Surviving the holidays; plus pumpkin pie with pumpkin flour crust

Make a pumpkin pie with ingredients you can eat

I’ve always enjoyed the holidays but found them stressful as I tried to create the perfect, magical holiday. Now that I have fibromyalgia, I approach the holidays from a new perspective. I’ve let go of the “have-to’s” and kept only the traditions and activities I really love.

I can’t blame this new philosophy all on fibromyalgia as I already was headed in the direction of simplifying the holidays. I call it my “keep it simple” (KISS) rule for the holidays and for life, in general. I recommend that everyone give himself/herself a “KISS” and start really enjoying the holidays.

K—Kick away guilt and expectations for a perfect holiday.

No one can do it all and have anything left over for himself/herself. This is especially true if you have a chronic illness like fibromyalgia. Individuals with fibro have so many additional things they have to do on a daily basis just to manage their symptoms. You want to stick with these things to prevent a flare-up which might occur with the stress of being a holiday overachiever.

Decide what things you really want to do and kick away the rest.

I---Invent or create new traditions.

Maybe it’s time to let go of the past and change your holiday traditions.  You don’t need to cook up a huge feast for Thanksgiving. Instead, keep your meal simple. Tell your guests you’ll prepare the turkey and they can bring the side dishes. Or instead, go on an outing on Thanksgiving and make that your holiday celebration.

Enjoy time with your furry friends

S—Spend time with family and friends.

Spend the holidays with people you truly enjoy. Family and friends who understand your situation will embrace this new way of celebrating with you. Leave the gripers behind.

S----Seize the moment.

Plan ahead so you can enjoy every moment and be more relaxed. Make a list of what’s important but give yourself permission to modify the list if you don’t feel well. Or better yet, enlist some help from other family or friends.

Remember if you stick to the “KISS” rule, you’ll be more likely to take care of you (which should be your first priority) and enjoy the holidays at a relaxed pace.

Pumpkin pie made with pumpkin flour from Anti-Grain

 I love baked goods as much as anyone but I must avoid grains for health reasons. I consider the new “flour” offerings from Anti-Grain to be a holiday gift to folks like me. Anti-Grain flours are made from apples, pumpkin, butternut squash and sweet potatoes which are far from the “grains” most of us think of.

Anti-Grain pumpkin flour is my personal favorite. A one-pound package costs $16.99. The flour is made from more than 90 percent pumpkin flesh plus pumpkin seeds for added protein and fiber. A one-quarter cup serving contains 102 calories which includes 20 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams protein. You can purchase the pumpkin flour or other Anti-Grain flours at www.anti-grain.com or www.amazon.com.

I cooked up a delicious pumpkin pie using the Anti-Grain pumpkin flour. I tweaked the pumpkin pie recipe I found on the Anti-Grain website. You can find lots of other recipes on the website to use your Anti-Grain flours.

Pumpkin Flour Crust Pumpkin Pie

For a pie crust:

¾ cup pumpkin flour

1 cup almond flour
stevia or sweetener of choice

1 T. coconut oil or olive oil

¼ tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. ginger

¼ tsp. cinnamon

1 large egg

For the filling:

1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounces)

½ cup milk beverage of choice
optional: 1/4-1/2 cup sunbutter or nutbutter of choice

3 large eggs plus 1 yolk

¼ tsp. salt

1 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. cloves

¼ tsp. cardamom

½ cup sugar

Crust preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix crust ingredients in a food processor. Press “dough” in an 8-9-inch pie pan or you can use an 8-inch square pan as I did.  Bake crust 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow cooling for 10 minutes. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Filling preparation:

While the crust is in the freezer, prepare the filling. Mix the filling in a large bowl. Pour filling into the pie pan once the crust is cooled. Bake the pie at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door and allow the pie to cool.

Serve with your favorite pumpkin pie topping.

