Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Thursday, March 1, 2007
The Verdict is.......
The doctor says to go low fat and low carb and I am already doing that with E2L. So what else can I do? Exercise. I already exercise too, I walk about 3 miles everyday. Maybe I need to attend the gym and do more?
Here is what the mayoclinic online has to say.
Introduction
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a range of conditions involving the liver that affect people who drink little or no alcohol.
The mildest type is simple fatty liver (steatosis), an accumulation of fat within your liver that usually causes no liver damage. A potentially more serious type, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is associated with liver-damaging inflammation and, sometimes, the formation of fibrous tissue. In some cases, this can progress either to cirrhosis, which can produce progressive, irreversible liver scarring, or to liver cancer.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects all age groups, including children. Most often, it's diagnosed in middle-aged people who are overweight or obese, and who may also have diabetes and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
With the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes in Western countries, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become a growing problem. Although its true prevalence is unknown, some estimates suggest it may affect as many as one-third of American adults.
Because early-stage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rarely causes any symptoms, it's often detected because of abnormal results of liver tests done for unrelated issues. Treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease include weight loss, exercise, improved diabetes control and the use of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a range of conditions involving the liver that affect people who drink little or no alcohol.
The mildest type is simple fatty liver (steatosis), an accumulation of fat within your liver that usually causes no liver damage. A potentially more serious type, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is associated with liver-damaging inflammation and, sometimes, the formation of fibrous tissue. In some cases, this can progress either to cirrhosis, which can produce progressive, irreversible liver scarring, or to liver cancer.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects all age groups, including children. Most often, it's diagnosed in middle-aged people who are overweight or obese, and who may also have diabetes and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
With the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes in Western countries, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become a growing problem. Although its true prevalence is unknown, some estimates suggest it may affect as many as one-third of American adults.
Because early-stage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rarely causes any symptoms, it's often detected because of abnormal results of liver tests done for unrelated issues. Treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease include weight loss, exercise, improved diabetes control and the use of cholesterol-lowering medications.
I am to see the doctor in 2 months after I have the liver enzymes checked again. So I am going to do E2L 100% and be really careful with potatoes and bread, although I don't normally eat these foods anyway. Maybe I'll join a gym and do what I can there. I have fibromyalgia so I'm not sure I'll be able to do an arobics routine but I may give it a try. I want to be healthy and I'll do what I can to be so. I am also awaiting Dr. Fuhrman to answer my "ask the doctor" question at the membership forum. I want to fast but need to make sure he thinks its okay.
At least I finally know why the enzymes were elevated. All the blood work came out okay, except the liver enzymes. I was either within range or the results were negative so the doctor's prognosis is based on the ultrasound that showed a fatty liver and the elevated liver enzymes.
So strict eating is in order along with maybe some added exercise. I'll let you know what happens in 2 months when I have some more bloodwork done. Eat To Live everyone!!!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Fajita Pinto Pita
When I decided to prepare this, it was just going to be a pita topped with pinto beans, lettuce, tomato and avocado. I fix it this way and it tastes great. Oh and add some salsa too!!! ;-)
But instead I decided to do something a little different. It just popped into my head to try some sauteed veggies on top. I really wasn't thinking of trying out a new recipe or coming up with one on my own. Sometimes when those ideas pop into my head, they end up being the best recipe. More so than when I deliberately plan a recipe. So here it is.
Fajita Pinto Pita
Servings - 2
1 small yellow onion
1/2 orange bell pepper sliced
1/2 green pepper sliced
1 clove garlic minced
1 zucchini chopped
2 teaspoons spike (no salt)
chili powder to taste
Spray a pan with olive oil spray or put a drop of olive oil in pan and wipe with paper towel. Add all ingredients in pan and stir fry. I add a little water as needed. Meanwhile heat up already prepared pinto beans. I usually cook my in the crockpot and usually have some in the refrigerator or freezer. When they are done in the crockpot I add some garlic and onion powder and also a little braggs liquid aminos. Also place a no fat whole wheat pita on a cast iron skillet to heat one side and then the other. You want them nice and hot. Layer pita on plate and add pintos in their own sauce and topped that with the sauteed vegetables. Add lots of lettuce and tomato and you have a very satisfying, tastey meal for lunch. Enjoy!
But instead I decided to do something a little different. It just popped into my head to try some sauteed veggies on top. I really wasn't thinking of trying out a new recipe or coming up with one on my own. Sometimes when those ideas pop into my head, they end up being the best recipe. More so than when I deliberately plan a recipe. So here it is.
