Author: Savannah

Hi! I'm Savannah. Welcome to The Humble Kitchen, where good food and health walk hand in hand. My cooking style involves a lot of listening to a single song on repeat, improvising ingredients, eyeballing measurements, and crossing my fingers that this thing actually turns out. Stay for the food, enjoy the stories, and join me on a journey to heal eczema through good food.

Categories
Recipes

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

You guys, I am in LOVE! Who is this mysterious love? It’s Bond Squash, James Bond Spaghetti Squash of course. I’m actually ashamed to admit that I’ve never in my entire life even had spaghetti squash before. In fact, my dear mama made it for me just yesterday.

Needless to say, I was mind blown about how well it substituted actual noodles and just how easy it was to cook! With the first bite, I knew that there was simply no hope for me to go without a second helping. Lucky for us squash lovers, the mighty squash has only 27 calories per serving, seven grams of carbohydrates, (and four times the antioxidants) compared to pasta’s 158 calories and thirty-one grams of carbs, so I didn’t feel bad about it in the slightest. Don’t believe me? Check this out: Spaghetti Squash vs Pasta

I’d like to take this moment to thank my mother for doing motherly things like making the family eat healthy and stuff like that (it introduced me to my new love, after all). So if you’re ready to fall in love all over again turn up “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen, and lets get cooking!

Serves: 4    Total Time: Approx. 1 hour   Active Time: 10 minutes   Bake: 375F

Looking for a different taste? Spaghetti squash itself is very mild and is easily paired with richer, bolder flavors. Try Tuscan Sun for a taste of traditional Italian flavors, Burnt Timber for a pinch of smoke, or Bold Jalapeno for just a touch of heat.

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice the squash in half lengthwise from stem to tail, and scoop out the seeds. Our new love has a tough exterior, so to make slicing easier we can carefully poke several holes along the squash and pop it in the microwave anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Let cool, then slice and scoop away.

Drizzle the olive oil onto the inside of the squash and season with salt and pepper.

Place the squash cut side down, onto a prepared baking dish. Toss into the oven and roast until you can easily pierce the outer shell with a fork. This will be anywhere from 35-50 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. Check at 30 minutes and gauge from there.

Remove from oven and let rest until it is cool enough to handle. Using a fork, begin scraping the inside of the squash to form spaghetti like strands.

Enjoy your spaghetti squash with rich sauces or enjoy as a side dish to rich main dish (spaghetti squash has a rather bland flavor when simply alone).

Try all or some of the following:

  • Sauteed onions
  • Sauteed garlic
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Black Olives
  • Parmesan or Feta Cheese

There we have it, a super easy roasted squash for you and your family to love!

Health & Happiness,

Savannah

Categories
Recipes

No Bake. No Fuss. Customizable Energy Bites

To this day, I still play with my food. Throwing caution to the wind, tossing in whatever ingredients I feel like, all while doing that inner two-year-old dance (you know the one where you just kind of awkwardly bouncing up and down….) to whatever song catches my mood at the time.

I think that’s why I’m so excited about this recipe!  You can completely customize these energy bites to please your taste buds all without strict measurements and directions. Heck, don’t even use a measuring cup if you don’t want to. This can sound scary I know, but trust me when I say: You cannot fail. These little energy bites got your back, so go on -play with your food (I won’t tell). Throw caution to the wind, turn up some feel-good music, and dance like your inner two year old wants you to!

Time: 10 minutes

Yeilds: Approximately 20 1″ energy bites. This will vary depending on how many ingredients are used and if you can keep from stealing a few bites right out of the bowl!

This is going to be the foundation for the energy bites done your way. All you’ll need is:

Start by melting the honey by putting it in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time until it becomes slightly runny and easier to stir.

Combine the oats and melted honey together in a large bowl.