Article submitted to :
http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/

Cleaning up mold may help fibro; plus easy mock cinnamon rolls

Every fall I face my toughest allergy adversary: mold. This almost indestructible foe may be the hidden link behind fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as some studies suggest.

For the past five years or so, I’ve had a formidable weapon to deal with indoor mold. The WhiteWing Steamer Vapor Steam Cleaner has served me well in battling mold which can leave me, a severe mold sufferer, as weak as Superman with kryptonite.

Mold allergy can be a problem year-round unlike other allergies which tend to be a nuisance during the growing seasons. However, mold allergy gets worse during the fall and winter because it seems like the majority of wetter weather happens in those seasons. Mold thrives in damp, cooler climates.

The WhiteWing Steamer was a perfect gift for a year-round allergy sufferer like me. According to WhiteWing materials, the steamer …

·  Destroys germs, viruses, dust mites, mold and bacteria

·  Removes grease and dirt better than chemical cleaners

·  Removes soap and mildew from bathrooms, tiles and grout

·  Removes grease from kitchen floors, counters and appliances

·  Sanitizes and disinfects nurseries and pet areas

·  Cleans upholstery, drapes and bedding

·  Deodorizes all cleaned surfaces

·  Cleans windows and glass

·  Quickly cleans sealed hardwood floors and other flat floor surfaces

·  Dissolves and emulsifies calcium, grease and more.

 If I am persistent about using it, I always having a healthier winter with less sinus problems, fibro pain and other symptoms. The WhiteWing is supposed to kill mold but apparently, there is always more waiting to be reactivated by the right conditions. 

Two hairy, but loveable, culprits who help bring mold inside

Mold spores are persistent, opportunistic little creatures. Active mold produces microscopic spores in enor­mous quantities which are spread by air currents—meaning they are almost always there waiting for the right conditions to reproduce. Extreme cold, freez­ing and heat can deactivate spores but it does not kill them. They are resistant to desiccation (drying out). If temperatures go up after a cold spell, spores can reactivate and continue to grow.

All of this means you have your work cut out for you to keep these demonic little creatures at a level that you can tolerate for your allergies and related symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of mold allergy include:

•           Fatigue

•           Weakness

•           Aches

•           Muscle cramps

•           Unusual pain

•           Ice pick pain

•           Headache

•           Light sensitivity

•           Blurred vision

•           Sinus problems

•           Digestive problems

•           Joint pain

•           Morning stiffness

•           Memory problems

•           Focus/concentration problems

•           Mood swings

•           Increased urination

The conditions that mold loves have already arrived in my area. You can probably guess I have been busy steaming up a storm with my trusty WhiteWing.

As usual, I start with the bathrooms. They can be a breeding ground for mold because let’s face it, showers and such leave behind plenty of moisture. I do try to reduce the amount of moisture by towel drying the shower after each use. This works pretty well during the warmer months but once fall arrives, the mold thrives despite my efforts.

I steam clean the tile, the shower doors, the bathtubs, the floors, the counters, and anything and everything where moisture lands and mold can grow. The bathrooms look hospital clean after I get done steaming and it’s all done without harsh cleaners.

Each steaming session lasts about two hours before the WhiteWing needs a refill of distilled water. My next stop is the kitchen, a breeding ground for mold, grit, grime, bacteria and germs. I’m really into my cleaning rhythm at this point but I still like to spread the kitchen job over several days because there are so many areas to clean including counters, cabinets, shelves, sink, stovetop hood, stove exterior, tile splashboard and floors.

The White Wing allows me to kill a lot of mold with just steam but occasionally, I pull out a bottle of Simple Green all-purpose cleaner and spray an area before steaming it. The two make a formidable cleaning pair.

During the next session, I focus on cleaning the refrigerator and dishwasher.  I am always surprised by the mold which hides in the refrigerator door gaskets. After a few days of cleaning, I have defeated a lot of mold, dust mites, germs and bacteria. And to think, I do it all with steam and no harsh cleaners.

