Pork Jowls at the Dupont Farmers Market

Major score at the Dupont Farmers Market this past Sunday--pork jowls! I still made my way to Wagshals for the rest of the meat (steamship roast, spicy sausage, prime fat, headcheese, and ground beef), but so happy I was able to get the jowls--two of them and it was the only package they had available!

Eating Out Gluten Free

Being able to eat outside of your own kitchen can be worrisome for those with celiac disease (CD) or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

If you have CD or are choosing to live gluten free, this article, "Eating Out Gluten Free," gives you peace of mind. You’ll learn strategies to eat at any restaurant, examples of cuisines and safe bets, and how to manage eating in someone else’s kitchen.

This article is part three in a series of four articles on CD, providing practical steps to thrive while living gluten free. For more information, check out the other articles in the series: Do I Have Celiac Disease? and 3 Steps to a Gluten-Free Kitchen.

@SimpsonNutrition

Brutal Temperatures Equal Dreadmill Time

It has been a long stretch of unbelievably and unseasonably cold weather in Washington, DC. The average temperature is usually in the 40s. We aren't even close to that.

In the past two weeks, I have only run one day outside; and it was only because I commute to work via my own two legs. I wore my long, heavy-duty parka, double socks, leg warmers, ski pants, hat, scarf, and gloves. I was motivated to run as quick as all those layers would permit...and yes, I was too warm by the time I arrived at work.

Other days, we have ventured on short walks to the Georgetown Library or Wagshal's. Most miles over this holiday vacation have been accrued via the dreadmill. To be honest, I don't really dread it so much anymore with a great line-up of shows to watch on Sling, Hulu, and Netflix. I would welcome warmer weather, though!

3 Steps to a Gluten-Free Kitchen

If you have celiac disease (CD) or would like to live gluten free, creating a safe kitchen makes this process less stressful.

This how-to article delivers what you need to do to avoid gluten exposure. It is part two in a series of three articles, providing practical steps to survive and thrive in your own kitchen. 

Check out, 3 Steps to a Gluten-Free Kitchen!

Do I Have Celiac Disease?

The results came back--actually in November--and I was diagnosed officially with celiac disease. Bummer. The good news, however, is that I have been able to use this to become more informed as a nutritionist and to earn clinical nutrition hours.

Check out my first guest post, Do I Have Celiac Disease? 

Allergy Testing...Again

I am more convinced than ever that an elimination diet with food reintroductions is the best way to go. Thirty-eight skin pricks came up with zero allergies. Blood was drawn and sent for various IgG tests. Both Dr. Nsouli and Dr. Polesi (gastroenterologist) think the MRT test is garbage. But before I add those 26 items the MRT identified as sensitivities, plus high-mold foods back, I'll wait to find out the latest blood test results. It is a journey...

 

Running in Moldova

The city of Chisinau is unlike any other European city I have visited. The Russian and Romanian influence is evident. However, except for a few monuments and monasteries, it lacks a historical feel. Most of the buildings look like they were built in the 1960s. The city center has beautiful parks and I visited a unique (massive!) outdoor market that was interesting. We walked around; the streets are straight and flat. I ran every morning on the treadmill at the hotel. Moldova is known for its wine, plums/prunes, apricots, and walnuts (see the walnut tree we picked nuts from below).