Today was nonstop! Still working – typing up my blog post and listening to another webinar – this one on Mindful Eating.
This afternoon I headed to Michael’s to pick up some items for our Great Harvest gift baskets next week and went up to Whole Foods for our weekly groceries. While I was out I seemed to get hungry really fast, was hit with a round of stomach pains and walked in the door starving.
My hand immediately broke into the new bag of blue corn tortilla chips and the last of my kombocha from last night! [I would have eaten the chips in the car but my hands were dirty from shopping!]
In the past when I’ve gotten these stomach pains alcohol, strangely, always cures it. I think my pains are related to gas (this only happens to me maybe once a quarter each year so it’s not really much of a recurring problem). The chips didn’t seem to help at all. I always want to cure the problem with food, but it’s also not really hunger like an empty stomach.
I thought kombocha might be a good substitute because of its fermentation and bubbles but my stomach was no better!
So I kindly asked my husband to pour me some beer. You should have seen the smile on his face at that request.
And guess what? It WORKED! Within 10 minutes I was back to normal. So strange! I wonder what it is about alcohol that works?
Vasodilation? Carbonation? Relaxation?
We slurped down this Lagunitas Imperial Stout – it was AMAZING!!!!
So I suppose alcohol really is medicinal.
Dinner tonight was amazing as well!
Our meal plan read the following: ROAST.
I just wanted roasted things in a bowl.
Twin Oaks Tofu – Shitake and Pesto flavors – so deliciously chewy
Pillowy sweet potatoes (cooked at 425* for 30 minutes)
Broccoli
And cremini mushrooms – down in there somewhere! We garnished with plain yogurt and sriracha. Oh, and more chips!
Can’t afford placemats? Try fancy paper from Michaels! This was only $.49!
Dessert included a square of dark chocolate, per usual.
Guess how many nights I’ve been reading Lonesome Dove? About 7.
Guess how many chapters I’ve read? About 7.
Life has been so busy I haven’t had time to read! Hoping to get up in that bed by 9:30 so I can really read tonight.
Overnight oats in the fridge!!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
Gotta love beer as a cure! Love that kind of medicine 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Hey…there are worse medicines to have to depend on, right?! 😉
Christine says
You need to make up a name for this mysterious ailment (ha. ha. ha.) so that I can use it next time I need an excuse for an extra happy hour!
Heather (heathers dish) says
Roasted stuff in a bowl = heaven.
Ell says
I love the medicinal beer! I learned it from my mom and every so often it’s just the thing to cure a weird belly.
Krista (kristastes) says
I love lagunitas imperial stout…so yummy! Glad you’re feeling better 🙂 Beer does the opposite for me when my tum is upset.
Katie @ cooklaughmove says
My dad is a colorectal cancer survivor and his oncologist “prescribed” him a beer per week to aid in digestion (missing a large section of colon)! IT IS MEDICINAL!!!
KathEats says
Wow – very interesting!!
[Glad dad is a survivor!]
Bronwyn Coyne says
That’s so interesting. I feel many college students would appreciate (and agree with?) that…
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
That dinner looks amazing…love all those roasted veggies!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’ve never thought to get scrapbook paper for a “placemat” – I love roasted bowls! Those are my favorite dinners ever.
Christine says
I want medicine now!! = P
Roasted things in a bowl is such a great dinner!
Vivi @ MyBeautifulAir says
great idea for placemats!! looks fabulous!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Haha girl it’s the carbs;) Love me some chips! Slash your bowl and “placemat” look divine!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
I know exactly what you mean about sudden stomach problems. On a recent flight, I had the WORST stomach pain. I tried a snack, gas-x, and fluids, but nothing helped. . . too bad I’m not 21 yet. =/
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
Looks like alcohol really can cure anything – that’s awesome!
