Resources: The Acid Reflux Solution by Dr. Jorge Rodriguez

I was excited to learn about The Acid Reflux Solution, a new book for treating GERD.    Published in March, this eating-for-an-acid-free-life plan was developed by a gastroenterologist who himself suffered from reflux, and makes sense to me.  Dr. Jorge Rodriguez advocates controlling reflux by changing your relationship with food and, in a word, mindfulness.   Particular "trigger" foods are discussed, but "Dr. Jorge" also advises it's not just particular foods -- but timing, portions, and other factors that come together to manage reflux.  His advice for a healthy gut includes:

• Small portions
• Trigger foods (caffeine, animal fats, fried foods, etc.) in moderation
• Good motility -- lots of fiber to keep things moving
• Reducing water intake during and around mealtimes

My lived experience coincides with his findings, and I love his easy-to-understand explanations and common sense, holistic approach.

Note:  In full disclosure, I have not yet read the actual book but I have a good sense of his philosophy from his website/blog, TV appearances and reviews.  Apparently, Dr. Jorge is on his way to becoming the next Dr. Mehmet Oz!

Dr. Jorge's professional website

Healthy World blog (Dr. Jorge's blog about reflux, eating for health -- well-organized with tags)

Dr. Jorge on The View (April 2012)

Inspiring Things

FOOD WHEELS

I picked up this Local Food Wheel for NYC at a local kitchen shop last year, and it's still a thrill to watch the produce roll in each month, giving me ideas for what to look for at the market.  And, the graphics are so lovely!  I have mine hanging on my refrigerator door.   There are several local food wheels available for different parts of the country.

NEW BOOKS TO READ

My latest read.   Thich Nhat Hanh applies Buddhist approaches to weight management and healthy eating.  While geared for people interested in weight loss and those who struggle with weight management, I'm a few chapters in, and am finding this a good refresher for mindful eating and mindfulness, overall.  I would like to lose "a few pounds," but the parallels and points raised in Savor reach beyond weight -- they provide guidance for approaching life's struggles in general.  There's also a Savor blog/website worth a look.

GOING OFF THE CLOCK

Despite the hectic holiday season, I spent time exploring and being a tourist in my own city.   I allowed myself to take time, take photos, and take a breath.  Wandering around without a plan or time commitment is its own form of meditation!

Reading List: Japanese Vegan, Baking, and Inspiration

While browsing in Barnes & Noble the other day, I stopped by the cookbook section and four collections tempted me.   See below.  My decluttering effort prevents me from bringing new books into the house unless I purge old ones (or can really justify bringing home a new book); I'm definitely not a minimalist when it comes to reading material, but there is something to be said for having my shelves full of books that are all upright and easy to retrieve.  So, here's hoping I can find these at my library (because otherwise my gift card is going to be put to use...):


Kansha: Celebrating Japan's Vegan and Vegetarian Traditions
I am taken by this book's lovely photos and rich discussion of recipes, ingredients and foodways throughout.  I couldn't put this book down, and wanted to simultaneously cook from it and read the cultural tidbits.

The Joy of Vegan Baking
I can't say I'm practicing a vegan diet -- I'm still eating pastured eggs, ice cream, pizza, and the occasional non-vegan meal out.  I am inspired, though, and feel great when I avoid animal products and stick with whole foods.   I relish the Apple-Cinnamon Oat Bran muffins I make weekly; these do contain one egg.  My efforts at "veganizing" them were a failure, and my vegan baking efforts overall have been abysmal.  I'm somewhat skeptical of vegan baked goods and "flax eggs," so I'd like to learn more about the techniques, expectations, and to "prove myself wrong" about my egg-free baking skills.  (Dairy substitutes seem to work fine, i.e. swapping oil for butter.)  This book looks great for recipes, tips, and learning the "science" of vegan cakery, cookies and breads.

The Vegan's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Inspiration
What can I say -- I love fluffy books like this, a quick flip-through full of assorted information, quotes, facts, photos, data.  I don't think I'd buy this book, but it will make a fun library catch.

Rabbit Food Cookbook
Small, "DIY" style spiral bound cookbook that reminds me of the seminal The Vegetarian Epicure.  Full of nice-looking recipes -- nothing shocking here, but I flipped through this twice and want to take a closer look via my library, if they have it (or can order it).

Of course, no matter how good a cookbook, I will no doubt mercilessly alter recipes to fit my taste and available ingredients!