add salt if needed. Serve topped with

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-66973869596894278472009-08-02T21:46:00.009-04:002009-08-04T23:15:17.577-04:00

Kids love dip and kids love sauce. This is our first venture into sauces-- the allowable ingredients, the time of year and a request from a 3.5 year old made it happen. This recipe makes about 1 cup. 1/4 cup soaked nuts or seeds of your choice (we used walnuts) Basil, large handful Garlic, 1 large clove coarsely chopped Celtic sea salt, pinch Chicken stock, about 1 1/4 cups In a food

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-45809916006346156372009-08-02T15:09:00.010-04:002009-08-04T22:27:18.292-04:00

After four days of fever (the first three being a high fever, peaking at 104.5 degrees and the fourth day hovering around 100) and one day of subnormal temperature, day six brings us back to 98. 4 (close enough!). Even though the fever was technically gone yesterday and today, irritability levels were high, appetite was low. This morning my 3.5 year old woke up feeling pretty rough and decided

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-59476659714190964462009-08-01T21:48:00.004-04:002009-08-01T22:20:13.250-04:00

Gave my oldest Tylenol last night at 8:15--not because she had a high fever (I think it was around 100.6) but because she was beside herself with discomfort. When I'd ask her what was wrong--did something hurt--the only answer was 'I don't know.' She couldn't get comfortable or relax. She told me her tooth hurt. Last night she was cool all night. I though the fever was gone--though I didn't

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-8740532897548672242009-07-31T23:59:00.000-04:002009-08-01T19:12:34.285-04:00

My 3.5 year old has had a fever all day, going into the fourth day. The fever wasn't as high as the day before, but she was much more uncomfortable. Even at 101, she didn't know where to throw herself. I gave her Tylenol tonight, just so she would sleep. Will see what comes of this tomorrow. There may be blood work in our future. Everyone is eating. Supplements, baths, all the extras are

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-47187814476406637052009-07-30T22:25:00.004-04:002009-07-30T22:49:40.388-04:00

My 3.5 yr old is still with fever. Today started day 3. I have no issues with fever when my kid is acting 'normal' otherwise--laughing, playing, arguing--then wanting to lay down, rest, etc. Fever is a good thing. It's the body's mechanism for killing viruses and bacteria. But I grew up in the age where 102 was considered 'high.' I watch my child for signs of serious illness, but at 103

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-66430335843504694452009-07-29T20:27:00.003-04:002009-07-29T20:40:07.737-04:00

My oldest still has her fever. She's been sipping water and cool mint tea with honey all day. She did eat a lot of lunch--wanted sausage, mushrooms and avocado. Not a typical sick-day meal. Her temperature held at 103 degrees almost all day. In the evening she began complaining that her eyes were watering. Thoughts? Temp taken before bed was 104. She's in good spirits considering. . . I gave

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-87337412857176809192009-07-28T18:58:00.008-04:002009-07-29T20:40:35.721-04:00

Ugh! Guess I'm getting sick of the soup regime. And "helping" my husband by food shopping for him (mostly non-GAPS snack foods--is it really helping???) doesn't help my cravings one bit! They've come on hard in the past couple of days. We've upped our fermented vegetable intake--is that why? Who knows?.?. Around mid-morning, my oldest declared she didn't feel well and the look on her face

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-9912610063809039932009-07-27T15:53:00.007-04:002009-07-27T19:45:51.774-04:00

Constipation is still a factor. Every other day BM for the girls. I'm going to slowly increase the nut butter and see if it helps constipation. Just want to make sure it's getting digested. Am also debating on trying soaked pumpkin seed butter--something less expensive than almonds! First Thing In The Morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-18606943085731712662009-07-26T20:13:00.006-04:002009-07-26T20:58:55.247-04:00

First Thing In The Morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic supplement (1/4 cap for the girls, 1/2 cap for me). Breakfast: Nut butter pancakes, with reduced amount of nut butter. Lunch: Leftover salmon and vegetables. Spoonful of fermented vegetables. Butternut Squash Pops. Lunch #2: No one is really *into* fish at my house. It's hit or miss.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-6508979242784119172009-07-25T18:17:00.006-04:002009-07-26T20:33:18.513-04:00

