MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wow... its been a while since I've posted. That means I have nothing to complain about =o) I do, however, have something to rave about! I am on day number 13 of eating Gluten Free Oatmeal. I seriously cant get enough! I forgot how wonderful oatmeal was. I get full and than binge on the last 1/4 of the bowl because I don't want to waste it.

Do you eat Gluten Free Oatmeal? How do you eat it? I mix 1/2 cup oatmeal with 3/4+ cup water, make 2 circles with maple syrup and sprinkle brown sugar on top. I then place it in the microwave for 2 minutes and let it sit about 10-15 minutes. SO SIMPLE and SO DELICIOUS!

Im not going to say Happy Holidays because I celebrate Christmas... SO...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope its as Gluten free as mine!

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten Free...

San Diego Wellness Fair

A friend of mine (http://www.jackshouse.org) is speaking at this Wellness Fair. If you are interested in being on the panel please message me.
  
http://www.henrysmarkets.com/h/San_Diego_Wellness_Fair_Agenda/

   

11am - 12am
September 12, 2009

Mission Valley Scottish Rite Center
   
Karen Fine
Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free 101
Location: Heald Suite
  
Learn why so many people are discovering the healthy benefits of wheat-free, gluten-free living and enthusiastically embracing a new lifestyle.
Discover:

What is gluten?
What are the benefits of eating gluten-free?
How do I tell which foods are gluten-free?

Karen is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Gluten-Free Foundation. To help her celiac child, she has devoted years to the art of gluten-free living. Gluten-free, herself, she authors children's books and writes about her "simple solutions for busy families living gluten-free" on her blog.
 

San Diego Celiacs

Hey all you Anti-Glutites in San Diego!!!! I created a Facebook Group to hopefully be filled with discussions and such.

Check it out!

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten Free...

Good Belly Probiotic WARNING!

A few weeks back I found another Probiotic drink called Good Belly. They have several different flavors like, Strawberry Rosehips, Peach Mango, and Blueberry Acai. Although it was more expensive than Yakult it's Dairy-Free (the reason I was looking for a different probiotic). Good Belly is also Soy-Free, Wheat-Free and Vegan. Anyways, the taste was ok (Yakult was still way better tasting) and the Good Belly brand supposedly has 20 Billion Live and Active Cultures per serving. Great right?

 

WARNING!!!!! JUST BECAUSE A PACKAGE SAYS WHEAT-FREE DOESN'T MEAN ITS GLUTEN-FREE!!!!!

 

All I can say is AHHHHHHHHHHH! MAKE THE PAIN STOP PLEASE!!! OHHHH MY TUMMY! MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! AHHHHHHHH!

 

This particular "Good Belly" hurt my belly the same way my belly hurt when I was first diagnosed! I assumed (PLEASE DON'T EVER ASSUME TAKE THIS AS YOUR WARNING) that Wheat-Free wouldn't have gluten in it, so of course I didn't read the ingredients (ANOTHER WARNING READ THE INGREDIENTS EVEN IF IT SAYS WHEAT-FREE). I am still in pain from drinking the last one (of the 8 I drank in 8 consecutive days) 4 days ago. I honestly thought the pain was from eating potatoes or french fries, but that pain goes away at night!

 

If you have Celiac Disease I would strongly recommend that you stay FAR FAR away from these Good Belly Probiotics.

 

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

GNI Bakery: Shout Out!

I was asked to give a "Shout Out" to the GNI Bakery for participating in the Tuesday Farmer's Markets at Viejas? It really helps out that you bring your gluten-free goodness to the East County so that they don't have to travel all the way to Escondido!

Thank you so much!

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

Living Without: A Voice for Celiac Disease

In the "Living Without" Magazine, August/September Issue 09, Elisabeth Hasselbeck tells her story about finding out she has Celiac Disease. I, unfortunately or fortunately, have not read Hasselbacks book "The G-Free Diet" and don't plan to (I know enough about the disease and how to survive).

After reading the article I have a different outlook. I thought she was recently diagnosed and is now this new popular face and now everyone wants to go gluten free, yadda, yadda, yadda! The poor girl really had it tough! I truly felt her pain while reading the article. For those of you who have Celiac Disease and went through pain you really feel for her.

Hmmmm, maybe I will change my mind and go get the book. Maybe she has tips that the other 12 Gluten-Free books (that I have on my shelf and don't really recommend because they are redundant) don't have.

Way to go Elisabeth for raising your voice for Celiac Disease!

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

Going Gluten-Free... Is it a Fad?

