tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46100247209041387352024-03-19T05:48:27.067-04:00Bethanys Making It SimpleWelcome to my blog....it's about...everything...Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-48004945718652341242016-05-26T11:48:00.000-04:002016-05-26T11:49:00.827-04:00Updates It has been a long time since I've posted anything. Time sure can get away from you, and quickly. The last I left off, I was experimenting with different treatments for my cluster headaches and, keeping my UCTD under control. Earlier this year, I was granted a Cefaly device for my clusters through the VA. This device has been a life-saver. I have gone from headaches lasting 6-8 days to lasting 1 difficult day and another day of just being irritated. It is still there, but I am able to function. They symptoms have also changed. If the cluster was going to get me on the right side of my head, my vision would be extremely blurry for 24 hours and then my joints would ache. Now, occasionally I will have achy joints. If the headache is coming on the left side of my head, I would have horrible toothaches, stiff neck, runny nose and a droopy eye. Now, a bit of a toothache. I use the Cefaly every day for 20 minutes. At first it was not a pleasant feeling, but now, I look forward to using my device in the afternoons. I am so happy to have been able to cut back on my meds. I think, some of them gave me slap-back headaches. I haven't thrown up and I haven't missed any work. If you are one that suffers from clusters, check into this device. It has saved my life. No more bed ridden days. <br />
I've even been able to go for 3 mile walks or runs. Not every day, but several days a week. This is where my UCTD comes into play. <br />
Now as far as my UCTD goes, it's going. I had my bi-yearly blood count done in April, and it wasn't the best. I knew before I had that done that my platelets were low. I have been more tired than usual for several months. What I didn't know, was that my white blood cell count had dropped too. So, all you sickies....stay away from me. LOL...<br />
Running with UCTD is a challenge. I start off great. Sometimes I can run and do 3 miles, other times, I run and can only do 1 or 2. I don't quit, but I do walk then. UCTD is an energy zapper, no matter what is going on. <br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-65900933475413710712014-09-09T09:56:00.001-04:002014-09-09T10:05:52.280-04:00Cluster Headaches...."The Beast" Well, it has come to my attention that other CH sufferers refer to their headache as "The Beast." That describes them perfectly. I found a website yesterday for folks that have these debilitating headaches. Why haven't I found this before???? I have been researching headaches for years trying to find help with mine. I spent about an hour reading and taking mental notes on a lot of information. I was on day 6 of my "Beast." As I read through the folders, it became apparant to me, that most of us have low vitamin and mineral levels. With having UCTD, I've known this for years. My vitamin d is always low. Along with magnesium and vit b. For a long time I took supplements to make up for what I couldn't get with foods. What I didn't know, was that I probably wasn't taking enough. With that, I only drink lemon water....all day, every day. I do this to help keep my liver clean and to flush out toxins, which my body hoardes. So, I was also washing out important vitamins and minerals too. I then went over all my files and papers on my bloodwork that I do twice a year. My vitamin d levels are low, but not low enough for anyone to pay attention to. Only, with having UCTD, those levels won't work for me. My UCTD antibodies destroy what is there. Thinking that it couldn't hurt, I took 8000 is of vit d3 and within 45 minutes my 6 day "Beast" was gone. Is this a fluke? Am I excited...absolutely not. I've had other things work for a month or two then come back. Most "Beast" sufferers take 10,000-20,000 iu of d3 everyday. During the "Beast" cycle, they bump it up to 40,000 iu. Quite a few sufferers have noticed improvement and some have even stopped it in its track. I'm fairly certain that I brought on last weeks "Beast" with working out in the heat for 2 days. I was drinking water like mad and sweating all my nutrients and vitamins out. Within 24 hours of being out in that nasty heat, the headache hit me hard. I barely made it home from work. Usually I get a 6-10 hour notice of one on the way. This time, only 30 minutes. <br />
