Time for a Guest Post with a Pad Thai Recipe!

Hello to my lovely readers!!

Today I’ve got something good for you!!  A guest post from one of the newest blogs out there! Her photos are gorgeous, her recipes are fantastic and she has one of the cutest dogs ever!! 

Hope you enjoy!

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Hey there fellow bloggers!
My name is Beatrix and I'm a relatively new blogger.  My blog is called Beaglebea's blog.  

I try to give readers some insight into IBS and Gluten-free living, as I suffer from both.  You'll always find a variety of yummy recipes on my pages.  I really appreciate Jess letting me be a guest blogger on her site.  Thanks Jess.  Here is my story.

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As long as I can remember I've been plagued with painful upset stomachs that would hit me without warning (at school, at home, while driving).  These stomach attacks would have me running to the washroom for several hours at a time, and curled up on the couch in between attacks with a bowl beside me due to nausea.  The cramps would be excruciating. I'd be curled in a ball not knowing what to do. I'd be in tears until I was able to relieve myself and then the cramps and nausea went away until the next attack came about (usually about 5 minutes apart.)  My mom would brew up some Chamomile tea for me since it seemed to be the only thing that worked to settle my cramps, but really the cramping only stopped once my bowels were completely emptied out.  Not knowing any better, I used to blame my issues on food allergies or intolerances, yet never went for allergy testing.  I try not to run to the doctor for every ailment, but after 16 years of suffering with on-again, off-again issues, I decided to finally get checked out. 

I found a wonderful doctor where I now live who listened to my concerns and wanted to actually help me figure out what was going on. I went through a series of blood tests and she sent me to the hospital for a few tests to rule out any underlying intestinal problems.  Let me tell you the test was not pleasant.  I had to fast the night before and then got to spend about 5 hours at the lab.  They made me lie on an x-ray table and sip through a straw some sort of milkshake that tasted like orange and chalk.  As I would take small sips of the substance, the table would move into different position and they would track how the liquid passed through my system.  Just when I thought it was all over the nurse gave me another LARGE container full of more milkshake to drink in the waiting room.  They would then call me back every 15 minutes or so to take more pictures as it was passing through my bowels.  I did learn that my bowels pass my food rather quickly, which is one of the reasons I get these attacks.  Lucky for me I was also the proud recipient of a colonoscopy that same day.  My doctor called me into her office a few days later to inform me that the tests came back normal, which was good news for me. 

My diagnosis was IBS.  At least now I had a starting point to try and treat my digestive issues.  My doctor sent me to our local health food store to pick up some Probiotics and Pancreatic Enzymes.  She also referred me to a nutritionist and gave me the names of a few books to buy as I now had to change my entire lifestyle and eating habits. The hardest discovery I made that I've had to deal with was figuring out that I am also gluten-intolerant and that plays a huge role in my IBS...I don't like the fact that eating white pasta, white bread and white rice agrees with me more than the whole wheat varieties.  We all know that refined carbohydrates contain no nutritional value and convert to sugar quickly in your body, but it sure makes a difference on my belly.  However, since getting things under control I'm slowly incorporating some whole grains back into my diet, as long as I don't overdo it. 

I am happy to report that my stomach attacks are far and few between..they seem to hit when I don't eat well or during times of stress.  Obviously I'm doing something right.

I also became a lot more active, which has helped keep my digestive tract happy.  I joined a gym, bought my mountain bike and got active. I am in love with Kickboxing and this year I’m playing my 3rd season of ice hockey too. I also decided I wanted to give myself a challenge and started training for my first running event.  This was a major accomplishment for me since I have never been a runner because of the large size of my breasts. (I had breast-reduction surgery in 2007).  In May of 2009 I ran/ walked my first 32km event (The Galloping Goose Linear Walk), followed by the 64km big one in June of 2009 (The Great Walk – North America’s Toughest Pledge Walk).  I've lost about 15lbs through a combination of eating right and leading an active lifestyle.  This year I am gearing up to compete in 2 events, an Adventure Relay Race called the Snow to Surf as well as a bike/run race. 

Today, I am finally happy with my physical status..getting my stomach issues under control, I love working out and being active and feel all around happy.  I am also blessed with having found a wonderful man to share my life with. 

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PAD THAI

gluten-free and dairy-free

The ingredients

• 8 oz  thick rice-stick noodles (gluten-free)

• 2 Tbsp vegetable or peanut oil

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped (I used 3)

• 2 fresh red chillies, seeded and chopped

• 8 fresh Chinese chives, chopped

• 2 Tbsp fish sauce (gluten-free)

• juice of 1 lime (I forgot this part)

• 2 tsp.  brown sugar (I used sucanat)

• 2 eggs, beaten  (for dairy-free substitute 2Tbsp ground flaxseed with 6 Tbsp water)

• 4 oz  bean sprouts

• 4 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

• 4oz  unsalted peanuts, chopped, plus extra to serve

• crispy fried onions, to serve ( I omitted this).

Method

Soak the noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, drain and set aside.  I also prepared all my ingredients before beginning to cook as the cooking process itself goes relatively quick.  I also didn’t have a wok, so I used my cast-iron frying pan. 

Heat the oil in a wok and stir-fry the garlic, chillies and pork for 2-3 minutes.  Add the shrimp and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

Add the chives and noodles, then cover and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Add the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and eggs.  Cook, stirring and tossing constantly to mix in the eggs. 

Stir in the bean sprouts, cilantro, and peanuts, and serve with small dishes of crispy fried onions and extra chopped peanuts. 

It was a popular meal with the boyfriend.  He even had seconds   Compliments to the chef !!  I was a little hesitant at first because chilli peppers usually make things spicy, but it was just perfect.  I will be making this one again very shortly.

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Thanks Bea for a great recipe!!

I love Pad Thai!!!  

Have an awesome day guys!