My Life as an Anti-Glutite

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

Its been almost a year since I posted. I have been on the down low enjoying what I know about being and eating Gluten Free and not out searching for anything new.

I have been asked to write a book about my experiences, but how boring is that? With all the new products and everything, this blog serves the public well and it stays up to date (plus its free and I dont have to have an editor look over my writing).

I am now pretty confortable with where I am at with the Celiac Disease and have realized noting is worth eating to make me feel like crap. When your newly Gluten Free you think everyone is out to get you and not care about you. In fact its the oppposite. I have had so much positivity in the last year and am thankful for that.

I am now at a point where I am helping other Anti-Glutites enjoy life and understand what newly being Gluten Free is about. It doesnt need to be stressful, dramatic, painful or mental. You have to think of it as a new adventure and try new things and get excited about it.

Pass my blog along if you know of anyone who is new to being Gluten Free. Hell if you have my number give me a call! Nothing better than to have someone empathize with you over the phone and chat about this Gluten Free thing with.

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

PASTA! Who doesnt like Pasta?

2011-01-15T08:41:00.000-08:00

I cant believe that I have never posted anything in regards to pasta. I am a pasta LOVER! There are several different brands of Gluten Free pasta on the market, but one dominates ALL the competition. It dominates so much, my family and friends cant even tell its Gluten Free. When your in the search for pasta when you first become gluten free you vividly remember the taste of the glutenous version. You remember just how wonderful it is.

Let me introduce you to a few less superior pastas first...

Trader Joes Brand

When I found I was gluten free, that first day, I wanted pasta. Crying, I went to Trader Joes because that was the only place I knew that had gluten free anything. I bought a few boxes of their pasta to make for dinner. All I have to say is, I kept crying when I ate it. It was HORRIBLE! I thought maybe its just this first experience and tried it again. Cried again at how horrible it was. WARNING! Stay away from Trader Joes Gluten Free pasta!!! I give this pasta 0 (zero) stars. Good effort Trader Joes, but try harder PLEASE!

Bionaturae

The next pasta I tried was Bionaturae (pronounced bee-oh-na-too-ray). I have to say I felt much better when tasting this pasta. It was definately better than the Trader Joes brand, but still wasn't the taste I wanted. It was definitely edible is all I can say. I give this pasta 3 1/2 stars.

Glutino

Glutino... made with brown rice. You don't put marinara on rice. I still wasn't pleased, still taste gluten free, but it was a bit better than Trader Joes. I give this pasta 3 stars.

Tinkyada

If your looking to make an Asian dish that's gluten free you found your pasta. No really this is another brown rice pasta. It does cook well, but not the taste of REAL pasta. I give this pasta 3 stars.

DeBoles

Now we're getting somewhere. A mixture of flours they have corn and rice pastas available. They cook up nice and actually taste decent with marinara sauce. DeBoles got close, but not close enough. I give them 4 stars.

And now what you have been waiting for! My far SUPERIOR pasta reveal...

Schar (can you hear the horns?) The taste you miss of glutenous pasta exists!

I cant say enough good things about Schar pasta. My friend, Karen Fine, gave me a bag of this pasta to try. That night, of course, we had pasta for dinner. As I was boiling the water and cooking the pasta I took a noodle to my husband to see if its cooked to his liking. He said it was perfect. I went back to the stove, took a noodle out of the pot and as I was about to eat it he yelled at me! He started yelling, "Don't eat it! Its cooked perfect! STOP!" Of course I ate it! He thought it wasn't gluten free. He literally had to come over and look at the package before he believed me. That was proof enough that this would be the pasta we would stick with.
Marinara sauce? FABULOUS! Other sauces? FABULOUS! The thing with Schar pasta is you have to cook it exactly like the directions tell you. Boil the water first... cook and stir... all that. Yes, they do use rice flour in their pasta's and unlike other manufacturers with 2 or 3 types of rice flour they taste nothing like rice. This pasta... I give it 5+ stars!

If you have a gluten free pasta, I didn't mention, that you like... fill me in please. I would love to hear about it.

Mangia bene, vivi felice! Buon appetito!

Happy eating (gluten free pasta), learning and living! Gluten Free...

Subway tests gluten-free sandwiches

2011-01-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Happy days are coming to us anti-glutites! I know you read the subject! Can you believe it? I will, when I see it in my local Subway. How exciting it this for people in Texas!

Here is an excerpt from the CNN article...

Subway is testing a bun made of egg whites, corn starch and tapioca starches for customers with gluten sensitivities at 700 outlets in Dallas and East Texas. The sandwich chain is also offering a gluten-free brownie for dessert. The brownie is made of potato starch, cocoa and sugar.

“Gluten-free is something on the radar,” said Les Winograd, Subway spokesman. “There are number of people at Subway who are particularly interested in gluten-free items for their own particular digestive needs. It’s not something that’s unusual to us.”

With Subway exploring a wheat-free alternative, is this a sign that major food chains are paying more attention to gluten sensitivities such as celiac disease?

I wish I could scream from the top of the world how excited I am. I guess my blog post will have do for now!

Here is a link to the actual CNN article by Madison Park: Subway tests gluten-free sandwiches

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

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Well the new year is upon us again. I have to say, I am truly thankful for so many friends, family and blogs out there who have helped me with my journey as an anti-glutite. My goal this year is to decide what type of culinary school would be useful. Baking & Pastry school seems to be the one I feel the strongest about yet I like the idea of cooking with general nutrition to help other anti-glutites.

What is it that you miss the most about being Gluten Free? I miss the yummy breads. Gluten Free bread tastes like cardboard and only when I truly crave bread will I eat it. I have tried bakeries in the area that have Gluten Free bread, frozen bread, making my own bread, and NOTHING is even remotely close to the delectable texture and taste of REAL GLUTENOUS bread. Sourdough, boy do I miss sourdough bread.

I guess I would love to open my own FULLY Gluten-Free Bakery. Think about it... Gluten free cakes, tarts, cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, lemon bars, shortbread cookies, eclairs, creme puffs, cookies... my eyes are getting big and my mouth is watering! I would let it be known the bakery is Gluten Free, but I wouldn't produce and sell any baked items unless it was better than the glutenous version so that non anti-glutites would be interested in the product.

Oh, I guess its good to be a dreamer. Maybe I'm just hopeful.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

Probiotic Supplement Align

2010-11-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a week! Yes a week, since my Gastroenterologist gave me some samples of Align. I can say that after a week I do feel a slight bit better (maybe because I eliminated dairy). Come to find out some of the minor tummy issues I was having are due to my dairy intake. The probiotic Yakult (which I recommend if you can have dairy) was helping with certain digestive issues but not all.