Please know that I write these blogs in hopes of finding others out there like me. Some may be suffereing from being misdiagnosed, like I was for 7 1/2 years. I am not looking for sympathy. Just knowledge. Also know that when I am "busy" it is because I know this "Beast" will return within a few weeks. I have to get things done. I lose 6-8 days at a time when they hit. That may not seem like much, but in a year, that is 48-60 lost days. With these, combined with UCTD, I am an insomniac during the cycle. That is from the pain. I sleep, if you can call it that, sitting up. I can feel the veins in the back of my head and neck pulsating. I put ice on my head to the point of my skin getting burned. My others senses are highly elevated. Whispering can feel like a bomb in my head. Food smells and tastes awful. I fidgit trying to find a way to rest. I will sometimes sleep on the cold floor to relieve some of the pressure. No lights. I take shots and tablets to help. Sometimes they work for 6-10 hours, sometimes 2-3 hours. I am limited to the amount I can take of each. Most CH start in the middle of the night and I hate getting up to go give myself a shot. My leg is one big bruise from the shots this past week. I can't even think of going back to work or school with those kinds of numbers. I am thankful for the folks that I do work for and their understanding when I have to call off or rearrange my week. <br />
I am blessed with an amazing family and group of friends that let me vent during these cycles. I try not to vent very often...there are so many people out there worse off than me. I have several friends dealing with the ravages of cancer. I can deal with this. As long as I have these, I will continue to educate myself and try to find the treatment that works for me. If I can help 1 person with CH and get them to the right website or right doctor, then it is worth blogging about. <br />
Here's a link to the CH website. www.clusterheadaches.com. So much information out there. <br />
<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-89484047190246204392014-07-30T14:02:00.002-04:002014-07-30T14:02:50.256-04:00Cluster HeadachesSince my last post on migraines/cluster headaches, all has been pretty good. I was able to tour Gettysburg in the heat and not come out of it on the wrong end of a headache. We did an enormous amount of walking. Before being treated with Verapamil, I would have had a horrible headache. A few days after returning from our vacation, I had an appointment with the neurologist to track the progress. In 6 weeks, I had one headache. It was a 2 on a scale from 1-10. I only had to use one Maxalt. I've have now been released from care for 5 months, unless there are problems or I start getting these cluster headaches again. Sadly, that weekend I got a mother of all headaches. It lasted 6 days. Part 2 of the headache ended up being a 10-12 in pain level. I was down for 3 days with it. The shots would only work for a few hours and the tabs were worthless. I was so worn out with that one. I put this one back on stress. There is a lot going on right now. We're are helping our son go over paperwork on buying his first house. We have to be very diligent. The realtor was great until we found the house, but now, I feel he is as shady as the guy flipping the house. We decided to walk away because they didn't feel they needed to listen to the home inspectors comments. After a very long weekend, the sale of the house is back on, with our demands in check. I can't wait to be finished with all of this. I need to be rid of these people. I really manage to stay stress free, but sometimes it just seeps in. Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-83603505207882726762014-07-19T16:44:00.001-04:002014-07-19T16:44:30.251-04:00Crock pot refried beansI don't know what has taken me so long to give these a try, but homemade refried beans are out of this world. No more canned ones for me. I'd like to give a huge shout out to <a href="http://lovelylittlekitchen.com/healthy-crockpot-refried-beans/">http://lovelylittlekitchen.com/healthy-crockpot-refried-beans/</a> for an amazing recipe. This was found on Pinterest, but scoot on over to her blog and leave some awesome feedback. <br />
<br />
Here is her recipe....just know, I do not measure, so have exact measurements to give you is a treat. I dislike all the unnecessary dishes.<br />
<br />
2 cups pinto beans, washed and sorted ( or 1 16oz bag)<br />
1/4 t. garlic powder (1 clove of garlic works too)<br />
1/2 a large onion<br />
1 1/2t. seasoned salt ( I added about a tsp. more when I gave them a taste)<br />
1 t. cumin<br />
pinch of cayenne<br />
6 cups of water<br />
<br />
Spray your cooker. Throw all ingredients in pot and turn on high for 8 hours. At the end of 8 hours, removed onion and any excess water. I then ran my immersion blender through the beans to make them smooth. Serve.<br />
<br />
**note** <br />
<br />