The Gluten Free Diet is buzzing! I have found people going Gluten Free because it makes them feel better, because they have Celiac Disease or because of Autism. These are all great reasons, but what if you don't have to go Gluten Free? What if going Gluten Free, although it makes you feel good, is causing more problems than doing good? Most people believe that the signs and symptoms of Celiac Disease are frequent diarrhea and extreme weight loss. I DISAGREE! I didnt have weight loss or diarrhea, in fact I had the opposite! Here are some symptoms a person with Celiac Disease may have...

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritability or depression
• Anemia
• Stomach upset
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps
• Skin rash
• Mouth sores
• Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
• Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
• Weight loss
• Abdominal cramps, gas, pain and bloating
• General weakness and fatigue
• Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be fatty or oily
• Stunted growth (in children)
• Osteoporosis
• Anemia
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

If you feel going Gluten Free is the way to go, please...

• See your doctor. There could be something else happening with your body and going Gluten Free may be a temporary solution to a long term issue.
• Make sure you consult your doctor. If you start eating Gluten Free and the doctor needs to run tests, the results may not be accurate.
• Make an Appointment with your doctor. You get what I'm saying? If your doctor will not run tests there are places that only charge $30.00 to run a blood test.

I cant stress enough how much you need to see a doctor before going Gluten Free.

Probiotics and Gluten-free Diet

Earlier in June I posted the article The Dangers of a Gluten-Free Diet. In this article it talks about a study Published in the April 2009 edition of the British Journal of Nutrition. The researchers in the study followed 10 healthy volunteers and tracked their progress with a gluten-free diet over a period of time. According to the article, "When the experiment was over, the levels of “good bacteria” (called probiotics, which are found in yogurt, among other things) in the stomach were measured against the first batch they took prior to the diet change. The levels of helpful stomach bacteria were significantly reduced as well as a number of markers that decide immune health."

So, where am I going with this? For those of you NOW worried about low levels of "good bacteria" due to eating "Gluten-Free" there are several products that you can take daily to help.

Yakult is "a Japanese probiotic milk-like product made by fermenting a mixture of skimmed milk with a special strain of the bacteria Lactobacillus casei Shirota."

Here is what I know about it:
IT IS GLUTEN-FREE. Yakult contains it's own probiotic (live, friendly bacteria) called Lactobacillus casei.
Yakult needs to be refrigerated in order for the Lactobacillus casei to stay alive. In fact all probiotics need to stay refrigerated in order for the bacteria to stay alive. You cannot get the proper amount of Lactobacillus casei from any other products you would normally eat on a daily basis, even yogurts. Yakult tastes just a little bit sweet (kind of like horchata). They come in small individual 2.7 oz bottles.
If you are looking for Yakult you can go to almost any grocery store to get it, even the commissary if you are military.

Delight Gluten Free Magazine

Did anyone know there is a new magazine just for us Anti-Glutites? I never knew there were Gluten-Free magazines out there! Serious, one that you can subscribe to through the mail like Shape or The Family Handyman. I am so excited that I didn't hesitate to subscribe!

Delight Gluten-Free Magazine features everyday recipes without unusual ingredients, beautiful and stunning pictures, and entertaining articles.

To visit the magazine's website click here

To subscribe to the magazine click here

Their current issue contains topics ranging from: Gluten-Free on a budget, Restaurant chains, Gluten-Free menus in detail, Recipes galore, and MUCH more!

For $14 a year, this magazine could be mailed to you! Plus get the Summer Issue by ordering now!

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

Vodka Drinkers - Gluten-Free Vodka

Hey all you San Diego Anti-Glutite Vodka drinkers out there. We have a local company that makes a Gluten-Free Vodka called U4RIK. I have not tried it, but am looking forward to and am looking for your comments as to what you think.

∞ U4RIK is a blend of the finest wine grapes from Northern California's famed Napa Valley. What many don't know is that when you feel a hangover the day after drinking alcohol, it may be nothing more than your body rejecting an exorbitant amount of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in starch products such as potatoes, grains and other ingredients used to make low-end vodkas. Switching to gluten-free U4RIK Vodka may be the trick to help you avoid hangovers. The Napa Valley wine grapes used in making U4RIK Vodka are 100% gluten-free and may help you enjoy a night of U4RIK Vodka without regretting it the day after.

 

∞ Where can I buy this? Click here!

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Article: Going Gluten-Free At Age 13

The NPR, today, has an article on Celiac Disease in the Health & Science section. The article covers the following...

∞ Symptom Checklist

∞ Expanding Options In Gluten-Free Cooking

∞ Diagnosis Is The First Step To A Solution

∞ Diagnosis And Diet Changes Lead To A Quick Recovery

∞ The Consequences Of Not Treating Celiac Disease

Nice to see its gaining national attention! Thank you Germaine for letting me know about this article!

