God gave us a special blessing this morning

I had to go get some blood work done this morning, so I had to fast. Afterwards, my best friend and I went out to IHOP. While we were waiting for our food, my bloodsugar dropped really low. I was feeling really badly, so she prayed for me. Also, while we were there we were talking about Sunday School, the Lord, etc.

When we finished our meal and the gal was going to give us our tab, the hostess came to us and said, "oh no, these ladies' meal has been taken care of by the gentleman at the next table!" He wasn't there, but came back shortly, so we were able to thank him. He just said not to mention it and gave us an invitation to his church's big Easter celebration at the Portland Rose Garden.

I think it could have been a witnessing tool, but since he was sitting right next to my friend, I'm sure he must have heard us talking about the Lord, etc. I really think the Holy Spirit just spoke to his heart about being a blessing to us!

God is so good, and it is so terrific when His children heed His voice!!!

Blessings,
Sharron

Cute Bunnies Photo!

This is a photograph of Violet (black otter rex) and Precious (we think broken smoke pearl Holland lop) snuggling together... so sweet!!

Life goes on and God is still in Control!

I had a discouraging visit with my ND on Monday. After having such an upbeat on with my PA (PCP) last Thursday, it was a bit of a bummer! My PA was all smiles at me because I'm improving with my ankle and my BP had come down. Well, it was back up on Monday -- stress -- and my ND found a very noticible heart murmur. I'm not really sure what it all entails, but she was pretty upset.

I did find this article, which does seem to explain a LOT of what has been going on with me... http://www.consciouschoice.com/1995-98/cc093/hmd093.html

She also said my adrenals are shot (again), and was just generally not very happy with me (the state of my bod.)

Bottom line is I have to get "strict" with my daughter about preparing meals. She wants to go for the carby stuff, and I've just let her fix whatever she was willing to fix because it's already a big deal for her just to have to be cooking. Can't do that any more. We are going to have to do some better meal planning, and I've got to stop eating so much processed stuff (which is mostly what my daughter is willing/able to fix.) It is going to be a challenge. It isn't that she's got a bad attitude or anything, just she's overwhelmed from so much responsibility. Prayer appreciated!

Also, I discovered over the weekend that I'm lactose intollerant! Bah! Explains a lot though...

Oh, and my insurance has denied any more therapy with my ND -- gotta call and fight with them now!

...and life goes on, and God is still in Control!

Dental coupons and Blue chairs

WELL WELL WELL...

I have some "interesting" things to report!

Right after I typed an email to my online prayer group about our finances, I went out to tell the kids and Dustie that we are about $500 short of what we need for bills this payday. I don't have to pay it out right now, but I have to set aside part of the house payment and water bills because I can't pay them out of one check. I did leave us with a bit of grocery money... about $100.

I went into the living room, and while I was getting settled, Dustie asked for the phone book. Aaron started messing around with it after she had used it, and he started getting excited. He bounced over to me and said, "Mommy, will this help?!?"

He handed me a $500 coupon off Jessica's braces that we've been saving money to get...!

I called them this morning and we do qualify for the coupon, PLUS the Melaleuca Health Care card I have (one of those discount plans) is applicable to their office as well, and could save us anywhere from $350 to $1800!!! They'll let me know in the next couple of days what they exact discount is.

It doesn't meet the bills need directly, but certainly will help in the long run!

God does Cool Stuff, eh??

Also, we went shopping and I got everything we should need, except for a few odds and ends for my $100. The odds and ends should be covered by the survey and EBay $$ that trickles in.

PLUS......

I've been needing some new living room chairs. I have one that someone gave us that is sitting in the garage, but it is orange and I'm not too sure would look good in our living room. I was planning on just covering it...

When we first got married I fell in love with this rocker/recliner set, either in pink or blue, liking each color equally well. I had hoped to be able to get them with this tax return, but with the braces, etc., it just isn't going to happen.

WELL...

Yesterday after Aaron discovered the coupon, we got a call from some friends. She said they'd gotten a new couch and had ...

Can you guess???

...a matching pair of blue rocker recliners that she wanted to give to us. They are probably about a little over a year old. She gave Dustie the set that she purchased to replace these a little over a year ago.

"My God is so Great, so Strong and so Mighty, there's Nothing my God Cannot do!!"

Now, I'm just waiting on the scroll saw we are praying for, if it is His will ;)

What About Apple Cider Vinegar? Some health benefits I’ve found.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of those often misunderstood foods. It has been hailed as everything from a wonder-drug cure-all to a complete farce.

First of all, I want to clear up any misconceptions about what product I am talking about. I’m not referring to your run-of-the-mill basic store-bought clear amber colored apple cider vinegar. Rather, I’m speaking of golden-colored, cloudy, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Some claim to have the “mother of vinegar” in the bottle.

My experience suggests that as long as it is organic and unfiltered, it does not need to actually have the mother in the bottle.Originally, my doctor (ND) suggest I take apple cider vinegar as a digestive aid. As I started that program, I discovered some immediate health benefits:

1. Increased energy level.
2. Decreased appetite.
3. Better sleep quality.

That last one is a biggie! For someone with Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia, sleep is about the biggest issue there is!

As I’ve continued taking apple cider vinegar as a supplement, I’ve also noticed some other health benefits:

4. I’ve not caught a cold or any other viral illness during the time I’ve taken it. For me, though, this isn’t that big of a deal -- I rarely get “sick” that way! It has been a boon to my children, though! They are definitely healthier than the normal child because of their diet anyway, but they do get colds and flus on occasion. When they’ve been exposed, or appear to be coming down with something, I fix them apple cider vinegar as a hot drink. It really seems to make their symptoms lessen considerably!
5. If you’ve read much of my site at all, you will know that I’m a “candida survivor” -- I have had a bad case of candida in the past, but it is currently in remission. How I monitor my condition is by the spittle test method. My test has shown clear for the past year and a half, with one exception after I had to go off the low carb way of life briefly for a medical issue. Since starting the apple cider vinegar, my tests are so clear that within two minutes of doing it, there is not even any evidence in the cup that I’ve spat!