My family added a nice dose of hot sauce and cheese on top. I could just eat them plain. <br />
<br />Enjoy~<br />
<br />
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-24733485716821607092014-06-03T11:14:00.001-04:002014-06-03T11:14:46.502-04:00UCTD and headaches
<p> What a wild few months I've had. I have a new neurologist since I received my VA benefits. He is a blessing! After 7 1/2 years of being told and being treated for migraine headaches, he did further testing and has come to the conclusion that these are cluster headaches. Generally speaking, women are seldom the victim of cluster headaches. What is a cluster headache? It is hell~worse than a migraine. It is called the suicide headache. This headache is rarely treatable with migraine medicine alone. Cluster headaches go in cycles. Cluster headaches generally start at night. Mine start between 10 PM and 1 AM. Mine for instance, arrive every 3 weeks like clockwork. If it is starting on the left side of my head, I get a horrible tooth, jaw and eye pain for 24 hours. There is no chewing of food. Then, I get pain so severe it travels from the eye to the back of my head for up to 3 days. Once this headache is gone, I generally have a one day reprieve before part 2 begins. Migraine meds rarely worked. I eat Maxalt like candy. If the headache begins on the right side of my head, I wake up with blurred vision in my right eye. Then, my hands hurt so bad that I can't make a fist. Towards the middle of the day I must sleep. I get so tired I can't function. Once the headache starts, it travels from behind the eye to the back of my head. I can feel the vein pulsating. I can't sleep lying down because of the pressure on the back of my head. I sleep maybe 2 or 3 hours. During the headache, on either side, I can seldom move off the couch. Sounds are unbearable. Indoor lights don't bother me, but sunshine beating down on me is painful. These also last 3 days. So, one week a month, I have this headache. Youtube has very graphic videos of cluster headaches. I am thankful that mine are not as bad as the ones I've seen. </p>
<p>Conventional treatments I've tried.<br></p>
<ul>
<li>Maxalt</li>
<li>Topomax (Dope-a-max)</li>
<li>Inderal</li>
<li>
Tylenol with codeine<br>
</li>
<li>Sumatriptipan shots</li>
</ul>
<p>Natural remedies</p>
<p>Gatorade</p>
<p>Caffeine</p>
<p>Black Cumin Seed Oil (liquid and gel cap)</p>
<p>Magnesium Oil</p>
<p>Feverfew</p>
<p>Turmeric</p>
<p>Ice, heat, both</p>
<p>Epsom salt baths</p>
<p>Honey and cayenne pepper</p>
<p>Ginger (mostly for nausea)</p>
<p> And so many more that I have forgotten about. 7 1/2 years of every remedie known....</p>
<p>So far so good with this new neurologist. He has a treatment plan in place and we are still keeping track of these cluster headaches. I am continuing with Maxalt, but we have added Verapamil. This is a blood pressure medicine. I do NOT have high blood pressure, exactly the opposite, until right before the headache. Then my blood pressure shoots up. We were on 120 mg a day, but have recently moved it up to 180 mg a day. I am completing my first full month on this medicine. Results...part one of the headache was less pain and 1 fewer day. Part 2....not too much of a difference. The right side of my head is the one that is the worst. This time I had to use my injection. A plus with both headaches, I was able to get up and move around, even go to a party. </p>
<p> I have now been on Verapil 180 mg for over a month. I did get part 1 of the headache on my left side and it was awful. With that being said, I had just had an extremely busy two weeks with very little rest. It is 10 days later and part two hasn't started. I did get just a few minor pangs, but after work decided to be "quiet" and rest. This morning I feel great and plan on going for a run before work. </p>
<p> Today it has been more than 3 weeks and no sign of headache part 2. I am a happy girl! This is the longest I have gone without a headache in 7 1/2 years. Could this be the "cure" for me?</p>
<p>Since I've not had these headaches, I am back to running. I ran 3 miles several times in the past week. I love to run. It is my time. My time to reflect and talk to God. Unless you are a victim of cluster headaches or migraines that last for days, you can't imagine what a relief it is not having to schedule every little thing I do around them. </p>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-21485612217892257062014-04-01T07:36:00.001-04:002014-04-01T07:36:33.404-04:00Buffalo Bleu Burgers<p> This is a go-to favorite for burgers~ you can use beef, chicken or turkey</p><p>1 lb. ground meat</p><p>4 Tbsp. buffalo wing sauce</p><p>1/4 cup bleu cheese crumbles</p><p>1/4 cup diced celery</p><p> </p><p>Mix all ingredients together and shape into burgers or meatballs. Cook</p><p>**NOTE**</p><p>I usually double or triple the batch. I make half burgers and half meatballs. I freeze the meatballs for another meal. Top with whatever toppings you like. I enjoy bleu cheese dressing, tomatoes and lettuce on mine. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-74209695986963261362014-04-01T07:32:00.001-04:002014-04-01T07:32:36.833-04:00My Amish Macaroni Salad<p> This has got to be the best macaroni salad out there~ I've been using this recipe for years. </p><p>2 cups uncooked macaroni (this makes 4 cups cooked)</p><p>1/2 small onion, diced</p><p>1 stalk celery, diced</p><p>1 carrot, diced</p><p>1/4 green bell pepper, diced</p><p>2 t. sweet relish </p><p>2 cups mayonnaise (don't use Marzetti's)</p><p>3 Tbsp. yellow mustard</p><p>1/3 cup sugar </p><p>2 t apple cider vinegar</p><p>1/4 t salt</p><p>1/2 t celery seed </p><p>1-2 hard cooked eggs (sliced)</p><p> </p><p>Cook pasta and drain well. Dice veggies, sit aside. Combine mayo, mustard, sugar and vinegar. Whisk well. Allow sugar to blend so it is not grainy. Once this is smooth, add pasta and veggies. Stir to mix well. When serving, I top the pasta with sliced hard cooked eggs. Some versions of this recipe has the egg combined. I think it looks better placed on top of the pasta.</p><p>**NOTE**</p><p>You can eliminate any of the veggies that are not to your liking. Also, you can use dill relish. Either way is fine. I've used both!</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-77249071149652065042014-01-13T13:28:00.000-05:002014-01-13T13:28:40.751-05:00UCTD, Migraines and Black Seed Oil<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm still on the journey of finding the perfect and natural combination of vitamins and minerals to control these migraines. I have been using the Black Seed Oil for several months now, and the first two migraines went away completely within a few minutes. At the first sign of the migraine, I take a tsp of Black Seed Oil and a tsp of honey mixed together. I do this several times a day. As time went on, it was working less and less. Last week it did not help at all, that I could tell. I have gone from migraines lasting 20+ days a month to 4 days a month. I don't rely solely on the vitamins for reducing the amount. I have also changed my eating habits. So, just maybe it is working in that sense. I have found the Black Seed Oil in a gel cap at Swanson's vitamins. I still try and take this every day. It does cause me to have the "burps"....not too pleasant, I might add. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm all but convinced that my migraines are hormone related, even though every specialist says they are connected to my UCTD. It's funny, I get them every 3 weeks like clockwork~hmmmm!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm considering a hormone balancing tea by Herbs & Oils World. <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/10/balance-hormones-naturally-a-womens-hormone-balancing-herbal-remedy/">http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/10/balance-hormones-naturally-a-womens-hormone-balancing-herbal-remedy/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's worth a shot. I hope to have better results. I really don't mind a tea, in fact, I love tea. I'll get back to you on this one~</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-80217433340997176922013-10-22T09:53:00.001-04:002013-10-22T09:53:59.611-04:00Maple-Chili Marinade for pork or chicken<p> 4-6 bone in pork chops or 4 boneless chicken breasts</p>
<p>4 Tbsp. water</p>
<p>2 Tbsp. chili powder</p>
<p>3 Tbsp maple syrup</p>
<p>2 t. salt</p>
<p>Pour over chops or chicken. Marinate. To serve: thaw, discard marinade, grill or bake.</p>
<p>NOTES</p>
<p>I double or triple this recipe and use for my freezer meals. I use gallon baggies to freeze. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-87341109509708246882013-10-22T09:47:00.001-04:002013-10-22T09:47:51.554-04:00Sloppy Tamale Pie<p> Serves 6-8</p>
<p>1 1/2 lb. ground beef</p>
<p>1 carrot shredded</p>
<p>1 zucchini shredded</p>
<p>1 onion chopped</p>
<p>1 bell pepper chopped</p>
<p>2 cup corn</p>
<p>1 can sliced olives, drained</p>
<p>1 pkg taco seasoning or 2 tbsp if using homemade</p>
<p>2 (15oz) cans of tomato sauce</p>
<p>Brown beef and onion. Cool. Place in crockpot or freezer bag. Add remaining ingredients. If freezing, lay flat and freeze. To serve, thaw and place in crockpot 4-6 hours. If frozen, cut off bag and cook 6-8 hours.</p>
<p>NOTES</p>
<p>I don't shred my veggies, I chop them in bite sized pieces. I also double this recipe so I have at least 2 separate meals.</p>