  

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

Gluten Intolerance And Depression

I found this article on "Gluten Intolerance And Depression" on @GlutenFreedom Twitter page. The article talks about how malabsorption can lead to depression.

 

Wait...Depression??? "Geeez, my friend is eating a really yummy looking German Chocolate cake. What if I took a little bite? I want some so bad!!!" I can't say I don't go through that! Some Anti-glutites seem to struggle internally which I believe can cause depression. How about the being invited over or out to eat and not wanting to be a bother or a nuisance because your diet is extremely different? I get sick of asking questions too!

 

Yes, we know being gluten-free sucks, but think about the way you feel being gluten-free?

 

I also notice that people seem to think that if you don't show you're allergic to gluten then you're not allergic. Just because YOU cant see my affects doesn't mean I am not being affected. I get this a lot. How about anyone else? That may be another issue... frustration can possibly lead to depression... I don't know!

 

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten-Free...

The Pure Pantry

I forgot to mention that yesterday at the Gluten-Free dining event I met Elizabeth Kaplan, Founder-CEO of The Pure Pantry. The Pure Pantry offers, gluten-free baking mixes made with healthy, organic ingredients. Unfortunately, I have not sampled any of their products and hope to soon. If anyone else has, I would love to hear your comments.

Gluten-Free Cooking and Dining Event with the Warren Celiac Center and Four Seasons Resort Aviara

For those of you who did not have the chance to attend, YOU MISSED A GOOD TIME! We learned new tips and tricks and had some laughs with Chef Jesse Paul (cool guy by the way!). Chef Jesse Paul seems to be really passionate about Gluten-Free food.

 

Here are some tips I jotted down...

 

Garlic - make sure you cut the wood part off the garlic and if the garlic is overly ripened take out the green shoot in the middle. This helps to avoid adding a biter taste to whatever it is you're cooking.

 

Citrus - You only want to use the colored part of the rind not the white part or what's called the pith. This "pith" also adds bitterness!

 

Peeling (blanching for all you cooks out there) Peaches, Nectarines or Tomatoes - Cut a little X shape in the top of the fruit. Place in boiling water for 10 - 20 seconds to remove the skin (this does not cook it but softens the skin). Promptly take out of the water and place in freezing cold water. When cold enough (don't burn yourself... be patient) peel off the outside.

 

Chef Jesse Paul also mentioned that when cooking vegetables like onions or bell peppers cut them to size based upon how fast you want them to cook. The smaller the faster and the bigger the slower. Common sense right, but I never thought about it did you?

Chef Jesse Paul and I

Pictures of the featured food...

∞ Watermelon Salad with Pickled Cucumber and Smoked Mackerel

∞ Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Peach Chutney, Arugula Pesto & Mascarpone

∞ Peach Sabayon with Strawberries & Basil Syrup (This was waiting for us when we arrived... This was FABULOUS!!!)

A NEW acronym was born at this event... "GFF"! This stands for GLUTEN FREE FRIENDS (thank you Michelle for coining this term)! I want to thank some of my GFF's... Michelle, Nicole and Robin for joining me at this event! I really appreciate and like your company. We should dine GF more often. I also want to give a shout to my new GFF's that I met today Holly, Kylie and the couple at the end of the table we were sitting at (SORRY I didn't get your names). It was great to hear your stories. It's interesting to hear how each person is affected by gluten and it's nice we can all come together to discuss and celebrate our gluten intolerance =o) Celebrate... ha ha ha... I'm silly!

My GFF's (Me, Nicole, Robin and Michelle)

The Buffet... cant forget the buffet! FABULOUS! Everything at the buffet was Gluten-Free! We were all in Gluten-Free heaven! Here is what was featured...

∞ Gluten-Free Penne Pasta

∞ Roasted Chicken

∞ Halibut

∞ Grilled Flat Iron Steak

∞ Gluten-Free Panini

∞ Dessert Selections including Lemon Meringue Nests, Reves du Chocolate & Strawberry Panna Cotta.

Here is what I had...

Yes, those are Gluten-Free sandwiches. Bread was provided by the Gluten Not Included Bakery in Escondido.

 

 Pictures of other items at the buffet...

 

 

 

 

Anyone interested in a Gluten-Free Tea Party? I am hoping to plan this event sometime in the beginning of August. This will be at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara as well. Please email me so that I have you on my list for an invitation!

    

Happy eating, learning and living!

The Dangers of a Gluten-Free Diet

This is an interesting article. For those of you who are Gluten-Free, who don't need to be, you may want to read this. I am interested in knowing what these test subjects were eating.

 

Why are they also calling "Gluten-Fee" a craze? More people are now finding out about their issues because there is testing and education available that wasn't available before. GEEEEZ!

 

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... Good thing my favorite frozen yogurt place GOLDEN SPOON has probiotics in their frozen yogurt so I have good bacteria!