So it's been a month. Cravings: The first three days are the hardest--temptations break every thought. It's hard to get anything done. The food is not appetizing at this point and your body, not being acclimated to a 'new nourishment,' yearns for the old standbys. It's tough, but you get through. But then the cravings come back--though not as strong. Put the thoughts out of your mind and

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-25745315703524916782009-07-25T18:16:00.008-04:002009-07-26T20:47:08.377-04:00

Today, I walked into the creamery carrying the butter I use for ghee. Along with sandwiches, pastries, coffee, ice cream--they offer the aroma of sweet, white flour! It's a divine scent--in the same way the wafting first puff of cigarette is to an ex-smoker. It stirs up something deep--way past your taste buds and stomach. It stirs up a feeling . . . it stirs up an addiction! We made it

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-53782616887081221862009-07-24T19:03:00.008-04:002009-07-24T20:01:19.378-04:00

I'm finding one of the greatest positives to this diet to be the 'minimal waste' factor. When comparing our previous way of eating-- which included bags, boxes and containers, to our current way of eating-- meat wrapped in paper, bones in plastic bags, butter (for ghee) in plastic containers, and fresh vegetables, the amount of waste has noticeably diminished. Yes, there is still packaging,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-48002504751848504212009-07-23T20:01:00.007-04:002009-07-23T20:32:12.529-04:00

Now--I've only been out of the house for 5 - 7 hours a day, but I came up with a little system for getting through. Breakfast is cooked each morning fresh. I make a little extra for snacks later on. After breakfast, I prep dinner. Meat, stock, vegetables and salt get tossed into the crock pot and turned on low. Lunch is always the prior night's leftovers. This routine can go on and on like

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-31955139150329764612009-07-22T22:59:00.006-04:002009-08-04T23:14:22.772-04:00

Decided to attempt nut butter again. The first time around was a week and a half ago. I made pancakes. We did not go slow with eating them. This time, I will make the pancakes with much less than the called for amount of nut butter. Also, I used my juicer to homogenize the butter instead of the food processor. I added ghee this time for a smoother consistency. Hopefully the nut butter will

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-57769112079988008202009-07-21T14:21:00.006-04:002009-07-21T20:30:57.669-04:00

In accordance with my new 'strategy' for upping vegetables and adding them to our egg meals, I made a large pot of vegetable soup. In it: zucchini, summer (yellow) squash, onion, carrots, acorn squash, beets, chicken pâté and chicken stock. It's good. I'm realizing that what really *makes* a soup is the quality of stock and the addition of the extra fats/marrows. And yes--I'm starting to

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-32485666508772259972009-07-20T22:06:00.007-04:002009-07-21T20:18:37.649-04:00

Came up with a something of a strategy. My kids and I like soup. We can eat quite a bit of it--but certain soups at certain times of the day. For example, at breakfast, we like it puréed. Lunch and dinner can be thicker, like stew. These soups I'll partially blend so that the broth has some body. So, after noticing that we *always* eat eggs for breakfast and enjoy them with avocado, but

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-66168553366506833372009-07-20T20:25:00.010-04:002009-07-21T08:33:01.993-04:00

It's funny how, with all the work put into prepping, cooking and researching for GAPS, it can still seem like I have extra time on my hands. Granted, because of the increased physical energy, I'm not lagging around. Things get done faster. To do lists are shrinking instead of growing. And this will sound odd, but the preparation of the foods ahead of time--though you're still probably in the

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-52865416963378555692009-07-19T23:49:00.003-04:002009-07-20T00:01:34.567-04:00

First Thing In The Morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic supplement (1/8 cap for the girls, 1/2 cap for me). Breakfast: Eggs scrambled with garlic, salt and pepper. Avocado. Butternut squash soup. Fermented cod liver oil dose (1/4 tsp for 16 mo old, 1/2 tsp for 3.5 yr old, 1 tsp for me). Lunch: Pork soup/stew-so good each kid had 2 1/2 bowls! Added

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-14008560984234400852009-07-18T21:58:00.005-04:002009-07-18T22:25:51.390-04:00

We went to the farmer's market this morning--an unexpected family trip (it was just going to be me). I loved it! I love the farmer's market--it's an immediate mood change for me. The people are pleasant, it's outside, they know us, they love the kids. My oldest 'made' a visor and wore it half the day. It's enjoyable socially, mentally and financially--where can you find bunches of organic

