Live Chat!

 

liveChatSliderDecember2014

 

Welcome to the live chat! I will be here today (12/22) from 8pm – 8:30pm  EST and am excited to hear and answer your questions! Just leave a comment below and I will be live chatting back and forth with you all!

*Note if a question is asked multiple times I will only answer it once, and will move on to the next in an attempt to cover the most ground.

106 Responses to “Live Chat!”

Unfortunately due to the volume, Danielle is not able to answer every question,
comment, substitution inquiry, or provide nutritional information

  1. kdas

    hi danielle! I started following you on instagram couple of months ago but never decided on trying your recipes or doing nothing to change my diet but a recent trip to the Dr and discovering i have colitis made me take a decision
    went to the app store purchased ur books and the it starts with food one i wasn’t satisfied with not having the actual book so went to my local barnes and nobles and purchased both of them and i fell in love! i started my whole 30 on friday and i have been using your recipes and without them i don’t think i would’ve lasted 3 hrs!
    i tried your banana bread recipe today and it was spectacular kids and hubby approved!
    i do not have a question i just want to say
    THANK YOU!

  2. Paulette

    There’s so much about wheat being genetically modified, but nothing to indicate the same for oats. I love my big flakes oatmeal with fruit for breakfast. Please advise why this may still be an okay choice or something I should quit.

    • Danielle

      I think if you can tolerate oats, then purchasing an organic, gluten-free certified brand is probably ok. My husband tolerates them fine, but it really depends on the individual. I personally cannot.

  3. Kamisha Sidibe

    Hi. My question is. How do you get the healthy items like the coconut milk, cashew milk and other items that you purchase for your healthy meals at an affordable price. Where do you purchase the products that you use?

  4. Kamisha Sidibe

    If you could recommend a healthy cleaning food that is a favorite of yours what would that be?

  5. Wendy

    Is there something else other than coconut aminos to replace the regular soy sauce or soy paste? I feel the aminos is quite light, not dark enough, and the flavor doesn’t go as deep as the regular one.

    • Danielle

      If you can tolerate tamari, I would suggest using that but reducing the salt called for in a recipe. It is gluten-free but still does use soy.

  6. Amanda

    What are some reasons for someone who does not have a gluten or grain sensitivity to adopt a grain free lifestyle?

    • Danielle

      Grains can be inflammatory in the digestive tract so people who have not been officially “diagnosed” will still notice a difference when they cut them out. Many things from better sleep to less joint pain to less frequent or no migraines or headaches are some of the things that people notice.

  7. Kvh

    Do you have any advice for buying on a budget? I love your recipes, but sometimes buying a lot of the meat, etc. can add up;(

    • Danielle

      I have a lot of budget advice in the beginnings of both of my books! Buying whole cuts of meats, stocking up in bulk items, and picking and choosing from the dirty dozen will help you save money. Also – utilizing the meal plans and grocery lists in Meals Made Simple will help minimize waste which will save you a ton of money in the long run.

  8. Alyssa D'Amore

    Hi Danielle! I love your blogs and books! My husband and I love the Thai beef dish! It’s a staple in our house!!

    Question. I started a food/lifestyle blog about a year ago and I was wondering if you had any suggestions to help spread the word for more followers. Also, I am a school teacher by day so when I cook most of my meals, it’s night time which doesn’t lend to great photographs. Any suggestions??

    Thank you for any advice you can give!

    Alyssa
    Cupcakesandsequins.blogspot.com

    • Danielle

      Hi Alyssa! My biggest advice is to post regularly. The more you post, the more people will want to visit your blog which will lead to more followers. I also suggest being very active on social media! As for food photos, I only shoot with natural light so I’m not sure what to tell you there! Perhaps look into taking some classes on artificial lighting.

  9. Bri E.

    I’m wondering what impact your grain-free lifestyle had on your pregnancies, if any. Is it really necessary to eat grains while pregnant for nutrition? Did you supplement with other grain free foods that benefit the same way as grains? Please offer some insight. I worry about having a healthy grain-free pregnancy.

    • Danielle

      As far as I know and what my Drs told me, a grain-free diet is perfectly fine for pregnancy. Check out Chris Kresser’s Healthy Baby Code for more a detailed look into it!

      • Bri E.

        Thank you, Danielle 🙂 WIth the help of your recipes and seeing how successful you have been, I’ve been able to lose 20 pounds. Which I haven’t been able to lose any weight in 10 years!