Emily says
ME too! Reading a magazine quick and then off to bed! I need to finish the Poisonwood Bible- it’s WAY over due at the library!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
It’s probably the carbonation; seltzer will have the same effect. 🙂
Your bowls of “roasts” looks delish!
KathEats says
But the kombocha didn’t help at all!!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
I’ve heard several people claim that alcohol is medicinal – my own mother admitted to drinking beer to help her morning sickness when she was pregnant with my sister, although I DO NOT recommend this! I have no idea why or how it works hmm
KathEats says
Ha!! Probably not recommended 🙂
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith says
I use fabric swatches as place mats! You’d never know.
Stephanie @cookinfanatic says
We tried the Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout last night, so random! I find that if my stomach kind of hurts and feels bloated, a glass of wine usually does the trick too. Funny how that works?
Lindsey says
I know the exact rains you’re talking about! I think it’s a mixture of gas and an empty tummy. Either way they are not fun!
Susan says
I think I totally know what you mean about your stomach pains. I get them every couple of months (i have IBS) and I never know what to do…I just suffer through it. I’m going to really give that a try next time. thanks!
MonsteRawr says
You can also try Vernor’s for an upset stomach. It’s my go-to hangover cure!
Or keep drinking beer! After all, beer cures more things than just an upset stomach!
stacey-healthylife says
I love big bowls of various roasted veggies, everything’s better roasted. And it’s even better topped with some hummus.
Becca says
I loved how you described the sweet potatoes as “Pillowy”.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
glad to hear the beer worked! Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and glad to hear it worked!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
The same thing has happened to me. Alcohol works wonders 😉
Caroline says
Do you really only get those stomach pains (erm, gas cramps?) 4 times a year?! They killlll me at least once a week!
Good thing I know about this alchy cure now–will definitely keep that in mind!
Nancy says
True story – years ago I was taking a class for my master’s in nutrition. We had to do a case study which included a nutrition analysis of a typical day’s intake. At the time, I was working at a chemical dependency treatment facility, so I choose a man whose typical intake consisted of beer (probably 6-12/day) and a Big Mac from McDonald’s. When I ran this information through the nutrition analysis software I was surprised to find that this diet met the RDAs for most of the vitamins (I think vitamin A was low). My husband was so impressed by these results that to this day he always reminds me that “Beer is Mother Nature’s most nearly perfect food.”
KathEats says
Wow!
Amanda (Eating Up) says
I need to eat tofu more! I wish I could try some of that Twin Oaks!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Definitely the beer! Guinness use to be prescribed by Dr.s back in the day. The iron is really good for you, too.
Soda water with lime is supposedly good, but I prefer beer when possible. 😉
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
You never cease to amaze me–scrapbook paper instead of a placemat–genius!!
I get the same gas pains and have been so desperate that I sipped on a Pepsi. It worked in no time flat. There must be something about the carbonation. Next time I’ll try a beer. 😉
I wish I could reach through the screen and eat those sweet potatoes. They look amazing, as does the rest of your meal.
Hannah says
When I get stomach pains, I usually find that enormous pickles help 🙂 I’ll have to try alcohol next time 😉
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
Every once and a while, a huge wave of hunger strikes me that nothing seems to fix. Perhaps alcohol would help!
Kristen says
Funny, alcohol does the same thing for me also! I actually heard on the radio today that 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in water helps ease stomach trouble. Haven’t tried it, but I might have to the next time I’m having significant stomach problems! Just another suggestion… but beer sounds better anyway!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
Alcohol definitely helps settle my stomach — not sure what it is. Maybe it is all in my head!
I love the fancy paper at Michaels — never thought to use it that way though!
Erin (Shortcut to Bliss) says
I am coveting your dinner right now.
Sophie says
Love Garden of Eatin’ chips. I tried them for the first time recently and I liked them a lot, but I think Food Should Taste Good chips are the best!
Your dinner looks gooood!