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-59782409243691406312009-07-17T21:22:00.002-04:002009-07-17T21:34:16.404-04:00

It's smooth and creamy and sweet and cold. Very satisfying to a 3 1/2 year old and 16 month old--and , actually, a 32 year old-- on a hot summer day. 1 butternut squash stock of your choice 3-5 Tblsp ghee 3 egg yolks Boil the squash in the stock. When done (almost falling apart), remove from stock and cool. Add ghee and egg yolks. Blend (I used an immersion blender). At this point you

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-75211588478199067822009-07-17T21:10:00.006-04:002009-07-17T21:56:00.764-04:00

Tomorrow's a day trip -- today was ALL prep. Good grief. It was like I was having a party except the house was a disaster (I just let the kids go--toys everywhere). The kitchen was full of food in all stages of boiling, cooling and freezing. We're going to my mother-in-law's and grandparents-in-laws', leaving tomorrow--I'm guessing around 9 am. Need to hit the farmer's market prior to

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-13544717206935553502009-07-16T20:11:00.007-04:002009-07-20T22:23:30.824-04:00

With my oldest daughters diagnosed food allergies, we've always stayed away from nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, peas, lima beans, among other foods. When her eczema began to develop--I began to notice patterns of when it would flare. I took note of the food-triggers (food sensitivities), which were not necessarily allergies, and began to avoid them. Her skin got better. Here is a list of the

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-30448871756226350432009-07-16T19:55:00.005-04:002009-07-16T20:36:46.965-04:00

You *cannot* get lazy on GAPS. What do they say-- 'Idle hands are the devil's playground?' Well--it's idle pots in this case. Getting hungry makes my mind wander to all those far off non-GAPS sugar-fied, open-box-and-eat-things. First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic supplement (1/8 cap for the girls, 1/4 cap for me). Breakfast:

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-59778374638116215862009-07-16T15:54:00.006-04:002009-07-16T16:35:07.131-04:00

Purchase artichokes that look like this image--bright green, tight leaves, with stem. Watch out! Artichokes that we know and love as a vegetable are actually the bud of a perennial thistle. Each leaf has a thorn at the tip so care must be taken during this next step: With kitchen shears, trim the outside leaves 1/2". With a serrated knife, cut off the top 1/3 of the artichoke, revealing

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-77991042734974700742009-07-16T00:26:00.020-04:002009-07-16T20:41:01.651-04:00

Three weeks in--I'm needing to touch base with my Gut And Psychology Syndrome book. Read it once--poured over it--when it first came. Perused it constantly after that. Then went to the GAPS Guide. Then put both down and tried to get into a GAPSter groove, if ya know what I mean. I do have some more involved questions these days . . . mostly revolving around *poop*. For example--what's the

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-76568086437371762202009-07-14T22:38:00.005-04:002009-07-16T20:42:01.167-04:00

Today, I had a brainstorming session with myself. I came up with some good and creative snack ideas--especially for the lil'GAPSters. First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and squeeze of lemon. Probiotic (1/6 cap for the little one and 1/4 cap for me) My oldest slept in this morning! Breakfast: Christie Eggies, Non-Nut Butter Pancakes, Fermented Cod Liver Oil dose,

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-48419650086722858842009-07-14T22:26:00.003-04:002009-07-16T17:19:44.667-04:00

An all stages snack. Butternut squash and/or carrots Bone broth Boil butternut squash and/or carrots in bone broth. With a slotted spoon, remove the vegetable. Purée. Add an amount of broth back into the puréed vegetable to make it pourable. Pour into small bowls or ramekins. Refrigerate. Stir before serving and serve cold.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-13632043903391709032009-07-14T22:21:00.004-04:002009-07-16T17:19:19.245-04:00

An all stages snack. Make a batch of mint tea, adding honey to sweeten a tad more than you'd use for hot tea. Let cool. Pour into popsicle mold(s). Enjoy between meals.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-6996181322418527602009-07-14T22:12:00.006-04:002009-07-26T20:40:16.423-04:00

An all stages snack. You'll need a popsicle mold. I overpaid for mine! Just saw them outside of a 'dollar' store--check there first. 1 butternut squash, boiled in bone broth and puréed 5 Tblsp ghee raw egg yolks Place butternut squash in a bowl. Add ghee and as many yolks as desired and blend until smooth. Pour or spoon into mold(s) and freeze.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-88099991247772943462009-07-14T22:05:00.004-04:002009-07-16T17:17:43.502-04:00

