But this post is about FOOD!   Winter decided to show up here, finally.  It’s been cold and [...]]]> I’m coming along on the GAPS intro reboot.   I’ve introduced a few things early, done things a bit differently because, well, it gets boring.   You can read about it over on my health journal if you like.

But this post is about FOOD!   Winter decided to show up here, finally.  It’s been cold and wet and windy, perfect weather for soups, stews and savory dishes set on a table near the fireplace.

Unfortunately, daughter and I are already starting to feel the shift to spring. We’re wanting lighter foods, not so much the heavy ones. It’s not yet salad season, but we’re starting to feel the shift.  As one season fades into another, it always makes for interesting menu planning!  On the fortunate side, it is a mellow week for us, so we’ll enjoy the fire place as a back drop to our meals.

All of these are easily adaptable for GAPS.

This year is bringing some changes! I’ll be merging this blog with my health blog. [...]]]> Where did last year go? The end of the year is crazy for everyone and I didn’t manage to post my menus.  I was traveling a lot between Thanksgiving and New Years, so my menus were pretty scattered as it was.

This year is bringing some changes! I’ll be merging this blog with my health blog. Food is integral to health and this way I’ll be able to keep everything in one place. Links will forward, never fear!

January is traditionally a time of starting over, making new goals and forging ahead.  I’ve decided to make January even more complicated by following  GAPS intro for the month. I’m the only one in the family doing so; I’m keeping the rest of the family on a PALEO program.  Intro is too limited for the activity level of the kids, and especially while they are in school, they won’t be able to eat as often as you do when you’re going through a GAPS intro. Logistically it would be even crazier than our schedule already is.

So how DO you do a GAPS intro when no one else in the family is? With some basic planning!

For those that just want this weeks menu – here you go!

Now, the logistics for mom, since I’m following a GAPS intro?  Well, Stage 1 of intro is all about ease of digestion. Foods are all boiled, lots of stock (lots and lots of stock!) is consumed and the body will start to gently detoxify.  You eat these easily digestible foods often, because your body will digest things very quickly.

For Stage One Intro (through Friday) where my family may get roasted or grilled meats, I’ll be poaching/boiling my foods as per protocol.  It won’t be much extra work for me, because it’s all about planning.   Veggies can all be GAPS legal. Their veggies can be steamed or roasted, and I’ll but my share into my soup stock and boil them until they are soft.

Saturday and Sunday (the start of Stage Two) – well, the casserole is something everyone can eat, so that problem solves itself. My kids are old enough that they can make their own lunches, so I’ll keep my soups for lunch and allow them separate foods.  Sunday will be the tricky day though. My son has a hockey tournament a few hours away and will be gone for the day – though home for dinner.  If I go with him, I’ll have to plan ahead and bring plenty of soup with me.

One place where I am breaking GAPS protocol: I’m keeping my supplements! I take them for a reason, my thyroid, my adrenals, my hormones are all off balance, my supplements are recommended by my naturopath for a reason. GAPS is thoroughly capable of resetting the systems of the body, and in fact is well known for it.  I’m thinking that the extra support the supplements are giving me will help support the process more thoroughly.  The first time I did GAPS intro last May  I eliminated all supplements I was taking at the time and did not see significant changes; so this time, I’m choosing to keep my supplements in.

Fortunately for us all, the kitchen [...]]]> I know I took a break from menu posting.  We remodeled our kitchen!   It was definitely something I’m glad I did, and something I wish I had food planed better!   I’ll write a post on the ordeal!  Dinner for 4 with a crockpot and a toaster oven!(yes, I am excited.)

Fortunately for us all, the kitchen is done. It looks awesome, it cooks awesome, and everyone is glad to have the kitchen back.  Let me tell you, going into the busy holiday season, having a kitchen is a great thing indeed!

Without further ado – A Menu!