  10. Betsy

    I’m making your cinnamon rolls for Xmas morning. I already made them but froze them uncooked. Would you thaw completely before cooking or cook on a lower temperature from frozen state.

    • Danielle

      I would probably thaw them in the refrigerator overnight then pop them in the oven as stated in the recipe in the morning. I haven’t tried it but that should work just fine!

    • Danielle

      Usually it’s because I miss something! I love to go out to eat and look at the menus and get inspiration from the dishes that I cannot eat, or scroll through pinterest and see what people are wanting. Otherwise, I just dream them up in my head all day long!

  12. Betsy

    Do you eat your paleo treats everyday? I do and can’t lose weight. You are so skinny. How do you do it????

    Yes I know I need to limit my treats. I just love to bake.

    • Danielle

      No definitely not. Paleo treats are still treats unfortunately and the honey and maple syrups as well as the nuts and coconut flour will prevent you from losing weight. I would keep them to special occasions for the best results!

  14. Kat

    I want to start on paleo and journal what I eat after my colonoscopy this Wed, what are the symptoms that show up to let you know a food doesn’t agree with you? I got diagnosed with UC in 2009 and on Remicade and don’t want to be on this strong drug.

    • Danielle

      I cannot speak for symptoms while on Remicade as I was thankfully able to avoid it, but I usually know almost immediately or within 24 hours if a food doesn’t agree with me. More bathroom trips, bloated stomach, all that lovely stuff!

      • Kat

        Let me clarify, I am planning on getting off Remicade too. So would I look for bloating and cramps? And how long after you eat a food would you get some kind of reaction?

  15. Laurie

    I bought your cookbook for my husband to give me for Christmas! I’ve been going gluten free since September. So many gf foods include rice in some form. Why is rice not recommended?

    • Danielle

      Rice can cause inflammation and is not easily digested by some. My husband can tolerate it but I cannot, do what works best for you!

  16. Kelly

    I am on a SCD/Paleo diet. A lot of your new recipes now use arrowroot powder. Is there an SCD friendly substitute for Arrowroot powder?Currently I really want to make your cinnamon roll recipe.

    • Danielle

      The arrowroot in my recipes lends a very specific elasticity and strength to my doughs, but you can usually sub in about half the amount of arrowroot for coconut flour. The texture will change a bit but it should work, just depends on the recipe! I label all of my recipes when they are SCD friendly so it may be helpful to just stick with those ones.

  17. Kris Zentner

    The flavor combinations you have in your recipes seem well thought out, but you must have some references. Do you happen to use the Flavor Bible or others as a reference for building them?

    • Danielle

      Hi Kris – I’ve never heard of the Flavor Bible, that sounds interesting! I actually do not reference or research many recipes being creating them so that I’m not influenced by anything. It’s all based on my personal taste preferences and I just keep adding little bits here and there until I get the perfect combination!

      • Kris Zentner

        That is certainly a gift, one I’m still trying to cultivate. The Flavor Bible is a James Beard winner book that gives a list of complimentary flavors. You seem to have much of it in your head already!

  18. Danielle

    The arrowroot in my recipes lends a very specific elasticity and strength to my doughs, but you can usually sub in about half the amount of arrowroot for coconut flour. The texture will change a bit but it should work, just depends on the recipe! I label all of my recipes when they are SCD friendly so it may be helpful to just stick with those ones.

  19. Paulette

    I am interestedinterested in lessening the inflammation in my fingers. Could there be more *culprits* than grain causing this?

    • Danielle

      Hi Paulette – There are many things that can cause inflammation, not just grains. Nightshades, dairy, nuts, and seeds can all be culprits. I suggest keeping a food diary and trying to cut out certain food groups to see if you notice improvement.

  20. Erin

    I want to make your spinach and cranberry pinwheels this week, can I substitute coconut flour for arrowroot powder? And if I can, how much should I put in? Thanks!

    • Danielle

      Hi Erin – I’m not certain because I haven’t tried it that way but you may be able to use 1/2 the amount of coconut flour to the arrowroot called for in the recipe. The dough will not be as elastic and may be a little harder to work with but it should be ok! If you notice it’s too dry, add a little more oil or a little liquid.

  21. Betsy

    I noticed you do eat some cheese. Do you eat it a lot? Seems like I can tolerate a little bit if I overdue it I can tell. Should I avoid dairy altogether or just keep it at a minimum?

