Cleaning Out Your Dietary Closet

I recently went through a rough week of gall and stomach problems. The reason for these problems I had created such a toxic diet  for myself. It took a week of throwing out and skipping all that junky food. Mine was not a healthy diet to begin with, with a overload of salty , sweet and fried. it was time to clean out.

One of the biggest taboos for anyone with gall problems is caffeinated drinks.That meant nixing the Pepsi along with hot cocoa out of my life. Luckily I am a big BAI fan and it was easy to change over to this tasty but all natural juice (also luckily their newest flavor is Kula Watermelon, a lovely light flavor that reminds one of hot summer nights eating chilled slices of melon).Grape and apple juice are also gallbladder diet must haves.Again, I love grape juice so this was a big plus to switch over (another good thing about grape juice - it freezes well so I will be making ice pops this summer with it) The herbal tea switchover takes some getting used to - herbal blends sometimes have a medicinal taste and aftertaste to them. Chamomile is the best  and can be tempered with  a small drop of dark honey. The diet also requires subbing in honey and agave for sugar. Water is a definite must. It helps to flush everything from the liver to the gallbladder. I will have to give up the usual glass of tap to spring water, which is always a plus.

Fried food and snacks are big cholesterol causers, Cholesterol is the main ingredient in gall stones and sludge, a kind of slimy grit that can clog up gall ducts . Potato chips are definitely off the table as are French fries. Surprisingly there is a substitiute. Green beans. Steam them first and then chill with a simple vinaigrette dressing (olive oil and vinegar are allowed, in fact the last is encouraged).Eat them with your fingers and it has that fun finger food feel. You can also just steam and pat dry with a paper towel. They then can be dipped into a homemade vinaigrette for less mess..If you want you can add some fruit  such as blueberry or pomegranate to the vinegar for  a delicate sweet flavor. Kale, along with Brussels sprouts will be turned into tasty chips if I want a fun snack. Garbanzo beans are another can eat.I have already made hummus, a lighter version of what 's sold in the stores. This recipe I found a few years ago on the internet and it is easy to make.I'ts mixing pureed cannelini and white beans with a tablespoon or two of olive oil and the juice of half a fresh lemon.

This is only the beginning of the new diet. Tomorrow I'll be highlighting the new meal plan I'll be following. It's another step to acquiring good gut health.

The Versatile Chickpea

Chickpeas are one of the most versatile beans a cook can use. They can be dried, mashed or fried. They can be used in dips or soups. They are the perfect ingredient for any dish , in any season.

Chickpeas have been around since our Neanderthal days. There is evidence of the dried beans in caves found in Southern France. It was first cultivated in Asia and the Middle East in larger quantities. The name comes from the Latin cicer and pease or pea. It was then called chichepea in Medieval France and then shortened to chick pea or by the English who called it the cavalance too.It is also called garbanzo by the Italians which comes from the old Spanish garroba or algarroba although another theory is that it's from the Basque garbantzu.

Chickpeas are a wonderful addition to any dish. They add a rich meatiness and texture to salads along with color .Mashed them and add olive oil and spices to make a creamy, smooth and nutty hummus for dips. Chickpeas are also a wonderful addition to minestrone and pasta e fagiole. They do not become soggy, or mushy. Another way of having them is dried and salted. This is a popular and addictive snack at Italian street fairs. The Greeks love them cooked with spinach and feta cheese ans a tasty side dish.

Chick peas are a wonderful addition to any meal. They add a nuttiness and a meatiness to any salad, soup ro dip. Try them for a delightful variation.