So, what do I like about Align? I like that I dont have to refridgerate it. Almost all Probiotics have to be refridgerated. This is nice because I can keep it in my purse. If I forget it in the morning, no worries, its in your purse. Feeling crappy? No worries, its in your purse! Nice huh?

So, where can you get Align? Target, Walmart and CVS to name a few places. It will be in the supplement isle. You can also go to this buy align link for more information.

Any questions? Please visit the Align website or consult your GI doc!

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

La Farfalla Cafe (Escondido CA) *****

2010-04-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

I was in the need to dine out with just the hubby and wanted something outside the typical Outback or PF Changs dinner. I was told about this place located in Escondido called La Farfalla Café that had Gluten Free items on their menu. Of course when I hear of such things I HAVE to check it out! La Farfalla Cafe is a quaint place nestled in between some other shops on Orange Ave. It is quite small and looks to hold about 26 people for inside dining. It feels very family dinerish and home like. I personally loved the ambiance. The place was also packed and people were waiting to be seated. Seems La Farfalla has a nice following!

Meet Lacy a new GFF! Lacy, her husband and son were sitting at the table next to us. Of course the social person I am started a conversation. Lacy was just as social and we got to talking about why she was Gluten free. Unfortunately, Lacy has fibromyalgia and has found that by going Gluten Free has helped.

So, Started off with the Soup of the day which was the Coconut lemongrass with Chicken. The taste was very simple and VERY refreshing. Cilantro topped the soup which had mushrooms, lemongrass and chicken. YUM! My husband, one who doesn't like coconut, even tried it and ate half. We also talked another couple sitting a couple tables away into trying it. Pleased to say they loved it too!

The bread that came to the table was made fresh and was really moist. It didn't fall apart unlike other gluten free breads. I would love to buy a loaf and take it home.

If I had a chance to order again I think I would have ordered another entree and not one so simple. The entree I ordered was a Pesto Pasta off the menu that came with a salad. The only reason I should of tried something different is that I can make Pesto Pasta at home. I should of picked something I wouldn't ever make at home... there's always next time.

The Pasta came with a side salad which was really good! it had mixed greens, carrots and cucumbers. I would of hoped for some tomatoes as well. Anyways, I had the Italian dressing and it was absolutely fabulous! I wanted to drink it. LITERALLY! The dressing was that good. Very Italian if I might add. it had everything you would think and Italian dressing would have... wouldn't change a thing there!

DESSERT! You cant forget dessert! The gluten free cream puffs where heaven!!! The hubby couldn't believe they were Gluten Free. The custard was perfect! The texture was perfect! THEY WERE HEAVEN! I found that these puffs were an experiment by the Chef there. Well two thumbs up! Maybe try an eclair your next experiment.

The main reason I went to La Farfalla Cafe was to try the carrot cake. This was another taste of heaven! The cream cheese frosting was perfect! Texture, being Gluten Free everything is about texture and it was just like I remember! Soft, cinnamon, sweet.

Me Enjoying my soup. Hubby, watching me enjoy my soup!

The Many Faces of Celiac Disease

2010-04-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

The competition for attention to various diseases in May is extraordinary. No wonder so many people still have never heard of celiac disease!

In a web search of only 3 sites, I identified no less than 19 diseases who want attention in May. Many of them are better known and better funded for research such as cancer, MS, and arthritis to mention a few. We in the celiac disease community have something these other diseases do not, a VIDEO that is posted on YouTube so that we are ready to raise awareness starting May 1.

The San Diego Celiac Support Group created this video for the purpose of getting the message out. I encourage and support the use and distribution of this video 100%. It makes you realize there isnt just one symptom to this disease.

My request is that you pass the link on and have as many people as possible view it. Reaching the 3 million people who have celiac disease but do not know it is an awesome task. I am hoping we are going to find some of them through this effort.

Please help and know that your help is greatly appreciated!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB2oTwTE67s

This is my face for Celiac Awareness (see me throwing a "CA"). If you see me around San Diego throwing my sign and youre an Anti-Glutite too... throw it back!

CELIAC AWARENESS BABY!

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

SIMPLE: Thai Peanut Chicken

2010-04-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

I have discovered the best Gluten-Free Thai Peanut Sauce and the perfect, simple way to consume it. It has a bit of spiciness and a ton of flavor. The sauce is great to have on hand for one of those days you want to cook something quick. The longest cook time was my rice cooker!

Ingredients

3 cups Botan Calrose Rice

4 cups Water

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4 - Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Cubed

1 - Bottle Tamari Gluten-Free Thai Peanut Sauce

2½ cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (I like the Organic Frozen Mixed Vegetables from Costco with the carrots, corn and green beans)

1 tsp - Olive Oil

Directions

To start off, I took 3 cups Botan Calrose rice (my favorite) and added the 4 cups of water. Do Not rinse the rice before hand if you want perfect sticky white rice. Press start on your rice cooker.

Using a Large skillet, on Medium High heat, heat up the Olive Oil and then add the cubed boneless skinless chicken breast. Cook until you don't see anymore pink.

Add and stir in the Tamari Thai Peanut Sauce and bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes.

Add and stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and bring to a simmer again for another 5 minutes.

Take a hefty scoop of rice when finished and a hefty scoop of the chicken and place it on top and enjoy!

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

San Diego Padres announce affordable and fan friendly concessions

2010-04-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Padres, yesterday, announced they are going to carry Gluten-Free concessions. In the article, Garfinkel stated, "We are acting on fan suggestions by adding the Kids Meal and by introducing specific categories such as gluten-free food options."

Concessions include hot dogs, burgers, salad and hummus & Veggi's... I even hear they are going to have Gluten-Free Beer.

Way to go Padres (or whom ever decided on this)!!!

Living Gluten Free Expo

2010-03-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Restorative Remedies, Sponsored by the National University System Center for Integrative Health, is hosting an event to celebrate the gluten-free lifestyle on March 20, 2010 from 9am to 3:30pm at National University's Spectrum campus.

The event will feature a combination of informative lectures and a product and services expo where the public can connect with organizations and companies that support gluten-free living. The Expo will provide information, products, and networking opportunities to people who are either living gluten free, facing the need to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle, or choosing to eliminate gluten from their household for other reasons.

Presentations throughout the day will include:

“The Science Behind Gluten Intolerance”

Including a follow-up discussion with Dr. Alex Shikhman and Jacqueline Konstanturos, co-authors of Gluten Nation

“Label Reading for Your Health”

With Mary Lyons Collard, RD, contributing author to Gluten Nation

“The Gluten Chronicles”

Personal stories from people on the front lines of battling gluten in everyday living.