A stage 2 snack. 1 thick (as thick as possible) carrot, peeled, cut into 1/4" 'coins' Bone broth Ghee, slightly softened Boil carrot coins in bone broth for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool completely. When cool, spread ghee on top. Serve.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-23638841410526131742009-07-14T21:53:00.005-04:002009-07-16T17:17:13.835-04:00

A stage 3 recipe. Makes one sandwich. 2 Non-Nut Butter Pancakes 1 avocado 1 tsp shredded fermented vegetable, or as much as can be tolerated Celtic sea salt Put fruit from avocado in a bowl. Sprinkle salt to taste. Mash avocado and salt together with a fork, making a salt/avocado-only guacamole. Spread 2 tablespoons or so (depending on the size of the pancakes) on one of the pancakes.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-38831271928915724582009-07-14T21:50:00.009-04:002009-07-16T17:16:32.035-04:00

Needless to say--this will be an ongoing post. Non-Nut Butter Pancake Sandwiches Carrot Coins and "Cheese" Popcicles: Butternut Squash, Mint Tea Orange-colored "Jello"

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-61813238807375382502009-07-13T22:00:00.006-04:002009-07-16T17:15:29.485-04:00

My prettiest pancakes thus far! 1 large zucchini 6 eggs 1 med/large clove garlic, pressed Celtic Sea Salt ghee for frying Peel and de-seed zucchini. Grate (push through food processor with grating blade) the zucchini. Transfer to large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients and mix. Heat pan on stove, add ghee. When pan is hot, using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter and add to pan.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-17863668338037060292009-07-12T17:25:00.005-04:002009-07-16T20:43:00.425-04:00

Was up way too late writing posts last night. Too bad GAPS can't fix that! The big one was up many times last night while the little one slept. That means--we were all up early--2 out of 3 were cranky. Regardless, our routine continued. . . First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic (upped the dose a tad--kids got, maybe 1/6 of a cap

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-67752698024940319382009-07-12T00:22:00.022-04:002009-08-03T00:09:13.800-04:00

Above photo taken May 5th, 2009 --pre-GAPS. The following three photos were taken on July 7th--GAPS Intro, Day 13, Stage 3. Pollen counts were relatively low. The next two photos were taken on August 2nd, GAPS Intro, Day 38, Stage 3. She was getting over a virus and the pollen cast was 'very high' for grass and weeds.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-78792166529620989992009-07-12T00:20:00.009-04:002009-07-16T17:12:07.508-04:00

I must preface these recipes by saying that--yes, they do work and I use them day in a day out. However--natural cleaning products DO NOT work like commercial detergents. Commercial detergents are more aggressive on stains, grease, and even keep things (like tubs) cleaner for longer. It has to do with the make up of the detergent and the surfacants used. The detergent creates a surface film

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-47030076599471321632009-07-11T23:40:00.006-04:002009-07-16T17:15:03.362-04:00

This is from a message I posted on the GAPS help Yahoo Group: PLANTAIN OINTMENT – Recipe by Susun Weed “Pick plantain (plantago–a ‘weed’ in every lawn!) when leaves are vibrant and green. DO NOT WASH. Just brush the leaves off gently if needed. Chop them coarsely and pack loosely into a clean, dry jar. Add olive oil, dislodging air bubbles with a knife or chopstick, until the jar is

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-11414021126020532009-07-11T22:52:00.008-04:002009-07-16T20:43:36.423-04:00

Ugh! I'm the worst at moderation--a HUGE KEY POINT to this whole diet! I laid down the law yesterday--1 pancake per person. Then they had a second one before bed last night. I said--two pancakes per person today (actually, the little one got 1)--then midway through the day, I'm doling them out for snacks! What's wrong with me? I know better. Sometimes I feel like I'm trying to rush through

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-62528270045478994072009-07-11T22:48:00.012-04:002009-07-16T17:09:31.518-04:00

Nothing has humbled me as much as eczema. Just when I think I've got a hold on something--just when I think I've found THE REASON . . . I'm stopped in my tracks, turned around, lead in circles until I have no choice but to give up. My surrender never lasts long--I'm a glutton for punishment! While I observe, research, and review--there's still an itchy little girl scratching away. I did come