Heres the article in case it gets erased...

The Dangers of a Gluten-Free Diet 
by Brian T. Phaber

By now, most people have heard about the gluten-free diet, which is popular among some celebrities and many average people as a way to lose weight. The truth about gluten-free diets is that they are a horrible idea for regular people - overweight or not. Only individuals with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that makes a person's digestive system intolerant to gluten, should be on such a diet. Amusingly, some of the health benefits that celebrities and weight loss fanatics boast about can be completely wrong when it comes to a gluten-free diet. These diets are very dangerous for a person without Celiac Disease, especially since most people already can't keep their bodies completely healthy.

Gluten-Free Basics
Gluten is found in most of what normal people eat each day. In reality, wheat, barley, rye, and other grains contain gluten.The average person probably consumes it with each meal of the day. Anyways, gluten-free diets are pretty hard to maintain for anyone because of the prevalence of gluten-filled foods. Of course, gluten-free foods aren't even that common in national supermarkets and other stores. Most people will have to seek out an alternative foods store in order to find foods that are made specifically without gluten. So then, what are gluten-free products made out of? Corn, rice, and other gluten substitutes are used in place of gluten to make these foods. The results are a bland tasting alternative more often than not.

The Proposed "Benefits" of a Gluten-Free Diet
Many people go around boasting the benefits of this diet. For starters, weight loss is a proposed benefit of the gluten-free diet. Also, higher level of energy is a common claim. Some people who start the diet simply say that they feel better overall each day. Of course, there are plenty of other supposed benefits - most of which are unproven or unfounded. Still, many people on a gluten-free diet say they are healthier than before and feel much better in their daily lives. One thing that people probably forget to mention is that they increase their self-control because they have to fight the urge to eat gluten-filled foods that are just about everywhere.

The Real Dangers of a Gluten-Free Diet
On the other hand, a gluten-free diet can be plenty dangerous. A person on this diet is probably lacking some basic substances that are vital to their health, such as fiber and other vitamins. Without these nutrients, a person can actually gain weight and feel some pretty heavy side effects. Constipation is a side effect of not eating gluten because a person isn't getting enough fiber in their diet. A person may feel more sluggish each day because of their lack of nutrients. Even more serious, lacking gluten in a diet (when you are not a celiac) can result in decreased bacteria in the stomach that are vital for the digestive system. Gluten-free diets can cause plenty of problems, especially when a person doesn't get all of the nutrients they need. On top of that, gluten-free foods are very expensive, so most people can't even afford to go on the diet. In the end, gluten-free diets really aren't for most people.

Not a Celiac? Stay Away from Gluten-Free!
Only celiacs should be going on a gluten-free diet. Obviously, a celiac's body can't process gluten properly, so they should avoid it at all costs. The one thing that must be pointed out is that a person with a gluten sensitivity - different than Celiac Disease - is one of the few cases where a person should stay away from gluten products. Anyways, gluten-free diets can cause plenty of problems, especially when it comes to overall nutrition. These diets aren't safe, and the majority of people that go on them won't be able to maintain their overall health. Therefore, gluten-free diets aren't recommended for the average person.

 

Happy eating, learning and living!

Gluten-Free Cooking and Dining! Four Seasons Resort Aviara

I am definitely going to this if anyone would like to join me!!!! LET'S CARPOOL!

 

The Warren Celiac Center at UC San Diego and the Four Seasons Resort Aviara are pleased to offer a day of gluten-free cooking and dining!

 

Date/Time

Saturday, June 13, 2009

10:30 a.m.

10:30 am - Cooking Class with Chef Jesse Paul

Featuring:

∞ Watermelon Salad with Pickled Cucumber and Smoked Mackerel

∞ Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Peach Chutney, Arugula Pesto & Mascarpone

∞ Peach Sabayon with Strawberries & Basil Syrup

12:00 pm - Gluten-Free Buffet Lunch at California Bistro Restaurant

Featuring:

Gluten-Free Penne Pasta, Roasted Chicken, Halibut, Grilled Flat Iron &

Gluten-Free Panini  Dessert Selections including Lemon Meringue Nests,

Reves du Chocolate & Strawberry Panna Cotta

Location

Four Seasons Resort Aviara

7100 Four Seasons Point

Carlsbad, CA 92011

Cost

$42 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)

Dr. Susan Algert, the Warren Celiac Center nutritionist, will be available to answer questions about celiac disease, gluten intolerance and the gluten free diet.

 

For a complete menu and to make reservations, contact Michael Ann Montoya at (760) 603-6800, Extension 5056

  

  

I have the invitation in pdf format for those of you who would like it!

Get Tested For Celiac Disease!!!

