tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4783994562395349702024-02-20T16:22:45.070-08:00Dr. Laelle's Thots on Natural Living and ParentingDr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-79734924999109792832012-10-16T10:32:00.002-07:002012-10-16T10:32:49.972-07:00Ari's Excited to be a Big Brother! After multiple, ongoing requests from Ari over the past year "to make a new baby", Paul and I followed through on his wishes :-) . I am now 11 weeks into my second pregnancy, with baby expected to come join our family on the outside in early May. It feels good that Ari is 3 years old now and can understand what is going on and express his feelings about it. For the most part, he tells us "I'm so happy" or "When the new baby comes out I'm going to...(share my toys with her, hug her, cuddle her, sing her Twinkle, Twinkle, look at books with her, carry her, etc)" . The only challenge so far has been adjusting to a more tired than normal Momma going through first trimester with so much of my extra energy going to building a tiny human being. And knowing how perceptive he is, I'm sure he can sense the extra spirit already creating a space within our family. So I can tell that although he is mostly happy and excited about the whole thing, there is a part of him struggling a bit with adjusting to the changes. That combined with a new-found want for independence and doing things "his" way since turning 3, has made for some challenging moments over the past few weeks for sure!<br />
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Everything has been going really well so far, besides being really tired for a few hours every afternoon. Although now that I think about it, the fatigue has slowly been getting better over the past week or so. It seems my body has started adjusting to all the changes associated with being pregnant and remembering that it can build a baby and keep functioning at the same time. Yay! Eating and exercise have been my 2 biggest challenges of course. I've been tired enough that even the thought of walking somewhere in the stroller instead of jumping in the car sounds hard. Then every time I've gotten up the motivation to do it, for some reason Ari hasn't wanted to get in the stroller and walk anymore. At least not in time to make it to wherever we want to go. "Not yet. 5 more minutes" is is standard answer these days when I tell him it's time to get dressed and go somewhere. And then of course "5 more minutes" and "5 more minutes". Normally, this tactic wouldn't go over so well, but running on less than 50% of my normal energy, and I just haven't been able to find it in me to do anything but say "okay, fine, 5 more minutes". Until I finally just tell him we have to leave now, but we're going in the car because there's not enough time to walk anymore. And then we leave the house in the rain without shoes and without a coat on because he refuses to wear them. I figure once he gets cold enough he'll change his mind, right?? So that's about it for exercise right now. I haven't been getting any. Even the walking that I usually make sure to do at least several days a week. Now that I'm starting to feel better, time to start walking again, going to prenatal yoga, and just getting my body strong and able to support me through the changes to come over the next 7 months. </div>
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Then there's the food. I had totally forgotten how weird food cravings and aversions are in those first weeks. I binged on dark chocolate every night for a week before I even knew for sure I was pregnant. Then about a week later, I could hardly even eat any because the caffeine would make me all jittery and funny feeling. I've been following a Primal/Paleo diet for over a year now, choosing to eliminate all grains, legumes, processed sugar, and most dairy. And feeling so incredibly good because of it! More energy, a significant decrease in environmental allergy symptoms, no belly bloating, weight loss, and more. Best of all, I felt incredibly nourished nutritionally, and the food I was eating tasted so good. There was no feeling deprived or "missing out" at all. Thinking about food I ate before like bread, pasta and beans just didn't even sound appealing. Then pregnancy hit. Vegetables and meat? They just really didn't sound all that appealing anymore. But bread and cheese? Mmmmmm. At first it wasn't too bad. I even told Paul I would "do my best" to join him in a 30 day challenge and follow the guidelines as closely as possible. Come to find out, "as closely as possible" turned out to be eating chocolate, cheese and bread on day 1 :-). It's hard because I know how much better my body functions eating a clean diet. But at the same time, I am full of gratitude that I have been able to continue eating without too much of a problem and no "morning sickness" at all. I get a bit nauseous if I let myself get too hungry, and I can't stomach the smell or taste of any of our freezer full of grass fed ground beef. But other than that, I've been doing pretty good with food. I think it's mostly because of the diet I ate for a full year before becoming pregnant this time and that my body had been so nourished with good food. So I'm trying not to beat myself up too bad for eating pizza, grilled ham and cheese with tomato soup, or a huge burrito wrapped up inside a flour tortilla. Although it really sucks about 30 minutes later when I'm so bloated from the wheat and dairy that my belly looks like I'm 5 months pregnant instead of 3! At least I haven't listened to the little voice inside my head that tells me it would be a good idea to go to a fast food restaurant for a crispy chicken sandwich when I see those pictures all over town :-) . So funny because normally the thought of it would turn my stomach, whereas no I literally start salivating! And it's the good meat and veggies that is turning my stomach. Pregnancy, just can't even begin to understand the why's of it all. Have to instead just sit back and trust my body and do my best to listen to the true cravings for what it wants and needs. </div>