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-89115242372540173232009-07-11T22:11:00.002-04:002009-07-11T22:15:36.806-04:00

Here's what I found regarding Fermented Cod Liver Oil dosage on the Weston Price Foundation website: The high-vitamin fermented cod liver oil is sold as a food so does not contain vitamin levels on the label. However, after numerous tests, the approximate values of A and D have been ascertained at 1900 IU vitamin A per mL and 390 IU vitamin D per mL. Thus 1 teaspoon of high-vitamin fermented cod

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-62866542541440636272009-07-11T21:40:00.007-04:002009-07-16T17:08:40.490-04:00

2 medium zucchini--peeled, de-seeded, blended 8 eggs 1/2 cup almond nut-butter--made from soaked and dehydrated almonds pinch Celtic sea salt In a food processor, blend zucchini. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well. Heat a fry pan and add ghee. Pour enough batter in the pan to make pancakes a little larger than 'silver dollar' pancake size. FYI: The heat needed to be lower than I

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-80476933536149854552009-07-11T21:38:00.008-04:002009-07-16T20:49:17.387-04:00

First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic (1/10 cap for the girls, 1/4 cap for me). Breakfast: Christie Eggies, Nut-Butter Pancakes, fermented cod liver oil dose, and spoonful of fermented vegetables. Snack: Mint tea with raw honey Lunch: Beef casserole, squash soup Snack: Avocado Dinner: Boiled steaks (sacrilege!) with carrots

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-26046509381258238172009-07-11T20:30:00.005-04:002009-07-16T17:08:14.297-04:00

Using Dried Mint:Harvest or purchase fresh mint. Lay the mint on a tray and put the tray in the oven with the oven light on. Let sit for 4-6 hours, or until the mint is crisp, but not fragile (in other words, doesn't fall to pieces when pinched but is dry and 'crisp'). Boil water. Use 1 tsp dried mint per cup of water. For a quart of water, use 4 tsp dried mint and either add the mint

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-91709934943292783122009-07-10T21:07:00.006-04:002009-07-16T17:07:29.992-04:00

I've become something of an aficionado--an avocado aficionado. Even so, I understand that avocados can be quite foreign to some--many people aren't sure what they look like, let alone have tasted one. Here's a little Avocado Education: The tastiest avocados (individual opinion, I know) in the Northeast are Hass avocados. Size-wise, they fit in your hand. They vary from emerald green to dark

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-31536047600302778122009-07-09T20:35:00.019-04:002009-07-11T19:26:41.140-04:00

The use of honey in GAPS is allowed. In the beginning Intro stages, honey is limited to lightly sweetening tea if one chooses to do so. I wanted to look into the reasons that this might be beneficial, and, if opting to use honey--which honey to purchase. To do a search of 'medicinal properties of honey,' one finds scientific articles ranging in topic from "using honey to heal wounds colonized

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-3675005371003783882009-07-09T16:31:00.012-04:002009-07-16T20:49:54.745-04:00

My oldest woke up this morning with what looked like dried squash soup in the corner of her mouth. I wiped it off, only to see a little red spot. Kept this in the back of my mind until an impromptu visit from my mother. She commented on the little red spot and I blurted out,"what's impetigo?" Seems like that might be what it is, so I'm applying Neosporin a few times a day. Have read much

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-52198290016728541632009-07-08T15:57:00.014-04:002009-07-16T20:50:17.934-04:00

So glad I listened to the GAPS Guide advice to start kids with 1/10th of a probiotic cap and to *slowly* work up from there. . . I may have avoided a nightmare! First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Probiotic dose (1/10th of a cap for the girls, 1/4 cap for me). Breakfast: Christie Eggies (we're backing off of these a bit), beef soup with squash

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-10434969558372111712009-07-07T15:30:00.006-04:002009-07-16T20:50:49.344-04:00

Ah, yes--the good guys. Probiotics, of course! First thing in the morning: RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. AND our first dose of probiotic supplement (we're using BioKult as per the suggestion of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride). Started both girls with 1/10 (eyed up) of a cap and myself with a 1/4 cap. Breakfast: Christie Eggies. Boiled sausage (purchased from a

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-56426500392530521712009-07-06T14:53:00.004-04:002009-07-16T20:51:11.734-04:00

