Author Archives: Amy

About Amy

Amy has a passion for natural, sustainable health and living that she shares by educating her clients. She runs half and full marathons, is fluent in Dutch, and grows an urban garden on her Brooklyn terrace.

Divorce from Britney Made me Fat, says Kevin Federline

We’ve all heard that falling in love can cause our waist lines to expand as we allow ourselves to indulge in yummy and not so healthy treats from time to time. This typically happens because in this new found bliss we become comfortable with ourselves in the company of our companion and, many times for women, end up taking on the eating habits of our partner/spouse.

It isn’t just falling and being in love that can cause weight gain, but also the unraveling of the relationship should that happen. According to an interview with Kevin Federline on the Bonnie Hunt show, he speaks to the eating habits that evolved post divorce from his famous pop star wife Britney Spears. (more…)

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Amy

General Mills Producing Gluten-Free Products

If you have noticed more gluten-free products on your local grocers shelves there is good reason. Many of the largest food manufacturers, such as General Mills and Betty Crocker, are getting into the business of providing gluten-free options for the everyday shopper. Both companies have been rolling out cake, brownie and cookies mixes that are all gluten-free and in many cases use rice flour as a substitution. The good news here is that large brands are recognizing the need for these types of products in the market place, which should only help this category expand. 

Despite this good news, issues can arise when products do not list hidden ingredients or have proper gluten-free labeling. One accident I have seen a few people make is purchasing products labeled “wheat-free” as opposed to “gluten-free.” Gluten is present in several grains including wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet and spelt. Therefore it is important to look at the ingredients list if there is not clear verbiage on the packaging that states gluten free. (more…)

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Amy

Best Gluten-Free Products and a Gluten Beware List

As someone who has to avoid wheat, dairy and eggs (just to name a few) I have done a lot of research and taste testing to help ensure that while my dietary needs have to be adjusted for my well being, that I don’t have to give up all my favorite foods and equally important taste! Below I have listed some of my favorite products that have made me feel like I don’t have to give up all the goodies and meals I love so much.

1. Rice Crackers: Ka-Me rice cracker brand has delicious flavors and the crackers are perfect for any dip or even on their own. I especially like the wasabi-flavored cracker, but these are not for the faint of heart. Ka-Me Crackers

2. Gluten-Free Pasta: Tinkyada Brown Rice pasta has become a must-have in my house. With all variations from spaghetti to spirals to lasagna you can enjoy your same pasta favorites at home and not feel like you’re eating an “alternative” product. Tinkyada pasta

Try this recipe: Quinoa Pasta with Creamy Pesto and Tomatoes

3. Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: A staple in Asian cooking and for all of you sushi lovers out there like me. The San-J brand soy sauce that is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Association tastes exactly as regular soy sauce and is the perfect addition to my stir-fry dishes. San-J Soy Sauce

4. Bob’s Red Mill: I love this company and that there is a Bob’s Red Mill dedicated gluten-free section full of all the products you need for baking as well as mixes for cakes, breads, granola as well as product bundles and samplers. I personally love the all-purpose baking flour which helped get me back in the kitchen and making yummy cookies again. Bob’s Red Mill/Gluten-Free (more…)

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Amy

6 Must-Have Gluten-Free Resources

Last week I kicked off the gluten-free series with an overview of what gluten is and what it means to have celiac disease, meaning living a gluten-free life. One of the biggest challenges faced when trying to live gluten-free is actually avoiding gluten altogether. It is hidden in so many foods and products which can make navigating the shopping aisles extremely treacherous, especially for those suffering from celiac disease.

Below I have listed some of my favorite resources and online go-tos. I would love to hear from all of you as to what your best resources are so we can share them with everyone! Please comment or email [email protected] with your top resources. I’ll be highlighting and reviewing specific products in next week’s issue.

Living Without Magazine: This magazine and its newly launched website have been an amazing addition into my home. I honestly run to the mailbox the day it arrives as the pages are filled with recipes and articles for all that suffer from food allergies and sensitivities. (more…)

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Amy

An Overview of What is Gluten

Let’s begin with what is gluten exactly? Gluten is a composite of proteins found in wheat, bulgur, couscous, barley, spelt and rye to name the most common grains it can be found it. The reason this protein has become such a common term over the years is because of the ailments it has been found to cause in people. Individuals that are gluten-intolerant meaning their bodies cannot process and digest the protein and have an adverse immune response are referred to as having celiac disease. Worldwide, celiac disease occurs in almost one percent of the human population and the statistic continues to increase. If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease you know that it is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine in people of all ages. Depending on the severity of the reaction to the disease symptoms can include fatigue, diarrhea, and the inability to absorb nutrients.