Fajita Pinto Pita
Servings - 2
1 small yellow onion
1/2 orange bell pepper sliced
1/2 green pepper sliced
1 clove garlic minced
1 zucchini chopped
2 teaspoons spike (no salt)
chili powder to taste
Spray a pan with olive oil spray or put a drop of olive oil in pan and wipe with paper towel. Add all ingredients in pan and stir fry. I add a little water as needed. Meanwhile heat up already prepared pinto beans. I usually cook my in the crockpot and usually have some in the refrigerator or freezer. When they are done in the crockpot I add some garlic and onion powder and also a little braggs liquid aminos. Also place a no fat whole wheat pita on a cast iron skillet to heat one side and then the other. You want them nice and hot. Layer pita on plate and add pintos in their own sauce and topped that with the sauteed vegetables. Add lots of lettuce and tomato and you have a very satisfying, tastey meal for lunch. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Chile
When I was eating SAD I use to eat chile allot. I found that this recipe is really close to the one I use to make in taste. And with the TVP added, you really feel like you are eating ground hamburger meat. The only caution is that TVP is considered 'junk food' by Dr. Fuhrman. It is a highly processed food with little nutrition so don't use it often if you can help it. I'm sure this would taste great without the TVP. When I was just beginning with E2L, I made this recipe allot. You can find this recipe at diseaseproof.com.
Vegetarian Chile
2 cups dry kidney or pinto beans
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes (I use diced)
2 cups red onion
2 cups chopped green or red or combo peppers
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup celery
1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)
4 cloved garlic minced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp raisins or dates diced
Wash beans and soak overnight in water. Drain and add 6 cups water and simmer for 2 hours until soft. Pour off water or you can use a 15 oz can of pinto or kidney beans instead. (I use 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of pinto or red beans). Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan and simmer for 1 hour. (There isn't water in the recipe but you do need water for the TVP. I start with 2 cups and add more if needed so you'll need to keep an eye on this while simmering). This can be poured over chopped lettuce or steamed green vegetables such as spinach or kale, or eaten by itself. You also may want to test the spices. I added more of all the spices. :-) Enjoy!
Vegetarian Chile
2 cups dry kidney or pinto beans
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes (I use diced)
2 cups red onion
2 cups chopped green or red or combo peppers
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup celery
1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)
4 cloved garlic minced
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp raisins or dates diced
Wash beans and soak overnight in water. Drain and add 6 cups water and simmer for 2 hours until soft. Pour off water or you can use a 15 oz can of pinto or kidney beans instead. (I use 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of pinto or red beans). Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan and simmer for 1 hour. (There isn't water in the recipe but you do need water for the TVP. I start with 2 cups and add more if needed so you'll need to keep an eye on this while simmering). This can be poured over chopped lettuce or steamed green vegetables such as spinach or kale, or eaten by itself. You also may want to test the spices. I added more of all the spices. :-) Enjoy!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Golden Austrian Cauliflower Cream Soup
I made this soup about two months ago and it is one of those recipes that are at the top of my list for favorites. It is so smooth and creamy and simply delicious. I was beginning to think that I wouldn't have any of those "absolutely delicious" recipes until I tried this one and now it is added with a hand full of other favorites. Here's the recipe.
Golden Austrian Cauliflower Cream Soup
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 cup celery, coarsely chopped
2 leeks, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons VegiZest or other no salt seasoning
2 cups carrot juice
4 cups water
3 teaspoons Spike seasoning
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raw cashews
5 cups kale or organic baby spinach
Cover and simmer all ingredients except cashews and kale or spinach for 15 minutes or until just tender. If kale is being used, steam until tender. Blend 2/3 of soup vegetables and liquid with raw cashews until smooth and creamy. Add back to the remaining chunky vegetables and stir in kale or spinach. Spinach will wilt in the hot soup.
Golden Austrian Cauliflower Cream Soup
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 carrots, coarsely chopped
1 cup celery, coarsely chopped
2 leeks, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons VegiZest or other no salt seasoning
2 cups carrot juice
4 cups water
3 teaspoons Spike seasoning
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup raw cashews
5 cups kale or organic baby spinach
Cover and simmer all ingredients except cashews and kale or spinach for 15 minutes or until just tender. If kale is being used, steam until tender. Blend 2/3 of soup vegetables and liquid with raw cashews until smooth and creamy. Add back to the remaining chunky vegetables and stir in kale or spinach. Spinach will wilt in the hot soup.