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Thanks for listening and I hope to continue sharing my journey through this pregnancy with chiropractic, parenting and eating!! Maybe even a bit of exercise along the way too...</div>
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Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-31400164339636362682012-05-19T22:51:00.000-07:002012-05-19T22:51:03.111-07:00Macadamia Nut Coconut Chocolate Chunk CookiesAs I mentioned in the last post, I've been playing around with macadamia nuts and coconut lately and the results have been really yummy! Here are some cookies I made for a baby shower a couple of weeks ago for those of you who requested the recipe, and anyone else who might want to try them too :-). <br />
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<b><u>Macadamia Nut Coconut Chocolate Chunk Cookies</u></b>
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2 cups almond flour (from blanched almonds)<br />
1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts<br />
1/2 cup shredded coconut<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted<br />
1 Tbsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
1/4 cup coconut nectar<br />
1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped into chunks (or chocolate chips)<br />
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Mix together all dry ingredients in medium size bowl (except chocolate) and set aside. In larger bowl, combine coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup and coconut nectar. Add dry ingredients and stir to combine. I like to mix mine with my kitchenaid stand mixer, but can do by hand of course as well. Then stir in chocolate chunks or chips. <br />
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On lightly greased or parchment lined cookie sheet, drop Tbsp sized balls and lightly flatten. Bake for 9-12 minutes at 350, then cool and enjoy!Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-85290763051904497402012-05-19T22:38:00.000-07:002012-05-19T22:38:41.363-07:00Fun with Macadamia Nuts and Coconut!I've cooked a couple of things lately with both macadamia nuts and coconut that have been really yummy. The first were cookies with chocolate chunks for a friends baby blessing a couple weeks ago. Then tonight I made Macadamia Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa for dinner which turned out delicious! Here is the Mahi Mahi and Salsa recipe...I'll post the cookies next :-)<br />
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<b><u>Macadamia Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi </u></b><br />
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2 lb Mahi Mahi filets<br />
2 cups Macadamia Nuts<br />
1 1/2 cups Shredded Coconut<br />
1/2 tsp ginger powder<br />
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper<br />
1 tsp sea salt<br />
3 egg whites, beaten until frothy with pinch of salt<br />
3/4 cup Arrowroot Powder/Starch/Flour<br />
Coconut Oil or Butter (to grease baking sheet)<br />
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Preheat oven to 425. Rinse fish and pat dry. Pulse macadamia nuts and coconut in food processor with ginger, salt and pepper until nuts are finely ground, about 30 seconds (be careful not to do too long as it will start to stick together and turn into macadamia nut butter!) . Beat 3 egg whites in bowl with a pinch of salt until frothy. In 3 separate, shallow pans place arrowroot powder, egg whites and macadamia/coconut mixture. Dredge each piece of fish first with a light coating of arrowroot, then dip in egg whites, and next in nut mixture. Lightly press nut mixture on to each piece of fish and set aside until all pieces are done. <br />
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Liberally grease a cookie sheet with butter or coconut oil and bake 15 - 20 minutes, turning over about 1/2 way through so both sides get brown and crispy. (If you want to take the time and enjoy your food nice and crispy, you could alternately pan fry for a few minutes on each side until browned, then finish in oven for 8-10 minutes...I didn't do this tonight though as I made 4 pounds of fish!). Serve hot topped with Mango Salsa.<br />
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<b><u>Mango Salsa</u></b><br />
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2 Mangos, diced<br />
Juice of one Lime<br />
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion<br />
2-4 Tbsp chopped cilantro (stems and leaves)<br />
2 tsp olive oil<br />
1 tsp honey<br />
Dash of cayenne (or 1/2 minced and seeded jalapeno or serrano chile)<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
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In medium sized bowl, mix together red onion with lime juice, olive oil, honey and spices. Add diced mango and chopped cilantro, stir together, then chill for 1 hour before serving. <br />