“Personalized Medicine: A demonstration of new technologies for better diagnosis and treatment”

With Dr. Alex Shikhman

“The Best Gluten-Free Recipes Contest”

Featuring celebrity judges who will award prizes for the best recipes in several categories: appetizers, breads, entrées, desserts and overall

WHERE

National University, Spectrum Business Park campus

9388 Lightwave Avenue

San Diego, CA 92123-1426

FREE ALL-DAY PARKING AVAILABLE

WHEN

March 20, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

ADMISSION

Buy tickets at:

www.restorativeremedies.com

or call 858.605.5880.

$10 General Admission

includes admission to all booths and presentations

$25 VIP Admission

includes special seating, a reusable grocery tote and gifts worth over $40

$30 General Admission at the event

Gluten-free recipe contest entry: $25 and includes admission to event

Gluten-free lunch prepared by Star of India Restaurant $10

In addition to the lectures, the Expo will include displays by organizations that support the gluten-free community, as well as companies that offer products and services designed for gluten-sensitive individuals. Non-profit organizations who provide announcements through their databases will have the opportunity to host an information table at the expo free of charge.

Click here for more information, as well as online registration.

PF Changs 5 New Gluten-Free Beef Dishes *****

2010-03-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

Someone is smiling on me, or I guess, us anti-glutites! OH! Its PF Changs! DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS??? PF Changs has five (5) NEW Gluten Free Beef dishes...

Gluten Free Mongolian Beef
Gluten Free Hong Kong Beef with Snow Peas
Gluten Free Beef a la Sichuan
Gluten Free Pepper Steak
Gluten Free Beef with Broccoli

I can't explain my excitement! PF Changs has a gluten free version of Mongolian Beef? Can you hear the disbelief in my voice **voice of disbelief**

Back when I was a wee anti-glutite, I couldnt hold my own and fell victim to eating such yummy glutenous PF Changs Mongolian Beef (Might I add a horendous aching came of it and I didnt feel well for a couple days). Now that there is a gluten free version of this wonderous beef dish, I say to all anti-glutites, ENJOY, without the aching, rash or whatever comes of eating gluten!

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

It's My Birthday and I Will Binge If I Want To!

2010-02-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

My birthday was awesome. I was in heaven! Gluten free heaven! Everywhere I looked was gluten free food. Gluten free desserts, gluten free sandwiches, gluten free pasta. Heaven! What anti-glutite wouldn't love to be here! The smells of such delectable food. The sights of such perfect food. Perfect for ME! Heaven!

As you first stroll in you can see desserts on your left. Chocolate covered Strawberries, Creme broulee, cakes, parfaits and cookies. As you stroll further down you reach the entrees where they had the best tomato basil pasta, stuffed chicken, pork with some yummy sauce and panini's. Walk a bit further into the buffet toward the end and you'll see a smorgasbord of fresh fruit and vegetables with delicious sandwiches. More Heaven!

Is this me being dramatic? I think not! I think this was one of the happiest days I've had in a long time! My husband and girls to my right and my mom and dad to my left of this perfectly circular table. It was a special day with special people and food. Who ever though food and family could make someone so happy?

It was so perfect, that after I cut some food on my daughters plate, I was able to lick my fingers. An act so little as licking your fingers after preparing something is truely big to me. Did I already say perfect?

I would like to say think you to the chef at the Four Seasons Aviara for preparing a wonderful feast on the first Saturday of every month. You have made many, many anti-glutites extremely happy and many, many more anti-glutites to come!

I am eating, learning, and living...Gluten Free!

Pictures to come soon!

Four Seasons Aviara Gluten Free Buffet *****

2010-01-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

I was reading through some of my favorite Gluten Free blogs and at the top of the Gluten Free in San Diego Blog was a post on the Four Seasons Aviara.

The Four Seasons Aviara is now having a monthly gluten free buffet for $29. It is on the first Saturday of every month. The buffet includes an appetizer bar, a salad area, hot entrees, cold entrees and a fabulous dessert bar. EVERYTHING is gluten free (unless marked otherwise). When I went, there were just a couple of sandwiches that were marked as containing gluten, otherwise, everything else was gluten-free. The dessert bar must have had about twenty items on it ranging from flourless chocolate cake, to all kinds of cookies, to chocolate-covered strawberries, to creme brulee and more! Go and bring your appetite, but not your thirst. A small bottle of coke will run you $5 with no refills!

Buffet Hours are from 11:30pm - 2:30pm. The Four Seasons offers a Gluten Free menu everyday upon request. Who wants just a menu when you can have a BUFFET!!!!

Take I-5 to Carlsbad
Exit at Poinsettia Lane/Aviara Parkway
Head (east) at Poinsettia Lane
Turn right (south) at Aviara Parkway
Turn right (west) at Four Seasons Point and follow signs to Hotel entrance.

Free Parking and Shuttle 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Take I-5 to Carlsbad
Exit at Poinsettia Lane/Aviara Parkway
Head (east) at Poinsettia Lane
Turn right (south) at Batiquitos Drive follow signs to Golf Course entrance.

Four Seasons Aviara 7100 Four Seasons Point - the California Grill Carlsbad, CA 92011 (760) 603-6800 http://www.fourseasons.com/aviara/

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

I know I will the first Saturday in Feb for my B-Day weekend!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all you Anti-Glutites!

Did you happen to set a New Years Resolution? I did! I am going on a search for the best Gluten Free doughnut recipe.

I already started my search and came upon what the blogger, Going Gluten-Free, calls a "Punkin". These lil' Punkin's are such a fabulous little treat. To me they taste like a the funnel cakes you would get at a fair or amusement park. I'm going to try to make them again tonight and top them with with some kind of jam to see how they taste (all the ones from my batch have been eaten!)

Mine for some reason look alot different than the ones from the blog where I got the recipe. Maybe I needed to thin the batter out or maybe it was the Pamelas Mix... either way they were DELICIOUS!

Gluten Free Punkins (with my ingredients)

Ingredients

1½ cup Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix (Original recipe called for Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour Mix)

¼ cup Corn Starch

2 tsp Xanthan Gum

2 tsp Baking Powder

¼ tsp Salt ¼ tsp Cinnamon (I rounded this scoop)

½ cup Sugar (a little more is okay, but don't overdo or they'll be too sweet)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 - Eggs

½ cup Milk (take out 2 tbsp and reserve just incase you need to thin it a little)

¼ tsp Vanilla

Oil for frying Powdered Sugar for coating

Directions

Sift dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Using an electric mixer beat together milk and eggs until fluffy.

Add dry ingredients and mix very well.

Allow dough to rest for 20 minutes.

In a deep fryer (Was excited to use my deep fryer I got for Christmas!!!) or deep sauté pan heat 1" of oil to 375 degrees.