<p>Serve with cornbread. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-76866734022388942542013-10-21T19:11:00.001-04:002013-10-21T19:11:58.207-04:00NC BBQ Sauce for Pork or Chicken<p>Serves 4-6</p>
<p> 1/2 t salt</p>
<p>1/2 t. celery seed</p>
<p>1/8 t cinnamon</p>
<p>1/8 t cider vinegar</p>
<p>1/4 cup catsup</p>
<p>1/4 t chili powder</p>
<p>1/4 t nutmeg</p>
<p>1/4 t sugar</p>
<p>sprinkle of red pepper flakes</p>
<p>2 lbs pork loin (chopped into bite sized pieces) OR</p>
<p>4 boneless chicken breasts (chopped into bite sized pieces</p>
<p>Place all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag and lay flat to freeze. To cook: thaw and place in crockpot for 4-6 hours. Or, you can place in crockpot frozen, but cook 6-8 hours.</p>
<p>Serve with slaw on buns. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-14944543727783337072013-10-21T19:07:00.001-04:002013-10-21T19:07:38.648-04:00Chicken Taco Soup<p> Serves 5-6</p>
<p>1 onion, chopped</p>
<p>1 can chili beans (do not drain)</p>
<p>1 can black beans (rinse and drain)</p>
<p>1 can corn (drained)</p>
<p>1- 8oz tomato sauce</p>
<p>2 cans diced tomatoes (with chilies or any other flavor ok)</p>
<p>1 can of chilies</p>
<p>2 Tbsp. taco seasoning (or 1 packet) **</p>
<p>3 boneless chicken breasts ( I chop these in bite sized pieces)</p>
<p>Combine in freezer bag. Lay flat to freeze.</p>
<p>To cook: thaw meal and place in crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hrs. You can put this in the crock frozen. Just cut away the freezer bag. Cook on low 6-8 hours. </p>
<p>Serve with cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips or any other favorite topping. I like to make 2 batches of this at a time. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-85466865503253139452013-10-21T19:02:00.001-04:002013-10-22T09:56:11.690-04:00Black Bean QuesadillasMakes 10 small<br />
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)<br />
1 cup frozen corn<br />
1/2 small red onion, diced<br />
1 clove garlic, minced<br />
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped<br />
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese<br />
taco seasoning to taste<br />
10 small flour tortillas.<br />
Mix first 7 ingredients and place 1/2 cup on flour tortilla. Fold in half and cook slowly.<br />
To freeze: place cooked or uncooked on baking sheet and freeze. Then when frozen, transfer to freezer bag. To use: thaw and microwave or heat up in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes.<br />
NOTES<br />
I usually triple this recipe so we have something easy if we are on the go. <br />
I like to wrap mine in plastic wrap individually before placing in the freezer bag. You can also add a can of green chilies. <br />
Another option is to add salsa to the meat mixture.<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-36690183413825298072013-10-21T18:56:00.001-04:002013-10-21T19:26:23.078-04:00Crockpot Hawaiian ChickenServes 4-6<br />
This is one of my favorite freezer meals. I have included some of my personal notes to make this an easy meal.<br />
4 boneless chicken breasts (I like to cut these in half or in chunks so they shred faster)<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup cider vinegar<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 tbsp. soy sauce<br />
1/2 can pineapple chunks (save juice)<br />
1/2 cup pineapple juice<br />
1/4 red pepper and green bell pepper, sliced thin (optional)<br />
Add all ingredients together in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Chicken should shred nicely.<br />
NOTES<br />
I double the ingredients to make my crockpot freezer meals for 2 months. I use gallon freezer bags and lay these flat to freeze. They take up less room in my freezer. I will sometimes cook my pasta or rice and drain and place in a quart bag and freeze. Since the pasts is already cooked, I will add it about an hour before I'm ready to serve this meal. <br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-9094607546938817292013-09-29T10:22:00.000-04:002013-09-29T10:22:01.021-04:00UCTD and migraine update<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A whole lot has been going on since my last post. First of all, where did summer go? It was here and gone~ just like that. Luckily I had no major UCTD issues this summer. I did have a fair amount of migraines. One (they last 3-6 days)every 3 weeks or so. Sadly, they just take me out. I can do nothing buy take my meds, and they make me tired, and rest. I've also been doing more research on natural treatments for migraines and thought some of them worked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">I have added butterbur, riboflavin, d3 and oil of oregano to my diet. For a while, this combination along with my evening