My Gluten-Free Journey
I grew up in a home where my mother made every meal from scratch and my father held exercise as one of his highest priorities. Needless to say, health has always been an important part of my life. When I was 16, my dad was diagnosed with CML leukemia and undergoing preparation for a bone marrow transplant at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Four months later, I became his neighbor at Rainbow Babies and Children with a blood disorder they could not explain at that time. I was treated with steroid courses, monitored with frequent blood tests, and was told to always be aware of unusual bruising, only take Tylenol for pain, and watch for anything else that might “thin” the blood.
At 32 (16 years later) my husband and I were planning to start a family. Making my body and mind the healthiest I possibly could in hopes to carry a baby became my primary focus. I was doing yoga, running, and strength training, and through my own reading and research, decided that eliminating gluten and dairy from my diet would reduce inflammation and aid in digestion. I was introduced to Kimberly Snyder’s book series, The Beauty Detox Foods, The Beauty Detox Solution, and The Beauty Detox Power. I dove in and read them cover to cover. The simplicity of how she conveys her perspective on digestion made sense to me and was something I wanted to incorporate into my own life. I started by taking one simple step and made her Glowing Green Smoothie (GGS to her followers). It quickly became my daily ritual to drive to work every morning sipping my GGS.
During the fall of 2013, I went in for a routine physical. I was living in a new state and wanted to become established with a primary care physician. I expressed our desire to start our family and wanted to make sure I was in tip top shape. Results from a routine blood panel showed my white cell count to be very low. With further testing my ANA Ratio was elevated which eventually led to my diagnosis of Lupus SLE. (Which provided the answers to my unexplained blood disorder, 16 years prior). Upon the diagnosis, I was told NOT to try to conceive until my blood levels were in a safe place to become pregnant. This was CRUSHING news to anyone who is wanting to have a baby… especially in my mind, with all the work and preparation I had been doing months before.
My Lupus diagnosis furthered my reading and research on diet and ways to reduce inflammation. I believe that living a gluten-free and active lifestyle aids me in keeping the needed medications to a minimum and my lupus in a state of remission through a reduction of inflammation.
This November will be 10 years since my Lupus diagnosis, since then, my husband and I have been blessed with 3 beautiful children and we all lead very active and healthy lifestyles. These past two years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to share my love through gluten-conscious and healthy meals with my community. Today, I want to share with you Kimberly Snyder’s delicious Glowing Green Smoothie Recipe, as I continue to enjoy it in the mornings and share it with my family.
Kimberly Snyder’s
Glowing Green Smoothie
Organic Spinach - Medium Bunch
Organic Romaine - 1 Small Head
Cold Water - 16 Ounces
Organic Celery - 2 Stalks
Organic Apple
Organic Pear
Banana
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Blend the first 3 ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Add the Celery, Apple, Pear, Banana and Lemon. Serve at once or refrigerate, covered for up to 3 days.
DISCLAIMER: This website does not provide medical advice. The information including but not limited to, text, graphics and imagery are the thoughts, opinions, and beliefs of Let’s Eat Cle.
