Stir It Up! » Blog

I’ve been wanting to talk a little more about what I’ve been doing this past year with my nutritional consulting. It has been rewarding WAAAYYY beyond any expectations I may have had. I am truly passionate about it and have been so fortunate to have such amazing and dedicated clients this year. For those of you who still don’t totally understand what it is I do, my dear sweet client (and friend) wrote this to help give you an idea.

Here’s Ann’s story:

“Among our small family of five, we have two children with Cystic Fibrosis, a child with severe environmental allergies, a dad with Crohn’s and history of bowel obstruction and one very worn thin mom in the middle.  We were doing all we could medically but knew it was time to make some nutritional changes.  I had discovered Landria’s blog and “Stir It Up” she did!  I was completely overwhelmed at how to revamp the entire way we approached food, shopping, menu planning, baking, lunch packing, snacks.

First, she did amazing research on each of our health issue and asked very thoughtful questions about our current health status and nutrition plan.  She then came and met with me. This was our “clean out” meeting but it was much more of an educational conversation with great interaction and instruction.  It was, “not this, but this” or “use this, but sparingly” or “I can show you a much better version that your kids will love”. That session resulted in the clean out of our fridge, freezer and pantry.

Next, we went through Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s for some pointers on things to cook with, great snack and lunch ideas, and much more.  Again, it was a very educational experience.  We are now stocked with great foods for cooking, baking, snacks, and great easy meals.  Was this a huge transition?  Yes.  Where there nights my kids complained and didn’t understand why we were having yet another unrecognizable vegetable and no bread?  Yes.  Was it doable, sustainable, worth it?  YES!!!  I love how we eat now and having only great options in your home makes it so much easier to make great choices.

Landria was so helpful every step of the way with lots of emailing back and forth to weigh issues and suggest solutions.  You could not pay me to go back.  I have never had such control over what I want to eat and love that when you only put great fuel in, you only crave more great fuel!  We are fueled, thanks to Landria’s help.  We are all healthier, stronger and ready for the next fight with the next germ.  You may be thinking, “Well, they are sick.  I am not.  I don’t need to make these changes.”  There is no one who wouldn’t benefit greatly from these changes.  Give it a real try and I bet you will never remember feeling so good.  I still have a lot to learn, but am so very thankful for all that Landria has taught me and the way she has truly helped my family.  I will close with a quote fromWheat Belly, a must read for anyone considering this venture.  “See you in the produce asile.”

My husband sent me this New York Times article that is a fascinating must-read if you are still unsure of the link between food and our health!! It’s a great article regardless.

Now, I know not everyone is chronically sick and some don’t have any health issues.  But, don’t we all want to be less tired, feel less achy, have less headaches or have more energy? And don’t we want our kids to develop good lifelong eating habits, and be able to concentrate in school, and stay well with strong immune systems and just be the best little person they can be?

Of course each person/family has different needs, sensitivities, and goals.  That is why we’ll collaboratively figure out what is the most feasible and sustainable route for you and your family. This is a lifelong change and we can make it work!

If you have any interest in either getting individual consultation, or group presentations, or you just want to go grocery shopping with me, etc. please email me at landriav@gmail.com. I’d love to work with you!

I am soooooo happy. For years I’ve wanted a Vitamix and today I got one for my anniversary/Valentine’s Day! Woo-hoo!!! I’m just not sure where to start with this lovely machine.

So, late this afternoon, Tate and I ended up making 2 different types of smoothies and a spinach dip. It took most of the afternoon to figure out what to make and how to work the Vitamix, so guess what we had for dinner? Yep, 2 smoothies and spinach dip. Sometimes there is just not enough time in the day.

Anyway, I would LOVE to hear about your favorite smoothies, soups, etc. I have so much to learn! Please share with me!!

Why in the world do they still have the Super Bowl on a Sunday?  It would be so much easier, and certainly so much more fun, if they would change it to a Sat night, instead on a school/work night.  Oh well. It is what it is I guess.

Well, in order to get in the Super Bowl frame of mind (still bummed the Falcons won’t be there!) we thought we’d make a spinach dip.  I haven’t had spinach dip in years and thought this turned out well, especially without using MSG-filled Knorr’s Vegetable Dip, sour cream and Kraft mayo (that’s how I use to make it).  This recipe is paleo sans the dairy (so it’s “primal”) but if you don’t or can’t do dairy, just use nutritional yeast in it’s place.

Anyway, this was a pretty good dinner and I think it will be an even better Super Bowl appetizer…

Here is what you need:

Because I was playing with my Vitamix, but honestly, you could just mix it all together in a bowl. ..

Start by preheating your oven to 350. Then, thaw your spinach, if it’s frozen, and strain.  Then, blend up your cashews to make a cashew flour consistency. I usually keep a container of some in my refrigerator since I use the it so often on our kale chips.

Now, add all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl, stir well and pour in a glass dish. Add some extra parmesan on top if you’d like, cook for 10 minutes, and enjoy warm!

I hope you all have a great time watching the Super Bowl this Sunday!!