Plaquenil seemed to reduce the severity of the migraine. Then, 2 migraines ago, wham....a migraine to beat all migraines. Blurred vision, stiff neck, nausea and just plain sick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">I have been reading about Black Seed Oil and see that it has rave reviews in regards to migraines. What the heck, I decided to buy some and give it a try. I searched many websites for instructions on the best method to mix the Black Seed Oil. The one I found had me mix 50/50 black seed oil and good quality honey. Take 1 tsp. of the mixture 3 times a day. A tsp. is a lot. This "shtuff" doesn't taste good at all. Have a juice chaser handy. Also, rub some on your forehead, temples and neck. Put some in each nostril and breathe too. After the initial dose, the migraine eased off to a point where it was barely noticeable. I was even able to work. After the second dose a few hours later, my migraine was completely gone. Was this a fluke? I sure hoped it wasn't. A couple of days later I could feel the onset of another migraine. I'm pretty sure the change in weather is what was bringing this one on. Immediately I took my first dose of black seed oil and honey. I decided to take an Epsom salt bath too until it had time to do its magic. Oh man, it wasn't a fluke. It was nearly gone within 30 minutes. I took a second dose later that afternoon and it was gone and I haven't had one since. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Most of the information I read on black seed oil has you taking 1 tsp of just the black seed oil daily (no honey). Only use the honey when you have a migraine. I'm not sure exactly what honey has to do with it, but who cares? Whatever works, right? Also, for the migraines, only use the oil for the migraines. It is quickest and most potent. I am going to purchase the vegetable caps of black seed oil for my daily use. Please, please...let this be the answer to these nasty migraines. </span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-75318380997860264112013-07-02T11:34:00.001-04:002013-07-02T11:36:26.854-04:00Corn on the cob<span style="color: #ff0f00;">I've just learned the best way to clean corn on the cob. Why didn't I know this sooner? Surely someone out there could have passed this on to me. I will never go back to the boiling method. Not counting the 30 minutes the corn roasted in the oven, it took me all of 10 minutes to shuck a dozen ear of corn. By looking at my picture, I wasn't the only one that found it irresistible, and yummy~</span><br />
<span style="color: #ff0f00;">Directions</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">Preheat oven to 350</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">Place corn on the racks with the husks on</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">Cook 30 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">Remove and let sit for 5 minutes or until you can handle it.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">The corn is steamed and the husks slide right off.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0f00;">Eat and eat more~</span></li>
</ol>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-22767289663543264342013-06-12T07:41:00.001-04:002013-06-12T07:41:13.568-04:00Diet and UCTD<p> <font face="Tahoma" size="5">It has been well over a month now since I've started juicing in addition to cutting back on sugar. I'm trying to eliminate it altogether, however, figuring out how to bake without sugar is taking me some time.</font></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="5">I really enjoy a lot of the juice and smoothie recipes that I am finding. I always make sure to add either spinach or kale to my drinks. Plus, ground flax and coconut oil. I feel amazing. I have a ton of energy and I'm sleeping better. </font></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="5">I have noticed that I have very little pain. My joint pain has lessened, my migraines are not as debilitating and I am still only taking Plaquenil. Yeah me!</font></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="5">By November, I hope to be rid of the Plaquenil, if not, at least cut back to only a couple days a week. </font></p>
