Living Examples

     In the past year I have met 3 different people who were all put on diets recently.  The diets were restrictive.  No dairy, no eggs, no grains... basically carbs and veggies. 

Does that sound familiar?  It should ;)  I've been talking about a diet like that for a couple years now.  Haha.  The diet they are on is NOT PKU (there are some differences)  but it is strikingly similar.

In fact, those 3 people have asked me "how I do it".  How do I find things to eat?  How have I followed my diet after all this time? 

     Here is my answer: (note: these individuals were put on their diets after years of no restrictions, which is always harder than following right after birth like I did.)  I just do it week by week, day by day.  I'm not perfect at it (who is?)  But I try.  There are lots of things you can eat.  You just have to look for them, and find things that you like.  True you have to cook a little more than the average person... but honestly home-cooked food TASTES better.  You just need to look,and experiment, and find things you like.  People tend to fall into eating grooves.  Just find your groove.  You'll be okay.

     Just by following their diets PKU'ers are great examples to people put on medical diets.  As I've talked to those three people and given them ideas, I feel like I've helped.  People can look at me as an example. of someone who is doing alright on a diet.  Then maybe they can feel more confident about their own lives. 

     I just want to ask PKU'ers one thing: PLEASE don't be shy about your PKU.  You could help so many people, and not even realize it at the time.  You could be an example that they look up to.  It's just one thing that's helping me stay on my diet, and helping me continue this blog.  So that I can help people.  Which as I grow is something that has become important to me. 

     So today blog post in 10 seconds:  PKU'ers be an example to other people on medical diets.  People on medical diets?  You'll be okay.  Just live it day by day.  :)

Okay, well see you soon.  Thanks for reading this. 

At the Check Out Stand

Recently I got a job at a grocery store.

And today I noticed something...  most people don't get fruit and veggies.  They get chips, and crackers, and soda, and candy, and other junk food.  But most of all they get meat.

I'm not anti-meat just because I can't have it.

But until today I never known so many different types of meats existed.  Or that the regular person used so much.  They hardly ever got fruits and veggies.  And when they did it was either: potatoes, apples, bananas, or grapes.

Then there are those who get LOTS of fruits and veggies.  And they are super healthy and buy only health foods.

I love fruits and veggies, and I just wanted to put a plug out there that fruits and veggies are GOOD!  They taste good, they are versatile, they are healthy.  You don't have to go all health-nut to enjoy some good fruits and veggies!

So below are a few of my favorites (had to limit to top 5) and some ways to enjoy them.

My Favorite Fruits are:

• Coconut (yes it is a fruit)- A PKU'er can do so much with this!  I use coconut milk in all sorts of recipes, but it's also very good just shredded.
• Apples- Very good raw.  You can also dip them in almond bark, or cut them into slices and pour lemon juice on them, or you could caramelize them.
• Pineapple- This fruit tastes carbonated.  A good healthy snack when you feel like having a soda.  It's also good grilled, on a pizza, fresh, or dipped in almond bark.
• Grapes- Frozen grapes are perfect for a warm sunny day.  But grapes are also good fresh, or in a fruit salad, or a smoothie.
• Bananas- I HAD to mention the Banana.  It is the base of EVERY good smoothie.  :)  And it's good in almond bark, or fresh, or frozen.

(Yes I know I just listed some of the most common fruits bought, but they're popular for a REASON and I never said I didn't fall into the same rut.  I just noticed it today)

My favorite Veggies:

• Bell Peppers- Doesn't matter the color, bell peppers are delicious.  You can roast them, eat them with a dip, have them raw, or add them to a stir fry.  
• Potatoes- Even though the potato has practically no nutritional value.  We all love it.  You can roast them, mash them, fry them, make hash browns.  They are very versatile.
• Corn- Again, not the healthiest of the veggies.  But they can be grilled or steamed it is really yummy.  
• Carrots- Dipped in ranch, or roasted, or steamed, or plain raw; Carrots are delicious.  And a fabulous snack!
• Zucchini- These veggies take on the taste of whatever you cook them in.

          In an earlier post: Tastiest Way To Get Rid Of Zucchini!            I showed you a weird yet delicious recipe for Zucchini Cobbler!  You could also saute them, roast       them, grill them, all sorts of things.  


Again I don't profess to be the healthiest of eaters.  But, this post is just meant or be a kind of reminder that fruits and veggies are good.  And you can do so much with them.  Go and buy more fruits and veggies. :)  I know I will... :D