Here is a list of possibilities for your bare energy bites. I’ve included rough measurements as a guideline only. Add as many or as few, as much or as little as you want. Listen to your heart (and tummy), you do you. Here we go:

  • Shredded coconut (1/2 cup)
  • Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup)
  • Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup)
  • Ground flax seeds (1 tablespoon)
  • Chai seed (1 tablespoon)
  • Dates, chopped (2 tablespoons)
  • Peanuts, chopped (1/4 cup, I used unsalted)
  • Raisins (2 tablespoons, chop them if you’re picky like me)
  • Crasins (2 tablespoons, chop them if you’re picky like me)
  • Peanut Butter (1/4 cup)
  • Almond Butter (1/4 cup)
  • Mini chocolate chips (2 tablespoons)
  • Cocoa powder (1/4 cup)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)

Combine all your desired ingredients in with the pre-mixed honey and oats.

If your mixture is too wet add more rolled oats slowly, stirring as you go until the mixture starts thickening up and the mixture begins holding it’s shape.

If your mixture is too dry, add either more melted honey, peanut butter, or almond butter -depending on what you want your bites to predominately taste like. Do this slowly stirring as you go, until the mixture starts thickening up and the mixture begins to hold it’s shape.

Once you’re all done playing with different ingredients, begin rolling the mixture into 1″ balls (it’s okay if you sneak a few bites. I won’t tell) Then pull out a large, air tight container to store your bites in. Place a layer of parchment paper on the bottom of the container and between each layer of energy bites.

Seal and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.

See? Nothing to it!

(Lion King anyone?…No? *goes back to awkward dancing*)

So if you wanna make these bites like I did, start by putting “Get outta my dreams, get into my car“ by Billy Ocean on repeat. Immediately screw up by not melting the honey first. Continue anyway.

  • 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup of peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped raisins
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds

Combine both the oats and the honey in a large metal bowl. Realize you should have melted the honey beforehand as now its unstirable. Proceed by turning the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the bowl inside for 1-2 minutes to actually melt it. Be sure to continue to monitor it, you aren’t trying to ‘cook’ the oats. See? Mistake right out of the gate and it still was unfailable. (You got this)

Act like nothing happened and get back to stirring the honey and oats together.

Carefully chop peanuts and raisins. Add the chopped peanuts, raisins, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. While stirring, notice the mixture is too dry and get the brilliant idea to add peanut butter (I LOVE peanut butter. How did I almost forget the peanut butter?).

Stir in peanut butter then taste test the mixture. Awkward dance in celebration.

Roll the mixture into 1″ balls (or get carried away and eat half of it). Store the rest in a parchment lined, airtight container in the fridge. Eat whenever you open the fridge aimlessly.

So there we have it! Simple, customizable, never fail, energy bites to grab now or on the go. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the recipe, my blunders, and my awkward dancing. 

Health & Happiness, 

Savannah

Categories
DIY Health

3 Itch Busting Eczema Bath Recipes

There is nothing I love more than sinking into a nice warm bath after a long, hard day. Something about the heat and the water seems to just melt all your stresses away (and the wine, the wine helps too).

Since developing eczema I’ve been told that if I want to enjoy my precious baths, that the recommended bath time is 5-10 minutes. However, through sheer determination and perhaps a shred of pigheadedness I’ve seen to it that a warm bath is never wasted.

So if you’re a bath lover like me, here are three bath recipes for you to enjoy that will soothe the itch – guilt and timer free!

 

Oatmeal for skin care use has been documented as far back to 2000BC and still continues to this day. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, an oatmeal bath is perfect for people with sensitive skin or skin disorders.

  • 3/4 cup of raw, unflavored oats
  • grinder (optional)
  • muslin bag or a pair of pantyhose (optional)

Follow along, it’s simple!

You’ve got two options for making this milky, soothing bath.

1. Grind the oats up into a fine powder, this will ensure the oats will dissolve completely rather than sinking to the bottom. Test that the oats are fine enough by taking a tablespoon and stirring it into a bowl of warm water. If the oatmeal dissolves without much effort and the water turns a milky color – you’re good to go!

2. Put whole oats into a muslin bag or a pair of unwanted pantyhose. Essentially, this will act much like a tea bag – infusing the water with its wholesome goodness. Squeeze the bag often for faster infusion. Muslin bags are much cleaner method than the ground oats, as all the oats stay contained.