There are so many other health benefits from taking apple cider vinegar that I haven’t personally experienced. You can do a Google search for more great info!

Tips for Successful Low Carb Eating

These are some of the things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you weigh 200 pounds then you should be drinking about 100 ounces of water daily.
2. Avoid the “low carb junk food!” Once, very recently, I had an “attack of the bloat monster” as a friend so aptly put it and gained 20 pounds literally overnight after eating some of this low carb “food.” I’m talking about the chips, candies, cookies, meal replacement bars, etc. Personally, I don’t have any problem with low carb bread, tortillas and flavored pork rinds, but see tip #3 for further explanation.
3. Limit low carb foods that are “starch replacements.” Low carb breads, pastas and tortillas make this way of life a lot easier, but don’t fall back into old habits of eating them daily! I find I can have each of these foods approximately once a week and still lose weight and feel great.
4. Eat lots of real, fresh food! Eat until you are satisfied and don’t go hungry. Try to buy the best quality, freshest food available. I am very fortunate that I have a friend who is an organic egg farmer. I find I feel best when I buy bacon and sausage without nitrates and other preservatives.
5. Be aware of “carb creep.” It is really easy to start eating a bit of this and a bite of that and end up going way over your critical carb limit and sparking cravings without even being aware that it has happened! I think this is one of the biggest trouble spots, next to not eating real food, for many low carbers!
6. Don’t skimp on your leafy green veggies! I find that raw salad greens are practically free food for me. The are great sources of nutrition, fiber, as well being just plain yummy! Always choose the “darkest” salad greens, like Romaine and spinach over iceberg lettuce! Iceberg is barely more than water with fiber in it as far as nutrients (and taste!) are concerned.
7. I find I feel best if I have a snack of mostly protein before bed. A piece of chicken or a couple of scrambled eggs keeps my blood sugar stable through the night and I sleep more restfully.
8. Count your carbs, but not calories! (See tips #4 and 5.)
9. Drink your water!
10. Did I say, Drink your water?!

Substitutions for Unusual Ingredients

These are substitutions for unusual ingredients that might be found in Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine or Extreme Lo-Carb Meals on the Go!


Arrowroot powder - You may substitute xanthan gum for arrowroot in sauces or gravies.

Bragg Liquid Aminos - You may use soy sauce in place of Braggs Liquid Aminos. If you are allergic to soy, I’ve found a combination of lemon juice and seasoning salt will make an equitable substitution for soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos.

Coconut milk - If you cannot locate coconut milk, you may substitute buttermilk or kefir in most recipes calling for coconut milk, however the taste will be quite different.

Coconut oil - You may substitute olive oil or lard in most recipes calling for coconut oil.

Kefir - Buttermilk may be used for kefir in most recipes. In some recipes yogurt may be used equally for kefir.

Lard - Nothing fries food quite like lard does, but as a substitute you may use coconut oil or olive oil. Just be aware that the taste and finished product will be different when using these oils rather than lard.

Lemon pepper - If you can’t find a lemon pepper without sugar, you can use black pepper and a small amount of lemon zest.

Milk and egg protein - This one is harder to substitute, and will require experimentation in the specific recipe, but generally soy protein or vital wheat gluten may be substituted for milk and egg protein.

Olive oil - Depending upon the recipe, melted butter if it is in a baked good. If it is a fried food, you may use lard or coconut oil.

Pork rinds, ground - Again, changing this ingredient in a recipe will yeild vastly different results than the original, but in most cases ground almonds or possibly soy protein (depending upon the recipe) will work in place of ground pork rinds.

Seasoning salt - What if you can’t find any seasoning salt without sugar or MSG? You can use garlic salt in its place with very little effect upon the recipe. You can also make my home made seasoning salt, linked in my previous blog post.

Soy protein isolate - You may use vital wheat gluten in place of soy protein in baked goods. In protein shakes, you may milk and egg protein instead of soy protein isolate.

Soy sauce - You may use Braggs Liquid Aminos in place of soy sauce. If you are allergic to soy, see Braggs Liquid Aminos.

SteviaPlus® - You may substitute other stevia products for SteviaPlus, but the results will vary from brand to brand. If you use other sweeteners, you can refer to the chart provided for assistance in sweetness equivalencies.

Sucralose - You may substitute SteviaPlus® or Sweet & Slender® for sucralose, or you may choose another favorite sweetener. Just beware of aspartame, as it isn’t heat stable and is not suitable for cooking.

Sugar free specialty syrups - I can’t give you an exact conversion ratio, but you can substitute flavored extracts plus sweetener and some more liquid in recipes calling for these.

Sweet & Slender® - Since it isn’t intensely sweet like sucralose or SteviaPlus®, converting Sweet & Slender® recipes will require a bit of finesse. Generally, about 1/2 of the amount of sucralose will be required.

Vital wheat gluten - You may use soy protein in place of vital wheat gluten for baking applications.

Xanthan gum - guar gum can be used in place of this or special blends of the gums can be purchased at specialty stores. In gravies and sauces arrowroot powder may be used instead of xanthan gum. In baked goods, substitutions are more difficult. In many cases it may simply be omitted, but this will greatly affect the end product.

Glossary of Unusual Items

These are items you might find in Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine or Extreme Lo-Carb Meals on the Go!

Soy Products
Because there is so much confusion about the different types of soy products that are available and their uses, I have included them here as a separate category. Not all of these soy products are used in my book. Many are simply provided for clarification of terms. The items used in this book are marked with an asterisk (*.)
Also, please note -- I do not use large amounts of soy products in any of my recipes. All in all, the recipes containing soy products amount to less than 10% in my books.

*Bragg Liquid Aminos - A product available in health food stores and some major markets that has a similar flavor to soy sauce, but is not fermented.