Chetney (Czesia's Adventures) says
I never heard of drinking a beer to settle tummy troubles! This must be tested **come on tummy, ache!!** Just kidding, glad it did the trick for you and your feeling better! Oh by the way I tried your recipe for Sweet Collard Greens with Ham and Beans WOW THAT WAS AMAZING! I just switched out Limas for Chickpeas and added liquid smoke! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Kathleen says
How funny, I just picked up a bunch of cool paper at Joanne’s crafts for food photos… They have some gorgeous colors and patterns and can’t beat the price. Love it and your awesome photos.
Kiran says
Aww.. Gorgeous fancy paper from Michaels! You are my artistic inspiration Kath 😀 And of course, thanks for the OIAJ and delish real foods options!
Jen says
I once read somewhere (and damned if I can remember where now!) that beer actually has anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive system. I have an “iffy tummy” (as my granny would call it) and random things will cause me hours of pain (I say random because I can eat food X one day with no problem and get a stomach ache the next day from the exact same meal) and wouldn’t you know it – a beer or two helps to calm things down! I can think of worse “medicial treatments” to endure, lol.
Jenn@slim-shoppin says
Kath, I have a question off topic…
I made these awesome muffins last week:
http://www.slim-shoppin.com/amazing-chocolatebanana-oat-jumbo-muffins/
I used Chia Seeds in the batter. Do you happen to know if the nutritional info is still the same when the chia seeds are cooked in a muffin like that?
I know you like chia seeds sprinkled on oatmeal, so I thought you might know 🙂
KathEats says
I think it would be
Jess @ atasteofconfidence says
haha it is awesome that beer of all things helps- and you don’t have to take pepto bismol or anything!
JenATX says
Kath, what is the name of the webinar you listened to? I’m interested, especially after mindlessly eating a zillion tortilla chips during the game yesterday
KathEats says
It was down here. But I could only find the Mindful Eating on on CDR for my Activity Log
http://www.skellypublishing.com/category_s/29.htm
cyndi says
I used to enjoy kombucha until they changed the formula … now it tastes flat and too sweet. I miss the zing of the fermentation!
KathEats says
Yes, it does. But I still like it OK
megan @ blackberries for jam says
I noticed the same thing! It’s just not bubbly anymore. Boo.
Amanda (tomboy that wears makeup) says
I don’t have time anymore to read either:( I just listen to audiobooks whenever I can. (cleaning the house, walking downtown, in my car, etc)
Beer always helps me with PMS cramps too!
Annette says
the actual ginger in a beer is probably what makes it medicinal….b/c ginger is known to have calming, relaxing effect on the GI system. Also, carbonation is a huge help in any stomach pains. Next time, try lying down with your feet up and a hot pad on the area of pain. Also, make sure you don’t eat too fast, as this can cause gas and stomach distress….and sometimes stress can cause stomach pains. Rub the stomach, drink carbonation or ginger/peppermint to calm the GI, and lie down. Hope this helps for next time!
KathEats says
Well there wasn’t any ginger in this beer..
Lauren @ MRS says
Everything in that bowl was roasted? I wanna try that, it really looks so good :). Did you ever go the doctor and ask what your problems were?
Rochel @ barefootandcooking says
I also use scrapbook paper as placemats. Glad to hear I’m not the only one!
Brandy says
I LOVE Lagunitas! Their Brown Shugga is my favorite beer of all time, I think. I think I’ll start claiming its medicinal capabilities so that I can drink it during the day too 😉
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Had you not mentioned that the “placemat” was simply fancy paper, I would have never guessed! 🙂
Sarah (Flavoropolis) says
This bowl looks incredibly appealing. That is the kind of meal that, had I made it, I would have served on a plate. But for some reason, serving it in a bowl makes it seem fresh and exciting to me. Thanks for the idea!
Leigh says
Hi Kath ~ I just wanted to pop in to say that I recently found your blog through a friend and I’m really enjoying it. I am ready to completely makeover my health and look forward to reading through your archives to see what I can find to help me.