Pour the ground oats or place the bag in the bath while it’s filling at a comfortable temperature. Then sit back, relax, and let those worries and itches melt away!

 

Salt baths are known for their wide variety of benefits.

From pain relief to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, its no wonder that salt baths have been praised for ages. Try 1/2 a cup for a simple relaxing bath or up the salt concentration to promote healing of eczema and other ailments.

or

  • 1 – 2 cups of Epsom salts

Pour in the salt while the bath is running, light that candle, grab a glass of wine and let the minerals do their thing!

Sea Salt vs. Epsom Salt vs Table Salt

The options are relatively endless when it comes to what kind of salt to bathe in. Natural, unprocessed sea salts are the most renowned, as they contain trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium chloride, potassium, and bromides; all of which are absorbed through the skin during your bath. Magnesium binds water to the skin, promoting skin cell growth and permeability. Calcium increases circulation and strengthens bones and nails. Potassium balances skin moisture and is a vital mineral to replace after intense exercise, and bromides ease and relax stiff muscles.

Not sure which to try?

  • Dead Sea Salt – perhaps the most famous bathing salt. A white salt only found in a saline lake located 400 meters below sea level; claims to be richer in minerals than other sea salts.
  • Sel Gris Sea Salt – an unprocessed grey sea salt hand harvested off the coast of France.
  • Alaea Sea Salt – an unprocessed Hawaiian reddish-brown salt enriched with volcanic clay.
  • Himalayan Pink Sea Salt – ancient sea salt found in the mountains of northern Pakistan, this pink salt made its mark on the world while boasting 84 trace minerals.

Epsom salts claim the same health benefits of natural sea salt and can be a handy alternative if you do not have easy access to large amounts of sea salt. Epsom salt is high in magnesium and sulfates, with magnesium aiding in skin cell growth and sulfates being essential for the production of collagen (which maintains healthy skin, hair, and nails) and plays an important role for forming proteins in the joints.

  • Try plain epsom salts, rather than the ones laced with fragrances which could further irritate your skin.

Table salt should be avoided as it is heavily processed. Minerals are removed until it is pure sodium chloride and then an additive is added to prevent clumping. The benefits to bathing in table salt are slim, as opposed to sea salt and epsom salt -so do your skin a favor and go for the good stuff.

A word of warning: Avoid when pregnant. Avoid sea salt baths and if you have hypertension or respiratory conditions. Open wounds may cause stinging and minor discomfort.  Salt baths can be demanding on your circulatory system, consult your doctor if you suffer from weak or poor heart circulation.

With honey’s antibacterial properties as well as coconut’s punch with vitamins C and E; honey and coconut form the power duo your skin will be thankful for!

Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis (the protein needed for healthy skin, nails, and hair) as well as potentially helping treat and prevent ultraviolet (UV) damage. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant that cannot be produced by the body. These powerful antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.

  • 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk*
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Mix the honey, coconut oil and coconut milk together in a bowl. Placing the mixture in the microwave for 10 seconds will help soften the honey and allow it to mix and dissolve easier.

Pour the mixture into a running bath, then grab your pina colada smoothie (or perhaps something a bit…harder), sink on down and enjoy!

*Milk may be used as a substitute for coconut milk

 

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
  • 5-10 drops of essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, rose, or sandalwood*
  • 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda*

*Essential oils may cause skin irritation, especially if you are sensitive to salicylates.  Pregnant women as well as those with diabetes or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before adding essential oils or baking soda to bath water.

So there we have it: three itch busting baths guaranteed to satisfy any bath lover! Be sure to end every bath with a good moisturizer like this DIY Eczema Body Butter and then climb into your favorite fuzzy pajamas – you’ve earned it.

Health & Happiness

Savannah

Categories
Recipes

3 ‘If You Like Piña Coladas’ Smoothie Recipes

If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you’ll adore these smoothie recipes! But just in case you don’t, just add a couple ounces of rum and you’ll be well on your way to forgetting that you don’t like them.

To make sure these drinks were island worthy I donned on my shorts and sunglasses, put ‘Escape‘ by Rupert Holmes on replay, plopped down in a lawn chair and spent the afternoon slaving away taste testing each and every one of these recipes.