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<br />Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-50882776648740127452012-01-30T22:10:00.000-08:002012-01-30T22:12:56.813-08:00Primal Zucchini "Noodle" LasagnaRecipe number 4 of the day! The chocolate chip cookies and lasagna were both made last night when we had friends over who requested the recipes. So I figured if I was going to write them out and send them, might as well post on here where everyone else can see them too :-) . Thanks to <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/">Wellness Mama</a> for the original recipe that served as the inspiration for mine. I am a subscriber to her weekly meal plans and have fun trying out several new dishes (at least) each week! <br />
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Primal Zucchini "Noodle" Lasagna<br />
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4-5 medium zucchini<br />
1 pound ground meat or sausage (chicken Italian sausage or ground beef are both good!)<br />
1 jar organic pasta sauce<br />
1 jar diced italian tomatoes<br />
2 cups almond pulp "ricotta" (recipe below)*<br />
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (opt)<br />
4 eggs, beaten<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Italian Seasoning<br />
Garlic Powder<br />
Basil<br />
Nutmeg<br />
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice zucchini lengthwise using a mandolin to 3/8" thick. Lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil. Place zucchini slices on baking sheet leaving a space between each slice. You will have to do 2-3 batches. Spray or brush olive oil on zucchini slices and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and italian seasoning. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until brown on bottom and starting to cook through. Repeat until all zucchini is cooked. Reduce oven temp to 350. Meanwhile, brown meat of choice in large skillet. If not pre-seasoned sausage, add seasonings of choice (try 1/2 tsp each of garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt, pepper). Then add diced tomatoes to pan. Cook for several minutes until liquid begins to evaporate. Add jar of pasta sauce. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes. Mix almond pulp "ricotta" with eggs, 1/2 cup parmesan (is using dairy) and 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 tsp basil and pinch of nutmeg. <br />
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Assemble lasagna in layers in large (9x13) baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on bottom. Top with layer of zucchini slices then layer of "cheese". Repeat until all ingredients are used. Top with additional 1/2 cup parmesan cheese if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Enjoy!<br />
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* Almond pulp is leftover from making almond milk. For the amount in this recipe, I soak 2 1/2 cups raw almonds in water for about 3-4 hours, draining and rinsing several times until water runs clear. "Pop" almonds from skin (should remove easily after soaking, but if not can pour boiling water over for 1-2 minutes to help loosen them), then place in high powered blender (Vitamix, etc) with 6 cups water. Process for 1-2 minutes until you can't hear almond chunks anymore. Pour into a nut milk bag, several layers of cheesecloth, or fine fabric kitchen towel and squeeze out all liquid. To almond milk you can add vanilla and sweetener if desired and will keep in fridge up to a week. The leftover pulp is what you use for the ricotta. Add the juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 - 1 tsp salt, and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Stir and add a bit of water if needed to desired consistency. <br />
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<br />Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-49462154497988112352012-01-29T16:44:00.000-08:002012-01-29T16:46:47.327-08:00The Best Primal Chocolate Chip CookiesSo apparently, it is my day for posting recipes. One of these days I might get around to actually writing about life, but for now, recipes will have to do! Have been enjoying cooking and playing around with making some of our traditional favorites but without grains, beans/legumes, refined sugars and pretty much any and all processed food. Chocolate chip cookies have always been one of my very favorite baked treats, and after trying and modifying quite a few recipes have finally stopped searching. For now at least... <br />
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This recipe was adapted from Elana's Pantry <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/dairy-free-gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookies/">Gluten Free / Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>. <br />
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Primal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Dairy Free & Gluten/Grain Free)<br />
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2 1/2 cups almond flour (from blanched almonds)*<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup melted coconut oil<br />
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract<br />
1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
1/4 cup coconut nectar/sap<br />
