In the early stage of my wellness journey (about a year before I started this blog) I was visiting doctors left, right and center. And before every doctor visit I\u2019d research and study all there was to know about that physician\u2019s specialty. I learned about gastroenterology, endocrinology, neurology, dermatology, pathology and so on. A lot of \u201cologies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what benefited me the most (after going gluten-free) was something quite simple. Slowing the heck down! Reducing stress, getting good sleep, eating simple, fresh food and prioritizing a little self-care love. Essentially, downshifting my life. So I thought, why not come up with a new \u201cology?\u201d One that everybody can study, practice and leverage for a happier, healthier life. Thus, Downshiftology was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, as this blog has grown, it’s morphed into so much more: food + travel + lifestyle + wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have been diagnosed with four autoimmune diseases \u2013 Celiac, Hashimotos, Psoriasis and Endometriosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After much trial and error, I\u2019ve found that the best diet for me is one that\u2019s veggie heavy, prioritizes good quality proteins (from both animal and plant sources) and includes healthy fats and carbs. It\u2019s a whole food approach. As a Celiac, I\u2019m always 100% gluten-free, but I also feel better when limiting refined sugars and certain grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The big \u201ctake away\u201d is that no one diet suits everybody. We all have unique genes, immune systems and microbiomes (gut bacteria). So what works wonders for me may not work for you. That\u2019s why I\u2019m a huge proponent of listening to your body, working with your doctor and nutritionist, and making food modifications based on what makes you feel your absolute best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can read more about my approach to food and lifestyle on my philosophy<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The recipes listed on my website are healthy, wholesome and naturally gluten-free. But I also believe in balance and life enjoyment, especially when traveling. Because, well, gelato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I sure do! I spent three years developing and testing recipes for my Healthy Meal Prep<\/a> cookbook. So I was thrilled when it became a national bestseller! Seeing Downshifter’s (what we call our lovely community) photos from around the world whipping up my cookbook recipes in their own kitchens has been a true delight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great question! For those with autoimmune diseases, particularly Celiac, I\u2019m not gonna lie \u2013 traveling does add a level of complexity. But let\u2019s think for a second what the alternative is? To not travel? To stay at home and never venture out? Oh, no. That\u2019s simply not an option for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s in my blood to explore. To experience new cultures, see amazing sights and meet amazing people. And above all else, traveling is how I combine so many of the things that make me happy \u2013 food, physical activity, nature and adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why I\u2019ve written the ebook Roaming Free: A Whole Food Approach to Traveling the World Healthy, Happy and Gluten-Free<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, quite the opposite. When I\u2019m on vacation my autoimmune symptoms are always at their lowest levels. Another reason that travel is my \u201chappy place.\u201d When you\u2019re happy, calm, well rested and loving life your immune system often retreats from it\u2019s \u201cheightened alert\u201d status and functions optimally. I\u2019ve heard similar stories from friends with autoimmune issues and studies confirm this. Escaping the stressors of daily life and seeking a change in scenery can have a profound and positive impact on your wellness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course – I’m all for experimenting in the kitchen and you should definitely swap out any ingredients that don’t fit your dietary habits. But do keep in mind that I\u2019ve spent long hours developing and testing my recipes<\/a> with the ingredients listed. So if you want to substitute certain ingredients, give it a go! I can\u2019t guarantee the same results, but I\u2019ll keep my fingers crossed for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe strongly in the concept of bioindividuality \u2013 that means that we\u2019re all different based on our genes, microbiome (gut bacteria), lifestyle, ancestry, environment, and more. There is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d diet. If there was, someone would be making a heck of a lot of money (and doctors would finally agree on what\u2019s healthy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do believe that conventional wheat, as it\u2019s currently produced and harvested with herbicides like glyphosate, is generally not healthy (whether you\u2019re celiac or not). Organic, grass-fed dairy may be tolerated by some \u2013 and it\u2019s something that I have small amounts of. Grains, especially organic, ancient grains may be tolerated more broadly, assuming you have great gut health. I do eat white rice, buckwheat (which is not wheat) and gluten-free oats on occasion. But if you\u2019ve had a leaky gut, autoimmune issues, etc\u2026you may find that certain grains are difficult to digest and\/or trigger symptoms. Again, it\u2019s very individual. I always recommend working with your doctor and nutritionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolutely not. Every recipe on this website was 100% personally developed and tested by me. I spend a huge amount of time ensuring that the flavors, seasonings, cook times, etc are just right. Often times testing a recipe 3 to 4 times before ever posting it on this website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n AI-generated recipes are an amalgamation (aka mish-mash) of hundreds of online recipes. Plus, they’ve never been tested or tasted by an actual human! So who knows how they might turn out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I love my kitchen appliances, gadgets and tools. Yes, some of these are an investment, but so is your health, right? Remember that adopting a real foods diet is the most important thing. From there, you can invest in quality tools as you become more comfortable in your kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the kitchen tools I use most frequently:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a complete list of the kitchen tools, gadgets, and cookware I use on the Shop<\/a> page on my website.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you have a cookbook?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do you eat when you travel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do your autoimmune symptoms flare when traveling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I substitute ingredients in your recipes?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is gluten (and\/or dairy, sugar, grains, etc) bad for everyone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are your recipes AI generated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What kitchen tools do you recommend for someone just starting a healthy diet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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