One of the most confusing matters when it comes to the plant paradox program and one of the most frequent asked questions: Are almonds compliant, because I can’t find them on the YES and NO lists? Or, are almonds lectin-free? The answer is, yes, almonds are plant paradox compliant when eaten without the skin because, you guessed, almond skin is high in lectins. Almonds without skins are also called ‘blanched almonds’.
When I started this article I had no idea was going to be that long. I thought I can stick to 10 steps, but it turns out, even with the 12 steps I didn’t manage to cover everything. I obviously believe in the power of food as medicine. I truly believe that we are what we eat. But, unless food is also our passion – we are chefs, foodies, food photographers, food producers etc – we should not build our life around food. I call this food freedom – even if I am a foodie, a food blogger and photographer and food is a big part of my life – I still consider food just a tool to keep me healthy so I’ll be able to live my best life and reach my potential.
I don’t remember when and how I discovered California Country Gal grain free, lectin-free baking mixes. But I know I’ve used them so many times in so many shapes and forms, that I started experimenting with making my own recipes. Lectin-free bagels is one of them, even though is not really a new recipe, just a new way of using the mix and their recipes.
Eating out while on a restrictive diet: most probably the number one reason people give up a healthy lifestyle. It’s understandable. Eating out and socializing are a big part of our lifestyles and as important for our health as eating wholesome, healthy foods. And I’m here to encourage you to not make this your reason to give up, because there are always ways to work around it and keep your healthy habits even when eating out. And I might add, you can have a great experience and eat really good food.
Are you following the Plant Paradox lifestyle and wonder if the skin care products you use are safe and free of endocrine disruptors and known carcinogens? I’ve always been aware of toxic chemicals in our beauty products and tried to stay as safe as possible, but sadly, the cosmetic industry has so many tricks up its sleeve to make us think what we are using is safe when it actually is not. After I started the Plant Paradox program I almost DYI-ed everything for my skin, and it was fun, but not as efficient as I was expecting. My skin was becoming so dry, especially in the winter, it was almost flaky (I could see that on my dark purple yoga mat every morning!). Luckily, few month ago I discovered Beautycounter and immediately became a consultant, because I genuinely believe in and share their mission to bring safer products in the hands of everyone, by advocating for new legislation (which in the US hasn’t been changed since the WW2!). Avoiding endocrine disruptors is an integral part of the Plant Paradox lifestyle, and making our beauty routine safe is a priority (how often we forget the skin is our largest organ?). Continue Reading…
Whenever I post about wanting to do a three day Plant Paradox cleanse, I have people wanting to join me and some asking me for details. Not everyone who follows me on Instagram is familiar with the Plant Paradox, and among those who are, there are some who have a hard time figuring out what to eat (don’t we all sometimes?). In the initial Plant Paradox Book, there is a Phase One meal plan (what Dr. Gundry calls the three day cleanse) and that has been useful for me when I’ve done the cleanse in the past. But the longer on this lifestyle, the more I want some new things to try. So I figured I’d share some of my ideas of how to do the cleanse and what to eat, so it doesn’t feel like a cleanse at all. That means we will eat delicious and good looking food (because who likes sad food and don’t we all eat first with the eyes?), that will leave us nourished and satisfied. Of course, if you are at the beginning and still on a sugar and carb loaded diet, you might experience some weakness and cravings, but that’s what happens to all of us at the beginning. Just do the best you can and think that anything is better than nothing and that you will always have the chance to do it again, whenever you want. For a better understanding of the Plant Paradox program the most important thing I ever recommend is to read The Plant Paradox book by Dr. Steven Gundry.
My sister just moved to New York City and since she is not yet familiar with all the places she could get her Plant Paradox pantry stocked, she asked for my help. And since I’m doing it for her, I’ll post it here for anyone who is at the beginning in their Plant Paradox journey or have relocated to the US and have the same problem.
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is about how to stay plant paradox compliant while traveling, so I decided to write down the things I learned from my experience so far, hoping it will help those of you who are concerned about traveling on the plant paradox. Beyond all the specific tips about food items, I’d like to say that the way we think about food matters. Travel, even when is for pleasure, usually involves some kind of stress, and we don’t want to add to it, as being stressed is as bad as eating unhealthy, hence it defeats the purpose. We should not do things out of fear, but rather take everything as a challenge and try to have fun finding creative solutions and living the new lifestyle in different contexts. Continue Reading…
This is seriously the best Plant Paradox cake I’ve made. This recipe from The Plant Paradox Cookbook by Dr. Steven Gundry caught my attention by… just being a cake with a beautiful texture. And I love cakes. I’ve been trying to perfect a grain free, sugar free, lectin free coffee cake for the past ten months and I’ve made some good ones, but this is the best so far.
The Plant Paradox Cookbook by Dr. Steven Gundry was just launched and everyone is already raving about it, plus last time I checked, it was #3 New York Time’s Bestseller. The carrot cake muffins were on my priority list because carrot cake was one of my favorite cakes, and since the Plant Paradox program suggests only raw carrots are ok to eat, I did not attempt to break the rules. And I’m not going to complain.