1 cup dark chocolate chips (Enjoy Life, Sunspire 65%, etc.)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350. Combine almond flour, sea salt and baking soda in a large bowl. Melt coconut oil and combine with vanilla, maple syrup and coconut nectar. Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture. Once well mixed, stir in chocolate chips. <br />
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Press Tablespoon sized balls onto parchment lined baking sheet (or lightly grease with coconut oil if parchment paper not available). Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, then cool and serve! <br />
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* I use Bob's Red Mill almond flour even though Elana says it does not work properly and prefers a couple other brands. It is the only one available here locally and sells at our Tacoma Food Co-op for $4.99 / lb. I have found that it works better if not bought in bulk as it has settled into the package and measures more correctly in most recipes. But if I lightly pack it into measuring cups then most of the time it works out just fine! Too little "flour" (or too much coconut oil) and the cookies will spread out and be crispy. I actually make them on purpose this way sometime, but they're not quite as pretty. Too much "flour" and they won't spread out at all and the insides will stay gooey unless you overcook them.Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-77522871574966597592012-01-29T14:22:00.000-08:002012-01-29T14:22:30.676-08:00Fritatta with Bacon and Collard GreensBreakfast round 2 at our house this morning was a fritatta with bacon and collard greens that turned out even better than I expected it would! I will definitely be making it again so wanted to get the recipe written down here before I forget how I made it :-) . <br />
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Makes 3-4 servings<br />
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10 eggs (organic, free range, and pastured preferred)<br />
2 Tbsp water<br />
8 oz package natural bacon (no antibiotics and nitrite free), diced<br />
1 bunch collard greens, de-stemmed and roughly chopped<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced<br />
Salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Garlic Powder<br />
Paprika<br />
Red chili flakes<br />
Cheese, grated (optional)<br />
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Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring pot of water to a boil and cook chopped collard greens for 10 minutes. Pour into colander to drain. Chop bacon into bite sized pieces and saute over medium heat until browned in an oven safe skillet. Remove from skillet and set aside. Remove additional bacon grease if needed to leave 1-2 Tbsp in pan. Add sliced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of red chili flakes (more or less for spiciness as desired) and cook until onion is soft and lightly browned. Return bacon to the pan and add drained collard greens. Saute for 5-10 minutes until everything is well cooked together. While collards are sauteing, mix eggs with water and spices as desired. I think I used about a 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Add egg mixture to greens in skillet and mix well to combine. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until mostly set (egg will still be wet on top). Move to middle rack of oven and cook for 5 more minutes until all egg is cooked. Top with grated cheese if desired and tolerated and broil for 2-4 minutes until top and/or cheese begins to brown. Let cool, cut into slices, and serve! <br />
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<br />Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-36016802919128574132012-01-29T13:11:00.000-08:002012-01-29T13:18:29.100-08:00Coconut Flour Apple Waffles2 1/2 year old Ari was asking for waffles this morning for breakfast, so I searched for a recipe using coconut flour. Some we didn't have all the ingredients for while others I remember trying and them being super dry unless topped with tons of melted butter and maple syrup. So we created our own recipe that turned out really well and I wanted to share! They were very moist and the perfect sweetness - Ari ate more than 2 of them without any other toppings :-) . <br />
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Makes 3 small waffles<br />
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2 eggs<br />
1 Tbsp almond milk*<br />
1 tsp coconut oil (melted and cooled)<br />
1/4 c apple puree**<br />
1 1/2 Tbsp. coconut flour<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
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Whisk eggs together then add remaining wet ingredients. Stir together dry ingredients and sift into wet mixture. Whisk well until batter is smooth. Pour onto pre-heated and greased waffle iron and spread slightly if needed. Cook until done, likely about 5 minutes. <br />
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* Made with a thick, home-made almond milk. Could try subbing coconut milk or dairy milk too. <br />
