T-Tapp is described as a series of copyrighted, sequential movements designed to put the body in proper functional alignment. Its special sequence of comprehensive, compound muscle movement helps establish better alignment as well as increased strength and flexibility of the spine, better neuro-kinetic flow, lymphatic function, and increased metabolic rate. Increased energy, mental clarity and overall health immediately improve as your body tightens and tones. T-Tapp creator, Teresa Tapp, says the muscles begin to work like a girdle or "Spanx". I say why buy Spanx when your body can become them? T-Tapp is a real multi-tasker, not only does it get your body in shape but by improving the lymphatic system, the body is then able to properly eliminate toxins. Once the lymphatic system gets going, digestion improves as well. For some (but not all) when the digestive system is healed then food allergies and intolerances improve. T-Tapp, in my opinion, is kind of like a standing version of Pilates with the intensity of Super Slow. Check out these amazing T-Tapp transformations:

Quinoa is a great gluten free, high-protein grain. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to it but why deny the rest of you who can enjoy it! Here's a perfect summertime salad recipe from Joshua Rosenthal's Integrative Nutrition Feed Your Hunger for Health and Happiness.

Quinoa can be found at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and other specialty health food stores. Photo credit: http://deladietetique.files.wordpress.com.

I was recently shopping at the Andersonville Galleria and I happened upon Sheila Hansen's space, which was purely synchronistic. I've mentioned previously in this blog that I am upgrading my products to those with more holistic and organic standards. It's not uncommon for food allergy sufferers, especially Celiacs, to have to avoid food allergens that are also in products.

As I have previously mentioned, Kombucha has been taken off the shelves of many Chicago retailers. Click here if you want the scoop. I'll share with you a few places where I found kombucha, just save a couple of bottles for me please! You can find Kombucha at the Green Grocer on 1402 W. Grand. They sell Thrive in six flavors: Original Yerba Mate, Enhanced with Roobios, Balanced with Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ginger Fix, Real Mint and Acai Pomegranite. I sampled Thrive's blend made with yerba mate at a recent tasting. I thought it was so yummy that I purchased two bottles. Thrive can also be found at Cousins IV or you can call 815-260-2815 for an order.

Nassalla Kombucha comes in many yummy flavors! I want to collect them all.

Summer is the perfect time to check out Chicago's wonderful festivals. I'm looking forward to my personal favorite the Evanston Ethnic Arts Fest this weekend. Not only do I love the shopping but I can usually find something good to eat. That is not an easy task when you have multiple food allergies. Here's my quick and easy survival guide for eating allergy free at festivals:

I love food on a stick, unfortunately its rarely allergy free.

Since eating a more pure diet I have also been inspired to do a holistic overhaul of my beauty products. I think those of us with food allergies are just more sensitive to all things we put on our bodies. Many people with celiac disease have to avoid gluten that is present in many common skin and hair care products. I happened to see an ad in Mindful Metropolis for BG Salon, located in Norwood Park. BG Salon offers organic hair color, highlights, botanical perms, hair gloss, up-do's, extensions, lash tinting, air brush tanning and waxing.

Perhaps you have noticed that Kombucha is no where to be found these days. Whole Foods has recently pulled the beverages because of elevated alcohol levels that were not indicated on labels. The company is awaiting their suppliers to update their labels. Under government regulations, products containing alcohol levels of 0.5% or more need to carry warning labels. Whole Foods isn't the only location sans Kombucha. It's like a Kombucha prohibition right now. I have tried to find it at Karyn's, Krammers, and LifeSpring Health Foods and everyone has sold out their last bottles of all brands of Kombucha.

One of the most popular brands of Kombucha is M.I.A.