Mock cinnamon rolls/crepes

All this steam cleaning has helped me with my mold allergies and to get ready for holiday company. I'm still waiting for the outside mold to get stunned by freezing temps and snow. 

I’ve also been experimenting with holiday treats that I can make without starches or sugars. You’re probably wondering how it can be a treat without starches or sugars. It’s not easy and you also have to retrain your palate but you do what you have to do to feel as well as possible.

Crepe-like dough with yogurt cream cheese

I was pretty happy with my mock cinnamon rolls. They are built around a crepe-like dough. They are grain and sugar free but use eggs and yogurt. You can use whatever yogurt works for you but I make lactose-free yogurt from organic cow’s milk.

Here’s what you need for the “dough” or crepe:

2 organic eggs

¼ cup farmer’s cheese or sub almond flour for dairy-free

1 T. water

Pinch of sea salt

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. grassfed gelatin

1 T. olive oil

Here’s what you need for filling:

1 cup yogurt cream cheese
see here for directions http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2015/11/mold-allergy-may-be-hidden-cause-of.html;
 must be prepared 12 hours or more ahead.

Stevia or other sweetener, to taste

Cinnamon for dusting

Crepe with "cream cheese" and dusting of cinnamon

Here’s what you do:

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Mix the “dough/crepe” ingredients. Pour the dough on the baking sheet. Spread it out a bit although it will continue spreading during baking. Bake until firm and slightly crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

This how you roll it up

In the meantime, mix your filling. Once the crepe is slightly cooled, spread the filling all over one side. Dust with cinnamon. The amount depends on how much you love cinnamon.

Roll up the crepe lengthwise. Spread on top more yogurt cream cheese dusted with cinnamon. Cut into serving-size pieces and serve with additional "cream cheese" or yogurt or kefir.

Submitted to:  http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/

Rolled up and ready to eat

Mold allergy may be hidden cause of fibro and more; plus carrot cake cupcakes

Bailey, the cat, on the job in the shop

Allergies mean sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, itchy ears, right? Most people think of those typical symptoms when you mention allergies. But sometimes allergies present themselves in a more clandestine manner. Sometimes allergic reactions are the cause of fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, depression, sinus infections and more. I call this “allergies gone extreme.” Not everyone agrees with this theory but there is a growing body of evidence to support the link.

The connection between allergies, especially mold allergy, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FMS) is one of the most interesting to me. I suffer from mold allergy and FMS.
There are many symptoms for mold allergy but interestingly, they correspond to those exhibited by individuals with CFS and FMS. They include:

·         Fatigue

·         Weakness

·         Aches

·         Muscle cramps

·         Unusual pain

·         Ice pick pain

·         Headache

·         Light sensitivity

·         Blurred vision

·         Sinus problems

·         Digestive problems

·         Joint pain

·         Morning stiffness

·         Memory problems

·         Focus/concentration problems

·         Mood swings

·         Increased urination

 (Get more info about mold allergy here: http://www.survivingmold.com/mold-symptoms?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SurvivingMold_EmailMarketing)

Research suggests that being an allergic person may predispose you to CFS and FMS. Both disorders seem to be associated with over-reactivity of certain parts of the immune system, just like allergies. 

Researchers have found that more than half of CFS and FMS sufferers have allergies. And a significant proportion of people with CFS and FMS have mold sensitivity which is a big cause of fatigue and muscle aches.
  
 Treating allergies is an important part of treating these two disorders. Individuals usually see their fatigue and other symptoms improve when their allergies improve. I found this to be true. My flare-ups occur when my allergies are at their worst. 
  
How do you control mold allergies?

Allergy to molds is a year-round problem, unlike other allergies that may only be present during pollen season. Molds live everywhere and especially flourish in damp, cooler climates.

Mold allergies can get worse during the fall and winter, especially if you live in an area where the majority of the wetter weather happens during those seasons. Some areas, like Hawaii, will have high mold levels year-round.