<p><font face="Tahoma" size="5">Juicing is now part of who I am. I'd much rather eat raw and natural food so I can kick the medicine out of my life. </font></p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-73975127965052340202013-06-01T09:32:00.001-04:002013-06-01T09:32:09.392-04:00Too much kale<p> <font color="#ff6800">A few months back I decided to incorporate more green veggies to my diet. This has helped me with my UCTD in ways that I couldn't have imagined. I have dramatically less pain, almost non-existant. My migraines are less severe, gone would be better. I'm working on that one. I have been adding spinach or kale to my smoothies. I was unsure of how they would taste, but I don't taste them at all. I think the flavor of the banana or coconut oil absorbs the kale flavor. I am not a fan of sautéed kale or spinach. I also can't get to Whole Foods as much as I like for organic kale and spinach, so when I do go I buy a bunch of it. I then wash it, dehydrate it and keep in a glass mason jar and don't worry about it going bad. With seasonal vegetables here, I will be able to put up a lot of this for future use. </font></p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-85867194754858878362013-06-01T09:22:00.001-04:002013-06-01T09:22:04.320-04:00Breakfast Smoothie<p> <font color="#0000ff">I am not a breakfast person, at all. In fact, I don't usually have anything to eat until around lunchtime. I am usually up around 5 AM, so that is quite a long stretch of not having any nourishment in my body. So for the past week, I have been incorporating some type of breakfast. It is a toss-up between 2 over easy eggs cooked with coconut oil or a strawberry/banana smoothie. This gives me a jumpstart to a healthy eating day. Below is my version of a breakfast smoothie.</font></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">8 oz of any of the following...coconut milk, coconut water, soy milk, unsweetened almond milk or just plain water. This depends on what flavor I want for the day.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">1 frozen banana</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">1 handful of frozen strawberries (any berry will do)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">1/2 Tbsp. coconut oil</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">1 handful of dehydrated kale (see my post in shortcuts regarding kale)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">Blend until smooth. I use my Magic Bullet. The large cup is just perfect for me...</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">Enjoy~ </span></p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-72811172591765672032013-04-27T08:56:00.001-04:002013-04-27T08:56:59.081-04:00Chocolate-Banana-Peanut Butter SmoothiesThis is my go-to smoothie when I'm having a chocolate fix. I make it a bit thicker so it is more like a shake. I use my Magic Bullet and the large cup.<div>
</div>
<div>
Fill cup half full with frozen banana</div>
<div>
1 Tbsp baking chocolate</div>
<div>
1 Tbsp natural peanut butter</div>
<div>
1 Tbsp flax seed</div>
<div>
Enough Almond Milk or soy milk (usually around 1/2 full in the cup)</div>
<div>
Process. Sometimes I need to add more milk</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serve. </div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-78077280031101979202013-04-27T08:51:00.000-04:002013-04-27T08:51:54.699-04:00Clean SmoothiesI am so in love with smoothies. I could drink/eat these 3 meals a day. There are so many varieties to chose from. Two of my favorite recipes are below. I use frozen fruit so I don't have to add ice cubes. Once a week, I buy a lot of bananas, slice them, and freeze them. All the rest of the berries (if I'm out of them in my garden) are in the freezer section of your local grocery store. I also use my Magic Bullet for this.<br />
<br />
Banana-blackberry-blueberry-coconut milk (or water)<br />
1/3 cup each of the fruit<br />
1/2 cup of liquid (coconut milk, soy or water)<br />
1 Tbsp. flax seed<br />
Ice to fill the cup ( if wanted)<br />
Process and enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-10697180908637008852013-04-27T08:42:00.001-04:002013-04-27T08:42:58.047-04:00Juicing and UCTDI don't know where the time goes, but I sure haven't kept up on my UCTD part of my blog. So here goes.....juicing! I love juicing. I aim for only once a day. I need to focus on the vegetable side of juicing. Most of us (UCTD folks) are lacking in the vegetable department, especially eating enough greens. The simplest way to add them in for me is to put spinach or kale in my juice. If I'm not eating the kale fast enough, I add water to it and run it through my food processor. I then pour that into ice cube trays and can add as much or as little as I need to my juice. I've also added that to my split pea soup and spaghetti sauce. You can't taste it, but you're getting it in your body. I do the same with spinach. Instead of iceberg lettuce in my wraps, I use baby spinach. Also, throw in some ground flaxseed. You can never have enough of the good stuff.<br />
<br />
Give this recipe a try.<br />
Kale (3 leaves or 6-8 ice cubes)<br />
1 apple, cored<br />
2 stalks of celery<br />
ginger (just a little)<br />