Soy flour - A product derived from roasted soybeans. It comes in three forms: 1. Full fat or natural, containing all of the natural oils in the soybean, 2. Defatted, a product in which the oils have been removed, 3. Lecithinated, a product which has had lecithin added to it.Soy protein concentrate - A product containing 70% protein and retaining most of the soybeans natural fiber.

*Soy protein isolate - Protein that has been removed from defatted soy flakes. It contains 92% protein in the form of easily digested amino acids. The brand I use is labled as Soy Protein Powder and contains: Soy protein isolates, natural flavors, soy lecithin, bromelain and papain. It has zero carbs per 1/2 cup and can be found in the health and fitness drinks aisle of most better stores. It can be substituted 1:1 for wheat flour, but since it doesnt have gluten, it will not raise like wheat flour does.

Soy sauce - A fermented salty tasting liquid.

Tofu - There are three types of tofu: 1. Firm tofu, which can be cubed or sliced and used in soups, stew, etc., 2. Soft tofu, which is a blend of firm tofu and silken tofu, 3. Silken tofu is a very soft product, similar in texture to sour cream.

*Whole soybeans - Raw, hard, dried legumes, available for purchase by the pound. Usually they are yellow, but can be brown or black as well.


Other Products Used in my Book

Almonds, ground - In the past, I have ground my own whole raw almonds because of the expense of purchasing the pre-ground type. New products are available on the market and the prices are coming down. If you can afford it, pre-ground almonds are a wonderful product that contains all the wonderful healthful fats and fiber of the almonds in their natural state, without the work of grinding them! Ground almonds are different from almond flour, which has the fat removed from it.
Also, when a recipes says “almonds, ground,” what is meant is the amount of ground almonds that will fit in the measure, not the whole almonds measured, then ground.

Arrowroot powder - This is a thickener that has fewer carbs than white flour, but is not extremely low carb. However, it is the only choice for many who are allergic to wheat and xanthan gum. It contains 7 grams of carbs per tablespoon, but does require about 1/3 the amount to thicken as flour does. It is available at most natural food stores, and is also sold with the spices. Try to find in the bulk aisles, however, as the bottled kind is extremely expensive.

Bacon cured without nitrates - It will be necessary to visit a natural foods store to purchase “uncured” bacon, but it is well worth the effort, as nitrates are known carcinogens.

Coconut milk - I use Chaokoh variety that I purchase from an Asian market. I like this particular one because of its thick, creamy texture. Other brands are available at many grocery stores and health food stores, if you don’t have access to an Asian market. “Lite” coconut milk doesn’t have the same health benefits as regular coconut milk does, but can be useful as a dairy substitute if you are sensitive to dairy and want to reduce the fat intake of your diet.


Coconut oil - Recent research has revealed that coconut oil has many healthful properties. It also only contains 6.8 calories per gram as opposed to other fat sources which contain 9 calories per gram. I use the Expeller Processed Coconut Oil, but the Virgin Coconut Oil is an excellent product.

Ground nuts - Other than almonds, like hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans. They are all useful in baking as a flour alternative and are especially useful in quick breads and pie crusts.

Guar gum - see Xanthan gum.

Hot chili oil - Hot chili oil is available at most grocery stores in the ethnic foods section. Please try to purchase Hot Sesame Chili oil rather than Hot Chili Oil made with other vegetable oils.

Kefir - Kefir is a wonderful fermented dairy product that has a host of healthful probiotics, not to mention the fact that it is delicious. Kefir is available at health food stores, but is best when “brewed” at home. Avoid the packets of starter culture, as they don’t contain the entire complement of probiotics that are contained in kefir that has been brewed from “grains.” Kefir grains are available from anyone who has them free or for the cost of postage. See the Dom’s Kefir In-Site in the Bibliography for more information.

Lard - I use lard because it is a natural, rather than man-made fat source. I noticed immediate health benefits when I stopped using the typical liquid oils that are in most American homes. It is usually available in the meat aisle near the bacon or in the ethnic foods section with the Mexican food. Try to avoid hydrogenated lard, if at all possible.

Lemon pepper - Choose a variety that has no sugar or MSG. It is available in the seasonings section of grocery stores.

Milk and egg protein - A product found in the drinks aisle of many health food stores. The brand I use is labeled as Milk & Egg Protein Powder and contains: Calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, DHA powder, egg white, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, natural flavor, bromelain and papain. It has 1 gram of carbohydrates per 1/2 cup. It performs differently in baking than does soy protein, which more closely resembles wheat flour in its behavior. Milk and egg protein is, however, more absorbent than soy protein. Milk and egg protein doesn’t convert 1:1 as soy protein does for wheat flour in baking. Also, Trader Joes has removed this product from its line. Hopefully, it is a temporary situation!

Mountain Bread® - Mountain Bread is a very useful low carb wrap. It can be used as a tortilla replacement or in egg rolls. It is available at better health food stores or on the Internet.

Olive oil - I generally use virgin olive oil, though in some recipes, you may wish to use “light” olive oil, which has a milder flavor than that of the virgin. I use olive oil in most applications where a liquid oil is called for. I don’t prefer it for frying as it imparts a distinct flavor to foods, but some recipes do great with that flavor. This is just a personal preference.

Other oils - Walnut, peanut, and grapeseed oils are very high in anti-oxidants and are good alternatives to the highly processed liquid oils like soybean and corn. Use them as your wallet dictates!

Pork rinds, ground - I purchase pork rinds in the Mexican foods section of my local grocery store. They also go by the name of chicharrones, and to put it very simply, are fried pork skin. They are a very high protein food, and are actually surprisingly low in both fat and sodium, considering that they are sold as a “chip!” I grind my own using my food processor to a fine powder.

Sea salt - I use sea salt instead of regular table salt for its increased mineral content. It is available in most better stores. Beware of the brands that add sugar to their salt!

