Awaken

By Christie Hadden

It’s now been four consecutive days of goodness! Hallelujah! It has been 10 weeks of considerable lows and for the first time in over a year I feel clear headed and light as if the thickest, heaviest weighted blanket has been lifted from my entire body. No more brain fog, no more uncomfortable bellyaches, Nope; those have been replaced with a clear mind, an extra spring in my step and radiant energy.

I guess this witch doctery crap really works:  a detox, an introduction of the right foods, a truckload of vitamins and both mental and physical exercise.

My sleep cycle is all whack. Taking early evening naps and waking up at 4 or 5am is kinda insane. But if this is the downside of finding myself I am cool with that.

I have tried a few more GFCF products that I would like to talk about. Since the theme is awakening I’m going share my thoughts on foods all relating to breakfast.

Udi’s Plain Bagels:

5 out of 5 stars

More like a roll with a donut hole than a bagel, this bread is good. What a sigh of relief! I like toasting mine and making a sandwich: like w lox, red onion, capers, pea shoots and course mustard.  The outer skin is thin and offers a crunch when toasted and the inside is surprisingly light and totally unlike the dense GF breads out there. Udi’s are a definite brand to stock in the freezer

Van’s Waffles with berries:

4 out of 5 stars

This one has got me sayin “Leggo my eggo, man”. When I’m not feelin like cooking my typical egg for breakfast and need a quick breakfast to go, my Van Waffles are the ticket. I also love them as mid day snack covered with almond butter.

Eden Organic Brown Rice Flakes

5 out of 5 stars

These cook in a jiffy and are the best of the hot porridges. It’s kinda like eating rice pudding for breakfast. I take mine with soy milk, mixed dried berries, cinnamon and maple syrup. It’s so comforting on a cold winter morning and will stick with you. My family usually eats Irish Oats, but have found that Rice Flakes cook faster are just as good (actually better tasting). You and your family will love it.

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How Do You Like Your Eggs in the Morning?

Elmo's Diner displays kids' artwork

By Margaret Farley

So it's Saturday morning and you don't feel like breaking out the cereal for the 30th time. Why not go out?

If you don't feel like having a chance of a wait list great places for you to try are:

1. Foster's Market

Durham NC and Chapel Hill NC

While it has a large coffee shop feel, Foster's has a wide variety of options on their menu. Smoothies, milkshakes, pastries and breakfast entrees are available. They have great salads, try checking out the Trio where you can choose from three of their salad options. My favorite aspect to Foster's is their outdoor patio which is perfect for a family brunch and is dog friendly!

2. Whole Foods

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill NC

While many people view Whole Foods as primarily a grocery store, it has an awesome buffet that is often overlooked. Last week, I was able to get a breakfast of blueberry pancakes, eggs, fruit, and hash browns. I would definitely check it out on a Sunday and get your grocery shopping done for the week right after. Two birds with one stone!

3. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

Chapel Hill, NC

If you have never tried a Sunrise cinnamon bun you are truly missing out. You may have seen the line blocking traffic on East Franklin Street a couple times and there's a reason! For the prices, this drive-thru breakfast joint is a great stop if you are in a hurry or just want to pick up something quick. (But just so you know, you can walk in the side door and skip all the traffic. Most people don't know this.)

On the left: Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

Other notable restaurants to check out:

Elmo's Diner

Carrboro and Durham NC

This is the perfect spot for a family breakfast! Although they can have a little bit of a wait (I've never waited over twenty minutes), they have the perfect setting for kids. They offer coloring sets and even serve chocolate milk. But they also have a wonderful breakfast! Their banana pancakes and Lox-and Bagel Sandwich are must tries!

Crook's Corner

Chapel Hill, NC

Called the "sacred ground for Southern foodies", Crook's has a great brunch. The selections range from buttermilk pancakes all the way to a BBQ sandwich. And the prices aren't too shabby for a sit down breakfast, about $7.50 an entree.