3 years ago I was diagnosed with ‘coeliac disease’ just before christmas. I was so upset…i thought that the doctor had completely wrecked my christmas!
But it’s not that bad!
Here’s some gluten free ideas for christmas.
GF turkey stuffing
I think it’s really strange how people cook up a mixture and stuff it up turkey and chickens butts and then eat it! But anyway I still do it because turkey and stuffing is delicious.
4 medium apples cored and diced
4 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium sweet potato, diced
½ cup of fresh chopped fresh sage leaves, loosely packed
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp grated garlic
1 tbsp of dry thyme
1 cup of dry cranberries
1 cup of walnuts, chopped
1 cup almond meal
2 tbsp of coconut oil
1 tbsp ghee
Pan fry the ghee and spices, add the sweet potato
when cooked mix all ingredients on the fry pan, for approx 3 minuets don’t over do it – except almond meal
then add almond meal to give the mixture body, add until it is of a good firm texture
stuff into turkey and bake as normal.
GF nutty rum balls
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 2 eggs
- 6 medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tbsp rum – I used white or dark
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract-mix eggs, dates, coconut oil, rum, and vanilla in a food processor until smooth.
then combined with remaining ingredients.
Shape into balls and roll in shredded coconut.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until coconut is starting to turn golden.
remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes
Why you want to fall asleep after your big christmas turkey feast???
Well there is probably a couple of reasons:
- one might be that you ate & drank yourself stupid
- Increased levels of tryptophan
Whats tryptophan? I only just learned about this too. A couple of weeks ago I was at nutrition school and a client came in complaining of insomnia. The student i was working with said to me, “Oh they should increase their tryptophan in their diet”. I stood there smiling, and nodding and agreeing, acting like i completely knew what he was talking about, then i excused myself, and went to the bathroom with my iPhone to google it!
So what is tryptophan?
Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids that the body uses to synthesise protein.
Its role is to act on the nervous system messengers, especially those related to relaxation, restfulness, and sleep.
What is the function of tryptophan?
It raises serotonin levels in the body by acting as a precursor for serotonin:
Serotonin is a “feel good” neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate appetite, sleep patterns, and mood.
Due to this effect tryptophan has on the body… tryptophan has been used therapeutically in the treatment of a variety of conditions, most notably insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
So there you go, I’m not sure if anyone would be interested with that handy little fact but maybe you can use that as your excuse if you pass out early on christmas day!