Seasoning salt - Choose a variety that has no sugar or MSG. It is available in the seasonings section of grocery stores. I have released my personal recipe for seasoning salt and it is available http://www.sweetandslender.com/category.php?subcat=recipes&subpage=seasoning

Sesame oil (roasted) - Sesame oil is available at most grocery stores in the ethnic foods section. It is less expensive and more choices are available at an Asian market.

SteviaPlus® - A blend of stevia (herb) and inulin fiber that is a great natural (not man-made) sweetener. It has no impact on blood sugar levels and can help promote a healthy digestive tract.

Sucralose - I use the brand Splenda® No Calorie Sweetener in the packets. I don’t use the granular form, in general, because it has a lot of filler, thus more empty carbs.

Sugar free specialty syrups - These are the type that are typically associated with flavored coffees. There are many brands on the market, just please do your best to avoid the ones made with aspartame, as that sweetener is not heat stable and is unsuitable for baking. The brands I use are Toriani and DaVinci’s. They are available at larger supermarkets and also through catalogs and Internet purchase.

Sweet & Slender® - A blend of fructose and Luo Han Guo fruit extract. The fructose is the carrier for the intensely sweet Luo Han Guo fruit. It isn’t intensely sweet like sucralose or stevia, but has a comparatively mild sweet flavor. It is great in muffins, teas and used as a flavor enhancer in recipes.

Vital wheat gluten - Vital wheat gluten is the protein portion of the wheat. This product is 75% protein. It contains 6 grams of carbohydrates per 1/4 cup. It is excellent for baked goods because of its propensity for rising and producing an elastic dough. It is called Vital Wheat Gluten or Vital Wheat Gluten Flour, and can be find in the baking aisle in most stores, usually on the top shelf with other specialty products.

Xanthan gum - Xanthan gum is a tiny micro-organism that provides thickening and leavening qualities. It contains 8 grams of carbohydrate per tablespoon but is pure fiber so has no impact on blood glucose levels. I also use it as a binder in crusts that need extra support due to a very moist filling.

No Bake Cookies! Low Carb, of course!

No Bake Cookies, Low Carbed

Makes about 34 cookies.

It is quick, easy and yummy! A real winner.

1/2 tablespoon SteviaPlus®
24 packets sucralose
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup yogurt or kefir (coconut milk or cream would also work)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut1/2 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup milk and egg protein*
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds

*Note: Milk and Egg Protein has been, at least temporarily discontinued at Trader Joes

1. Combine the SteviaPlus®, sucralose, cocoa powder, yogurt and butter in a medium sized sauce pan. Stir while heating over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil and boil for about a minute.
2. Remove the cocoa mixture from the heat and add the remaining ingredients, stirring well.
3. Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper and allow the cookies to cool for approximately one hour at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information per serving:
Carbohydrates: 3 gramsEffective Carb Count: 1 gramsProtein: 3 gramsFat: 9 grams
Calories: 98

C2003, 2004 Sharron Long. All rights reserved.

The Prayer of Jabez God’s blessings on your life!

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4:10

July, 2002 I felt very strongly that I was supposed to look into “The Prayer of Jabez,” by Bruce Wilkinson. I didn’t know anything about it at all. I had just heard many of my friends and associates say what an amazing little book it was!

My friend and I were co-teaching a ladies’ Bible study, (which in itself was rather odd since I’m a Children’s Church worker!), and we felt we were supposed to discontinue the rather uninspired book we had been studying in favor of the Prayer of Jabez.

She had studied it at her previous church and had a full compliment of notes. The first session, she lead the class in very simply out lining the prayer and encouraging us to pray it daily and see what results we would experience. I took the challenge!

I will share what has happened in my life since taking that challenge, but first I want to issue a warning: I know that many folks think of Jabez’s Prayer is a “get rich quick scheme” with God. That isn’t it, or at least it shouldn’t be! What I’ve learned is that the Jabez Prayer should be a passion -- a heart attitude of wanting the very best God has for you! If that includes riches and wealth, then so be it. If it doesn’t, then God’s will is supreme. This is not fatalistic, but rather trusting God’s wisdom to be enough for you...

The Bible study was on Wednesday night. That Saturday I was scheduled for an event to promote my book, “Low Carb Cooking at Sharron’s Place,” at a local distributor. In that one day, God fulfilled all four portions of the prayer!

The portions of the prayer are:
1. Bless me indeed -- that is LOTS of provision!
2. Expand my territory -- that is area of influence as well as land.
3. Let Your hand be with me -- guiding me and directing me.
4. Keep me from evil that I may not cause pain -- that nothing evil canharm me and that no one else would be harmed.

How those parts were fulfilled that day:
1. I sold a large amount of books!
2. My book was taken on by another distributor and placed intomany new stores. I also made several new business contacts.
3. The Lord lead all of my conversations -- I was able to witness for Him in a very real way!
4. I was protected from a direct verbal and spiritual attack from theenemy and the person who was being used in the attack ran away! No one was harmed.

Thus began my adventure with the Prayer of Jabez! It is still continuing...

Since living the Prayer of Jabez as a lifestyle, I have seen dramatic events in my life:1. My cookbook, “Low Carb Cooking at Sharron’s Place,”was recognized by a major publisher. They have taken it on and the new fully updated and expanded edition, tentatively titled “Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine,” is due out for Christmas 2003 sales! I could list dozens of miracle that go along with that except for space constraints.
2. God dramatically, in an instant, healed my food allergies. I am currently in the process of re-introducing all of my formerly violent allergens back into my diet!
3. We are truly blessed! In fact, the expression, “blessings you cannot contain” would be very appropriate! All of our cupboards, my pantry and freezer are always full to capacity.
4. God has expanded our territory -- we have purchased a home that is fully three times the house and nearly three times the yard as the home we formerly owned. It is a gorgeous home -- one that a Loving Father would chose for His children! All that, and our house payment is not going to significantly change!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea! The Prayer of Jabez has been life changing for me and my family. It isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but God can and will use it in your life if you are surrendered fully to Him.