    • Danielle

      Hi Betsy – I was able to add in some cheese after about a year of eliminating it. I still eat it in moderation and find that grass-fed and raw cheese sits better with me. Also sheep’s milk and goat’s milk cheese is much easier on me than cow’s milk. I can also tell if I overdo it so I try to limit it to once or twice a week. I suggest avoiding it if you think it’s causing you problems. Try to keep a food journal and see if you can pinpoint what is causing your symptoms or cut dairy completely for 4 weeks and see if you notice improvement.

  23. Bri E.

    One more question… I haven’t bought any of your books yet because I’m not wanting a lot of baked good recipes. Does one of your books have less recipes for baked goods? I’d like to stick with healthy recipes for main dishes. Which book do you recommend I start with? Thank you 🙂

  24. Kris Zentner

    I’ve been playing with different fats as of late for flavoring. Is there one you find you prefer to over others. Also, do you have a favorite butter you use to cook with (or are you fairly strict in using ghee?)

    • Danielle

      I love grass-fed butter and ghee. Otherwise I think bacon grease added with a different fat to a dish sometimes can lend just the right amount of smoke and salt.

  25. Cari

    Are you ever planning on working on a kid’s cookbook? My kids are having trouble transitioning from the SAD and I would love more ideas on kid-friendly food.

  26. Cathy

    I struggle with being hungry shortly after eating since I’ve cut out gluten products. I’m trying to add more fat into each meal. Any other suggestions? I love your cookbooks!

    • Danielle

      My husband and I both struggled with that when we first started. First, it does go away and your body learns to be satisfied with the good quality food you’re now eating instead of the stuff it was used to. But we had to snack on a lot of nuts, seeds, dried fruits and beef jerky at the beginning in between meals. Oh and my husband had an apple and almond butter after dinner almost every night for 6 months! 🙂

      • Bri E.

        That’s my go-to snack right now! Apple (peeled because the skins hurt my stomach) and almond butter. Mmmmm 🙂

  27. Paulette

    I, too, am interested in Stevia. Do you know if Stevia-sweetened treats are addictive in the way that sugary treats are?

  28. Brad

    I have both your books and I am trying to integrate your recipes into a low carb/high fat approach. When you use coconut sugar or honey (like in your real deal chocolate chip cookies), would it work okay to use Swerve in place the coconut sugar? What would be a good substitute for the honey? Any experience with vegetable glycerin as a honey substitute?

    • Danielle

      Sorry Brad, I’m not very well versed in sugar substitutes. I use coconut sugar because it is low GI and honey because it is easier to digest.

    • Danielle

      I don’t know much about it to be honest, but this from Mark seems to say that it’s ok and I’m very interested that it doesn’t cause GI distress as many of those sugar subs and sugar alcohols do for me.

      “Erythritol is almost non-caloric (0.2 calories per gram) and about 60-70% as sweet as sugar. It’s the only sugar alcohol that doesn’t appear to cause gastrointestinal distress (because the body absorbs it rather than let it pass to the colon for fermentation), it doesn’t affect blood sugar or insulin, and it cannot be fermented by dental bacteria (and it exhibits some of xylitol’s inhibitory effect on carie-causing oral bacteria, though not all of it).

      For the most part, erythritol seems pretty safe, and it’s rumored to taste very similar to sugar. Overconsumption – taking in more than your body can absorb – can result in bloating and gastrointestinal distress, but it takes a lot.”

      Read more: https://www.marksdailyapple.com/sugar-alcohols/#ixzz3MgFXr3jd

  30. Kris Zentner

    How many times do you find you have to experiment with a recipe before you get it blog worthy? I’d imagine some take more work than others. Any notable failures? =)

    • Danielle

      Oh boy it really depends. The sandwich bread probably took 15 times before it was blog worthy. I have a Christmas Fudge recipe that I’ve put on hold because after 5 attempts and too much expensive wasted chocolate it just wasn’t right. Also I once thought it was genius to use the stems of cauliflower as macaroni and a cashew nutritional yeast “cheese” to make mac and cheese and it was not edible to say the least!

  31. Jessica

    I made your cinnamon rolls on Saturday. My filling was really running and was very hard to roll into the dough. What should the consistency be like? Any idea what I did wrong?

  32. Lora P

    Hi! I love your weekly meal plans! Any chance you would do more of these on the blog?!?! Maybe with your first book? Thanks so much for all you do.

    • Danielle

      We are hoping to do them for the first book and they will be available on the blog! It will be a few months but they will be there eventually.

