Testimony of the Day “I found Maria Emmerich in 2012. I was hooked! I signed up for Maria’s Email Support and Nutrition Planning package mid February 2013. Best investment I ever made! She helped me every step of the way to get things started and she really cares about you! I started in March and the first 7 days I dropped 16 pounds! I was shocked! Within the first month I dropped 23 pounds; my skin had cleared up and was looking great. I noticed my hair had stopped falling out, no more hair filled brushes! All my body pain/aches were gone and my mood swings had stabilized! I felt normal for the first time in my life! By June 7th I reached my first goal of 50 pounds lost which was reached 5 weeks and 2 days before dead line I set for this goal! And I did it without exercise. I feel great and I am ready for my next goal: 66 pounds , start exercising and able to jog a 5k by Christmas! It has been a real learning process and I have had my ups and downs but I know Maria will always be there for me. I have learned so much and still growing. I am one of those people that have to learn everything the hard way. I now know what slows and stops my weight loss. Maria told me it would happen if I ate this or that but I had to eat it and learn it for myself. I guess that’s just how I roll! Maria has been a real blessing in my life. Started 315 pounds as of July 7th 265 pounds” If you want to get started on your “after” photo, click HERE.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Did you know that in 90% of cases, hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease? Did you know that autoimmune thyroid disease and is linked to a gluten intolerance? Hashimoto’s and Graves’ are most likely caused by a gluten intolerance.

What happens is that the cell structure of gliadin (the protein in gluten) resembles the thyroid gland. If you don’t have a healthy intestinal lining, you can create holes; enter Leaky Gut. When this happens food leaks into the bloodstream and since your blood doesn’t know what the substances are, it puts your immune system into overdrive to kill the foreign substance (this is why I have my clients get a thyroid ‘antibody’ test; it helps determine if there is a food allergy). So if you are eating skim milk and cereal for breakfast, you will most likely have a dairy and wheat allergy.

These antibodies produced to attach the gliadin in the blood, also causes the body to attack the thyroid. If you continue to eat gluten, your immune system will attack your thyroid. Some clients mistakenly think they can eat small amounts of bread or gluten on the weekend or at a party, BUT nope. The immune response to gluten can last up to 6 months every time you consume it. In order to stop the destruction of the thyroid, you have to be 100% gluten-free. Gluten, even “whole grains,” contain phytates that damage our intestinal lining and inhibit nutrient absorption.

Many people make the mistake of running to their doctor for an allergy blood-test to find out if a food allergy is the root of their problems. The main issue with this is that blood tests are about 90 percent INACCURATE! Crazy but true. If I notice a food sensitivity with a client, our success comes by an elimination diet along with nutrition therapy of enhancing vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is also helpful to consult a doctor, but don’t wait for a blood test to tell you what will make you feel your best; start now instead. If anything, I recommend a stool test.

1 in 3 Americans are gluten intolerant. In some clients with autoimmune disease, their immune system is so worn out they can no longer produce many antibodies. This is why everyone should kick the gluten regardless of antibody test results.

To find charts on what foods balance all your hormones (thyroid, leptin, ghrelin, estrogen, testosterone and more) check out my book: Secrets to a Healthy Metabolism.

I make Cauliflower Rice and Cauliflower Risotto all the time. As I walked through the grocery store, I saw rice pudding…HMMMMM, perfect! I know it sounds weird, but cauliflower sucks up whatever flavor you add to it. I’m not crazy:)

“HEALTHIFIED” “RICE” PUDDING

1/2 cup finely grated (riced) RAW cauliflower

1/4 cup Swerve

1 tsp stevia glycerite

4 oz cream cheese or coconut cream

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup coconut milk (or Heavy Cream)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

NOTE: I find that mixing natural sweeteners gives desserts the best sweet flavor with no cooling effect.

To make the “rice,” cut the cauliflower into pieces and pulse in a food processor until small pieces of “rice.” (click HERE to find the one I love on sale for $30! Original price $78!). Place in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup coconut milk with natural sweetener, extract, cinnamon. Heat in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes. Beat egg yolks with 1/4 cup of coconut milk; set aside. Pour the almond milk in sauce pan, add cream cheese and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cauliflower mixture and egg mixture to pan and stir to re-thicken. Pour into 4 small ramekins or pudding dishes and refrigerate 1-3 hours. Serve and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)

STORE Brand = 179 calories, 33 carbs, 1 fiber

“Healthified” = 155 calories, 1.5 carbs, trace fiber