Picnic salads, ACD-friendly

"Be off with you, husky boy."

Allergy season is no cakewalk for those with allergies but what if you throw fibromyalgia into the mix? The majority of fibromyalgia (FMS) sufferers have classic allergy symptoms, including runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. They also have widespread, chronic pain in their muscles, tendons and ligaments, and many other symptoms.

Seasonal allergies seem to magnify the symptoms of FMS.  On bad allergy days, your pain may be worse; your digestive system may be more off kilter; and you may have less energy. Why? My theory is allergies cause inflammation in your body which simply adds to the load your body is already bearing.   

Here are some things I do as an FMS sufferer to reduce the affect of seasonal allergies on my other symptoms:

 

• Taking my allergy medication is part of my daily routine. Tip: You may have to try several medications before finding the right one that works for you as FMS sufferers tend to be sensitive to medication.
• I eat a clean diet, sometimes opting for organic fruits and veggies if possible.  Don’t venture into the unknown and try foods that may trigger symptoms. Many with FMS also have food sensitivities which are constantly shifting. This means new food sensitivities may appear at any time.
• Getting plenty of sleep is at the top of my list. Sleep deprivation is not good for anyone’s immune system.
• Stress can worsen FMS symptoms and allergies.
• Exercise boosts my endorphins. I try to do something every day.

"Is there something you don't understand about, 'back off!'"

Memorial Day weekend seems like the perfect time to enjoy salads. There's nothing like a nice potato salad but you have to get creative to satisfy a craving when you are living with candida. I subbed rutabaga for potatoes and cooked up my own healthy version.

 

Rutabaga Kale Salad

 

Here's what you need for Rutabaga Kale Salad for Two:
(ACD-Phase 1 and up)

 

1 rutabaga, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 carrot, peeled and grated

1/2 diced red onion

4 stalks of kale, leaves removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces

mixed greens

Dressing: juice of one lemon, drizzle of olive oil, 1 T. apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, dash of herbs de provence

 

 

Rutabaga kale salad is a good sub for potato salad

 

Here's what you do:

 

Steam diced rutabaga until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Cool in ice water or place in fridge to cool. Chop other veggies. (Note: additional veggies may be steamed slightly or added raw to the salad.) Prepare dressing by mixing ingredients in a small container. Put everything (reserve mixed greens) in a large bowl and toss. Place in the fridge to chill. Serve on a bed of mixed greens.

 

 

Raw butternut squash salad

 

Try this Raw Butternut Squash Slaw if you want a hearty and filling salad. Warning: Don't go whole hog on this salad if you have a digestive disorder. It's addictive because of all the delicious flavors but I limited myself to one serving, and left the rest for others with heartier digestive systems than mine.

 

Here's what you need for 5-6 servings:
(Suitable for ACD-Phase 2 and up. Omit the pear for ACD-Phase 1)

 

2 cups raw butternut squash

2 zucchinis

1/2 head radicchio

1 carrot

4 green onions

1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1 pear, unpeeled

mixed greens

For the dressing: 2 T. seed or nut butter, juice of one lime, 2-4 T. water, 1 tsp. cumin, 1/2 tsp. coriander, 1/2 tsp. ginger

 

 

 

Raw butternut squash salad keeps well in fridge

 

Here's what you do:

 

Use your food processor to grate the butternut squash, carrot, zucchinis, pear, and cranberries. Dice the green onions and chop the radicchio into fine pieces. Mix up the dressing in a Magic Bullet or small food processor. Add more water if necessary to thin.

 

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Chill in the fridge. Note: This  salad will be tastier the next day. It holds for 3-4 days.

 

Serve on a bed of mixed greens.

For your dessert, try a PB&J Sundae. Get the recipe here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/05/pb-ice-cream-sundaes.html

"Do you think we'd better wash up before the picnic?"

 

 

 

Recipes contributed to:

http://dietdessertndogs.com/2013/05/23/wellness-weekend-may-23-27/

http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com/2013/05/lunchbox-love-52413.html
http://www.glutenfreecat.com/2013/05/raw-foods-thursdays-52313/