After dough has rested, drop by tablespoons full into hot oil. Holes might flip to the next side when first side is complete. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

BE CAREFUL that your oil is not too hot...if it is the outside will burn before the inside gets cooked.

COOL COMPLETELY.

Shake in powdered sugar, or powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon to coat the outsides.

Serve with tea or coffee and feel normal. Be careful, they are very addicting.

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-09-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T11:37:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-08-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Opinion: Probiotics and Gluten-free Diet

2009-06-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-15T11:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

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!

Article: The Dangers of a Gluten-Free Diet

2009-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.healthnews.com/nutrition-diet/the-dangers-a-gluten-free-diet-3288.html

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!

Happy eating, learning and living!

Gluten-Free Cooking and Dining! Four Seasons Resort Aviara

2009-05-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

If you are newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease please consider participating in the research below.

What does The Binding Site, Inc. want me to do?

The Binding Site, Inc. would like to request your participation by contributing plasma that will be used in laboratory diagnostic tests for other people who need tests for celiac disease. The diagnostic test requires a plasma sample from someone who positively has the antibodies for celiac disease. Positive samples are used to compare to someone who is being tested for celiac disease. The contribution we are requesting is about the same as a blood donation at a blood center.

http://celiac.thebindingsite.com/

Unfortunately, it's too late for me otherwise I would participate.

If you do happen to participate, please come back here and tell us about your experience.

Understand They Don't Understand

2009-04-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

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)

Gluten Free Pantry, Favorite Sandwich Bread Mix

(Get a family member to make this for you!)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-04-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-01-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

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!

Gluten Free Alochol

2008-11-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

The following information was found at http://gfkitchen.server101.com/GFAlcohol.htm

You can find more information regarding Gluten-Free Alcohol at http://www.triumphdining.com/blog/gluten-free-alcohol/

The following links are alcoholic beverages that are gluten free; however, manufacturers do change their ingredients, so be sure to read the label and check with the manufacturer.

Ale and Beer

Bard's Tale Beer
Lake Front Brewery - New Grist is a winner of the G.F. Beer Festival
O'Brien Brewery - Australia's first gluten free beer is a winner of the G.F. Beer Festival
Redbridge - Sorghum Beer by Anheuser Bush
Ramapo Valley Brewery - Passover Honey Beer is a winner of the G.F. Beer Festival
Greens - U.K. winner of the G.F. Beer Festival

Brandy

Brandy is distilled from pears, raspberries, cherries, peaches and other fruits.

Masseny Jean
Claude Fontan
St. George

Wine and Champagne

Wine generally all wine is gluten free, but it is best to check with the manufacture to make sure that there are no glutinous additives incorporated into the wine and to also ensure that they were stored in gluten free storage tanks. Some wines are aged in barrels that once contained another substance that could have held a glutinous product. This is rare, but can happen. Also you will want to avoid Wine Coolers. Wine Coolers are NOT Gluten Free, because they contain barely malt.

There is also some concern with cross contamination with wines that involves the practice of sealing the barrels with a flour/water paste that is common with European Union barrel manufacturers. Most US based manufactures currently use a neutral food grade paraffin to seal the barrels during the construction process, but there are some manufacturers that import and use the flour/water based barrels. I spoke with the Kendall Jackson winery regarding this subject and what the risks of cross contamination might be when U.S. wineries use imported barrels from Europe and the consultant I spoke with, stated that all barrels used for storing wine go through a cleaning process in which the barrels are cleaned using a high pressure test with hot water to remove any flour prior to filling. I personally believe any loose flour would be removed but not all of the hardened paste mixture, therefore, I am hesitant to recommend any brands of wines, except the ones I have confirmed do not use this process of sealing their barrels. Wines that are almost always made without barrel aging are Whites: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Italian Pinot Grigio, Bag-In-The-Box wines; and Reds: Bag-In-The-Box wines. Below is a list of wines that I have confirmed are gluten free. The more expensive a wine is the more likely it is barrel aged and that is where you could find gluten.

Beringer
Fenn Valley
Five Oaks
Ingleside - Only the Blue Crab Blanc and Blue Crab Blush, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosato de Sangiovese, Viognier, The Rose, and October Harvest.
Kendall Jackson
La Rocca - All wines are not only gluten free, they are sulfite free too
Louis Jadot - Only the Maconnais and Beaujolais are made in stainless cask. Their other wine are made in barrels sealed with water and flour.
Meridian

Champagne:

Cognac

Cognac is generally made from white grapes. The grapes are pressed and then placed into vats to ferment. Cognac is typically distilled twice in copper pots, this is called Chauffes. It is then transferred to wooden casks, usually made of oak and then allowed to age.

Cider

Cider is an alcoholic beverage made primarily from the juices of specially grown varieties of apples. Cider generally has a stronger alcoholic content than typical beer, usually over 5%. To produce cider, apples are washed and mashed, pressed and then fermented in oak vats using natural or added yeasts. Not all Ciders are gluten free, because many manufacturers add barley to them.

Woodchuck Draft Cider - Amber, Dark, Dry 802, Granny Apple, Pear, and Raspberry

Drink Mixers

Master of Mixes
- Tom Collins
- Whiskey Sour
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Sweet & Sour Mixer
- Margarita Mix
Clamato Tomato Cocktail (Contains Vinegar, avoid if sensitive)
Jose Quervo Margarita Mix
Coco Casa Cream of Coconut
Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut

Grappa

Grappa is made from pressed grapes

Azienda Vinicola Emillila Franzoni

Mead

Mead is also known as honey wine. It is created from fermented honey. Honey wine can be traced to 1600 AD

Earle Estate Meadery
Rabbits Foot Meadery - Pear, Sweet Mead, Dry Mead, & Port made from Mead & Grappa
Rocky Mountain Meadery
White Winter Mead

Ouzo

Ouzo is created using aniseed, fennel seed and other aromatic plants. It is a considered a traditional drink of Greece. The traditional way to drink Ouzo is 1 part Ouzo and 2 parts water, but it can also be mixed with other types of cocktails

Rum Most Rum is made from Sugar Cane. Make sure to check with the manufacturer.

Bundaberg
Demerar Distiller
Malibu Island

Sake

Sake is made from rice, it is milled to remove the husk and then polished to remove the exterior protein. It is polished to at least 70 % of its original size. It is then washed and steeped to remove all traces of iodine. The Sake is then steamed and Koji and enzyme is added. You need to always check the source of Koji, it can sometimes be derived from barley. It takes 2 - 9 months to brew Sake. Always check with the manufacturer, true traditional sake contains no gluten, but some companies trying to make a cheaper sake add rice syrup and other flavorings that could contain gluten.