  33. Betsy

    Just have to say I love you and keep up the great work! I have all your cookbooks! I hope to meet you again in Falls Church, VA. Thanks for all you do!!!

  34. Danielle

    Hi Amy- My goal for the kid’s book is to provide a lot of allergy friendly recipes. I may have to turn to some unconventional flours (at least for me) like plantain, sweet potato, starches, and chickpea flour to make it work but I will be working diligently to get a lot in there for you!

  35. Danielle

    You really need to find a support system who can help keep you accountable and share in your enthusiasm about it. Try finding an online community or joining a gym that promotes eating this way!

  36. Megan

    Your recipes have been a huge hit in my house. My 3 and 6 year old love all these healthy takes on treats. My question is they go to schools that are nut free. Do you have good resources for nut free recipes that are grain free and paleoish friendly? I’d love to send them to school with your bread but I cant!!

  37. Danielle

    We have a rule in our house that he has to try a bite of everything. If he chooses not to eat it, he can have something else (I usually keep my chicken nuggets in the freezer and he loves salad and asparagus) but he doesn’t get dessert or a treat after dinner unless he eats what we’re having. If he doesn’t eat it, I try it again a week later and just keep trying to reintroduce it. All kids are different, but some respond well to the hard approach of eat what’s on your plate or you don’t eat. Mine doesn’t, so we do what works for us!
    https://againstallgrain.com/2014/09/18/gluten-free-chicken-nuggets/

  40. Danielle

    We eat a lot of leftovers for lunch! I purposefully make extra so we have something to eat. Otherwise I keep a batch of my wraps in the freezer and we use those to make roll-ups, or just lettuce wrapped sandwiches.

  44. Danielle

    I was not very great at the beginning with Asher because I was so sick and was just trying to focus on implementing it my own diet so he was introduced to all of the standard American foods (minus junk food and fast food). He eats a gluten-free diet now and I’d say he’s about 80% grain-free. I don’t talk to his doctors much about his diet but he measures well in everything and all tests are normal or exceeding the expectation, so I’m happy!

  45. Danielle

    The apple cider vinegar with the mother helps the bread rise but I assume any vinegar that is fermented should work. Lemon juice can even work depending on the recipe.

  46. Danielle

    Hi Michelle – Sometimes medication is needed to get things under control. I still take lialda if I notice my symptoms returning. I would also suggest keeping a very strict food journal to see if anything on the protocol is reacting with your individual symptoms.

  47. Danielle

    If they’re spreading too much you may not be heating the honey enough. They shouldn’t spread much at all I think the cookie cutters would be cute!

    • Melissa

      Thanks Danielle, I’m just seeing this now. I heated the honey longer which yielded for darker looking cookies and I let the honey mixture cool a bit longer than the time before to mimic the consistency of molasses. Really enjoyed the live chat thanks again.

  48. Sharon

    Hello! We found you about a year ago, and you have absolutely been a wonderful blessing for us. I don’t know what we would have done without you. I’d like to ask, how did you know when you were ready to re-introduce a little bit of dairy back into your diet?
    Another totally different thought-we were able to find the Santa mugs you used in your Joy iBook with the hot chocolate. We love them! Thank you for being you! And sharing with us.

  49. Danielle

    Most of the time, but it depends on the recipe. The maple will change the color and definitely the taste, so you may have to test it out. Palm sugar and coconut nectar are not interchangeable because one is liquid and the other dry, so the consistency will change.

  52. Cheyenne

    Hi Danielle! I’m 13 and im the cook in the house the cookbooks i usally use are yours!! All the recipes i use my family loves!! They really like you Ginger Chicken with Broccoli. I have two of your books I have Against All Grain and Meals Made Simple and i love both of them!! So i have one qustion for you, So when i made the Banana Bread the bread didnt cook through all the way is there anything you can tell to make it right?

  53. Kat

    Thank you so much for your reply, Ashton. I am single and don’t cook much so it seems very overwhelming.

  54. Danielle

    Hi Debbie – thank you! It can be a copyright violation to post other’s recipes 🙂 These are all my creations!

  55. Deborah

    Bread deflation problems. I make glutenfree bread it rises really nice while baking then when I take out if the oven it falls. So frustrating. Any suggestions.

  57. Joanne

    I was diagnosed in 1995 with fibromyalgia and have been trying different things to help me feel better. Nothing has worked 100% and I am still looking. It is all so confusing. I just purchased two of your cookbooks and am hoping that they will make a difference. Do you think the Paleo diet would be good for me and help me to feel better?