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** I pureed an apple (with peel) in my food processor. You could also probably use home made or store bought organic applesauce with good results.Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-32448503283681720642011-10-18T22:32:00.000-07:002011-10-19T14:54:00.167-07:00Easy Homemade Paleo MayoI know, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. Our computer hard drive crashed and it's taken me awhile to get back up and running. The Paleo/Primal diet is still going great and Paul and I just started a 30 day challenge with our Brilliant Life Chiropractic community on Monday. We will all be super strict for the next 30 days - eating only meats (including seafood, poultry and game meats), eggs, vegetables, healthy fats (coconut milk/oil, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.), nuts, seeds and fruit in moderation. I've found that having home made mayo around really helps for making creamy salad dressings, using as a veggie or artichoke dip, or for even just dipping leftover chicken in! My first couple of attempts honestly didn't go too well. One was super runny and the other just didn't ever emulsify. But after playing around with it for awhile, trying out different ingredients and ratios, I've created my "Easy Homemade Paleo Mayo" using one of my favorite kitchen tools, the food processor. Enjoy!<br />
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 Large Egg (Preferably local, fresh and pastured)</div>
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1 tsp Dijon Mustard</div>
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1/2 tsp Salt</div>
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1 Tbsp Lemon Juice</div>
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1 C Light Olive Oil</div>
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Directions:</div>
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Place egg, mustard, salt and lemon juice in food processor fitted with metal blade. Blend about 30 seconds until well combined. Stop to scrape down sides of bowl if needed. Keep motor running and add oil drop by drop using the "drizzle hole" in the lid (if you're like me and always wondered why your lid had a hole in it...now you know!). Stop blending once all oil has dripped out and is combined in the mixture. </div>
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Voila! Homemade mayo that is better for you and tastes so much fresher than anything you will buy in the store. If you don't eat it all right away, the mayonnaise can be transferred to a covered container and stored in the fridge for about 5-7 days. </div>
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Additional Tips:</div>
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Your final product is much more likely to be successful if the egg and lemon juice are at room temperature. I recommend leaving both out for at least 3-4 hours before proceeding with the recipe. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the lemon juice if you are all out of lemon or just want to try something different, but I personally prefer the flavor of lemon juice. If you use extra virgin olive oil, your mayo will have a very strong olive flavor, especially if made in a food processor. If it's all you have, I have heard that making it with a whisk helps to keep the flavor more subtle. My first ever batch was made with extra virgin oil as I didn't know any better and I ended up throwing it out. I wish I could find an Organic "light tasting" olive oil, but haven't had luck with that one yet. Mayo can also be made in a food processor without a hole in the top, a blender, or with a whisk by hand (as mentioned above) but you have to be really careful to add the oil slowly, drop by drop, especially at first to make sure an emulsion forms. </div>
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Enjoy and let me know how it goes for you! </div>Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-8272318862885327782011-08-07T22:18:00.001-07:002011-08-07T22:19:40.576-07:00Going Primal!<div><p>It's been an interesting week of eating with Paul and I experimenting with eating a "Primal" diet - or close to one at least.  After reading bits and pieces about the principles behind primal/Paleo/caveman nutrition over the last couple of years, it was when Paul became interested from his Crossfit circles that we both finally dove in head first and did some serious reading and research to see what it was all about.  And the principles behind it made enough sense that we decided we had to at least give it a try! For those not familiar with the recommended dietary guidelines, that means eating mostly a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables along with pastured, wild caught and/or naturally raised meat products.  Also eggs, nuts and seeds, and sometimes raw dairy (everyone has their own opinion on that one!) . Sounds good so far, right? The hard part is that the list of allowed foods pretty much stops there. Grains, beans, other legumes and sugars of all kinds are on the off limits list. </p>
<p>I can imagine what you might be thinking. What kind of crazy diet plan is that? Why in the world would someone want to avoid eating whole grains and legumes? Aren't they the healthiest foods out there? But the more I read, the more I think what they say makes sense. Genetically, our bodies have not adapted to eating grains. Most of us have probably heard about how common gluten intolerance is now and how much better these people feel on a gluten free diet. The truth is, all humans would feel and function better without gluten. But it doesn't stop there. Other grains, even beloved brown rice, also have anti-nutrients in them that make it very hard for us to digest. Traditionally when humans first started planting and eating grains, they were always soaked, sprouted and/or fermented to make them edible and easier for us to digest. Over time, most have stopped these practices, but continue to eat grains. The Paleo/primal diet advocates say this has contributed to a whole host of sicknesses and disease. Auto-immune disorders, diabetes, obesity, etc.  </p>