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is as simple as a prayer away! Just pray and ask the Lord to forgive you of the things you have done wrong and ask Him to take leadership of your life. Find yourself a good church -- any good, Bible teaching church will do -- and send me an email if you make that most important of all decisions!

Neutralization Procedure for Allergies and Sensitivities

Please note: I am not a physician. I am simply a lay person who has used this technique and am sharing my results. Please don’t take my word as medical advice.

Can I really treat my own allergies? Since allergies / sensitivities are neurological, not organic as we'vealways been taught, they can be treated by stimulating the nervous system. It may sound hokey, but, as of June 2003, we've successfully treated my children for crayons, cocoa, oranges, wheat, sugar and peanuts successfully. I’ve been treated for sugar, cat hair and chicken successfully. We’ve treated my best friend for onions and sugar successfully.

The neutralization procedure:
This requires two people.
1. First muscle test to make sure you are reactive to the item.
2. Put about 1 gram -- same as a packet of sweetener, NO MORE-- of the item into a zippered plastic bag. If more than 1 gram is used, a violent reaction could occur. When we were first learning this procedure, I used a whole chicken thigh for treatment and ended up quite ill!
3. Place the sealed plastic bag up against your body, in a pants pocket works best.
4. The other person will then need to give you a back rub -- all along the spine from stem to stern -- for 3 minutes. Direct contact with the skin, rather than through the clothing seems to work best. You may use some lotion, castor oil or olive oil to help with the rubbing. Just be sure to test that you aren’t allergic to it!
5. After the 3 minutes is up, the other person will then finish the rubbing with a really thorough ear rub -- really work them for about 30 seconds.
6. Leave the item in your pocket for an hour. Be sure the item stays in your pocket! When we did the self-treatment for allergies with my youngest for oranges, she dropped it part-way through and the treatment had to be re-done a few weeks later. The rest of the kids got to eat oranges while she couldn’t. She was very disappointed.
7. Re-test for sensitivity as described here. You should be strong (not sensitive) with the item now.
8. Avoid the allergen completely for 3 days. After the 3 days, re-test. You should still be strong with it.
9. If it is a food item, eat a tiny bit (like a gram) the first day, a little more the 2nd day, then the 3rd day (6 days after treatment) have a normal portion of it. If it is a chemical, use the product or be exposed to it in the same little-by-little manner.

Following these steps, the allergen can be added back into your diet / life. Depending upon how bad your sensitivity was originally will determine how often you can have it. If it is major, like my son and wheat, he can have it every 4 days or so. Minor like peanuts, he can have them whenever he wants.

I know this sounds crazy and convoluted, but it really does work. It just takes a little pre-planning to have help available and being able to avoid the allergen / sensitivity for a few days.

A few words of caution.
1. In my family’s experience, the day of treatment is very difficult. Prepare yourself to feel sick all day. We usually do treatments in the morning and plan on everyone taking a nap! Don’t plan on going out or doing anything strenuous the day of treatment.
2. I wouldn’t recommend that you take any allergy medications the day of treatment or even when doing testing because they could interfere with the results.
3. Don’t treat for multiple items at a time. For instance, if I was allergic to vinegar, tomatoes and peppers, it wouldn’t be wise for me to use salsa to treat all of them at the same time. You might overload your system and have a bad reaction.
4. Don’t do treatments frequently. We only seem to do about one treatment every three months or so. I certainly wouldn’t recommend that you do them more than once a month. You could overwhelm your system and end up with a severe reaction.
5. Remember, I’m not a doctor! Check with your physician before taking any medical advice.

Self-Test for Allergies and Sensitivities

Please note: I am not a physician. I am simply a lay person who has used this technique and am sharing my results. Please don’t take my word as medical advice.


What is an Allergy / Sensitivity Self-Test?
I understand that there are similar things on the Internet to the test I'm going to tell you about, but it is my Naturopathic Physician (ND) who taught me how to do this self-test for allergies.

How can a self-test for allergies / sensitivities be valid?
It is based upon the principle that allergies are actually a neurological phenomenon rather than organic. Let that sink in a moment. It is a complete paradigm shift.

Now, based upon that premise, you can do a "muscle test" to determine sensitivities. Basically, what you are doing is forming a circuit with your body. The allergen / sensitivity "breaks" the circuit, causing weakness. An electronic form of this testing is available and very, very close to FDA approval, I understand. It is called Vega testing.

Two person test method: First do a “neutral test” to determine how much pressure can be applied. Extend one arm to shoulder level. Another person then pushes down on your wrist. It is very important to do it at the wrist -- that is where the “circuit” is. After determining the amount of pressure to apply, then hold the item to be tested up against your abdomen. Extend the opposite arm to shoulder level and have the other person pushes in a downward motion on your wrist. If using the same amount of pressure, you can continue to hold your arm up, then you aren't reactive to it. If your arm goes down, you are.

One person test method: To do it to yourself, first do a “neutral test” to determine how much pressure you can apply. Extend the index finger of the hand that will be used to test strength or weakness and press down on the joint at the end of your finger. Be sure and press at the joint to form a circuit. After determining how much pressure to apply, hold the test item in one hand, then extend the index finger of the OPPOSITE hand -- this is very important! If you don’t use the opposite hand, you won't make a circuit and you'll have a false test! Using the hand holding the item, push on the last joint of your finger near your fingernail of the opposites hand in a downward motion. If you can stay strong, you aren't sensitive to the item. If you are weak with the item, then you are sensitive to it.

What if the item is very large and can’t be held in the hand? I’ve found that I can simply put my hand on the item and have someone press on my opposite arm effectively. This also works for the one person test. It seems that the item simply needs to be in your personal space for it to cause the circuit to break if it is a problem.