Memokawa Premium Sake

Tequila

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. The blue agave plant is a part of the lily family. It takes 7 to 9 years for this plant to mature. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if you are not sure. Some cheaper tequilas are not made the traditional way and could contain gluten. Mescal is not the same thing as tequila.

Jose Cuervo
Sauza
Centinela
Lopez
Orendain
Don Julio (in the process of verification)
Patron (in the process of verification)

Vodka

Vodka made from potatoes, tends to have a smoother taste, than vodka made from grains. Always check with the manufacturer, most vodkas are made with grain. The ones listed below are made with potatoes.

Adamba
Blue Ice
Chopin
Cold River Vodka
Ciroc - Made from French Grapes
Jankill
Jinro Soju - Not really vodka, but very similar. This company has other G.F. Items also
Kamachatka
Luksusowa
Monopolowa
Nisskosher Polish
Peconika
Teton Glacier
U4RIK
Victory
Zodiac

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

2008-10-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today we had a farmers market at work and they were selling strawberries. When I saw the strawberries I was instantly in the mood for Strawberry Shortcake. As soon as I got home I got into the Internet to search for Angel Food Cake recipe. After looking at several recipes I went with the one below. I pulled this recipe from a Gluten-Free website called "My Wheat's End". How clever is that blog title?

http://mywheatsend.blogspot.com/2007/05/gluten-free-angel-food-cake.html

Here is the excerpt from this blog...

This is a really special angel-food cake, perfect for the coming berry and fruit season. Tetra-pak egg whites make this easy and don’t leave you with a dozen lonely egg yolks yearning to be made into pudding.

Ingredients

2/3 cup sweet rice flour
1/3 cup potato starch flour
1/4 cup tapioca starch flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp xanthan gum

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12 egg whites (I used egg beaters where 3 tbsp is equivalent to 1 egg white)
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract

3/4 cup sugar

Directions

Combine flours, 3/4 sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar, vanilla and almond extract until quite stiff. While beating, gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in flour mixture by hand. Pour batter into an ungreased tube pan. Gently cut through the batter with a knife to break air bubbles. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes. Invert immediately on the top of a bottle. Allow to cool completely before turning out. I did not invert but rather just put on top of an empty Corona bottle. I have to say this was the best "Gluten-Free" Angel Food Cake. My husband and the Nanny ate it and really loved it! It isn't as fluffy and airy as regular Angel Food Cake, but they actually stated they liked it more. It wasn't like a cake, but just a slight bit heavier than the one you get a Vons or Albertsons in that cardboard fluted pan.

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment...

Opinion: Gluten-Free Pancakes

2008-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am going to start blogging my opinions about different foods that I try. Today I will start with pancakes, since that's what I wanted for breakfast. My opinion today is based on my likes and what I have seen my children eat as well. I don't force my girls to eat gluten-free, they just want what I eat so I cook (today and any day I make pancakes). Over the past few months we have tried the following pancake mixes...

Bob's Red Mill
Pamela's
Trader Joe's

Okay, I know, not very many! Having eaten these several times with my girls (hubby sleeps during the day) I realized they like the same mix I do. My girls can eat regular pancakes and still do sometimes.

Bob's Red Mill mix I find is a little thick (per the instructions). Even if you don't add as much of the mix it doesn't make a difference they still don't taste that wonderful. They are edible with a ton of syrup and butter, but a little on the gritty side. I also notice than when I make these pancakes my girls don't tend to eat them all and ask for more, even with the extra syrup.

Trader Joe's Mix... can I just say that I haven't, yet, found anything that Trader Joe's produces delicious or worth purchasing again. All I have to say is STAY AWAY! My girls after several attempts ate maybe 2 bites of their pancakes and then asked for cereal.

Pamela's, OH PAMELA'S (in a singing voice)! These pancakes are, so far and by far, the most delectable and fluffiest! My girls come asking for more and so do I! I think it has to be that they use Almond Flour and none of these other mixes do. The consistency is perfect, the taste is perfect and the way the cook is perfect (not too thick just nice and fluffy). YUM!!!!

If you have any other suggestions for me please respond. I would love to try your recipe or mix!

Realization

2008-08-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

So, All my life I just thought I was a person allergic to the outside. What I mean is that I am allergic to dust, pollen, mold, etc... Well I am allergic to those things but not on the scale I knew. Before going gluten-free I thought the reason I had thickness in the back of my throat was because I was a nasally person with tons of allergies. So, I have now been gluten-free for 5 months and 9 days and Spring this year didn't effect me. Interesting! How do I know this? Well, yesterday I went to lunch with some co-workers and a vendor. I asked about what foods were gluten-free and they weren't sure but told me to eat the salad with chicken. So at this restaurant in the middle of eating this thickness that I once thought was due to allergies is back due to a different type of allergy. I swear I ate gluten. I started coughing and tried to clear my throat with water and that noise you make when you try to clear your throat. Nothing worked! Then that night I payed for it. Still don't know what had gluten in it, but that when the realization hit... All the thickness in my throat all my life was due to wheat. Today a co-worker of mine who is gluten-free was talking to me about how she was always tired. I told her that I haven't felt tired like I used to in a long time. another realization hit me. About 5 years ago I went to the doctor because I would have missing moments. I would sit at my computer at 1:00 and than time was lost and it would suddenly be 3:00. I never felt rested. The doctor took blood and found that my white blood cell count was high and thought that I had an infection somewhere. He would then put me on antibiotics but the symptoms never went away. I cant believe this disease has been with me all along and now I am finally diagnosed. Every website talks about malnutrition as a symptom. I never had that issue luckily. My symptoms after looking back were the following (and remember the endoscopy biopsy came back positive with celiac)...

Stomach Distension
Thickness in my throat
Constant high white blood cell count
Fatigue
Moments of time loss
Tiredness
Unable to focus on work or other things (maybe this is the reason I clean the house so weird)
Irritability
Stomach Pain

The one thing that made them finally run tests was the acute pain in my upper abdomen on the right side. That pain woke me up in the middle of the night starting November 2007, but went away by taking an acid reducer that the doctor prescribed.

Pizza Fusion: Part II ***

2008-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Expensive! Shall I say it again? Expensive! It was $20.00 for a Gluten Free Pizza the size of a small pizza from Domino's. My Co-Worker, Lashonda, who is also Gluten Free came with me to enjoy FRESH, HOT Pizza. I cant lie! It was SOOOOOOO Delicious. We bought 2 different pizzas and shared. We pretty much ate an entire pizza each. There is noting better than pizza right out of the oven that wasn't frozen first =o). Anyways, so what was it like? Oh fabulous (if you dont think about the price)! If you like a thin crust you will like these pizzas. The pizza in the picture was the Bruschetta Pizza. I would suggest adding sauce to the pizza (I dipped my pizza) to give it a little more flavor and moisture. I cant say I wasnt full when I left. I truly enjoyed the company and the pizza that day. Talk about a day of positives! yeeeee haaaaaa! I will definitely visit Pizza Fusion again in the near future after I save up for it. tee hee!