It was hard work, but someone had to do it.

With each making the cut I’m proud to say you can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose!

Serves: 2

  • Shredded coconut (I use the sweetened kind), for garnish

In a blender combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, banana, ice, and honey if you wish. Blend until smooth.

While the blender is working its magic, grab two plates.

Fill one with a skim of water (roughly 1/8″ deep), and fill the other with shredded coconut spreading it out so it is again roughly 1/8′” deep. Grab your glasses, and one at a time dip the rim first into the water, and then into the coconut. Pour the blender mixture into your beautified glasses.

Garnish each serving with a pineapple wedge or strawberry (or both).

Sip & Enjoy!

Serves: 2

  • 4-6 fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup cream of coconut
  • 1/2 a banana
  • 1 cup of ice
  • Pineapple and strawberry wedges, for garnish
  • Shredded coconut (I use the sweetened kind), for garnish

I’ve just got to tell you guys because I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, that I expected this recipe to turn out sweeter than it did. It’s yummy, don’t get me wrong! I’ve had 3 so far! It’s got a very clean taste, so if you want to up the sweetness – add more pineapple chunks and be prepared to add more ice!

Start off by pureeing the strawberries in the blender (add a bit of water if you need to). Place the pureed strawberries in a bowl and set aside. Rinse out the blender.

In the freshly rinsed blender, combine pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, 1/2 a banana, and ice. Blend until smooth, eat the other half of the banana while you wait.

To rim with coconut: Grab two plates. Fill one with a skim of water (roughly 1/8″ deep) and fill the other with shredded coconut, spreading it out so it is again roughly 1/8″ deep. Grab your glasses, and one at a time dip the rim first into the water, and then into the coconut.

Split the strawberry puree mixture between the two beautified glasses, pouring roughly half of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of each glass. Top the rest of it off with your pineapple blender mixture. Use a straw to stir and create defined streaks (and try not to follow my fail of an example!).

Garnish each serving with a pineapple wedge or strawberry (or both).

Sip & Enjoy

Serves: 2

  • 1 cup of pineapple juice
  • 1 cup of orange juice
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 2 bananas
  • 2 cups of ice
  • Shredded coconut (I use the sweetened kind), for garnish

In a blender combine pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut milk, bananas, and ice. Puree until smooth.

To rim with coconut: Grab two plates. Fill one with a skim of water (roughly 1/8″ deep) and fill the other with shredded coconut, spreading it out so it is again roughly 1/8″ deep. Grab your glasses, and one at a time dip the rim first into the water, and then into the coconut.

Pour the blender mixture into your beautified glasses.

Sip & Enjoy

I hope at least one of these tropical inspired smoothies made you think of the sun and the sand, the water, and the waves. Until next time!

Health and Happiness,

Savannah

  • Tags , coconut, pineapple, recipes, smoothie, tropical,
Categories
Health

What is Eczema?

Before we get started I just want to let you know that I am not a medical doctor, nurse, and so on. I have based my writings on my own experiences, opinions, and extensive research. Therefore, read my disclaimer and use the information within my blog appropriately and at your own risk.

Eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to a  group of diseases with a tendency to develop other allergic conditions, like asthma or hay fever. Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, but rather is typically inherited and found in families with a history of asthma and allergies.

Eczema is an inflammatory disease which causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated, and is commonly described as the “rash that itches”. While some reactions can be triggered by touching an irritant, (this is known as contact dermatitis which is slightly different from atopic dermatitis), most reactions are triggered from within. Read that again. Say it with me. Most reactions are triggered from within.

When you have eczema, the skin barrier does not function normally. It becomes too thin, resulting in wet looking, “weepy skin”. Skin becomes abnormally dry and sensitive as your natural moisturizing oils are carried away. Defects in the skin barrier can allow allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites and bacteria to enter the body. This contributes to flare-ups and immune responses, such as allergic reactions.

Beginning characteristics of eczema include itchy skin, redness (inflammation), and often tiny fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that can weep and ooze.  If untreated crusted, thickened plaques of skin begin to form over the affected area. To an eczema sufferer’s despair, that thickened skin forms only to break open itch, ooze and become inflamed once again.

