By Gluten-Free Chef Rodney LoveJones
Getting ready for your nuptials can be the leading stressor for that special day. It evokes hidden emotional Bio-Sensors you either have never responded to or previously recognized.
More often than not, a groom’s fear will enable him to begin every conversation with one of the following: “How did I agree to get married so soon?” “Why did I pop the magic question now?” “Do you think I can really do this and does she love me?” “This forever thing is a bit scary, huh?”
This will be the perfect time to begin a focused food regimen. Having balanced meals of high protein with the elimination of gluten, corn and soy from your daily consumption will help energy levels and solidify healthy sleeping habits. When all fails, eating the Gluten-Free and the Paleo way will enable a nutritious way to stay focused, strong and lean for your special day!
Inflammation is one of the most common causes of hyper stress, bodily dysfunction and modern disease. To ensure a vibrant lifestyle for your new family, a suggestion of ridding the body of commonly know allergens connected with GMOs is a step in the right direction. The day you begin, your body will thank you time and time again!
Altering your way of eating is a huge task and should be done in stages. This will ensure a greater appreciation for your change and help you understand and feel the difference. Yet, leading up to the months and weeks before your special day, I have listed a few items believed to aid in your transition to lifetime partnership and smooth sailing…
Foods you should avoid:
- Sugar
- Popular vegetable oils such as sunflower, corn, peanut, soy, cottonseed and (regular) safflower are high in inflammatory omega-6s
- Dairy
- Flour or breads containing wheat/gluten
- Soda
- Grapes
- Meats containing nitrates
To assist in your new journey, Dr. Andrew Weil has a great FOOD PYRAMID for healthier eating and options to reduce inflammation. As I agree with most suggested options, the elimination of whole grains would make your quest an unstoppable machine…
Here is a great snack to get you started!
SWEET POTATO HUMMUS
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked sweet potatoes (baked)
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup organic tahini
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (1 lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Directions
- Blend ALL ingredients in food processor until paste. Transfer to a bowl. Serve with Rice Chips.