Your best defense to lessening your exposure to mold is to be vigilant. However, it is not possible to completely avoid mold in most areas as it thrives indoors and outdoors.

Molds grow on fallen leaves, rotting logs, compost piles, grasses and grains. Indoors, fungi can be found in damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens.

Here are some lessons I have learned about avoiding mold:

·         Avoid climates with increased humidity and rainfall.

·         Frequently clean kitchens and bathrooms to remove mold and mildew. Pay particular attention to showers and refrigerators. Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator door gaskets where molds hide.

·         Use central air conditioning with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters. It will help trap some of the mold spores.

·         Keep the humidity level in your home below 45 percent.

·         Be vigilant about cleaning up damp areas in your home.

·         Clean garbage pails often.

·         Use a cleaning solution made of one ounce laundry bleach per quart of water.

·         Consider purchasing a steam-cleaning device, which can kill mold and make cleaning faster and easier.

 Here is what I have been cooking this week: Mini-Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Yogurt Frosting (gluten-free with grain-free options)

 Ingredients: (makes 2-3 mini-cupcakes)

1/4 C flour (I use blend of almond flour and Anti-Grain pumpkin flour; or use your favorite gluten-free blend.)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. sea salt

1 egg 

stevia, to taste

1/3 cup cooked, pureed carrots

1 T. kefir or milk of choice

1 T. oil (olive oil or your choice)

1/4 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Set out 3 silicon cupcake liners or 2 ramekins. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in food processor or by hand. Pour into containers. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove to cool.

 For the frosting:
1/4 cup yogurt cream cheese or your substitute, such as plain Greek yogurt
Dash of salt, vanilla and stevia.

To make the yogurt cream cheese:

 Spoon four ounces of plain yogurt (preferably homemade and lactose free) into a fine-mesh strainer. Place over another container. Allow to set for 8-12 hours or more as the liquid whey separates and leaves a thick cream-cheese like yogurt behind.

Article shared here:
http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2015/11/allergy-free-wednesday-192.html

http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/ 

 http://vegetarianmamma.com/gluten-free-fridays-167-goodbye-gluten-hello-delicious-recipes/

Promote wellness with cultured foods; plus simple veggie slider sandwiches

Bailey, the cat, demonstrates relaxation techniques we all need.

Kombucha is one of the fermented foods that I have added to my diet because of its health benefits. A diet rich in fermented foods like kombucha helps strengthen the digestive system and bolsters the immune system, something those of us with fibromyalgia need to be concerned about all year round. Actually, everyone’s immune system could probably use a little tune-up, especially as we head into cold season.

What fermented foods can you add to your diet? Besides kombucha, I make sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and all kinds of fruit and vegetables. I’ve even made fermented dill pickles, cultured fruit leathers and salsa. Other fermentation projects I am planning include sourdough gluten-free, paleo bread and Greek-style yogurt.

What is fermentation?
People have long been fermenting foods like wine, yogurt and cheese. Fermentation is a process by which sugars are broken down by helpful bacteria allowing the foods to be stored longer, a practical reason before refrigeration was invented.  


Why eat fermented foods?
Fermented foods are easier to digest because the beneficial bacteria have helped break down the foods. This results in better absorption of nutrients. For instance, raw cabbage is difficult to digest and often causes gas. When cabbage is fermented into sauerkraut, you are better able to absorb its large amounts of vitamin K and C, as well as antioxidants and polyphenols.

I find it difficult to digest carbohydrates but fermentation allows me to enjoy a wider variety of foods. For instance, I usually avoid salsa but I can eat cultured salsa, a little at a time.

Nutritious yogurt and kefir are other foods I can consume because the bacteria break down the lactose during fermentation.

Other beneficial byproducts of fermentation include omega-3 fatty acids, B complex vitamins, digestive enzymes and immune system-enhancing beta glucans. Glutathione, a free radical scavenger in the brain, also is produced during fermentation.

