I am about to date myself.

Growing up there was a commercial on television.  The entire goal, as far as I can remember, was to encourage children to read . . . or rather parents to read to their children. 

Guilt them into it. 

It was quite effective.  (My mom always read to me . . . I just mean the jingle was effective.) 

I still know it. 

Perhaps, I did watch too much TV . . .

“The more you read, the more you know. 

The more you know, the farther you go.”

I heart reading.  Not because the TV told me to . . . it’s just that my imagination does a much better job. 

 Pumpkin Seed/Sesame Crackers

And reading has given me great knowledge, both spiritually and worldly.

I am also a big fan of applying what you know to your life.   James 1:22-24 will forever be ingrained in my mind.

You see one of my dearest friends in college (Larra)  was studying to be a physical therapist.  She applied her learning a bit too literally and would stick my feet in ICE COLD water*  as we tried to memorize the following verse together,

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.   Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Though this verse applies to learning scripture and actually putting in to practice what you have learned . . . I try and apply what I learn in all areas of my life. 

waffles with honey syrup 

Thus far, God has yet to steer me wrong . . . with my spiritual walk and with the food that we eat.  (I’m far from being perfect in any area though I have been guided well!)

I am in the process of applying what I am learning . . . so that as a family we can go farther . . . live better . . . serve with vigor . . . shout from the mountain tops (that our God not only reigns, but heals).

Which brings me to our adventure for the next couple of weeks, if not months, towards healing our guts and following the GAPS diet, which you have heard me talk about before. 

turkey sandwiches with homemade mayonnaise 

I’m kind of excited, and kind of nervous.  By following the “protocol” it will mean that at times we will be eating differently than others . . . family functions, church meals, fellowship gatherings . . .

But there is a purpose to it.  A hope.  A healing. 

home prepared sausage 

I’ve learned so much reading the actual GAPS book by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride (from the library) that I have to act upon this knowledge (and buy the book). 

I have to do what it says. 

So, while we are waiting for Cara from Health, Home and Happiness to come out with her introductory meal plan for the GAPS diet, we have been munching away through her monthly meal plans in preparation. 

crepes

They are great. . . . especially if you are overwhelmed by the list of what to eat and what not to eat to support a nurturing environment to heal your somewhat fragile insides.  So far the kids have LOVED every meal I have cooked from Cara’s Grain Free Menu plan.

What do her meal plans contain?  Pretty much everything but the grocery store!

Each month you can expect to find:

• F
  ood that can be made by busy families (you do have to plan ahead, though)
• Packable lunches for busy schedules (it would behoove you to read the menu plan before your workweek starts in order to prepare certain items)
• Child and husband friendly meals
• Nutrient dense foods including liver and fish at least once a week as recommended by the Weston Price Foundation (I am still struggling with the liver . . . )
• Simple alternatives to expensive gluten free mixes
• Directions to remind you to soak, sprout, and do other preparations ahead of time (Cara’s reminders are perfectly timed and sooooooo helpful!)
• Fermented foods to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria (and you know how much I love to ferment!)
• Cooking tips and tricks- all recipes have been tested multiple times in Cara’s own kitchen

pancakes

I’d like to offer 3 readers a free 1 month subscription to The Grain Free Meal Plan .  If you have been on the fence about whether or not to

1. go on the diet
2. purchase the monthly grain free meal plan ($16/month or $130/year – only 35 cents a day!)
3. consider an alternative to your current daily diet . . . this is the giveaway for you.

Cara is the real deal.  She’s a mom who has a beautiful daughter, who happens to have autism.  She is also a mom who is proactive.  And she figured if she wanted a meal plan that followed the GAPS diet . . . there must be others.

pizza

And there are. 

Just remember, GAPS isn’t just for autistic people . . . 

It’s for people like me and others in my family – thyroid issues, arthritis, food allergies, chemical sensitivities, eczema, psoriasis, and mood swings. 

Want to win 1 month of 3 meals a day, 7 days a week?

Think of the time you will save by not planning . . .  

I thought you might . . .

I’m going to make this easy. 

Mandatory Entry:  Why do you want to win?

Extra Entries:  blog or tweet, leaving a comment and link that you did (as much as you like).

Bonus Entry:  Sign up for the Reversing Food Allergies course and give yourself 10 separate entries.

Giveaway Ends:  April 19, 2011

Please note, Cara has graciously given me a subscription to her Grain Free Meal Plans in exchange for an honest review of her product.  I tell you . . . she has done such a great job that it caused me to think, study, and change.  Thanks, Cara!

*In Larra’s defense, I think I had a genuine injury.  She wasn’t torturing me with the Word of God. 

[optin-cat id=22967]