A recipe for dessert
Everyone wants a dessert recipe right? I know I do. I guess I'll always have a sweet tooth. :-) This one is for some banana oat bars that are so easy to make and will last a few days. I have put these in the freezer too so that I'll have some for when that sweet tooth hits. I wish I had a picture for these. Maybe next time I make them I'll add a picture. Here is the recipe.
Yummy, Quick & Easy Banana/Oat Bars
2 cups quick oats (not instant)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded coconut (no sugar added)
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (I use 1/2 cup)
1 TBL date sugar, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Press dough in a 9"x9" baking pan. (I use a 9x13 baking pan). Bake for 30 minutes. (I bake for 25 minutes). Cool on wire rack. (I cool them in pan) Slice into squares or bars and serve. ENJOY!!
I have varied this recipe using cranberries. I dried a whole package in the oven and froze them for later use. I thawed them and added them in with all the other ingredients. They were delicious. I think I changed the walnuts to almonds or pecans. You can experiment with all kinds of fruits or nuts.
Yummy, Quick & Easy Banana/Oat Bars
2 cups quick oats (not instant)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup shredded coconut (no sugar added)
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (I use 1/2 cup)
1 TBL date sugar, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Press dough in a 9"x9" baking pan. (I use a 9x13 baking pan). Bake for 30 minutes. (I bake for 25 minutes). Cool on wire rack. (I cool them in pan) Slice into squares or bars and serve. ENJOY!!
I have varied this recipe using cranberries. I dried a whole package in the oven and froze them for later use. I thawed them and added them in with all the other ingredients. They were delicious. I think I changed the walnuts to almonds or pecans. You can experiment with all kinds of fruits or nuts.
Awaiting The Results
Yesterday I had my ultrasound done. I thought they were going to look at just the liver but they looked at the spleen, the kidneys, the bile duct, the aorta, a tendon and whatever else was in there.
It was really quite a site and I enjoyed watching those organs as she described them to me. I asked at one point what she was looking at and she opened up and told me everything she was doing. It was fun! I don't have a gall bladder anymore but she showed me where it would be if I still had one.
So now it is a period of waiting. She said that the doctor should have the results today and to give him until Monday to read the results before I call him. The blood results should be in today too so he'll be getting them both today.
Hopefully they will find out what is causing the liver enzymes to rise and, of course, I am hoping that it isn't anything serious. Eating healthy is always the answer for everything and I just bought a new juicer from Amazon. There is the picture of it above. It cost's $99.00 with free shipping. I haven't tried it yet but I'll let you know how I like it as soon as I do. I'm looking forward to more concentrated nutrition.
But, if you are healthy, blended salads are the better way to go because you get all the nutrition along with the fiber and juicing looses some of the nutritional value of whatever you are juicing so if you are doing blended salads, good for you! I am going to continue with my blended salads and add juicing along with that so that I am getting the best from both sources.
I reacted after hearing my liver enzymes were up again and so I ate some SAD food. I guess at times it can be a comfort to me still. But I want to get to the point where my comfort foods are healthy choices without fat/salt. I don't want to turn to my old way of eating because it is really so unhealthy.
In the doctors office these past two times my blood pressure is still around 110/70. This alone makes me so happy. My sister is a registered nurse and I remember when I was trying to lower my bp through exercise and trying to eat more healthy but still eating the american standard diet, she told me at that time that I would not be able to lower my bp that way. And she was probably correct because even eating the heathy american standard diet, it still has so much fat, salt and protein and processing, etc. But when I found E2L, it came down in no time. I didn't have it checked for 3 months so I'm not sure if it had already come down before that or not but it was 112/70 the first time I did have it checked at the doctor's office which was 3 months later.
I haven't tried any new recipes lately. I have had quite a bit in the freezer so I've been eating so much from the frozen food section. LOL I want to try some new recipes though because that is what makes eating E2L sucessful. Finding some favorites. And this was such a difficult task at first but I now have a handful of recipes that I can say I really enjoy and believe it or not, my purplish stir fry that I came up with is one of them. :-)
Well I guess that's it for now. I am really sorry for those who keep up with my blog. I am still having trouble signing in so I can't blog as often as I would like to.
Eat healthy guys, "Eat To Live"!
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