Most of your immune system resides in your gut. These fermented foods give your gut a powerful boost and help strengthen your immune system. Are you convinced?

Three stages of kombucha (l-r): gallon brewing, starter culture tea, kombucha poured for drinking

Getting fermented foods into your diet You can purchase fermented foods in the market (sourdough bread, kefir, fermented pickles and kombucha) but make sure the foods you choose are naturally fermented with traditional lacto-fermentation methods.


I usually culture my own foods because I want to control the ingredients. Homemade cultured foods also are usually richer in bacteria. I always have a number of culturing projects going at the same time. Guests at my house often wonder about all the jars I have placed in warm locations throughout the house. I tell them, “These jars are my science projects.”

You may want to get started by trying kombucha. This fermented tea is made with a kombucha starter culture (scoby), tea prepared with sugar, and some vinegar and/or tea from a previous batch (starter tea). The fermented tea contains a number of vitamins, particularly B vitamins.

I get my supplies from http://www.culturesforhealth.com. When you purchase a kombucha starter culture (scoby), you will get step-by-step instructions for activating the culture and making kombucha. 

Starter culture tea, ready in 30 days

I was a little unsure about trying kombucha because you need sugar to make it. I found out the longer you ferment it, there is very little sugar remaining. In fact, a longer brew time (30 days) results in tea with a richer flavor; more bacteria; and little sugar.

Once you are hooked on kombucha tea, you will want to keep it brewing continuously. I want my kombucha to ferment for at least 21-30 days. That presents problems if you want some to drink every day. 

I started three batches of tea to try to solve the problem. One is ready to drink; another is brewing for 21-30 days; and another is activating the scoby. But if I want to drink some every day, I will need to make bigger batches in gallon-size containers. Another possibility is activating another scoby and getting another container of tea brewing.

Kombucha ready to be enjoyed

While all my culturing projects are going, I’m still harvesting veggies from my garden. Our extended summer weather has kept veggies growing and growing and growing.

I grew patty pan squash this year. It’s delicious and versatile. I made veggie slider “sandwiches” out of some. These little “sandwiches” made me feel like I was eating a real sandwich. Other veggies will work as well. I have tried eggplant, zucchini and winter squash.

Veggie slider sandwiches made from eggplant and patty pan squash

Simply, cut the vegetables into rings. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange your veggies in a single layer on a large baking sheet, covered with parchment paper. Season the veggies with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until tender (about 20 minutes). Throw on other veggies from the garden to serve alongside your “sliders”

While the veggies are cooking, prepare your sandwich ingredients. Pretty simple!

 Article, recipes contributed to:

http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2015/10/allergy-free-wednesday-188-2.html

 http://vegetarianmamma.com/gluten-free-fridays-party-165-find-a-new-gluten-free-recipe/

Eat more protein; paleo burger recipe

Enjoy a good slup from a furry friend. You never know when life will hand you another challenge.

Trigger Point Performance cylinder, exercise band and ice pack help relieve pain

How do I deal with fibro pain without using drugs? Some of the things I use on a regular basis are pictured in the photo above. My ice packs are my closest "friends." I also use exercise bands to help strengthen and stretch, especially my upper body. To loosen up tight areas, sometimes I roll on the "torture" cyclinder (Trigger Point Performance Cylinder).

These things came in handy recently when the same furry friend who nuzzled me and slupped me as shown in photo above also did a number on me. He rammed into me going at top speed in pursuit of another furry pal. The result was an injured leg for me from which I am now recovering.

Kinesiotape, Thera Cane, Biofreeze, neck pad and TML tool

 Pictured above are some of my other favorites for regular pain as well extra pains caused by huskies. I use my heated neck pad every day as well as Thera Cane for neck, shoulder pain. Biofreeze is another favorite for pain relief. Kinesiotape comes in handy for taping up areas that are hurting and need extra support. The TML tool helps loosen up fibrotic areas.

