The healing powers of food.

Today I felt so lethargic...I can't quite put my finger on it. I was told - "It's the heat", as it is a whopping 80 something degrees in Seattle and the Northwesterners are melting. I myself absolutely love the heat. I grew up in New York summers and I have Mediterranean blood running through me, so, bring it on! What I think it was was a new herbal supplement I tried for my insomnia (1 in the countless I've tried - any suggestions out there?). I took 2 last night, since nothing seems to effect me at a normal dose. I sleep, but not restfully. I woke up feeling groggy and slightly soar from my workout yesterday. I just couldn't get moving - luckily I did make it to work, but with lots of yawns. When I got home I succumbed to a nap.

When I woke up the thought of opening my books to study for my exit exam in 2 weeks was appalling, so instead I decided to make a trip to the store. Funny how that lifted my mood! This is just one example of the healing powers of food. For me today, it was healing for my sluggish soul, but it can come in many different forms. I made the decision to make a nourishing meal and take time out to enjoy it, what can be more healing that that? The meal I prepared is definitely comfort food to me.

Hearty Bean and Veggie Fusilli

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 oz can can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil (fresh even better!)
2 teaspoons dried oregano (fresh even better!)
1 link sausage of your choice (optional)
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans
2 1/2 cups chopped dinosaur kale (spinach works well too)
1/2 lbs 100% whole wheat fusilli pasta
Romano cheese for topping

Heat the oil over medium high in a medium sauce pan. Add the onion and crushed red pepper and sautee the onion until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two, until fragrant. Stir in the can of tomatoes, along with the basil and oregano. Meanwhile, boil the sausage in a small skillet covered and filled with water for about 10 minutes. Cut the sausage into pieces into the sauce. Let cook for 15 more minutes. Add the can of garbanzo beans and let cook for another 10 minutes. Add the kale and cook just a couple of more minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions, toss with sauce, top with cheese and walla! Serve this meal with a nice green salad to round it out and it is a complete meal.

After eating this meal, I felt a whole lot better. Get in your kitchen and give it a try!

p.s. - I apologize for the terrible picture, my camera broke and yes, I decided to use my camera phone.

Participation is fun :)

I've sent out this blog to my family and friends, which is wonderful since many of them live about 3,000 miles from me (the gap will close soon, but now my new friends will all be scattered :( ) and it's a great way for them to peek into my world. My world right now consists of thinking about food virtually all of the time. I think writing about it too might help my compulsion to start food related conversations with people that don't care. But for the people who do (like my Aunt Fran, who asked me to talk about Acid Reflux), thanks for listening and reading my blog.

Now to the matter at hand. Acid reflux is caused by a back flow of stomach or intestine contents into the throat. This is due to loosening of the muscle in that area, which are usually tight and prevent back flow. What can you do about it? Well, food can definitely plan a role in the management of symptoms. Everybody is different, so you must listen to your body. Each person will have foods that trigger their symptoms. Some common foods are citrus or tomatoes. Be on the look out for your trigger foods. You should also be sure not to eat large, high fat meals, as these foods will stay in your stomach longer, giving the stomach more of a chance to churn and produce acid. A big recommendation is not to lie down for 3 hours after you have eaten. If you are standing or sitting, you're letting gravity do the work to keep what is in your stomach down. Avoid coffee, peppermint and spearmint, as these may make your symptoms worse by increasing the muscle relaxation. Alcohol also makes symptoms. Some camps of thought believe this to occur from a LACK of acid in the stomach, not an overproduction and recommend getting acids levels back up. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a few suggestions if you are suffering from acid reflux. Most importantly, eating a whole foods diet full of fiber is sure to be helpful.