Lifestyle

Celiac Disease: The 411 on Getting Tested, Gluten Intolerances, & Gluten Free Recipes

9 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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As many of you know, I follow a (mostly) gluten free diet because I tend to be sensitive to wheat and gluten-containing products. By mostly, I mean that I eat gluten free 90% of the time, but do allow myself Ezekiel bread as the gluten in this bread is easier to digest, as well as the occasional cheat (i.e. a Christmas cookie or freshly baked North End Italian bread while waiting for dinner).

Since I’ve cut gluten out for the most part for almost three years now, I’ve noticed many positive changes, number one being that my digestion has improved tremendously. In college, I used to have terrible stomach pains, constant bloat, and unexplained inability to lose weight no matter what my lifestyle/diet/exercise regime. Now, I can happily say the bloat is pretty much gone, and I feel OK eating just a little piece of bread or a brownie here and there because I don’t go overboard re: stomach issues.

But now I’m left with a pretty BIG problem. I had gone to the doctors this week to get tested for Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that is caused by the intake of gluten … Read More!

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Healthy Relationships ChitChat: Have You Checked in With Yourself Lately?

2 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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The other day, my blogger friend & relationship expert Jen was interviewed on CTV News, where she said some things that really stood out for me. She was stressing that the New Year is a time for fresh beginnings a.k.a checking in with yourself whether you are in or out of a relationship.

Checking in? Now what exactly does that mean, you ask?

Single ladies may ask, “Am I happy where I am?” “Am I focusing on myself?” “Am I being open minded?” “Am I enjoying what I am doing at work/play/home?”

And those that are in a relationship may wonder, “Have things gone stale?” “What can work better?” “Are we affectionate enough?” “Does he/she make me feel good about myself and/or bring out the best in me?”

These are the kinds of questions that you may ask yourself to figure out if you are being the best you, no matter what your relationship status. 

Jen’s most valuable lesson was reminding us to live our best selves. Never let go of that passion. If you like to paint, heck buy an easel and paint away! Don’t worry about being judged by others if you want to … Read More!

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An Update on This Healthy Chick: Part Two

15 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

[the boy & I on Christmas]

So as I was looking over former posts the other day, I realized I haven’t really given an update on my life (you know, the important stuff) in quite some time now (since JUNE!?!) Of course you hear about my new juicer, love for Core Fusion, must-see movies and all of my crazy adventures in the kitchen, but that’s not really all that’s going on behind the scene.

In fact, there are probably many things about me that my readers are unaware of, like the fact that I’m color blind with shades of brown, green and red (and my boyfriend was afraid to buy me roses because he thought I’d think they were poop brown), or that I work at Exhale Spa, or that I’m 24 years old and finally in my first relationship, and a great relationship at that.

I’m highly emotional and sensitive, HATE olives and am obsessed with peanut butter, cheese, and tequila.

OK, those aren’t really the important things of life, but as you can see there’s much more to me than what meets the eye (or my blog).

Like the fact that I’m going to be … Read More!

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Friday Favorites & Holy Headaches

4 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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How can you not love these adorable, little jars?

While I’ve been loving how juicing has been making me feel inside and out, I’m really not loving the headaches that I’ve been getting. I’m pretty sure it’s due to the fact that I’ve been cutting back on coffee lately, or not even drinking it at all some days. After a bright green, clean, delicious juice it just seems strange to jump to a black coffee. Those flavors don’t really mesh too well, ya know?

Plus the juicing has so many wonderful nutrients and essential vitamins in it, and the coffee not to much. I strongly approve of drinking a cup or two of coffee a day for yourself and for the health benefits (hey, my great-grandma lived to be 99 drinking coffee daily) but I’ll have to find a way to balance my coffee addiction with my juicing obsession.

Anyway, it’s Friday so you’ve got it, it’s time for Friday Favorites. I’ve been slacking lately on this weekly post, but I really want to strive to bring it back.

Here goes:

Hurraw!: My boyfriend bought me a three-pack of this all-natural, vegan lip balm for Christmas and … Read More!

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Film Review: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

6 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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You know how I told you all how I got a juicer for Christmas? Well as pain-in-the-butt as it is to clean, I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.

Inspired by my recent love for juicing, The Boy suggested we watch the Joe Cross documentary “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” that he had seen a few months back.  Since I don’t have a Netflix account, we simply found the film on Hulu, and hooked a computer up to our flat screen TV. A-hah, an at-home movie theatre in seconds!

I’m usually a fan of documentaries and real-life, practical advice so I was pretty sure I’d enjoy the film. However, this film blew my expectations out of the ball park.

I won’t give the film away completely for those of you who want to watch it as well (you really should), but it pretty much follows the main character Joe Cross through 60 days straight of juicing. No pizza, no salads, just pure juice.