Gluten is widely used in baking products as it helps with enhancing elasticity, which affects the texture of baked goods as well as leads to a softer, chewier product for such products as bagels, pizzas and cakes. Other products where gluten is used is ice cream, ketchup, and even toothpaste. The reason for this is because gluten can act as a stabilizing agent meaning a thickener or gelling agent. (more…)

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Amy

Announcing the Gluten-Free Series

wheat stalkI am excited to announce the kick-off of a new weekly series that will focus on all things gluten-free. I will cover topics from grains to everyday products that you may never had known gluten was hiding in. I will also provide a glossary to provide you guidance along with some great tools and resources that already exist both online and off.

Next week in the first of our gluten-free series I’ll be providing some great information in regards to what is gluten, what it means to suffer from celiac disease and review some grains to help clear up any confusion there might be around what you can and cannot eat. (more…)

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Amy

Dairy Alternatives to Rachael Ray’s Famous Vodka Cream Sauce

Pasta with cream sauceFor those of you who are a fan of Oprah, I certainly was intrigued by a recipe featured by famous chef Rachael Ray, termed “You won’t be single for long” vodka cream sauce. Not only because of the famous chef association but the title of the dish as well. With Valentine’s Day tomorrow I wanted to bring this recipe to the attention of all our readers. Whether you are single or attached this recipe is for you and I provide my own spin on it to allow eaters of dairy and non-dairy to indulge.

Of course my first thought as a person that has a food allergy to cow’s mik was, “cream, that’s not something I’m going to be able to try.” Most times when I see “cream sauce” on menus I go running for the hills. But I am also not the type to give up that easily, so I ventured to Oprah.com to review the recipe details, which can be found here: You won’t be single for long vodka cream sauce.

Listed within the ingredients: ½ cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter. I immediately went to my fridge and started looking through all the staples I keep on hand for myself so I don’t have to feel deprived that I can’t always enjoy the same goodies that others can. One of my favorite alternatives for butter is a product called Earth Balance buttery spread; I saw Alicia Silverstone using it as well during a segment talking about her diet – the Kind Diet. It has the same consistency as butter with a very mild taste; I use it for all my cooking needs. (more…)

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Amy

Start the Week with Meatless Monday

Farmers marketMany times when I was asked why I became a vegetarian, or pescatarian (vegetarian who eats fish), my answer was twofold. One of the first reasons was due to the treatment of animals, which in a recent film I watched were actually termed “animal cities” and that term was not meant as one of endearment. The quality of life our animals have, from cows to chickens to pigs, is horrendous. Whether being kept in pens or tight quarters where slight movements are difficult or never seeing sunlight, I could not fathom taking part in allowing this to continue so I stopped giving those stock yards and farmers my money. (more…)

Posted on February 8, 2026 by Amy

Quinoa: A Healthy Food Worth Your Attention

Quinoa is a food that has gained more attention in the past few years and I couldn’t be happier as the more mainstream a food becomes the more accessibility we have in our local stores. quinoa

Quinoa originated in South America and has been an important food for the people there as well as the Inca tribes that also originated in that region. Quinoa grows best in areas where soils drain well and needs a relatively long growing season. While it has been referred to as a grain, it is actually related to the leafy green family such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard. One can actually eat the outer leaves while the main use and purpose for harvest is for the quinoa grain. (more…)

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Amy

Are you Fed Up? A Teacher’s School Lunch Blog Project

school lunchHave you wondered why kids have a hard time concentrating in class? Have you noticed a difference based on the foods they eat? If you have young children in school you have likely seen the type of foods being served during mealtimes. These aren’t exactly the meals that one would hope for their child. Not only do they typically lack all the nutrition kids need in such a developmental stage but they also don’t provide the healthy, whole foods that lead to higher concentration and learning in the classroom.

How can a child eating chicken nuggets and having drinks loaded with sugar possibly be able to focus through a math period? (more…)

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Amy

Review – Fresh the Movie

fresh the movieFresh, a movie that was produced in 2026, and similar to Food Inc., shines a light on the American food system. The spin that Fresh takes on, which I found refreshing, is the positive focus on what individuals are currently doing to transform what is at the moment a broken cycle. The movie confronts many issues that exist such as food contamination, environmental pollution, obesity, and affects on our natural resources.
Some of the highlights I have from the film are as follows:

  • Through industrialization we have lost 90% of our crop diversity as the majority now focuses on corn and soy beans
  • Of those crops, 70% are grown to feed farm animals, which should be noted are herbivores (eating grasses and herbs)
  • Back in the day animals roamed free on farms. Through industrialization, livestock has become big business and thousands of animals are now housed in tight quarters, commonly referred to as “Animal Cities”. (more…)
Posted on January 16, 2026 by Amy