<br />
Run through your juicer. Add water if you'd like. This should make 2 glasses. You can of course cut back on the kale and celery if you just want 1 glass. I'd keep the entire apple.<br />
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<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-23441428609104938972013-04-20T06:34:00.001-04:002013-04-20T06:34:37.997-04:00Peeling hard boiled eggs<p> Hard boiled eggs can be the most frustrating job in the kitchen. There are times I won't make deviled eggs just so I won't have to peel them. Most of my eggs look like they've gone through a meat grinder. I have tried everything from using old eggs, letting eggs get to room temperature, adding vinegar, boiling then immediately plunging into ice cold water, and I still have those few eggs that are just hard to peel. I read a post a couple of weeks ago, and as soon as I find the source, I will add the link. Hold your hat. Steam the eggs. Fresh or old, doesn't matter. I know, I did both yesterday. Each and every egg peeled and my eggs look edible. </p>
<p>Place eggs in a steam basket. Place lid on pan. Steam for 12-15 minutes. You can then allow them to cool naturally, but I was in a hurry, so I plunged them into some ice water for 5 minutes. The shells just slipped off. I had a dozen eggs peeled in less than 5 minutes. </p>
<p>I know there are dozens of methods. But knowing how quick this worked, I will use this method. </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-73362223659127850012013-04-02T10:36:00.001-04:002013-04-08T06:16:29.007-04:00Dehydrating Potatoes<span style="color: blue;">I am on a mission. I am teaching myself to be more sufficient in making and processing food that is not loaded with harmful chemicals. I am slowly but surely eliminating processed foods out of diets. Not to say, I occasionally use boxed foods. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">A little while back, my sister-in-law gave me about 20 lbs of potatoes. Red and white. Not sure how long these last, I started to dehydrate them. I was also worried about them turning black. They didn't~so, yea me! Below is the process I used.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">First peel and rinse potatoes. Thinly (paper thin) slice potatoes. I used my Pampered Chef mandoline. Soak thin cut slices in water. You will see a bunch of starch in the water. At this point, put a nice sized pot of water on to boil. I sprinkle a little salt in the water. After all your potatoes have been sliced and rinsed, add sliced potatoes to the boiling water. Boil for 8 minutes. Immediately remove from boiling water and put in a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Once all of your potatoes are cooked and cooled, place potatoes on a dish towel and pat dry. I usually dab with another dish towel. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Layer potatoes on a food dehydrator and allow to dry for 24 hours. Place in a tightly sealed glass container.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">You can also put your dehydrated potatoes in a food processor and process until powder form. These would be great for mashed potatoes or as a soup thickener. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10200361063232019537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4610024720904138735.post-42158191279613569192013-04-02T09:47:00.001-04:002013-04-02T09:47:42.469-04:00A freezer challenge....starts NOW<p> Knowing that fresh fruit and vegetable season is just around the corner, I know, without a doubt, that my upright freezer needs cleaned. I don't know how it happens, but it is a mess. I try and keep it organized. Meat on one shelf, veggies on another, boxed foods on another and leftovers on their own shelf. However, right now, my freezer looks like food was just tossed in it willy-nilly. Today will begin my freezer cleaning. We are going to eat as much as we can out of it for the next month. I have a lot of fresh garden food that will be replaced shortly. I've also been making double casseroles and storing them for "sports" nights.</p>
<p>First step to accomplish this feat...I will be purchasing a dry erase board that is magnetized so I can keep track of what goes in and what comes out.</p>
<p>Next, I will make a list of what I have in it right now and start preparing my menu. This should be fun. NOT! I don't mind the menu, it is trying to use all the ingredients we have in there already.</p>
<p>Last, when it is warm enough, defrost and wash it out. Replace any food left in an organized fashion. Yeah right. I wonder how long this will last?</p>
<p>This is what it looked like this morning~</p>
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