I have been having health issues. My already-cranky immune system has suddenly become quite peevish and I have found myself in a battle with non-cancerous (but still annoying) salivary gland tumors, swollen surgical areas that refused to return to normal months after said surgery, the constant appearance of mouth ulcers and a general feeling of malaise and unease.
I am a firm believer in the power of good nutrition but when sick, I tend to comfort eat.
At the time when my body could use natural foods and nutrients the most, my mouth convinces me that multiple cookies and soft, warm baked-goods would be the better option. I know that I should eat that vegetable soup, but being the champion of self-pity that I am, I convince myself that I deserve the soft sweet roll instead.
It's quite the mental dilemma.
Fortunately, for the last few weeks, good common sense has been winning the battle against my sweet tooth, but I've found that cooking a nutrient-rich, whole-grain meal that is also lactose-free is not as easy as it looks. I've also learned that my three children and husband are not as enthusiastic about eating whole wheat pasta and endless amounts of sweet potato.
Cooking the nightly meal has become a three-act play involving different meals for different people. Wheat pasta for me; white pasta for everyone else. Spinach and kale added to the pasta sauce for me and kept on the side for everyone else. You get the picture.
I HAVE managed to find some wonderful recipes that please everyone and which are lactose-free and safe for me.
For instance:
Spicy, sweet-potato chili, which was absolutely delicious that night and even better the next day at lunch.
Whole wheat pasta with homemade tomato / spinach sauce. (the photo includes a small helping of grated cheddar cheese on top. My lactose intolerance does not seem to be bothered by hard cheeses in small quantities, but not everyone is so lucky)
Quinoa-coated, baked chicken breast:
which was moist and wonderful along with being extremely fast and easy.
I've posted the recipes on my Pinterest account. click on these words to be taken to my pinterest page
I have two boards for these recipes: Lactose Intolerance and Improve Immunity. Feel free to "Follow" me as I pin new recipes quite frequently. If anyone has any recipes they'd like to share, I'd love for you to leave a comment. I'm also on the look out for good, nutritious, easy ideas.
Let the healing begin!