Pizza Fusion

2008-07-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I just learned about a place called Pizza Fusion that's opening up on the 28th at 11:00am. This place serves Gluten-Free Pizza. Shall I say it again... GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA!!! Fresh pizza, not frozen pizza! 3827 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 619-278-0057 http://www.pizzafusion.com/

I COULDN'T DO IT!

2008-07-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

Yes I know the 13th came and went and I thought about it all day. I wanted to eat that Ding Dong so bad but I didn't. I have been doing so good, why should I ruin my progress? I have been reading the Stephenie Meyer series "twilight" and I remind myself that I too am try to prefer a new diet. Edward (the vampire) does not hunt humans, he hunts animals to drink their blood. I see how he has to go without and the feelings he has and I can relate (although I am not a vampire I feel his anger and temptation). I really thirst or hunger for gluten but can not cross the line to fulfill that hunger or thirst. Call me stupid or whatever you want. This book is helping me get through my newborn days as an anti-glutite (if read the series you would understand). I have to thank Stephenie for writing such a wonderful series. This is the first book I have read since the Harry Potter first book (I didn't read the rest because they were boring). Her books are definitely not boring if you like vampire stuff! I LOVE THESE BOOKS! I cant wait till the 4th book arrives at my door!!!

The Original Pancake House

2008-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Now doesn't that look delicious? Well, it was!

For my 11th wedding Anniversary my husband and I went to eat at the Original Pancake House in Poway, CA. The owners daughter and my daughter were in a soccer league together. When I found out they owned the Original Pancake House in Poway I approached them about Gluten Free Pancakes and they stated they already had them. (I swear my mouth dropped, then a smile emerged and a tingle went down my spine). How cool is that! Being able to go out with your family or friends to a nice breakfast joint and being able to actually eat something Gluten Free (that you would normally have to cook yourself).

So, I order the Gluten Free Pancakes with Blueberries, Orange Juice and Country Potatoes. When my order arrived I couldn't believe my eyes. How could these be Gluten Free? I hadn't had a pancake since I found out I had Celiac Disease. I was skeptical in regards to what they would taste like and was extremely surprised. They weren't extremely heavy, they were just right! I was in heaven enjoying each bite like it were my last, until I realized, I could come back next weekend for more. I gave a bite to my husband and he was surprised as well. He isn't really a blueberry man, but he said they were really good. This really made my Saturday and Anniversary!

Thank you Original Pancake House for making a delectable Pancake! (It truly is your specialty!)

BTW for those of you who are not Gluten Free I recommend the Dutch Baby with lemon, butter and powdered sugar! If I could get one of those Gluten Free I would again be in heaven!

Ding Dong Countdown - 23 Days

Ally's 5th Birthday Party

2008-06-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

We had Ally's Birthday on Saturday and on Friday my mom and I made the cake below for her party. She insisted on having a cake with a tiara that she can wear when shes eating her cake. If you didnt realize this is one of the Krispy Cakes my mom and I have been making. They can be made with the gluten free rice crispys that you get at Jimbo's. Sorry... I will not give our recipe for the treats... its special if you want us to make you a Krispy Cake ask for one =o)

Over Eating! Not Feeling Full!

2008-06-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

Do you find that because you can't have Gluten you fill up on other things that aren't so great for you? For instance I used to eat sandwiches everyday for lunch (filling). Now I struggle to find something to eat that isn't salad (which doesn't really fill me). I find I eat more candy now than I used to and because there isn't much to eat I eat a ton of what I can eat because I don't want it to go to waste. (whoa... run-on) Everyone said I would loose weight when I was told I had to cut gluten. Now it seems I eat more crap because I don't feel full. I can tell you I am sick of salad and corn/rice based products. GIMME THE WHEAT! (or something close to it!)

In Search of a Gluten Free Ding Dong

2008-06-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, my friend Karen (Mom Eats Gluten Free) is in search for a recipe for a Gluten Free Ding Dong for me. I found a recipe from Chow.com.

Unlike the original Ding Dongs, this chocolate cake is rich, not too sweet, and only partially covered in chocolate. If you choose to coat the entire Ding-a-Ling, double the recipe for the ganache.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened to room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs

For the Filling

1 recipe Vanilla Cream

For the Chocolate Ganache

3/4 cup heavy cream
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon butter

Directions for the Chocolate Cake

Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 12-well muffin pans.
Melt chocolate in a double boiler or a small saucepan over low heat. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the other cake ingredients except for the eggs. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooled chocolate and the eggs. Beat together until it looks like pudding, about 2 minutes. Add this to the other ingredients and beat the mixture until it looks like whipped frosting, about 2 minutes.
Fill each well of the prepared muffin pans with 1/4 cup of the mixture (they should be filled about halfway). Bake until the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
Cool completely on a wire rack. When cooled, run a knife along the perimeter of the cakes, invert the muffin pans, and remove the cakes.

To assemble:

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a medium-sized tip (or use a resealable plastic bag and cut one corner off) with Vanilla Cream. With a straw or the end of a spoon, make two or three holes in the underside of each cake. Insert the tip of the pastry bag into the opening and squeeze Vanilla Cream into the cake. When the cream floods out of the opening, it’s full. Turn the cake right side up, and place on a cooling rack fitted over a baking tray.

For the ganache:

In a small saucepan, heat the cream to a simmer. Put the chocolate into a bowl, and pour the hot cream over it. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the butter, and stir until smooth and liquidy.
Spoon ganache on top of each cake, allowing it to pool in the center, and spread it outward with the back of a spoon. The ganache will run over the sides and dry to a smooth finish.

In case you dont remember.... this is what REAL Ding Dongs looks like...

I believe this weekend I will try this recipe gluten free. Don't know how I will do it but I am determined!

Gluten-Free Bread

2008-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look in regards to Gluten-Free bread it states to toast your bread to make it taste better. News flash... toasting the bread doesn't make it taste any better. Try microwaving your bread for 15 seconds. This makes it so much better like bread right out of the oven. Add some butter and that's even better. If you want to make a sandwich, microwave it and then add all your sandwich goodies. Microwaving softens the bread just enough so it doesnt taste or feel stale.

Nuts, Seeds and Fiber...

2008-05-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

So I decided to do a little research on nuts and seeds to see how much fiber they might have. Here is what I came up with.