Are you having a hard time trying to get your doctor to screen you for Celiac Disease?

 

The study below is offering the the test for $29.95. You currently have to be eating gluten in order for this test to be valid! Please pass the news!

  

Celiac Disease Screening Program and Research Study

  

The Wm. K. Warren Medical Research Center for Celiac Disease at the University of California, San Diego offers a low-cost Celiac Disease screening program for those in San Diego and the surrounding areas.

  

Purpose of this research study: We estimate that approximately 25,000 people in the San Diego area have Celiac Disease; however, 90% of these individuals have yet to be diagnosed. Our goal is to help identify people in our community who are at high risk for Celiac Disease and who remain undiagnosed, while exploring potential barriers that currently exist to Celiac Disease screening.

  

When: This low-cost Celiac Disease screening program will be offered from May 2009 through May 2011. (Testing will begin in early June, but the application process is open now.)

  

What kind of test will be given: The IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) test is recommended for screening for Celiac Disease. It is a blood test that is simple and quick.

  

Who is eligible for this program?
To be considered for this program, participants must meet all the following criteria:

• Must be 18 years or older

• Must be consuming gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley) for at least the past two months. Those currently on a gluten-free diet are not eligible for this program, as the results could be negative and not valid.

• Must be considered to be at relatively high risk for Celiac Disease to be tested, which is explained further on the  application.

  

Where: A blood sample will be drawn during a brief appointment at an outpatient research center on the UCSD campus. No doctor visit is required, but you will be asked to complete a survey about your background, medical history and reasons for seeking testing at the time of the blood drawing. The entire appointment should take approximately 20-30 minutes.

  

How much does it cost and what form of payment is accepted:  Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. is providing the tTG blood tests for this program at a discounted price of $29.25. Patients will receive an invoice in the mail from Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. Payment will be due within 30 days. If payment is not received within 30 days, the patient will be responsible for the full price of the test ($45).

  

Disclaimer:
The Warren Center has no commercial/financial interest in Prometheus Laboratories.

  

How to apply:
Complete the application (links to our website are below) and return it to the Warren Center. 

  

http://celiaccenter.ucsd.edu/docs/cd_screening_application.rtf [Word document]  or
http://celiaccenter.ucsd.edu/docs/cd_screening_application.pdf [PDF fill-in document. Must have Adobe Acrobat to save changes and submit file by e-mail. Can use Adobe Reader to complete document and print.]

  

You can submit the completed application by any ONE of the following methods:

  

-Email application to celiaccenter@ucsd.edu

 

-FAX application to (858) 534-5691 (a cover sheet is not necessary)

  

-Send by regular mail to :

UCSD - Warren Celiac Center
Attn: Screening Program
9500 Gilman Drive, MC0623SD
La Jolla, CA 92093-0623

If you would like an application sent to you via email, fax, or mail, send a request with your name and contact information to Linda Nelson at lnelson@ucsd.edu  or call (858) 822-1022. Feel free to leave a voicemail message with the information.

  

Happy eating, learning and living!

Swedish Royal Bakery

Today I had a piece of my friend Karen's Gluten-Free birthday cake. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN! I would love to give you a detailed description of how the cake was, but I downed it! I can tell you, this has to be the best Gluten-Free cake I have had.

 

Anyways, The Swedish Royal Bakery is not a dedicated Gluten-Free Bakery (the owner doesn't he claim it is). The cool thing is is he is willing to get things as clean as possible before making your cake. For all you "Gluten-Free Nazi's" this might not be the place for you!

 

Swedish Royal Bakery

12222 Poway Road #17

Poway  CA 92064

858-486-1444

 

I am ordering a Gluten-Free cake for my daughters birthday for the end of this month. I will take pictures and give a detailed description in my next posting.

 

Happy eating, learning and living!

 

Gluten-Free Cake at Starbucks

We have another exciting item in the land of Anti-Glutites. Starbucks is now selling a cake that is Gluten-Free called the "Valencia Orange Cake". On the package it states, "Wrapped for gluten-free goodness" so that its not in the display among all the glutinous goodies they sell. I am surprised that the first ingredient listed is eggs. I don't see any potato flour, corn flour or rice flour at the beginning of the ingredients. In fact, rice flour is only listed as an ingredient of the Gluten-Free Baking Powder which is listed second to last.

  

http://blogs.starbucks.com/blogs/customer/archive/2009/04/29/gluten-free-valencia-cake.aspx

  

As I started typing this post I started eating the cake. The words, "Extremely Moist" come to mind. Extremely moist meaning, not gooey, not under cooked, not soggy... MOIST. There isn't a gritty or rough texture to the cake. Fluffy also comes to mind. The cake actually stayed together instead of crumbling into a billion pieces. In a way it was kind of like a pound cake; a fluffy pound cake or those mini Hostess blueberry muffins I used to get at AM PM (before I know I had Celiac Disease).