Paleo  turkey burger helps ramp up your daily protein

 

"Health is like a battle against yourself---the tendency is to become more dependent and weaker as you age, but in fact, it is just the opposite. If you are able to walk up stairs, then do it. Appreciate your health."...Arigatou Gozaimashita, centenarian.

 

It's hard to accept but those of us with fibromyalgia are kind of prematurely aged when it comes to absorbing nutrients properly and a slowing down of metabolism. Older individuals often experience poor absorption of vitamins and minerals from their food. We can learn a few lessons from centenarians who have learned how to age well with no loss of energy or muscle mass. 

 Centenarians from countries throughout the world (Italy, Japan, Singapore and U.S.) who enjoyed vitality do one thing in common. They spread out protein intake throughout the day. They were not necessarily on the paleo diet but they ate mainly protein (including fish) and lots of fresh vegetables.  

They ate three meals a day on a regular schedule and included 25-30 grams of protein at each meal. A diet plan with a high amount of high quality protein per meal is recommended to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Unfortunately, most Americans don't eat this way.  For example, a typical American breakfast of milk and cereal or pancakes and juice contains only 5-10 grams of protein.

It may seem challenging to consume that much protein but "most CFS/FMS patients find they do best with a high protein, low-carbohydrate diet," according to From Fatigued to Fantastic author, Jacob Teitelbaum. 

How can you incorporate more protein into your diet? Here are some high protein foods to guide you:

Greek Yogurt, 1 cup, 23 grams of protein
1 large egg, 6 grams
milk, 1 cup, 8 grams
steak, 23 grams, 3 oz.
ground beef, 18 grams, 3 oz.
chicken breast, 24 grams, 3 oz.
turkey breast, 24 grams, 3 oz.
tuna steak, 25 grams, 3 oz.
salmon steak, 23 grams, 3 oz.

 You also can try a paleo turkey burger.

Here's what you need:

1 ground turkey patty (3 oz.) 
shredded zucchini (1 cup)
other shredded veggies such as bok choy, carrot, radish, etc.
olive oil
1 cup mixed greens
1 oz. cheddar cheese
optional: egg
olive oil
sea salt, black pepper
paleo bun (see here for recipe and directions: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2015/08/does-weather-affect-symptoms-plus-easy.html )

Here's what you do:

Cook up your turkey patty in a skillet in a drizzle of olive oil. Season as desired. (Tip: prepare the whole package and freeze extras for other meals.) Remove the turkey burgers from the skillet. Add a little more olive oil to the same pan. Saute your veggies seasoned with salt and pepper. Prepare your paleo bun according to directions given here: http://catsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2015/08/does-weather-affect-symptoms-plus-easy.html
Fry or poach an egg to add to your burger.

Total protein count: approximately 30-35 grams

To assemble, plate up your burger on the bun, topped with sauted veggies, a bit of cheese and egg, if desired. Serve with mixed greens and a cultured dill pickle on the side.  

 http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/
http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2015/09/9394.html 

Does weather affect symptoms? Plus easy paleo bread

High mountain lake in the Sawtooth Mountain Range

As far as I'm concerned, weather is a pain in the budinski. It's so unpredictable---either above or below normal. Only weather people get excited about setting records where weather is concerned. My fibro body does not appreciate record-setting weather.

What about you? How does weather affect your symptoms? From my perspective, weather seems to make my symptoms better or worse, depending on the weather. But I don't like extreme weather anyhow. I should just say "I don't do weather changes well."

Does weather affect fibromyalgia symptoms? No one seems to have definitive proof. In fact, some experts say "no" while fibro sufferers say "yes."Here's some information I found about weather and fibro.