What about non-food allergies? This test works for everything I’ve ever tried it with! I’ve tested myself with household chemicals, potting soil, medications, cat hair and numerous other items.

Does this always mean I’m allergic to an item? No, this test doesn’t necessarily mean you are allergic to an item. Sometimes, I’ve found it just means my body doesn’t “want” whatever at the time. For instance, I’m not allergic to the natural pain medication I take, but there are times my body doesn’t want it. If I’m uncertain as to whether or not I really need it, I’ll test myself. Often on those occasions, I’ll test weak with it. It isn’t an allergy, it’s just a “not now.” Also, if your system is weakened for some reason, you may test allergic to something that isn’t normally an allergen for you. I have had this happen with several things when I’ve not been feeling well.

Oil of Oregano

Please note: I am not a physician. I am simply a lay person who has experience in this area and am sharing my results. Please don’t take my word as medical advice.

Oil of oregano is an amazing product. I use full strength oil of oregano. It must be diluted -- it cannot be used at full strength! I keep an empty container on hand and refill it 1 part oil of oregano to 4 parts olive oil.

How is oil of oregano useful?
It is a great topical pain killer. Just put a few drops on the place you are hurting, and usually the pain goes away almost immediately! I’ve put a few drops on my sons knees when he has fallen (no scrapes*) and he’s gone from wailing to smiling in seconds. I’ve used it on my neck and back when I’ve had pain with great success. My friend has also put it on her temples when she’s had a migraine, and it has helped alleviate the pain.

*Note: Be careful about using it on open wounds. Unless you have a very strong constitution, avoid it because it really stings!

It is great for fighting infections. Since I’ve discovered oil of oregano, I’ve not had a single cold or flu. When I start to feel that tickle at the back of my throat that signals one is about to hit, I put the tiniest bit of oil of oregano just on the insides of my nostrils and on my chest. I’ve not had a cold in two years! I understand it is great for fighting bacterial infections as well. We use it as a chest and back rub agent when someone does get sick to improve blood flow and encourage rest. I also put a drop on band aids when my kids get hurt to help prevent infection.

It is terrific for taking care of fungal infections. I used it for treating candida -- though I don’t recommend anyone treat candida in such a manner without a competent, qualified, experience Naturopathic Physician guiding the way! If it is taken internally for more than just a dose or two, it is my opinion that it should be followed 15 minutes to 2 hours later by a glass or kefir.

It can also be used topically for fungal infections, burns and other skin troubles. I’ve used it successfully on rashes and burns. The quicker I get the oil of oregano onto the burn the more successful the treatment has been. I’ve had a couple of particularly nasty burns that have been completely taken care of by applying oil of oregano directly on the burn within the first two minutes. We’ve used it topically to treat bee stings. We’ve also used it successfully when my son got shocked by an electric fence. It relieved the pain almost immediately.

It can help breathing troubles / asthma. I have only had one asthma attack. I was exposed to some chemicals at a store and came home unable to breathe. I rubbed some oil of oregano on my chest and throat and put the opened bottle directly under my nose and breathed it for about 5 minutes. I was able to avoid a trip to the hospital!

It can help allergies. I’ve used it numerous times to help me recover from allergy attacks once they have hit. It usually has helped my symptoms within 10 minutes of onset.

Pet troubles. Once our cat had what I can only guess was a small patch of mange. I put a drop on the spot once a day for three days in a row. The patch disappeared. So did the cat! She was mad at me for weeks! But she eventually got over it, and we did not have to spend a lot of money at the vet!

These are just the ways my family and close friends have used it. You may find other uses as well!

Candida, Fibromyalgia (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS) and Allergies

Please note: I am not a physician. I am simply a lay person who has experience in this area and am sharing my results. Please don’t take my word as medical advice.

Is candida real?
There is much debate in the medical community about whether or not candida really exists as a common problem in our society, or it is simply restricted to localized infections (such as jock itch, vaginal yeast infections, toenail fungus, dandruff and athletes foot,) and only a genuine condition for those suffering from AIDS. My personal experience and study tells me differently.

My experience.
I spent many years suffering with a variety of complaints from allergies to Irritable Bowel Syndrome to fibromyalgia (chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS.) I underwent a rigorous candida treatment, essentially following Dr. Robert Atkins plan as outlined in his book “Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution,” c1992, 1999, guided by my Naturopathic Physician. I cannot say that all of my troubles went away after treatment, but I can say that they got significantly better! Just looking at my before and now pictures says volumes about my internal health! At the time of the second photo (purple blouse) my candida and fibromyalgia symptoms were raging. I was suffering with migraine headaches almost daily and my cravings were totally out of control. As of June, 2003, I have not had a migraine for over 2 full years!

Dr. Atkins candida restrictions.
The restrictions necessary for one following the candida protocols that Dr. Atkins outlined are extremely difficult. A person suffering from candida must undergo an intense treatment period where the already restricted low carb diet is restricted even further. A person with candida may not have anything yeasty, moldy or fermented. This includes cheeses, vinegar, yeasty foods like bread, soy sauce, condiments, mushrooms and the like. While that is the plan I followed for the duration of my treatment -- 10 months during 2001 to 2002 -- it is not necessarily the way I would suggest everyone treat candida. Since that time I have studied and experienced much, and I would like to share some of that research and experience with you.

Can the Water Cure and Salt Cure help?
A good while into my treatment plan, I learned about the Water Cure and the Salt Cure. I added these into my plan and saw dramatic results immediately. One of the foremost was that my seasonal allergies disappeared within just a few days. My best friend has been following the Water Cure and the Salt Cure with dramatic results in lowering her high blood pressure, and her candida is nearly in remission.

In remission?
Yes, it is my opinion that a candida infection is much like any serious immune disorder -- it can go in and out of remission. There may be times when a person who has recovered from candida will have a flare.

