Readers' Choice: Special Diet Blogs

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In the last year I have asked for thoughts on topics like natural cold remedies, colicky babies, preferred natural sweeteners, probiotics for kids, how to cure a case of pink eye (agghh!) and most recently I asked you to share the one special diet food blog you find exceptional—considering layout, content, recipes and photography. Here's what you shared. Thanks to you I have discovered some new blogs like The Healthy Home Economist and Love Veggies and Yoga. I hope you have too!

THE TOP THREE

The Spunky Coconut
Simply Gluten-Free
Gluten Free Goddess

OTHERS YOU ENJOY

Oh She Glows
Diet, Dessert and Dogs
The Gracious Pantry
Paleo Parents
Real Sustenance
Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
And Love it Too
Balanced Bites
Love Veggies and Yoga
The Wellness Warrior
Completely Nourished
Green Shakes and Giggles
Tasty Yummies
Gluten-Free Easily
Ginger Lemon Girl
Mark's Daily Apple
Elana's Pantry
The Healthy Home Economist
Sugar Free Mom
Tessa Domestic Diva
Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free

Blueberry Vanilla Chia Cereal

There is an outfit out of Canada that makes a pretty tasty apple cinnamon chia cereal. I took a look at the ingredients on the back of the package and came up with this blueberry vanilla version. Chia seed is a super food that will leave you feeling satisfied for hours and this cereal couldn't be easier to throw together and prepare. Read more about chia here.

For a number of the ingredients called for in this recipe I turn to the Etsy store, Simply Claudine. The coconut sugar I get from Simply Claudine is superior to all others I have tried. And prices are quite competitive! Stop by Simply Claudine for unique and useful items to help you bake your way to a masterpiece—or to mix up a batch of this nourishing chia cereal.

Instant Blueberry Vanilla Chia Cereal

Gluten-Free | Casein-Free | Citrus-Free | Corn-Free | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Fish-Free | Nightshade-Free | Peanut-Free | Potato-Free | Rice-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Wheat-Free | Grain-Free (buckwheat is not a grain) | Sesame-Free | Yeast-free | GFCF | Vegetarian | Vegan | Raw (ensure all ingredients are in their raw form)

Ingredients:

1-1/4 cups WHITE or BLACK CHIA SEED
1 cup SLICED ALMONDS
1/2 cup raw BUCKWHEAT GROATS
1/4 cup DRIED BLUEBERRIES
1/4 cup COCONUT SUGAR
1 teaspoon CINNAMON
1 VANILLA BEAN, sliced down center and spread open
Generous pinch of SALT

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and give it a good shake.
2. Store in refrigerator or in a cool dry place.
3. I like to allow the vanilla bean to infuse the cereal with its flavor for a couple of days. The tiny seeds of the vanilla bean are edible and may be scraped out. Just refrain from eating the pod :)

TO PREPARE CEREAL

1. Mix 3 tablespoons cereal mixture with 1/4 cup very hot water or non-dairy milk. Let stand 3 minutes.
2. Enjoy!

5-Minute Mug Brownie

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This cup of instant chocolate gratification was inspired by one of the many Chocolate Microwave Mug Cake recipes found online. I was aiming for "cake", but the result of my gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free experimentation resembled a brownie—dense, chocolately, fudgey. Oh yes! Call it what you may. I call it good!

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Valentine's Day Dinner and a Movie

Tuesday is Valentine's Day and if your plans include staying in with the family, why not make it memorable with a special candlelit spaghetti-and-meatballs feast inspired by one of Disney's beloved dog duos. To make the planning easy, Gfree is here to show you how.

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I Am Not Hard Core

Last night I got out of the house, by myself, for some "Me-Time."

I have always envied women and mothers who see Me-Time as smart, not selfish. They grasp the concept of "putting your own oxygen mask on first"—taking time to renew and regenerate—before doing-for and helping others.

So, it was a big step for me to kiss the boys goodbye and head out the door to practice some self-care—to take some Me-Time.

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