  

I must say I was hoping the cake would of been a little sweeter. The flavor was good, but I think it could of been fabulous with just a bit more of the Valencia Orange Pulp.

Gluten Not Included...

Hey Anti-Glutites in SAN DIEGO! We finally have a Gluten-Free bakery that's a dedicated Gluten-Free facility called "Gluten Not Included"! I learned of this today through an email from my friend Lorraine at work.

  

Well, for those of you who know me when I hear of something Gluten-Free I cant sit around long. The excitement was killing me to check out this new Gluten-Free Bakery. When I got there they had the following...

• Plain White Bread

• Cinnamon Raison Bread

• Bread Sticks

• Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Cinnamon Rolls

• Brownies

• Croutons

• Bread Crumbs

• Pizza Crust

While there, I was given a sample of the Cinnamon Raison Bread. Okay, 2 samples! It was fabulous! It has a fluffy texture, not too much cinnamon and just the right amount of raisons. I purchased the Cinnamon Raison Bread, White Bread, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Bread Sticks.

  

When I got back to work I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of the Cinnamon Raison Bread and than had another 3 pieces of it while I shared with my Anti-Glutite co-workers. Oh, and ate the Chocolate Chip Cookies as well.

 

The Chocolate Chip cookies were wonderful. They were rich and gooey with huge chunks of chocolate. The cookies were so rich I could only eat half. Aaaaand then the other half about 5 minutes later! I was wishing a cup of milk would just appear in front of me. Ohhhhh... Cookies and milk! I will be back for more of those and some brownies too (which I didn't purchase this time).

  

I learned that Gluten Not Included is going to be selling sandwiches, salads and other things here in the near future. Please go to their website for details or even better, GO VISIT THEM IN ESCONDIDO!.

  

http://www.gnibakery.com/

Just Found Out You Have Celiac Disease?

You just found out, what next right? Well, I hate to say its not over, your education begins now. Theres so much to learn and remember it can cause depression and a headache. I suggest you pause right here, go cook some chicken (season it with Lawry's, it's gluten free), make a fresh salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, make some white or brown rice (eat plain) and have a glass of ice water. After you've fed yourself resume. This isn't going anywhere! Take a deep breath, say you can do this (out loud), go eat and come back to the next paragraph.

When I was diagnosed (I had an endoscopy with a biopsy) the first thing to hit was depression. My world had just turned upside down. I'm part Asian and Italian and they are by far my favorite foods. Anyways, luckily you've been diagnosed now instead of later. NOW you can get started with healing your small intestine. NOW there are so many more alternatives than there were back in 2008.

I was most curious about Celiac Disease and want to know more about the scientific aspect of the disease. It was interesting to me. You can click here to get some scientific info. What I learned was 
that I have the DQ2 and DQ8 genes. I thought it was my dad (Italian) who I may have inherited the disease from, but I'm part Chinese or Asian Pacific Islander from my mom's side which is where the DQ8 gene was originated... hmmm...

 I found this article and thought it was extremely helpful. Click here if you want to read the article where I found it. If not read below.

Complications You May Experience In Your First Few Months by Jane Anderson

If you've just been diagnosed with celiac disease, you've certainly got your hands full learning the gluten-free diet. But you may not realize that you may have some additional medical worries that are common to newly diagnosed celiacs.

Here's a list of potential medical problems you may need to watch for and potentially treat. In addition, I recommend you peruse this list of questions to ask your doctor after your celiac disease diagnosis to get more information on your future medical needs.

1. You May Have Malnutrition

It doesn't matter how much healthy food you were eating prior to your diagnosis — when you have untreated celiac disease, your body simply can't absorb the nutrients in much of that food. Therefore, you may suffer from malnutrition and deficiencies, especially in a few key vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin D, calcium, folate and vitamin B-12.

Since your body should begin absorbing nutrients again once you start the gluten-free diet, you may resolve some of these deficiencies on your own. However, you also may want to talk to your doctor about taking supplements to bring your levels up more quickly — just make sure you use only gluten-free vitamins.

2. You May Be At Risk for More Autoimmune Diseases

You probably know that celiac disease is autoimmune in nature — that means it's a condition in which your own immune system, in the form of your own white blood cells, attacks your own tissue... in this case, the lining of your small intestine.

A few medical studies indicate that people with untreated celiac disease risk developing additional autoimmune conditions. The autoimmune conditions most closely associated with celiac include autoimmune thyroid disease, psoriasis, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, although others also may be related.

