Nickle

As I mentioned before, I am concerned that if I am allergic to something, it might not be one of the more tolerable-to-lose culprits, but instead my beloved soy.Toby brought up another good point, that has me extremely worried.

I bought a ring a couple weeks a go that I am fairly in love with. It was from an East Indian gentleman who's shop on Capital Hill in Seattle was going out of business, and he was having a liquidation sale. He had a beautiful selection of rings, which I haven't treated myself to in a good long while. I decided it was time, but upon further inspection, I inquired as to if it was real silver and if that silver was Sterling. He relayed to me that it was.

Well, I now have a ring on my finger. And it's not the ring I bought. It's a red ring from my skin's reaction to the ring, suggesting that it is not in fact sterling silver, but perhaps if it is silver at all, it is merely dipped in it, which has worn through. Dipped in silver is not enough for me. I need it to be silver through and through. I am, after all, allergic to nickle.

Toby was observing the redness on my finger - which is on my left hand, and it is my right hand which is broken out. My right hand has been looking worse and worse. However, since my shifts are sporadic at the moment, I go through some days where I was my hands several times more than I would if I weren't working, and with a different kind of soap. This has caused my hands to dry out and break out before. I put it down to the soap.

But Toby made a very interesting suggestion, one that rather scares me, if I am being honest.

What about heavy metals in water? What if tap water has nickle in it, and that is actually what my skin reaction is to, and not a food allergy at all?

I considered this, then at first dismissed it. What about when I drink it? Surely I would have had a reaction to it then. I do only drink filtered water though, and have been spoiled on it for a long while. Could it be true?

I had a look online, and found what the World Health Organization (WHO) had to say on it: 

"The primary source of nickel in drinking-water is leaching from metals in contact with drinking-water, such as pipes and fittings. However, nickel may also be present in some ground waters as a consequence of dissolution from nickel ore-bearing rocks.

"...Increased nickel concentrations in groundwater and municipal tap water (100–2500 µg/litre) in polluted areas and areas in which natural nickel was mobilized have been reported (McNeely et al., 1972; Hopfer et al., 1989). Water left standing overnight in plumbing fittings plated with chromium on a base of nickel contained a nickel concentration of 490 µg/litre (Andersen et al., 1983). "

It states earlier that the maximum units/liter is 69. I haven't seen what Bellingham's water is like, but it cold be that concentrated, and if it is, perhaps it is causing a reaction in me. 

Although, later on in the information it WHO states:

"Overall, drinking-water appears to contribute only a minor proportion of daily intake, although exposure of some communities may be significant in specific circumstances where nickel levels in groundwater are unusually high."

Who knows (get it? Tee hee!)! Could just be paranoia flaring up, which it does from time to time.  

 

 

 

 

Soy

I'm concerned.
As a vegetarian, and a vegetarian for four years now, I consume a lot of soy. As mentioned before I went off milk a long while back, about the same time I went off meat. I made the switch to soy, and from there rice milk and almond milk and so on. I love miso soup, and I enjoy tofu as long as I'm not the one cooking it. I never did get that one down.
However, soy provides calcium and protein, to supplement what I don't get from animals or their milk, so it is quite beneficial too me, plus it's tasty and is thicker than rice or almond milk.
Since I've gone gluten and dairy free, I have been consuming soy sour cream, soy cheese, more soy milk as a whole as it's been on sale more, more tofu when I eat out (Pho, Japanese and Thai food are excellent for any restrictive diet, and are also plentiful with their soy-based foods that are offered).
My hand, which I am using to base my body's reaction to the dietary changes, has been getting worse. I am getting to have daily itching fits which I have no control over whatsoever, and it's more than once a day as well. If you will remember, that was one of the reasons I started this, was due to the rash which has broken out on my hand, the severe eczema it has morphed into and has not gone away since the first inklings of cold weather to come.
Now, this can be one of two things:
1. I am in fact eliminating the bad stuff from my diet and this is the last of the toxins pushing its way out, and that's why it's so bad - it's got to get worse before it gets better, the way of any detox.
2. I am allergic to soy, and soy is the culprit.
The former is what I am hoping for for many reasons - the obvious of course that I am getting better, and that my body is forgiving me for my cock-ups such as the wheat-seasoned tofu and the accidental beer incident. That would be nice. Plus - I love, love, love, LOVE soy. I don't know that I can give that up. I could be making this up but soy is in way more than dairy or gluten is in. There is a good chance that is incorrect, but I do see it an awful lot in ingredients, in some form or another.
I am too hippie to be allergic to tofu! I can give up wheat no problem, I give up milk - save the utters! But I cannot give up tofu! I shall not succumb to the likes of "fauxfu - for the tofu intolerant" (From King of the Hill, when Hank is constipated)! It shan't be borne!