How can I know if I’m having a candida flare?
The simplest way I’ve found is by the spittle test, which is described here. (I do not necessarily agree with the viewpoints on this website, but it is a valid test, nevertheless!) The spittle test has helped me to monitor my status without any outside intervention.

How should I be eating?
There is actually a low carb plan that seems to be specifically designed with candida sufferers in mind, even if that wasn’t their intention! The Go-Diet is a low carb plan that emphasizes the use of kefir and yogurt. They also have a page specifically for candida sufferers. They suggest that by simply adding a clove of garlic, a tablespoon of coconut -- I believe coconut oil is a good choice as well, and kefir to your diet, you should be able to control candida. Another resource that has been extremely valuable to me has been The Weston A. Price Foundation. Especially noteworthy are the sections on fats and the “Nasty, Brutish, Short” article.

What are the basics of candida treatment?
It is my opinion, as someone who has been through the healing process of candida, that a combination of the Water Cure and Salt Cure and The Go-Diet following their protocols -- emphasizing kefir, especially -- along with a few other dietary modifications, should allow a person to hopefully achieve and at least remain in remission with candida.

Dietary modifications?
1. Avoid nitrates and nitrites. It has been my experience with candida and my overall health, that I feel much better when I avoid nitrates and nitrites. There is evidence that suggests these are cancer-causing agents common in the American diet. There is also research that seems to indicate they are a factor in diabetes. At any rate, I just know I feel better when I avoid them! It seems many of my allergy symptoms -- bloating, sleeplessness and rashes -- mysteriously disappear when I eliminate them from my diet! (Not so mysterious, eh?)
Where are nitrates and nitrites found? They are common ingredients in most processed meats -- including bacon and luncheon meat. Many of these foods can be purchased without the additives at most local health food stores. If you have a Trader Joes nearby, you are fortunate indeed! They carry nitrate / nitrite free bacon, organic cheeses, organic sour cream and the highest quality nuts I’ve found!
2. Add coconut products, particularly coconut oil, into the diet. Coconut contains many properties that appear to aid the healing process with candida. The Go-Diet’s candida page discusses whole coconut, but cooking with coconut oil seems to have terrific properties and may be easier to add into the diet, especially if you have a fussy eater who won’t eat shredded coconut. The expeller pressed coconut oil seems offer many of the health advantages of the extra virgin coconut oil, without the taste. Adding coconut milk into your cooking will add the healthful properties as well. Just substitute it anytime you need milk or cream in a recipe. It is especially useful in baked goods.
3. Discover and eliminate food allergies. These can be tricky, but essential, especially if you are a fibromyalgia (CFS) sufferer. Folks with fibromyalgia (CFS) have constant pain that gets worse on occasion. There are 18 trigger points associated with fibromyalgia (CFS.) (I don’t necessarily agree or disagree with the other items on this site, but the picture is very helpful!) My experience with fibromyalgia (CFS) was that once I discovered and eliminated my food allergies, my symptoms nearly disappeared!

How can I track food allergies?
I used a chart method to track my allergies. I weighed daily -- bloating is a very common symptom. I didn’t actually “journal” my food per se, but I did keep track of what caused my symptoms: Headache, foggy brain, excruciating pain -- especially in the extremities, fatigue, moodiness and bloating. Once I noticed a pattern, I eliminated that food for 10 days to two weeks. I then reintroduced the food and observed. In most cases, I had very noticeable reactions. Some were extreme. Later I learned how to test for and treat my allergies.

Note: Nightshades are a very common allergen. The nightshade family of plants includes: Tomatoes, potatoes, paprika, peppers of all varieties (bell, jalapeno, etc.,) and eggplant. Some folks vastly improve their symptoms simply by eliminating these foods from their diet!

4. Eat whole foods as much as possible. The Weston A. Price Foundation has done much research on this subject. Please especially note the section on fats and the article, “Nasty, Brutish, Short.”

Here's a Kefir Recipe!

Kefir Smoothie

This makes about 6 - 1 cup servings.

Kefir? What in the world is a kefir??? That was what I thought the first time I heard about it. Now, it is a part of my regular diet. It is a wonderful buttermilk / yogurt type product that, in my opinion, is infinitely superior to either of them. The flavor is better and the compliment of friendly bacteria is far above and beyond!

If candida is an issue for you, it may be helpful in your healing process. It is available in health food stores or, if you know someone who has kefir grains, you may get starter from them and have an infinite supply of this super food!

This recipe increases in volume by about 30%.
General amounts:
4 cups (1 quart) kefir1/2 cup berries, see below1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ginger1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)Sweetener varies, see belowAlmond or vanilla extract, see below
Variations (use the basic recipe, above, plus the following):
Cranberry -- Use 1 teaspoon SteviaPlus®, 1 teaspoon Sweet & Slender® and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
Blueberry -- Use 3/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus®, 3/4 teaspoon Sweet & Slender® and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
Strawberry -- Use 3/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus®, 3/4 teaspoon Sweet & Slender® and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Strawberry/blueberry -- Use 3/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus®, 3/4 teaspoon Sweet &Slender® and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
*Note -- you may need to adjust the sweeteners depending upon how tart your kefir is or how sweet you like it.

Instructions: Place all of the ingredients into a blender container. Begin blending on lowest speed, until the seasonings begin to mix in, then turn the blender up to high and whip for approximately 1 minute.

Nutritional information per serving:
Carbohydrates: 4 gramsEffective Carb Count: 4 gramsProtein: 6 gramsFat: 5 gramsCalories: 109Reduced Fat Variation: Use fat-free kefir and proceed as directed.Carbohydrates: 4 gramsEffective Carb Count: 4 gramsProtein: 9 gramsFat: traceCalories: 99

Copyright 2003 Sharron Long. All rights reserved.

What's the big deal about kefir?

Please note: I am not a physician. I am simply a person who has used this product and is sharing my results. Please don’t take my word as medical advice.

Kefir is an amazing food product that I consider to be essential for those who are fighting candida infections and anyone interested in improving their overall health.