Research indicates that keeping to a strict gluten-free diet following your diagnosis may help reduce your risk of developing an additional autoimmune disease. In addition, some people find that adopting a gluten-free diet helps their already-diagnosed autoimmune conditions — for example, if you have chronic psoriasis, you may discover that it clears up or at least improves when you go gluten-free.

3. You May Suffer from Reproductive Problems

Many people with untreated celiac disease — both men and women — suffer from infertility. However, there's good news if you're one of these people — infertility seems to reverse, at least in some cases, after you follow the gluten-free diet for awhile.

It's also pretty common for undiagnosed celiac women to have painful menstrual periods or to suffer from endometriosis (see my article on celiac disease and pelvic pain for more information). Again, in many cases, these symptoms improve or clear up completely on the gluten-free diet.

Finally, did you know that celiac disease can impact your sexuality? Well, it can... and research shows that sticking to your diet may help improve your sex life.

4. You May Have Elevated Liver Enzymes

It's not at all unusual for a newly diagnosed celiac disease patient to be told she has elevated liver enzymes. However, in most cases, these elevated enzymes — which usually are discovered as part of routine blood work — don't indicate a serious problem with your liver. They should revert to normal once you've been gluten-free for a while.

A few celiacs have more serious liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and autoimmune hepatitis. Although research is scanty, there's some evidence that — guess what? — going gluten-free and sticking to the diet can halt or even reverse these serious liver conditions.

5. You May Feel Depressed

People with celiac disease suffer from symptoms of depression at a much higher rate than the general population. It's not entirely clear why, although it's possible the culprit could be intestinal malabsorption that leads to deficiencies in key nutrients in your neurological system.

Many people find their mood improves dramatically as soon as they adopt the gluten-free diet. However, studies show that you need to follow the diet strictly in order to keep your mood up, and it's not uncommon for diagnosed celiacs — even those who have been on the diet for a long time — to suffer from recurrent depression when they get glutened. If you find after some time on the diet that this happens to you, it may help you to look for places where gluten cross-contamination may be sneaking in.

6. You May Have (Temporary) Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is extremely common in people who have just been diagnosed with celiac disease. That's because the tips of our villi — those tiny, finger-like projections in our small intestines — digest lactose, or milk sugar. Those villi tips are the first things to erode away as celiac disease destroys our intestinal linings.

In fact, many of us knew we were lactose intolerant long before we were diagnosed with celiac disease; lactose intolerance frequently represents an early sign of celiac disease.

There's good news, though: it's possible — even likely — that your tolerance of lactose will return once your intestinal lining starts to heal on the gluten-free diet. That doesn't mean you should run out and buy a gallon of milk to drink right away; instead, try to take it slowly and experiment with small amounts of lactose in your diet to see how much you can tolerate.

7. You Almost Certainly Don't Have Cancer

Cancer is a frightening specter, and it's one that can come to mind easily when you're ill and don't know what's wrong. Once you're diagnosed with celiac disease, you'll hear that having untreated celiac disease raises the risk of certain cancers, most notably lymphoma but also other types of cancer... and many new celiacs fear developing these cancers.

Still, the risk of cancer in people with celiac disease actually is really small (even though it's greater than the risk of the general population). In addition, once you've been following the gluten-free diet for five years, your risk reverts to that of the general population, meaning you're no more or less likely to be diagnosed with cancer as anyone else.

However, if you cheat on the gluten-free diet, your risk of cancer stays higher, as does your risk of all the other potential health problems I've mentioned. Therefore, if there's one bit of advice I'd like to give you as a new celiac, it's: Please Don't Cheat. Cheating can really wreck your health.

Good Luck! You'll be feeling much better soon. Cheers!

Understand They Don't Understand

Have you found that, even though, you tell people what gluten is, in depth, they still don't understand? I get the "Oh I forgot" face or "Are you sure this has Gluten?" or "What kind of flour is that?". How about "Rice and potatoes have Gluten, so I'm sorry!" or "It's thickened with flour not wheat!". How about this, "I'm sorry, it has corn starch"! REALLY?!?!?!?!? I have figured out some sayings to make them feel stupid for not listening...

• Oh, is your head up your ass because you didn't hear what I said?
• Because you're a stoner and are stuck at your dead beat job doesn't mean I am coning here looking for weed. I said Wheat or Flour.
• What part of corn starch has wheat or flour?
• Since when did rice or potatoes have gluten?
• You work in the food industry and you dont know what gluten is? No wonder you work here!

Can you tell I have had some frustrating moments? And, YES, I have said some mean things, but then I get up and walk out. This is with 6-8 people sitting at the table. Anyways, I have learned to talk to the chef directly or through a manager when I first get to a restaurant. Bypass the idiots or the servers. They never took any courses in regards to food preparation, just handling. If its a good chef, they will give you options and point out items on the menu you can enjoy. Hope this last bit helps you in you challenge to eat out Gluten Free.