Joe originally decides to go on a juice cleanse because he was 100 pounds overweight, and sick of being prescribed pill after pill from doctors to “cure” his “incurable” autoimmune disease.

Along … Read More!

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Natural Ways to Mend The Common Cold

5 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Can you believe tomorrow is officially the first day of winter? Time really flies by, huh? Unfortunately along with Saint Nick, mistletoe and eggnog lattes often comes the common cold. While we all try to stay the healthiest we can this time of season, it’s pretty much inevitable the cold bug will get you. With tight quarters during public commute, weather changes, and sick coworkers, it’s pretty tough to stay away no matter how hard we fight back!

Unfortunately, with the flu (which I’m pretty sure I had symptoms of) there is little you can do. But luckily the common cold (mainly runny nose, sneezing and congestion) can easily be cured with natural remedies.

I came across this article on Natural News.com, featuring natural remedies that help with the common cold. While some of their tips are things we hear all the time (drink more liquids, sip on hot tea), some of their advice is quite innovative and unique (at least to me).

Here are some of the most unusual remedies they shared:

  • Olive leaf capsules: They suggest you take these capsules as soon as you feel symptoms coming on, and that more often than not your cold
… Read More!

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Quotable Sunday: Love, Love, Love

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It’s no doubt that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not because of gifts and eggnog and garland and snow (though those are all wonderful too). But really, the greatest thing about the holiday season is all the love that surrounds us.

Family gatherings where we celebrate each other and remember those who have passed, carolers and generous volunteers who brighten the days of those in need, first kisses, Baby’s first Christmas, blossoming romances and old romances,  handwritten holiday letters, miracles. That’s what the holiday season is all about. And clearly, there’s no doubt that love is all around us.

How are you spreading your love this holiday season? Share your comments here! … Read More!

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Boston Organics: Our First Box Has Arrived!

7 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

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I’ve unfortunately been greeted with a terrible cold, and slept until 11:30 a.m. today! I guess that’s my body’s way of telling me it needs its rest. Anyway, as I sniffled my way out of bed, I was delighted to see a package waiting for me at the door. Our first Boston Organics box had arrived, and I couldn’t be more happy to dig in.

My sister and I had originally decided to sign up for Boston Organics because it can be difficult to go grocery shopping for healthy food on a budget when living in the North End, not to mention without a car. We’re also big fans of buying organic when we can, especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. It’s shocking to find out how many chemicals, pesticides, and hormones are added to the foods we eat every day, and the scary thing is it can be hard to tell. Of course not everyone has the money and time to buy organic 100% of the time, but it’s important to at least be aware of these “Dirty Dozen” fruits and veggies you should always buy organic.

Anyway, we decided to give Boston … Read More!

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Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution: Blog of the Month

4 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

This morning I was beyond delighted to wake up to an email from Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution team, informing me that Healthy Chicks has been chosen as one of their blogs of the month. Not only do I get to be featured on their website for the month of December, but I get to “wear” this Food Revolution badge on my blog loud and proud.

I’d be lying to say I’m not absolutely ecstatic to be chosen as a featured blogger, as it is a huge honor. But it means more to me than a “title.” I’m a huge supporter of the Food Revolution and all Jamie has done to get the world eating healthier, and start promoting a more respectable food industry. His mission in teaching people how to spend more time in the kitchen (and less time at the drive-through), cleaning up school lunches, and helping people fuel the bodies and soul with proper nutrients is absolutely phenomenal.

I believe Jamie is creating a real revolution, something that can ultimately change hundreds, thousands, even millions of lives and that all starts with just ONE person spreading the word. To be honest, that’s why I’m currently enrolled at … Read More!

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Inspiring Pieces From Women Around the Web

10 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Who inspires you?

Being a blogger and freelance writer, I am also (no surprise here) obsessed with reading other people’s blogs, magazine articles and inspirational essays. Often, I am drawn to other women who I can relate to and cooking-related blogs, because they make me feel inspired, motivated and connected.

This week, I’ve read a number of amazing pieces from a variety of bloggers whom I follow, and felt that I just had to share their stories with you. It’s only fair, after all. Take a look at these powerful women around the web who’ve got me bookmarking their posts left and right.

“Love, Loss and Spaghetti” by Bianca, Confessions of a Chocoholic: I always love the way Bianca writes, making you feel as if you are right there with her, whether she’s traveling Italy, trying one of Boston’s best restaurants, or biting into a decadent gourmet cheese. This powerful piece of love, food, and loss in particular made me feel like I was right there with her, as I could empathize with what she went through.

“Photo Inspiration: 10 Years of yo-yo dieting” by Elina, Healthy & Sane: Elina is one of the most honest bloggers I … Read More!

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