First thing in the morning: our RO water with added trace minerals and a squeeze of lemon. Breakfast: What else? Christie Eggies. Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup. Spoonful of fermented vegetable juice. Fermented cod liver oil supplement dose. Lunch: Chicken casserole made with zucchini, asparagus, onion, chicken, stock, celtic sea salt and ghee. It was good--very good. However, it DID

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-85785457212452327272009-07-05T01:22:00.017-04:002009-07-11T22:17:06.462-04:00

Much like the day before and much like prior days--we did NOT go slow with avocado. We pretty much tripled our avocado intake today. We spent much of these two days outside in the sun. Soup on the stove, casserole in the oven. . .you know the drill! Began the day with our lemon water. Continued with our fermented cod liver oil supplements. Made mint tea! I'm going to guess that there's

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-62312445048411873512009-07-04T00:28:00.004-04:002009-07-16T17:07:07.481-04:00

There was no music, no fireworks, no high-fives. It was just an avocado day, which was celebration enough. Today was a great day for food! We ate a melt-in-your-mouth beef soup. Here it goes: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Beef Soup Full fat, hugely gelatinous beef broth 1 lb beef 2 med zucchini 1 med onion 2 cloves garlic 4 carrots Celtic Sea Salt Ghee Simmer the beef, garlic and onion in some broth

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-26027132037028364292009-07-03T23:35:00.002-04:002009-07-16T17:06:30.740-04:00

Stage 2 did not progress in the proper order, but I'm happy with the speed of the progression. We are doing what we can and we our nourishing ourselves 1000 times better than we would be eating non-GAPS, or even eating Full GAPS. I'm very proud of us. We did not push the raw egg yolks--my fault. All the raw eggs in our diet prior to GAPS have been included in sweet dairy--either smoothies or

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-88455918253369501302009-07-03T23:16:00.006-04:002009-07-16T17:05:22.878-04:00

I made a soup that the girls love. They love it a little too much, if you ask me. I'll need to dilute the sweetness, and I know just how to do it! Here's a tweaked version of my recipe: Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup 1 butternut squash 3-4 fennel bulbs 2 large leeks 1 large zucchini (this will dilute the sweetness) 1/2 cup beef fat/marrow blend Celtic Sea Salt to taste Peel, de-seed, wash

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-32715280940398339242009-07-02T21:58:00.009-04:002009-07-16T17:04:48.694-04:00

Everyone's energy is still increasing. Reactions/Symptoms: The little one pooped for the first time in 2 days. Still waiting on my oldest. Meanwhile, decided to look in to 'enema-alternatives' and here's what I've found: Epsom Salt Bath: 1/2 - 1 cup epsom salt dissolved in bath water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. The magnesium has a laxative effect. On the side of the box, it give directions

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-79735747409726810802009-07-01T21:39:00.008-04:002009-07-16T17:00:59.600-04:00

We're upping the need for Christie Eggies. They are becoming something of a staple--a definite go-to snack.An exciting part of GAPS Intro Stage 2 is that we can have 'casseroles.' One of our favorites goes like this: 1 lb ground beef 2 eggplants 2 containers of mushrooms 2 leeks or 1 med. onion Fresh dill Celtic Sea Salt to taste ghee Prep vegetables (peel, de-seed, chop). Add beef and

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-80429755938412477202009-07-01T19:37:00.003-04:002009-08-23T19:43:10.319-04:00

Okay--so we've been going along for 6 or 7 days now. Major fatigue is the prominent symptom for myself and my 3.5 yr old daughter. My 16 month old is loving all the food and has been her chipper, energetic self--does have a pimply, inconsistent rash on her torso, but that's about it. Two days ago I made a casserole and on the top of it I spread some broth-boiled, and well mashed, celery root.

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5523495351388811967.post-52162652019558332642009-06-30T00:55:00.012-04:002009-07-20T22:33:40.512-04:00

First Thing In The Morning RO water with added trace minerals and squeeze of lemon. The little one loves it! Breakfast Scrambled eggs in ghee (yes--I know--infraction). Lunch Boiled lamb, butternut squash, lamb stock that had butternut squash cooked in it, then strained out. Snack After conversing with my closest friend and relaying to her my illegal scrambling, she gave me this

GAPSter Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16618827244595348754noreply@blogger.com0