Happy eating, learning and living! Gluten Free...

Items for a Sick Day

When you're sick with the flu or a cold don't you want something bland and comforting? I usually eat crackers, pretzels, bread or chicken noodle soup. I always feel better with those in my tummy.

  

Well, being sick for the first time once you found out you're Gluten Free is tough. I had an emotional breakdown. I didn't have anything on hand, that was Gluten Free, and I wasn't about to go to the store feeling this way. There was nothing I wanted more than chicken noodle soup or soup in general and crackers. All Campbell's soups have gluten in them and unfortunately, that was all I had in the pantry.

  

Here is a list of must have's when your feeling your worst.

Ener-G, Wheat Free Crackers

 

Ener-G Wylde Pretzels

 

 

Imagine Organic Creamy Tomato Soup

 

 

Pacific Natural Foods Organic Free range Chicken Broth

(can be found in bulk at Costco)

 

 

Canyon Bakehouse bread

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe has taken me several years to perfect. The good thing... its been Gluten Free all along!

 

Preheat oven to 400

Pizza Slicer, Cookie Sheet and Large Stock Pot needed.

 

Ingredients

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed (small bite size cubes)

2 - 14.5oz cans Chicken Broth

1 - 14.5oz can Petite Diced Tomatoes

1 - 11oz can Corn Nibblets, drained

1 - 4oz can Chopped Green Chilies

1 tbsp Minced Garlic

½ Large Onion, chopped

1½ tbsp Chili Powder (split 1 tbsp and ½ tbsp)

1 tbsp Cumin (split ½ tbsp and ½ tbsp)

¼ tsp Sea Salt

To Top Soup

6 White Corn Tortilla’s

1 Large Avocado, sliced

1 Bag Shredded Mexican Cheese Mix (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)

1 Bunch Cilantro, snipped

1 Lime, sliced

 

Directions

While oven is heating to 400 degrees lay out the White Corn Tortillas on the cookie sheet. Using the Pizza Slicer cut the tortillas into thin strips. Place in oven for 12-15 minutes or until crisp. Repeat with the rest of the White Corn Tortillas. Cube the Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast and place in Stock Pot. Mince Garlic and chop Onion and add ½ tbsp Cumin and 1 tbsp Chili Powder in Stock Pot and cook on high heat until the Chicken is mostly cooked. Add the Diced Green Chilies, drained Corn Nibblets, Petite Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, ¼ tsp Sea Salt, ½ tbsp Cumin, and ½ tbsp Chili Powder to the Stock Pot. Stir and bring to a boil for 5 minutes and than lower to a simmer for 12 minutes.

This soup is great with El Torito's Sweet Corn Cake. YUM! You can buy it at Vons if you have one near you!

It's Been a Year!

I have been Gluten Free for a year and feel I have mastered my diet.
 
I feel fabulous physically and I have learned a lot about Celiac Disease. I know I still have problems (mental/anger issues) when I am invited to parties and there is nothing I can eat, but I feel I will have that mastered by next year. My poor feelings get hurt and my first instinct is anger!
 
I have really enjoyed creating my own recipes and modifying the recipes in my recipe box. I have to thank my husband for his full support and my mom and dad for theirs. My mom is the best cook I know. She always has a way to make an entrée Gluten Free which truly makes me feel loved!
 
Learning about different ingredients and foods was actually fun. It was like experimenting (for those of you who like science) and creating which I am good at. I have tried to eat and tried to make different gluten free meals and now know what products to stay away from. I should make a starter "STAY AWAY" list to warn people about what's nasty!
 
My goal for the next year is to dwell on the positive. What do I have to offer other people who are Gluten Free? Nothing gourmet! I never claim to be a gourmet chef. I just want other anti-glutie's to have easy delicious Gluten Free food like I enjoy.
 
Cheers and here's to another year of Gluten Free food!

Article from Friend...

A friend of mine, Karen Fine, sent me this link today and I thought it was worth sharing! http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/health/nutrition/12recipehealth.html?_r=2 Enjoy! Let me know your thoughts!

Celiacs Are Loved!

I found this line of products at Henry's (that I have never seen before or just overlooked because the packaging is cheesy) called Ener-G. I bought the Pretzels and the Onion Crackers, because I have been aching for something other than the rice crackers from Costco, and all I have to say is WOW! I had several people try them just for the heck of it and they couldn't even tell the difference between the gluten free and non-gluten free! Hallelujah our prayers are answered! If thier other products are this good I would swear I was in heaven!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, my life has been crazy hence the lack of posts. Been running around with my head cut off. Anyways, Hope everyone had a great Holiday because I did!