So begins the endless cycle of itch, ooze, crust.

While eczema can show up anywhere, it most commonly appears on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet.

Above: I apologize for not having graphic pictures of my severe eczema, I tried to avoid it. As of now, my hands are on the mend and nearly back to normal. Note the cracks below my index finger -cracks like this used to extend to the middle of my palm. For a graphic mental picture the palm of my hand started as inflamed red itchy skin, thickened skin began to form, painful cracks resulted from moving my hands. Itch, ooze, crust.

Note also: The rough looking skin along my fingers, most predominantly on my pinky and middle finger. This was also where inflamed, itchy skin lived.

Itch, ooze, crust. Rinse and Repeat.

Although eczema can occur at any age, it is most commonly found in babies, with more than half of all eczema sufferers showing symptoms before their first birthday. Eczema is seen as a disease that children will “grow out of” with roughly 74% of affected children becoming eczema free by sixteen years old. There is no guarantee that children will outgrow their eczema, and unfortunately, if it continues then it is said the symptoms will continue on and off throughout life.

Approximately 3% percent of adults will have moderate to severe eczema in their lifetime.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is suggested to be linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritant. Irritants can vary from each individual, from food allergies to harsh chemicals (whether it be in cleaning products or soaps and shampoos). The reaction to harsh chemicals is likely contact dermatitis, with the reaction (more often than not) stopping once contact with the chemical is avoided. However harsh chemicals are no help for atopic dermatitis sufferers, and can further aggravate existing eczema by soaking into cuts and weakened layers of the skin so thus should be avoided as well.

Leaky gut syndrome may also be a factor, which is a condition where the digestive tract is damaged. This creates holes in the gut lining allowing undigested food particles, bad bacteria, or other toxins to seep into your bloodstream causing an immune reaction.

In summary, your immune system reacts as if it’s under attack and attempts to defend itself by releasing antibodies and inflammation.

While there are many, the most common triggers for this include:

  • Dairy
  • Wheat (and other gluten-containing grains)
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Shellfish
  • Soy
  • Sulfites
  • Salicylates

A Note About Stress Stress is commonly considered a factor or trigger when it comes to eczema. However, it is unlikely the stress itself causing the reaction, but rather the result of your already overactive immune system being weakened with high levels of stress. Although it is impossible to remove stress completely from your life, measures should be taken to lower stress levels in order to help your immune system remain healthy and strong.

In the medical world today, the most common ‘cure’ for eczema include topical creams ranging from over the counter products containing hydrocortisone to prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids.

Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones ranging from 2% all the way to 600% more potent than hydrocortisone, depending on the type of cream prescribed. The stronger the potency, the better effect it has on inflammation and the greater risk of side effects with continued use.

The bottom line when it comes to the topical creams is that they never treat the root cause – only the symptoms. Each steroid ‘treats’ your eczema by preventing the production of chemicals that cause inflammation, as well as suppressing the immune system by affecting how the white blood cells work. While your skin may look better for the time being, steroids are not to be used long term.

Thus when removed from steroids, the affected skin tends to “flare up” and appear worse than ever as the body’s natural response is no longer suppressed. As the vicious cycle goes, eczema suffers can be stuck with steroid usage for years. Always moving to stronger and stronger steroids when the body naturally flares up once the duration of the prescribed steroid inevitably ends.

It is important to remember that eczema is an inflammatory disease, with most reactions coming from within. Your immune system is attacking a (usually harmless) substance which can indicate a food intolerance or allergy. The most effective way to cure your eczema is to start an elimination diet. This is a short-term diet that eliminates certain foods which may be causing allergic reactions or digestive issues and then gradually introducing the foods one at a time to discover what your body does -and doesn’t tolerate.

There are millions of elimination diets all over the web, however, the one I stand by and have been following is a book called ‘The Eczema Diet’ by Karen Fisher. She is a wealth of information, and I’m sure you will find her knowledge the greatest asset for getting rid of eczema once and for all.

No matter which route you choose, may you find health and happiness at the end of the road.

