MelanieAvalon.com

And You Thought Gluten Was Bad? Meet Lectin.

By melanieavalon / July 30, 2014

Oh hey Lectin! (AKA.: Gluten’s nefarious cousin lurking in the corner.) Lectins are a protein found in plants. They function as a part of the plant’s natural defense system. They’re particularly concentrated in grains (primarily wheat, but also rye and barley). They also reside in legumes and tubers such as potatoes, beans, and soy. Lectins are notably resilient to […]

What’s Your Gluten Clique?

Gluten

Paleo

Plant Antinutrients

By melanieavalon / July 27, 2014

I’m Joining the Club! When I found out a few weeks ago that I’m allergic to wheat, I jumped for joy. It was like my official invitation to the gluten-free club. I was no longer the “poser” I felt like up until that point. (Like: “Hi! I don’t eat gluten because… umm… it’s bad. Can I sit with […]

Why You Might Think Broccoli And Brussels Sprouts Taste Bitter

Studies

By melanieavalon / July 25, 2014

My mom hates Brussels sprouts, which is why she never made them for us growing up. I didn’t try one of them until a year or so ago (and LOVED it personally). But if you don’t like Brussels sprouts or broccoli or a few certain other green veggies, there may be a scientific reason for that! Cruciferous vegetables […]

The Magic of Fainting Spells (Or How I Found Out I’m Allergic to Gluten!)

Personal

By melanieavalon / July 25, 2014

Many months of my early teen years were spent in the company of a friend named Accutane. While I’d hardly go within a mile of it now, the drug did indeed change my skin type from oily, acne-prone madness, to clear as a whistle. I also got the advantage of less oily hair, but the disadvantage of sunburn. […]

Junk Food Addiction (Yes, It’s Real)

Standard American Diet

By melanieavalon / July 24, 2014

“Bet You Can’t Eat Just One!” Ever had that moment where you simply had to eat another one of those pre-packaged cookies or slice of suspiciously colorful sheet cake even though you weren’t really hungry or, in all honesty, it didn’t taste that amazing. Guess what! It’s not all in your mind! Well, it is….but that’s the point. Addiction to “junk […]

10 Tips for Starting Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 23, 2014

1. Arm Yourself With Knowledge  Know that you will NOT die if you don’t eat for a few hours. If you think what you’re doing is harmful or antagonistic to your body, fasting will become a huge hurdle in your mind. Read articles and do research to understand what’s actually happening in your body during a fast. (As Olaf […]

Intermittent Fasting Fears

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 19, 2014

A common reaction to intermittent fasting is straight-up FEAR. Fear that you will die. Fear you are doing something harmful to your body. Fear it will be difficult. Fear of the unknown. Let’s tackle these haunting specters one by one, shall we? But first: here’s something to ponder which stuck with me ever since I heard […]

Why Intermittent Fasting is A Breeze

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 18, 2014

Back in my eat-3-meals-plus-snacks-in-between-days, I always seemed to be hungry, or at the very least, fantasizing about my next meal. It seemed that once I began eating on any given day, I simply wanted to keep munching all day. Intermittent fasting is quite liberating because it eradicates all food cravings for the majority of the day. As long […]

Can You Have Your Drink and Drink it Too?

Alcohol

Wine

By melanieavalon / July 16, 2014

Most diet plans forbid alcohol. Even Paleo discourages it (oops). I am of the opinion, however, that one must live life to the fullest, and adopt a diet protocol which is both enjoyable and sustainable. Is there a way to have your drink and drink it too? Yes. Alcohol and weight are in an #itscomplicated […]

The Science Of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 15, 2014

People often think I’m completely crazy and naive for fasting, causing my body irreparable harm. While I may indeed be crazy, intermittent fasting is rather sane. Here’s a brief overview of what actually happens on a cellular level during a fast. During fasting, the body shifts from using glucose (sugar from carbohydrates) as a primary fuel source, […]