<p>So you'll likely hear more from me about this in future posts. I'm planning to figure things out over the next few weeks, then commit to 30 days of a 100% Paleo diet (dairy free too) in September. Anyone wanna join me??</p>
</div>Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-37925508209284346552011-06-10T22:42:00.000-07:002011-06-10T22:42:40.193-07:00My second Blog Entry!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I know all 2 of my followers have been waiting and waiting for another incredible post from me. So here it is. In the time since my last post (4 months maybe??) quite a bit has happened. One huge thing is that I have become a cloth diaper consultant with Diaper Parties by EverythingBirth. So fun diving into the world of "fluff"! My friend Amanda and I are hosting our first party next Saturday and I'm looking forward to teaching new moms and mommas to be about how and why to use cloth and showing current CD'ing mommas my huge new stash of goodies :-). You will likely be seeing more on here from me about dipes and what I love about them. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have also started visioning for the chiropractic center I will open when I'm ready to dive back into working actively as a family chiropractor. It feels good to start the creative process and know that I can work on it and dream about it in my free time over the next year, or two, or three until it's time to take that step. So instead of just being "on an extended maternity leave" I can now say (and know) that I am actively involved in the visioning and planning process of creating my next chiropractic wellness cafe. How exciting! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am off to bed to try and get some sleep before Ari wakes up and wants to nurse for the rest of the night. I will likely be writing a post on all night nursing a toddler soon. For now, I'll just say that I never imagined my almost 2 year old would be nursing constantly all night long and that over half the time when he wasn't I would be holding him and rocking him to try to keep him sleeping! How I long for just one night of uninterrupted sleep. Or three hours even! That would be incredible. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And next time, I promise I'll come up with a more original title and that it won't be 4 more months between posts. Especially since I have a fun new "smartphone" I can use to keep up on emails and write my blogs too. I think I'll try that next time!</div>Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478399456239534970.post-54392472680919554292011-01-20T15:33:00.000-08:002011-01-20T15:33:57.452-08:00My First Blog Entry!So I finally did it. I have a blog. Not that I had to tell you that since you're obviously reading it, but it has taken me quite awhile to join the masses and get one of these started for myself. It took me awhile to come up with an address and title for the blog that felt good to me. "DrMommaLaelle" won out for my address as those are two aspects of myself and who I am that I'm working on integrating at the moment. The Dr. part is for Doctor of Chiropractic. After much hard work and dedication, I received my Doctorate degree in Chiropractic back in September of 2007. I was only just beginning to really comfortably identify with myself as a "Doctor" when I became a "Momma"! And what an incredible past 16 months of Momma-hood it has been. As I've slowly come to embrace myself and my role as a mother, I have simultaneously moved away from identifying with myself as a doctor. Only very recently as I've come to regard myself as a Mom without seeing all the other more experienced moms as separate and distinct from me as a "New Momma" have I felt the urge to reconnect with my "Doctor" side again.<br />
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Yet through it all I have never stopped being a Chiropractor. It's not just a title, it's a part of who I am and everything I'm passionate about. It's why I trust so much in every individual's inborn ability to heal themselves. It's why I so strongly trust in the natural process of pregnancy and birth. It's why I eat organic wholesome foods to nourish my body and choose not to take medications that interfere with what my body is trying to do when my system is overwhelmed and out of balance. So even though I have not been actively working as a chiropractor since Ari was born back in September of 2009, I still know that I am as much as a chiropractor today as I have been since I really "got it" about half way through my schooling process (that of course I had to finish to get that oh so important piece of paper that makes it legal for me to care for people as a chiropractor in our country). <br />
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So what now? How do I continue being a Momma while I turn some attention back to being a Doctor and educating others about the things that are so important to me? And when and how do I start actively practicing as a Chiropractor again as well? I'm hoping that writing in this blog will be the first step of many in working towards finding a balance in all of these roles. And I look forward to continuing to share the journey with everyone who chooses to read with me!Dr. Momma Laellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13906869826821510836noreply@blogger.com1