Nuts (Fiber Content)

Almonds
~Raw about 23 (1oz) = 3.3 g Fiber

Brazil Nuts
~Roasted and Raw (1oz) = 2 g Fiber

Cashews
~Raw (1oz) = 0.9 g Fiber

Coconut
~Raw (1oz) = 2.6 g Fiber

~Dried / Shredded (1oz) = 1.3 g Fiber

Hazelnuts
~Raw about 21 (1oz) = 2.7 g Fiber

Macadamia
~Raw about 10 – 12 (1oz) = 2.4 g Fiber

Peanuts
~Raw (1oz) = 2.4 g Fiber

Pecans
~Raw about 20 jumbo halves (1oz) = 2.7 g Fiber

Walnuts
~Raw (1oz) = 1.9 g Fiber

Seeds (Fiber Content)

Pine Nut
~Raw (1oz) = 1.5 g Fiber

Pumpkin
~Roasted (1oz) = 1.1 g Fiber

Sunflower
~Raw (1oz) = 3 g Fiber

In my search for all things fiber I found the following at http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Health/constipation.htm

In folk medicine the foods that get special recognition as laxatives include almonds, apples, avocados, chicory, dates, endive, figs, flaxseed, grapes, mango, papaya, persimmon, pineapple, prunes, rutabagas, soybeans, turnips, walnuts and watercress.

So what's the fiber count in those items? Well here you go!

Almonds
~Raw about 23 (1oz) = 3.3 g Fiber

Apples
~Raw medium (4.9oz) = 3.3 g Fiber

Avocados
~Whole (7.1oz) = 13.5 g Fiber

Chicory
~Raw chopped (1oz) = 1.2 g Fiber

Dates
~Raw (1oz) = 2.1 g Fiber

Endive
~1/2 cup chopped (0.9oz) = 0.8 g Fiber

Figs
~Raw small (1.4oz) = 1.2 g Fiber

Flaxseed
~Raw teaspoon whole (0.1oz) = 0.9 g Fiber

Grapes
~Raw (5oz) = 1.3 g Fiber

Mango
~Raw no skin no seed (7.3oz) = 3.7 g Fiber

Papaya
~Raw medium (10.7oz) = 5.5 g Fiber

Persimmons
~Raw (5.9oz) = 6 g Fiber

Pineapple
~Raw diced (5.5oz) = 2.2 g Fiber

Prunes
~Raw (1oz) = 2 g Fiber

Rutabagas
~Raw cup (4.9oz) = 3.5 g Fiber

Soybeans
~Raw (4oz) = 4.8 g Fiber

Turnips
~Raw small (2.2oz) = 1.1 g Fiber

Walnuts
~Raw (1oz) = 1.9 g Fiber

Watercress
~Cup Chopped (1.2oz) = 0.2 g Fiber

BTW... I pull all this information off www.calorieking.com in case you want to see how much fiber is in something else.

LIVID, HURT, UPSET!

2008-05-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

So, Thursday my mother in law calls my husband to see if I can make a rice crispy treat cake for Saturday (My brother in laws graduation party which I knew nothing about till that night after I got home from my ball game at 9pm). Anyways I made a rice crispy treat cake for them! See... I so get taken advantage of!

At the party they had burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fruit, chips, dips, and potato salad. My mother in law asked if we wanted to come over on Sunday for left overs after they get home from church, so we said sure (assuming it was everything from Saturday that was previously listed). I went to the grocery store this morning for milk and bought 12 ears of corn because they were $0.25 a piece. I got a dozen. I thought it would be cool to have with the summer food and called to tell them I was bringing it over. I got no response or feedback other than we will see you then.

So, we got to my in laws house, I have corn already husked in hand ready to cook, and I am told we are having enchilada's. I said that sounds great and my mother in law stated that I wouldn't be able to eat the enchiladas because she made them with flour tortillas... FLOUR TORTILLAS? She stated that's what she had in the refrigerator. Why couldn't you get corn from the store so everyone could eat them. She set aside some chicken so I could have a salad. I AM NOT A F!#$%^& RABBIT! What is up with you people thinking we want to eat a salad. That is not thinking of us! WOW a salad. You are so original. F#$% YOU! I Hope anyone who does this to a person who has some food allergy or issue get 10 fold. As a matter of fact it is now going to be my personal responsibility/mission to make their life hell for making me feel this way.

Do you people not understand how emotional this is... its not funny to joke about or say how everything sucks! I ALREADY KNOW THIS!

I do alot of things for my husbands family (parties on my dime, give them items I could sell but see they really need them...) and this is what I get... text messages telling me I have some nerve and that my blowup was very rude and how badly hurt I hurt his mom from his sister... think about all the time's y'all hurt me! Your stupid I cant eat this joke and I will sit next to Lindsy because she cant eat that joke. In the 15 years I have known this family I have never said one thing. I have never gotten upset or mad at anyone for their comments. I don't gossip with them and talk bad about the other family members I sit there and listen. I always keep my mouth shut and chuckle now and then. I bend over backwards for these people and this is the way I get treated! Maybe its some religious thing... I haven't been to church for a really long time because of the way the JUDGE people and GOSSIP. Wow to coincidental.

Maybe I should post the text messages that were sent back and forth... Pretty sad his sister had to text me instead of call.

Dead Banana's

2008-05-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

What do you do with dead banana's? You make Banana Bread! Well I went on a search for a recipe that sounded good. I found 2 online and found one in a cook book I purchased. I decided to use the recipe in the cook book "The Gluten-Free Gourmet Bakes Bread" by Bette Hagman. The only beef I have with this book is it doesn't tell you how much of each flour to use for each recipe. You have to make the "Flour Mix Formulas" near the beginning of the book. It's lame, but I did it!

So here is my finished product. I baked it 3 minutes less than what the recipe called for and I think it was baked too long. It didn't have much flavor either. Maybe that's because its Gluten-Free?!? I have no clue. My husband says I am being to hard on myself and that it tastes fine. I personally think it needs to be sweeter and moister. I have to say I ate half the loaf =o)

Okay, so I Regret it!

2008-05-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Eating PF Changs Mongolian Beef! Oh man, today I feel so sick. The pain I started out having, the one that led us to the diagnosis of having Celiac Disease, is back. I am so bloated and in pain today its not funny! Did I learn from that? Probably not! This pain would of so been worth it if I ate a Ding Dong! Blah...

I ATE GLUTEN!