Just as a side note about this entry, it's 5:30 in the morning and I haven't slept yet, since I am working an over night shift and am just killing some time between rounds. So, should this entry be just a little off, there is my excuse.

The other Goals

I've been trying to update for the last two days with no success! I have been attempting to use my iPad, but it just doesn't seem to want to work on this site. The Apple and Google wars, I'm sure.

The other benefits of cutting these things out, even if it proves that I am not allergic to them, is hopefully it will cause me to consume less fattening things and less carbs, helping me to lose weight. 

If I'm going to be honest here, I currently weigh 160 pounds. My BMI (body mass index) tells me I'm obese - I AM NOT OBESE, and this isn't coming from an obese person in denial either. 

I'm the chick in this picture (in case you hadn't picked up that this blogger is a lady yet). As you can see, not obese.

I just happen to be a bit larger in the bust area. This picture was taken I think in September or October. Granted, I gained some holiday weight, as every one does, but I still have a similar figure. That right there is why I do not agree with the BMI charts. 

So, to help along my healthier approach to eating, I of course need to exercise. I can eliminate as much as I want, but that's not going to make me healthy, even if I do drop the weight. Exercise will help my mentality, metabolism, my bones, and of course muscle and energy levels. 

We happened to be by Sears, which is closing down in Bellingham, and we stopped in to check out what they had left of their electronics. The only thing even pseudo useful were the SD memory cards, which were still over priced, even on sale. However, we meandered through, picking through suits, shoes, underwear - all the stuff that one needs to stock up on, but is generally costly. I happened to come across work-out wear and thought to myself, "Now is the time to buy sports bras." 

And I did. Three in fact. And a work out few work out shirts and some yoga pants. I am ready to hit the gym! Or run or something. 

A note on running: The bust thing makes running a huge discomfort. It hurts. I have a lot of weight on my chest, and it's not comfy. If I look down while running, I've been smack in the face. It is not my friend for this reason. 

Due to the chaos of the store and my general laziness, I didn't try anything on. 

When I did finally have a chance to try it all on at home, I was disappointed when my bras did not offer any of the desired support. In fact, they seemed to offer less support than my normal bras. I sighed, mostly expecting this. I have never had any luck with sports bras. However...layering them....

It took wearing all three bras to get anything near the desired support I needed. I think honestly I need just one more to make it perfect - But! I am to the point where I can run. I just hope that no one ever witnesses me only wearing the three bras because I know it looks down-right silly. 

I'm just missing trainers...didn't think that one through. Do Converse count?

I like to think myself fairly savvy on eliminating things from my diet. I cut back on dairy years ago, swapping from 2% milk in my cereal, coffees and what have you to soy/rice/almond/oat milk (depending one what's on sale when I buy it), and using soy butter when I lived in the UK (I haven't been able to find it here in Bellingham, which saddens me - it's delicious) or whatever else dairy-free butters, creamers, and so on. I have enjoyed it. I also don't eat meat, or at least land-walking meat. And I have cut out wheat in the past. I'm no stranger to being cautious about what I put into my diet. 

HOW DID I GET SO CARELESS???

Toby and I were filming a show and I decided to treat myself to a drink. There was nothing that sounded more delicious than a Brass Monkey (Pabst with a splash of orange juice in it. Make it taste like a Blue Moon and is usually way cheap). I thought for just a moment to scan what else they have on tap, and I happened to spy Angry Orchard. 

"Cider," I thought. "I need to have that." But there was more to it than that. Cider was ringing out to me as a must-find, but I couldn't quite place why. "Oh right! It's not wheat-based!" 

Then it dawned on me.

I had a Heineken the night before! How could I have missed that??? And how did I go a full 24 hours before I realized it? 

I need to get rid of the beer in my fridge. 

A list of grains and uses for coconut flour

A handy list of grains and foods that do not have gluten in them 
Also, I found this chart and thought it useful

From Gygi.com

Oops...

Today was a crazy rush. At the last minute, I was able to acquire a spare shift starting an hour after my last one ended. I used this time to rush home, grab rent checks, dash off to pay rent, get some food to eat in time to return to work. It worked. I went to the Co-op and got my favorite: Tofu Cutlet. They're delicious, and perfectly prepared, and it really is a treat as to when I can actually get to the Co-op to indulge.
I bit down and it was tasty and juicy, but not soft. It was the perfect firmness and everything I wanted in tofu...except these annoying crumbling bits which kept falling off and making a mess while I was trying to drive. What are these tiny nuggets of annoyance when I'm trying to focus on the road? Inconsiderate crumbs! Then it occurred to me that these crumbs represented the external seasoning. I began to wonder what it was which made them cake on to the outside in this crust-like manner. Then it dawned on me with a heartbreaking realization: It is probably wheat related.
When I was able to park - okay - when I was at a red light - I quickly sifted through the ingredients. Spelt and Barley flour were used in the making of this. I knew there were some sporadic grains which don't contain gluten, but are barley and spelt a part of that elite group? Unfortunately, I was one my way to work with a busier work load awaiting for me upon my arrival, so I could only attempt at divining that they were in fact a part of this secluded grain crew.
As soon as I entered the house and put down my bags, I searched the answer.
They did in fact contain gluten.
If I had large, animal-like ears, they would have drooped disappointingly, and perhaps a sign would have escaped, to add to the sad puppy experience.
I had done so well! Catching myself before the delicious scone! Being so attentive to everything I created and used as ingredients. I was so terribly let down by my hurried self which hadn't even bothered to inquire as to what made the tofu so perfectly flavorful.