Your dinner looks great and that is interesting about the alcohol helping your stomach pains!
KathEats says
welcome!
Jen says
Holy crap you are brilliant!!!! I have mounds and mounds of scrapbook paper, never thought to add it for a photo op 🙂 I’m excited now!!!!
P.S. Dinner looks amazing! Roasting makes everything taste better!
Katherine: Unemployed says
beer, beer good for your heart… is that a song about beans? either way…
Lauren says
Sorry to hear about the pains but at least you’ve found a great cure! I would love to “have” to drink a glass of wine every night. Oh wait, I already do. 🙂
Feel better soon!
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says
I wonder if it’s the hops in beer?
That tofu/sweet potato dish looks amazing
KathEats says
Oh brilliant suggestion!
Jennifer says
http://www.herbco.com/p-433-hops-whole.aspx
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
Wow, beer to aid in digestion… who knew. I love that idea about the paper from Michaels! I’ll definitely be stealing that one (the idea, not the paper :)).
Gill (snaxandthecity) says
wow i’ve never heard of alcohol curing stomach issues before! although, very hoppy beer is supposed to have lots of vitamins and stuff, right!?
Amanda-The Nutritionist Reviews says
Looks like a great combination of flavors!
Natalia - a side of simple says
Alochol as medicinal? Don’t mind if I do… 😉
Betty says
sounds like a research project to me – ms rd…:)
Gabriela says
Try mineral water (like Perrier) for the stomach pains!
claire says
LOVE all the beer talk you have on your blog…it’s refreshing and I appreciate a nicely brewed treat myself! So many different types of flavors and so many new microbrews sprouting up!
Maria @ The Fitted Apron says
Paper? Really? That’s genius!
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
Every time you post about Twin Oaks Tofu, I really wish I had a local source of tofu here in St. Louis. Does it only come prepackaged, or do they have big containers of it where you can buy your own? That’s what I really want, some alternative to buying tofu in individual, disposable packaging (in No Impact Man, Colin visits a farmers’ market in NYC where someone sells tofu this way). I enjoy tofu and would eat more if there were less packaging waste involved.
KathEats says
You can buy it either way!
JenP says
Interesting about the beer. Apple Cider Vinegar usually works for me.
Cameo says
I can totally relate to the “roasted things in a bowl” craving. Best winter foods are the roasted and bowl-friendly ones:-)
Meg says
Hey Kath,
Perhaps you and Matt should watch ‘ How Beer Saved the World’ -it was on Discovery the other night and pretty amazing!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i have no time to read either! even kiddie books (i borrowed a few beverly cleary from the library as “treats”) are just sitting there, untouched!
Bronwyn Coyne says
Hahaha, sometimes nothing cures like a beer (I almost wrote bear, don’t think that would help at all). And your dinner looks delicious. Fanciest looking tofu I’ve ever seen!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Haha alcohol as a medicine? I’ll take it!
Your dinner looks awesome. Funnily enough, roasted veggies and tofu are on the menu for me tonight!
Jennifer says
I’ve been wondering what I can try for gassy stomach pains. I had to give up drinking soda because the bubbles make me feel crazy bloated. Like I’m walking around with a balloon in my tummy. Sometimes beer has the same affect on me, but not as much as soda. Next time, I’ll try sipping 1/2 a beer and see what happens. (Maybe I should let the bubbles settle some first? But who likes flat beer! Ick!)
Nicole says
I have a similar stomach issue about once a quarter as well. I have tried everything BUT beer. I will give it a try! Thanks!
By the way, I’m new to your blog and I’m quickly getting addicted. Thanks for all the fun posts!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
Ahhh what a great idea… decorative paper from Michael’s! I’m totally doing this. You seriously need your own KERF channel on TV. If Oprah can do it, you can too!
Charise says
I love when alcohol is the answer. 😉