How Does the Weather Affect Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Many fibromyalgia patients claim that changes in the weather directly affect many of their symptoms. In fact, many fibromyalgia sufferers claim that their symptoms vary according to temperature changes, changes in air pressure, and changes in precipitation in their part of their world. Most fibromyalgia sufferers claim that they experience changes in:
 

• fatigue
• sleep patterns
• headaches
• muscle pain
• the number of symptom flare ups

Who is Affected by Weather Changes?
According to a study performed in 1981, a large percentage of fibromyalgia sufferers may actually be sensitive to changes in the weather. In this particular study, 90% of patients claimed that weather was one of the most important influences on their fibromyalgia symptoms. And fibromyalgia sufferers aren’t the only ones to experience weather-related symptoms. You may also find that the weather exacerbates your symptoms if you have:
 

• rheumatoid arthritis
• multiple sclerosis
• osteoarthritis

 
What Weather Factors Affect Fibromyalgia Sufferers?
There are five major weather factors that appear to affect fibromyalgia symptoms. These include:
 

• Temperature: Rapid changes in temperature can sometimes trigger a fibromyalgia flare or help to ease fibromyalgia pain. Cold weather tends to make fibromyalgia symptoms worse, while warmer weather tends to ease those troublesome symptoms.
• Barometric Pressure: Barometric pressure is a measurement of the weight that is exerted by the air all around us. On beautiful sunny days, barometric pressure tends to be quite high, but during a storm or similar weather front, barometric pressure drops suddenly. Fibromyalgia sufferers often find that these changes in barometric pressure can trigger muscle aches and pains.
• Humidity: Absolute humidity is a measurement of the amount of water vapor present in each unit of air. When absolute humidity is low, fibromyalgia sufferers often report headaches, stiffness, and flares in widespread pain.
• Precipitation: Precipitation is the term used to refer to any type of water that falls to the ground from the sky, including rain, sleet, snow, or hail. Precipitation is often accompanied by a change in barometric pressure, and therefore may exacerbate your symptoms of pain and fatigue.
• Wind: Whether it’s a light wind or a gale-force wind, wind generally causes a decrease in barometric pressure. This means that wind can trigger fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches in fibromyalgia sufferers.

We have had nothing but "making the fibro lady miserable" weather in my area this summer. I mean it sucks the energy and joy right out of me but I still press on. Wildfires created numerous red air quality alerts coupled with above normal heat in my area. I had to head to the mountains just to get away from the horrible air and heat. 

 Having some sherpas helps if you are hiking/backpacking. My husband and pups carry more than their share of our gear.

Here I am enjoying a gourmet salmon wrap for lunch.

Here's Misha, the husky, relaxing in the clear mountain air.

Now, what I'd really like on one of my hikes is a paleo bread tuna sandwich, like this one.

Next time, I go backpacking or hiking, I'm going to make one of these babies. My plan is to freeze it so it will be ready when I am along the hike.

This paleo bread sandwich was made with this recipe:
5 T. tahini
1 egg
1 tsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch sea salt
Divide mixture into four discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzled with olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Divide two eggs and allow to come to room temperature

The above recipe makes a pretty sturdy "bread" that holds up well. However, it can be a bit hard to digest because of the tahini. That's why I also have tried  a different version that uses Greek yogurt instead of tahini.

Here's what you need:
2 grassfed eggs, separated and brought to room temperature
3 T. plain Greek yogurt or try other yogurt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
pinch of sea salt

Beat the whites until peaks form

Mix together the yogurt, egg yolks, baking soda and salt

 Start by separating two eggs into two bowls---one with whites, the other yolks. Once the whites reach room temperature, beat them until peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix together the yolks, 3 T. plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. cider vinegar, sea salt.

 Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls as shown above.

 Bake until golden, about 12-15 minutes.

These are a good bread alternative. They will hold up well in a lunch box but probably not a pack.

 http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2015/09/allergy-free-wednesday-183.html

 http://www.fibrobloggerdirectory.com/

http://www.beingfibromom.com/chronic-friday-linkup-8/