Adventures in Acupuncture and a Menu Post

Hello! I hope this fine Friday finds you doing well and feeling grateful. Today I am grateful for feeling energized and balanced. This summer I have been getting back into shape through various toning exercises, a combination of walking and elliptical work, and yoga. On top of the yoga helping me tone and center my energy, I've also started acupuncture. For the last four years, I've been doing a lot of research on my fertility issues. While each and every case is unique, one common aid in boosting fertility that keeps popping up is acupuncture. Some report that acupuncture alone can help. Others support an acupuncture regime in combination with fertility treatments. On sort of a hunch and a whim, I decided to try acupuncture. Trust me, I was a little skeptical. I am not a fan of needles, but figured it couldn't hurt any worse than my tattoo I got in college. Our fertility specialist also left the clinic without notifying us, grrr! So we've sort of been put on a waiting list to get into the one and only doctor at the clinic. We thought about switching clinics; however, the individual our friends went through for their in vitro died of a massive heart attack the day after their procedure. Seriously, this is no lie. Crazy right? I'm not telling you this to vent. It really just makes for a good story and is all part of the journey. The chiropractic clinic could get me in the day after I called. We can't get into our fertility clinic until June 27th. With the current circumstances, I decided to give myself a head start with the acupuncture.

I've been going to Swickard Chiropractic Clinic because it is close to our home. After an initial consultation of my needs and general health, they performed a pretty thorough analysis of the energy "splits" occurring in my body. This procedure was painless. The doctor simply used a little machine called an AcuGraph that measured the energy levels of different acupressure points on my hands and feet. This graphed and pinpointed areas of concern. Overall, my body was in pretty good health; however, there were major splits in my spleen which helps regulate hormone levels. On top of targeting my spleen, the doctor has also been targeting fertility zones to give me an extra boost. I just finished my third round yesterday. The doctor re-charted my energy splits and low and behold there is improvement! I will say, this is completely painless. You really don't feel anything when they insert the needles. How do I feel after three rounds? Hopeful, optimistic, and more balanced. I also have noticed a huge difference in my muscle recovery after working out. I am not nearly as sore the next day. Regardless of the hopeful fertility boost, it has just been good for my overall well being. Whether you are experiencing issues similar to mine or have other health concerns, I seriously suggest giving acupuncture a try.

So, how about a menu post? Don't you love how eclectic my blogging conversations are? Just when you thought this was a blog about gluten free cooking, I go into a schpeel about journeys in fertility and acupuncture. Makes for one unique blog and lets you know that I am totally human:) This week is all about laid back summer cuisine. Being I feel so incredibly relaxed and balanced, I realize that no one should have to work too hard in the kitchen. Summertime also juggles a whole new array of mealtime schedules with festivities, softball or baseball, and other fun activities that only happen this time of year. This week utilizes the grill, fresh ingredients, as well as chicken leftovers for a second round meal. Leftovers hold up well in the fridge for quick grab-and-go meals on the run or can easily be packed up to bring to a summer cook out. Easy, peazy, lemon squeezy as my students like to say. Here is the rundown:

Sunday 6/16          Summertime Grilled Chicken with Everything Salad & Garlic Bread

Monday 6/17        Grilled Chile Rellenos with Rice & Black Beans

Tuesday 6/18        Leftovers

Wednesday 6/19   Cool & Creamy Chicken Bacon Wraps with Sweet Potato Chips & Veggies

Thursday 6/20       Leftovers

Here is what you will need to make the magic happen:

1-2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package center cut bacon
1 avocado
2 lemons
1 bag baby carrots
1-2 cucumbers
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
1 bag precut broccoli
3-4 sweet potatoes
1 small red onion
1 shallot
1 bulb garlic
1 bunch cilantro
4 Anaheim or pablano peppers
1 bag lettuce
1 can artichoke hearts
1 can black beans
1 can Rotel
1 can enchilada sauce (check for listed modified food starches)
1 package gluten-free ranch or buttermilk style dressing mix
1 bag gluten-free rolls or regular rolls
1 package gluten-free wraps or regular wraps
1 bag or box brown rice
1 bag frozen corn
1 container nonfat Greek yogurt
1 8 oz. package 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1 package shredded 2% cheddar-jack cheese
1 package butter

Pantry items you will need:

Non-stick cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Any assortment of your favorite salad dressings
Garlic powder

Enjoy your weekend! Namaste my friends!