This was the first upset in plans, and the last. No mistake is worth having if there was nothing to be learned from it. I learned vigilance with this mistake, and I plan on putting what I have learned to practice.

I enjoyed a girl's night out tonight. I however ran out of steam long before any one else, which was just as well as I need to work in the morning any how. As my very kind lift was smoking her cigarette, i interjected myself in a conversation which was happening on the corner of the block.
Now, a quick word about our location. We live in this truly amazing city by the name of Bellingham, in Washington State. Bellingham is a hippy town, and has been compared as a mini Portland, or a mini San Francisco. But of course, with all cities which grow in popularity, bad areas bloom. The corner which had the business we had decide to support this evening was known for bums sleeping on it, drunken folk, those which dabbled in the realms of harsher drugs and their additions which follow. They were harmless. Sure the cops were called on them from time to time, but out of all my many years in this town, not once have they caused me personally any problem or concern.
Now, back to this conversation I had inserted myself into. I heard a voice say my name, and I looked over to see a taller, matured, and sickeningly thin friend from my high school days, welcoming a hug from me. His face was distorted, and he couldn't sit still. He was tweaking.
I can't dismiss people due to their problems. If you have earned yourself into my good books, there you remain. I couldn't help myself, I pried as much as I could in my short time with him. He briefly mentioned he had problems which weren't the "fire water" as he jokingly put it as he passed a water bottle around to his friends. I could certainly see that. His problems boiled down to one: meth.
It was so heartbreaking to see some one so overtaken by this drug. I have known a fair few who had dabbled, been addicted, but fought their way out and have lived amazingly. But, until that moment, I had been charmed enough in my life to have avoided childhood friends and classmates succumbing to this state.
I didn't have time to go any further in discussion with him. As we parted ways I hugged him, took him by the shoulders, tried as best as I could to look him in the eye and say, "Be well friend, be well." Whether or not it got through to him is beyond me, though I can only hope.
It made me grateful, grateful and sad. The only problems I had to worry about today was if I was going to get enough hours at work this week to keep my qualifications for insurance, getting to pay rent on time, and that I accidentally consumed gluten from the extremely expensive local hippie grocery store down the road.
This experience put it all in perspective for me, made me realize how blessed of a life I have lead. It is so easy to forget that, and I am grateful for the opportunity to see that, though so deeply hurt by the experience at the same time.
Sometimes we just need to be humbled. It was my turn tonight.

Video from "Living Without"

I could totally do this, especially since I've been craving pizza. However, the other thing is finding dairy free cheese. I personally really enjoy almond cheese, but it doesn't melt very well. We got some soy mozzarella, which I've not really had the chance to enjoy. I had a little in my omelet yesterday, but I couldn't really taste it. However, it did melt, as the package promised.
By the way, I highly recommend to any one that is into baking, whether it's gluten-free or not, always weigh your ingredients instead of measuring. I lived in the UK which partly uses the metric system, and my goodies turned out way better.

I found the recipe to try!

I found the gluten-free dairy-free scone recipe! Well, it can be altered any way.
Gluten-Free High-Fiber Date Nut Scone

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups The Pure Pantry Buckwheat Flax Baking Mix1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons chilled butter or Earth Balance margarine
2/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2/3 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt (or soy or coconut yogurt)
2 egg whites, lightly beaten (or egg replacer)....(Follow link above for full instructions)

I went gluten free at the beginning of the year for a while, and one of the problems I had with it was a lack of fiber. So when I was searching for my delicious scone recipe, I wanted to make sure I had things that were not only delicious, but would be beneficial to me. If I have a hearty, high-fiber, gluten-free, dairy-free nommy to eat every morning, I'll be a pretty happy panda, I tell you what.

Double Chocolate Chip Scones Recipe (Gluten-free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free)
Raspberry Lemon Scones (Gluten Free and vegan)
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Scone (This one amused me, at the end it says to serve with double cream)

I will try these, some day. One day. Every day....well, maybe just some day and one day.