Heyyy hot thangs. I hope you’re enjoying the official start to the weekend. I always work from home on Fridays, which is definitely a more relaxed way to end the work week.
Unfortunately, though, this afternoon’s appointment wasn’t exactly what I’d call relaxing. I was scheduled to get my first allergy shot(s). If you don’t remember, a few months ago I visited an allergy doctor for what I thought was chronic sinus infections, only to find out that I have severe tree, dust mite, and mold allergies.
(source)
Would you believe that I have to get three shots every week for 9 months? As the title suggests, that’s 108 shots. UGH. Can’t I just stay on allergy medication for the rest of my life…?
(source)
Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic…especially considering I literally didn’t feel a thing. But it still throws a wrench in the next 9 months.
I didn’t think that there was anything diet-related I could do to help lessen my allergy symptoms, but apparently there is! According to this WebMD article, there are certain herbs and nutrients that can relieve allergy symptoms (which, are more supplementation than food sources).
- European herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
- freeze-dried nettles and a tonic made from the herb goldenseal
- grape seed extract
- quercetin (flavonoid compound found in many foods - especially red wine)
As far as actual food sources go, apparently spicy and hot foods are good for opening up the nasal passage. “Experts say the spicier the dish, the more likely it is to thin mucous secretions, which in turn can clear nasal passages. Among the most frequently recommended spices for this purpose include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, and fenugreek, as well as the traditional onion and garlic.”
There are also foods that seasonal allergy sufferers should think about avoiding, which I found surprising. “According to New York University allergist Clifford Bassett, MD, if you suffer from ragweed or other weed pollen allergies, you should avoid eating melon, banana, cucumber, sunflower seeds, chamomile, and any herbal supplements containing echinacea, all of which can make symptoms much worse,’ he says.”
The most do-able thing seems to be incorporating more hot, spicy foods. The only problem is that I don’t like hot and spicy foods. And I’m certainly not giving up bananas. Whatever. Let’s just say these allergy shots better do the trick, k?
Speaking of naners, my breakfast this morning was quite phenom. I made (gluten free) blueberry pancakes topped with grilled bananas.
I picked up this pancake mix yesterday at the health food store.
I appreciate the short ingredient list, but could’ve done without the “traces of soy.” What’s the deal?? Soy is like the party-crasher that no one invited…
The pancakes included:
- 1 serving gluten free pancake mix
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- a handful of frozen blueberries
- a generous sprinkle of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
I topped the cakes with sliced grilled banana, (which I “grilled” by placing them on the hot pancake griddle for about 2 minutes), butter, and maple syrup.
Lunch was a bowl of loaded yogurt, which seems to be my midday meal-of-choice lately, huh?
In the bowl: plain Greek yogurt, grapes, a crumbled Super-Charge Me Cookie, macadamia butter, and cinnamon.
Snackage was a wrap topped with White Chocolate Wonderful.
Confession: these wraps have soy in them :/ But hey, I have been cutting back! And this is usually my snack of choice, so it’s hard to break the habit. Do you have any good soy-less wrap suggestions?
Dinner kind of came together by accident. I just started making random things to throw together, and the result was quite tasty.
In the bowl: grilled chicken, polenta (with heavy cream and butter), spinach, crushed almonds, and parmesan cheese.
Dessert will most definitely be a few of these babies:
If you haven’t yet made Dreena’s Super-Charge Me Cookies, you must! Mine include dark chocolate and white chocolate chips, which I definitely recommend.
On that note…I’m signing off. Let the weekend begin! Have a great night, babydolls. xoxo G
- Do you have any allergies (seasonal or other)?
- What’s your go-to snack?
A) I’ve heard that eating local honey can help prevent seasonal allergies. Something to do with the fact that the bees use pollen from all the plants in the area to make the honey?
B) I can’t remember which brand, but I *think* I found soy-less tortillas at Whole Foods…might have been their 365 line?
I have terrible seasonal allergies, but I just take 10mg of generic loratadine and it seems to do the trick. I couldn’t do all those shots. Yikes!
Wow, I’m not sure I could handle all of those shots! I am NOT a fan of shots… yikes. Needles, no thanks! So go you! But I’ve heard that they do work..
Your pancakes look seriously amazing… loving the blueberry action. Not many things better to me than fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup, yes please!
I don’t have allergies but my husband does! I heard the same thing as Julie-local honey!
And that loaded bowl of yogurt looks soooo good!
Girlfriend have you ever tired Larabars? They are suuuper and have literally 3 ingredients in some cases AND are 100% soy free. I <3 them. Also, a lot of grocery stores carry Ezekiel's wraps, which are sprouted grain. They're kind of a different taste/texture profile, but are high in protein. I hope all of the shots stay pain free!
After you are done with your shots…will your allergies be gone?
I am drooling over your pancakes!! Might have to make some this weekend!
I have all kinds of allergies…seasonal and food, no fun ; (
Those pancakes with grilled bananas sound so good! I may have to make some for breakfast tomorrow. And I love that blue plate with the white polka dots!
YAY for the weekend!! ahh so sorry about your shots girl
thats so annoying!! LOVE the pancakes on hurr! LOVE YOU BEAUTIFUL
yeah…so i would eat a whole pan of cookies plus a few more before bed…i dont know man,, trying to stop beating myself up about it and roll with it.
anyway, love your post as usual.
I think my recent addiction to Indian food is the reason my allergies haven’t been bad this year. Whatever the cause, it’s a great excuse to eat lots of Indian food!
Those cookies are a must. Will be trying soon! Breakfast looks good too.
I react to lots of dust. Also, pollen in early spring. Otherwise, I get by.
Wow, good luck on your shots! That’s a lot of shots. :-/
Those cookies look fab! Dreena really knows where it’s at!
Really sorry about your news, but it sounds like you will bear it just fine. But how annoying… I’m sorry. Your pancakes look amazingly delicious. No way I could ever give up bananas, either.
Brown rice tortillas are always a good alternative to regular ones…they don’t roll as well, but I think they’re pretty tasty!
Sorry to hear about all your allergy troubles
No one in my family has any, me included. Good genes, I guess! Spicy foods are actually an acquired taste- the more you eat them, the more you like them. I used to hate them, but now I like to bring on the Indian and Mexican foods!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend love!! xoxo
I hate that soy is in just about everything too!! Is it really that necessary? regardless your blueberry banana pancakes look really yummy
I always forget to add blueberries into mine.
Sorry that you have to get those shots
I am just on allergy meds and a nasal spray right now.
I am allergic to most of the same things. I also REFUSE to give up bananas - I love them too much lol.
I am obsessed with pancakes.. Favorite food hands down, but these pancakes look so good. I am definitely following you on this one..
Great blog and great photos.
Best,
Hannah Katy
Hey! I’m a brand new reader and lovin your blog thus far :O) I love getting a peak into what you’re eating, much more variety than what I eat. A quick question… why are you avoiding soy? just out of curiousity
Those pancakes look amazing! I’m a huge pancake fan, I’ll definitely be trying those out in the near future.
[...] 3 down, 105 tο ɡο. « girl meets health. [...]
girl - your food looks to die for, but your bowls and plates are what’s killin me! they are too cute!
-rebekah
Ahh just catching up on my blog reading and saw your allergy shot post AFTER we tweeted about it! I think I can only handle once a week…which will make my time “on the shot”…but three times a week?! How will you do that?! Good luck; we’re in this together!
[...] I have allergies: very true [...]