Health & Happiness,

Savannah

 

 

 

Categories
Health

How To Eat At Friends And Loved Ones Homes With Dietary Restrictions

It’s amazing how a gathering that’s supposed to bring so much joy and laughter can become such a challenging and awkward situation. Being lactose intolerant (and with dairy being my number one eczema trigger), I swear my hands start itching when I watch milk being added to a dish.

I hold my breath while I listen to the host’s ingredient list being rambled off praying for a dish I can eat itch and worry-free…

“…potatoes…onions…cheese”

Dammit.

Been there? Me too. It’s awkward being the one people have to accommodate for, but here’s how to survive it.

Don’t be afraid to gently remind your host about your dietary restrictions.

Try to do so the moment they invite you so that they have adequate time to prepare. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve already told them, or that you think that they should remember ‘by now’. People are far too busy with their own lives to worry about you and your diet.

Did the dish still wind up being something you can’t stomach?

Don’t take it personally, just because they didn’t remember doesn’t mean they don’t care. Keep in mind that not everyone has a pantry full of substitutes for dairy, gluten, or whatever else it may be.

 

 Help out your host (and you!)  by offering to bring a dish, and be sure to make enough to share. You’ll be guaranteed to eat without worry, and who knows -maybe it’ll leave your loved ones begging for more!

Not sure what to make? Here’s a bit of inspiration:

 

 Now I don’t mean kicking, screaming, crying, and otherwise just having a major tantrum on the floor… I mean I suppose you could, you certainly wouldn’t have to worry about being invited back over anytime soon…(so maybe?).

What I actually mean is take small portions of the dish your host generously provided and pick through your food (and around your all your ‘no-no’ foods).

We’ve all seen kids pickily go through their food, have we not?

While this means you may not be the one at the table with the most manners, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Keep in mind that just because you are channeling your inner 3-year old it doesn’t mean you have to also make a fuss and draw attention to yourself by disgustedly pushing food to the side.

(Unless  of course, you don’t want to be invited back… so again… maybe?)

Fill up the rest of your plate with veggies, salad or anything else that’s sure to make your tummy happy.

Smile wide and say your (as my 3-year-old cousin would say) “pwease and tank yous”

 So there is literally absolutely NOTHING tummy and itch safe on the table?

The host’s main dish has milk laced throughout, EVERY SINGLE bun in the entire house is already buttered, dessert is 14 scoops of ice cream, and by God there’s even cheese melted over the salad!

Melted cheese on a salad? Are they trying to kill me!?

So what now -as the guilt starts building up inside of you– is there to do?

Pull up your big kid panties and walk over to the host. Graciously apologize and explain that, as much as you would love to dig into their delicious cheese salad… that you just can’t do it. Chances are right then and there, your lovely host will at the start pulling out anything they think could work for you.

Try not to let the guilt eat you up, it’s alright.

From there, go on and get your hands dirty. Your host has done more than enough for you, so insist on putting together your own plate of goodies from the tummy safe food they provided.

Be sure to whole heartily thank them.

 

This is a habit I’ve picked up recently, but not exclusively for going over to people’s houses.

The whole habit started once I chose to cut out dairy. While my loved ones could just pull into any fast food joint or sit down at any restaurant, I had to be a little more careful about what was in my food (does everything have cheese on it nowadays? Good gracious!).

Let’s just say I learned the hard way that I can get real hangry real quick if I go without food. So in order to save myself and my loved ones,  I constantly have a stash of safe snacks in my purse, in my car, and at least one in my jacket.

Now when that salad quit sticking to your bones, and everyone around you is scooping up bowls of ice cream (R.I.P. my favorite and forbidden dessert), you can go to your jacket and pull out a treat for yourself.

I’d love to have a wide variety of suggestions for you, but I don’t. The only snack I carry with me is my No Bake. No Fuss. Energy Bites. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and are usually just enough to get rid of a dessert craving (even when you still long for ice cream).

So there we have it, five eating out survival tactics. Let me know if you’ve got another tactic, and let me in on your favorite emergency snacks!

Health and Happiness,

Savannah