What is kefir?
Kefir is a drink, rather like yogurt, that is produced by kefir grains. Kefir grains are not grains in the same sense that wheat, oat and corn are grains. They are living organism that digest milk to produce kefir. This happens on the same principle as yogurt, but the grains are actually a separate living thing from the finished product, unlike yogurt. The grains look rather like cottage cheese and are like a gummy worm in texture.

Kefir probiotics.
Apparently, kefir has the same probiotic mix (flora) that a healthy human gut does. When that delicate balance gets out of whack, as with candida and other intestinal disorders, kefir can go a long way towards putting that balance back the way it was intended. Candida sufferers, in my opinion and experience, may consume kefir freely! It helps re-establish the missing elements and put the candida beasties back in their place.

Other health benefits from kefir.
Along the way my family and friends have noticed other benefits from consuming kefir. A relative of mine had bleeding gums that have since cleared up since starting on kefir. I have used it topically to help soothe a rash. I use kefir as a deep conditioning treatment for my hair and skin. I put some warmed kefir on my hair and let it rest there while I’m showering, then at the last I wash and condition my hair as usual. It seems to strip out any chemicals, like from swimming or build up, and leaves my hair and skin glowing!

My favorite kefir recipe is a kefir smoothy. I can even get my kefir-hating husband to drink this! Yummy!

Kefir cream cheese.
Kefir can also be made into a delicious cream cheese spread. Simply line a colander (plastic preferred) with a thin, non-terry towel over a large bowl. Pour the kefir into the towel-lined colander and cover the top with another towel or plate to keep debris from getting into it. Allow it to drain, refrigerated, until it is quite thick. Then you can whip the strained kefir in a mixing bowl with your favorite sweetener. You may reserve* the whey or discard it.

*Note: The whey from cream cheese making can be used as a chemical stripper for your hair and toner for your skin. It doesn’t act as a deep conditioner as the whole kefir does, though.

What about the carbs? Low Carb Luxury does a good job of explaining the reality of the carb situation. Essentially, one cup of yogurt, kefir or buttermilk contains only 4 grams of carbs, so drink up!

Other kefir resources. Dom’s Kefir In-Site Dom is probably the leading authority on kefir, at least as far as I am concerned! Much of what I have learned about kefir has come from him and subsequently my own experience.

Please note: Due to my injury, I have not been able to make any kefir for quite some time, and am thus, unable to share grains. I will post in my blog if I am able to get it up and running again and have extras to share.

Why SteviaPlus?

The statements made on this page are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. Please check with your physician before making any dietary or lifestyle changes


You may be wondering why I chose to use a specific stevia product in my low carb cookbook rather than just saying to use any stevia product available. And, for that matter, why stevia at all? Why not just any sweetener? This page is here to answer those questions!

Why Stevia?
Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that has been used for generations by South American natives safely as a natural calorie free sweetener. It has no carbohydrate value! This is great news for those following a low carb diet (like Atkin’s diet), diabetics and others who are trying to control their carbohydrate intake. It is an all natural substance rather than an artificial sweetener. Unlike some artificial sweeteners, it does not break down when it is heated. That is good news to me!

Why SteviaPlus®?
Why did I choose SteviaPlus® rather than some other stevia based product, or couldn’t I have just generically said “stevia powder” in my low carb recipes? SteviaPlus® is standardized to be the same all the time -- there will not be variations in the results of the recipes. Also it contains FOS -- a healthy dietary fiber that is reputed to help stabilize blood sugar levels and assist in the healing process of candida.

FOS has an added benefit for those following a low carb diet, like Atkin’s diet, in that it is pure fiber, thus deductible if you follow a low carb plan that allows for fiber deduction (Effective Carb Count or ECC). What that means is that SteviaPlus® has an ECC of ZERO!

TheLowCarbCook.com is coming down...

My hosting arrangements are coming to an end, so I'm going to take down www.thelowcarbcook.com. There is some information in there that I want still to be available to folks, but I don't want to have to pay for it. I'm going to put the information here in my blog. The next several posts will be cut and paste pages from my site thelowcarbcook.com -- it will come down in a day or so, I believe.

I hope that folks have enjoyed the site, but since I've been paid nothing by my publisher for 2 years now, I just cannot afford to keep it up.

Blessings,
Sharron

My Ankle and Our new storefront!

I haven't posted for some time... We've had a lot going on personally. My mother in law passed on to be with the Lord. Everytime I close my eyes and think about her, I see her dancing with Jesus :)

Then, right after that, my foot got a whole lot worse. I felt something that was like a snapping rubber band in my ankle and I've lost all strength. The MRI they did last week doesn't show anything broken or severed, just very badly sprained. Great. I had a very badly sprained wrist and was in a brace for 8 months! I have to make an appointment to go to OHSU to see a specialist there. Apparently Dr. Niccacio thinks it is pretty bad...

Just before I had that snapping happen, I switched over our website -- I actually have a REAL store front at www.jamsgems4u.com! I uploaded all of our products, except for the Christian and Family Games & Comics, which I will leave at www.jamsgems.com. I'll have to do some site re-design when I'm feeling better. I love the new website though! It has the capability of interfacing with my EBay items, so I will always be able to track my inventory & that really rocks!

I also did a huge order of gemstone beads before my foot got so bad that I can only be on the computer for a few minutes at a time. I haven't even been able to open up the box, yet, but I'm so excited about what I got! I purchased a whole lot of really fun pearls, gemstones and pendants. I really think they will enhance our store!

My foot got worse before I was able to finish making the storefront at www.jamsgems4u.com all nice and pretty. Some of the images are huge, but everything works. Come check it out :)

Blessings,
Sharron

PS: Details are not necessary, but I will be taking down www.thelowcarbcook.com within the next few days, also, after many years of association, I can no longer recommend www.lowcarbeating.com with a clear conscience. Please be advised.