2008-05-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Well... I ordered out P.F. Changs tonight. We ordered Orange Peel Chicken, Mongolian Beef, House Chow Mien, GF Ginger Chicken and GF Lettuce Wraps. Well, aside from someone cutting me off in line I paid for our food, brought it back to the hotel (all excited) and found they didn't give us lettuce for the wraps. I refuse to drive the 7 miles back to go get the lettuce. I was ticked! I was so ticked that all I got to eat was ginger chicken that I ate Mongolian Beef. IT WAS SO GOOD! If you've had it you know how good it is! I don't think I'll regret eating that. Good thing I was mad enough to eat it =o)

All Winter Flour

2008-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today we arrived in Palm Springs at the Embassy Suites and there were yummy looking Key Lime cookies on the bed. The very first ingredient was "All Winter Flour". Have you ever heard of this? I thought, "Sweet... its not wheat flour" but still hesitated. Luckily I brought my laptop with me and this is what I found... There are two different kinds of commercially sold wheat flour: winter flour is a starchy, soft flour; spring flour is a hard flour and contains a larger percentage of gluten. So great right! I didnt eat them, but that really sucks. How dare they call it something different to trick me. Oh well! Ding Dong Countdown - Why do I keep counting I should just eat these cookies! 58 Days!

I'm Not A Damn Rabbit!

2008-05-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just because I can't eat what you eat doesn't mean I want a salad. I so sick of you freakin' people who always offer up salad as a meal or offer salad period! I'm not a damn rabbit and SALAD IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE WITH YOUR MEAL! Or if your on a diet, salad is something you eat as a meal. News flash people I AM NOT ON A DIET! Why cant you people learn new recipes that use other non glutenous alternatives to thicken instead of wheat flour? Didn't you go to culinary school for that (talking about the S Cafe here at work)? I go in the Cafe at least 3 times a week and they know I eat there. Every time I go there I have to ask what the ingredients are. You know how inconvenient that is? Why cant you just list it on the stupid flier you make up for that entree that day? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! How many days a week or how often do i have to feel depressed and frustrated! I AM SICK OF THIS! Ding Dong Countdowm - 61 Days

Mothers Day At The Park

2008-05-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

So the theme for the day was Mexican food and of course I needed to come up with something Gluten Free for myself to eat and to share. So, I looked online and in all my cook books and found nothing that sounded delectable. I am a big fan of cumin and chili powder in Mexican cooking, so I stole some major ingredients and ideas off about 4 recipes. Can you believe non of those recipes used cumin and they all want you to add refried beans and green chili's and salsa. I wanted something simple that I knew was tasty and Gluten Free (I only had to look at the ingredients of the Tomato Sauce and it was Contadina).

It seemed to have a great response with everyone. I was quite surprised at how well it turned out. I have to say it was really really yummy... so yummy I had 4 helpings that day =o)

Enchilada Casserole or Mexican Lasagna or whatever you want to call it!

Preheat oven to 350

13” X 9” Glass pan needed

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds lean ground meat
1 medium onion chopped
1 teaspoon garlic chopped
16oz. tomato sauce
1 ½ cups water
3 tablespoons Chili Powder (split 2 tbsp and 1 tbsp)
1 ½ teaspoons Cumin (split 1 tsp and ½ tsp)
¼ teaspoon salt
10 – 12 GF Mission White Corn Tortilla’s
32oz. Sour Cream

16oz. shredded Mexican Cheese Mix (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
½ cup olives sliced

Directions

Brown meat with onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon chili powder and ½ teaspoon cumin; drain fat. Add tomato sauce, water, 2 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin and salt; simmer 20 minutes. In the 13” x 9” glass pan, spoon ½ the meat sauce in to the bottom of the pan (make sure there aren't any big chunks of meat). Arrange tortillas over the top of meat sauce overlapping if necessary. Spread 16oz. sour cream over the tortillas. Sprinkle 8oz. cheese over sour cream. Repeat. Garnish with olives and bake at 350 for 20 – 22 minutes, until hot and the sides are slightly bubbly.

End result...

Without Olives

Let me know if you try it and if you like it! Feedback is always great and any additions would be great to try as long as its not salsa, refried beans or chili's.

Here's a pic of the crazy Maumausolo family!

Great Times Ya'll!

You Bastards!

2008-05-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

So I am starving! I could of swore that I had some Gorilla Munch in my office to eat for breakfast this morning but I forgot that I ate the last of it yesterday. So, I went to the cafe we have here at work and all they have are sandwiches and SHIT! I AM NOT GOING TO EAT CHIPS FOR BREAKFAST. I am extremely frustrated right now as they don't stock gluten free items for breakfast in the vending machine. BTW the grill was closed for breakfast. Why the hell do I cry about this. Its just so F!@#$% up! If I want something to eat I have to either eat chips, a candy bar or nuts. Oh or leave work and find something at some fast food place. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! This is so inconvienient! What did I do to deserve this?

Sugar? Or Just Off A Couple Days!

2008-05-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I started taking a multi vitamin every morning since Tuesday (i know a long time huh?). I think multi vitamins effect me when I eat chocolate. Let me tell you... I eat chocolate EVERY DAY! I don't get dizzy or feel sick when I eat large quantities. Since Tuesday, I feel sick and dizzy when I eat chocolate. Need I remind you I eat this 60% cacao dark chocolate every day! The sickness or dizziness happens about 25-40 minutes after I eat it. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ANOTHER DELECTABLY DELICIOUS TREAT!!!! NO NO NO! YOU CANT MAKE ME! So your probably wondering... does it have gluten in it, well you tell me... Ingredients: Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin/An Emulsfier and Vanilla. Doesnt look like it. The packaging doesnt say anything about processing where wheat is processed, nothing. And why now? Now that I am on a multi vitamin? The multi vitamin is Kirkland brand and on the side says "Gluten-Free". Ding Dong Countdown... 66 Days!

Did You Know? Costco Tortilla Chips...

2008-05-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the tortilla chips from Costco are Gluten-Free? Hallelujah, Praise Jesus! They are! They are made by Mission. I went to the grocery store (Vons) to see if the Mission tortilla chips said anything about Gluten-Free and they didn't. Is this because the chips on the shelves there are old or are the chips on the shelves at Costco old? hmmmm. Maybe Costco was just nice enough to put that on thier packaging. Oh well! Just thought that was cool! So... if your ever having a party and you want to invite me and your going to have tortilla chips and home made salsa you would definitely impress me by buying the Costco/Kirkland Tortilla Strips. I would really feel loved too. Ding Dong Countdown - 68 Days

Ding Dong Countdown!

2008-05-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come my friends that I am going to count down the days till I am going to allow myself to eat a Ding Dong. A YUMMY GLUTENOUS DING DONG! Everyday I hurt (my heart that is) when I cant have a Ding Dong or see a person eat one. It's sad and pathetic I know! So... I am going to eat a Ding Dong (possibly 2) 6 months from the day I received the call from the Gastroenterology Nurse. That day is September 13th! Hmmmmm... That seems so far away! Maybe I shall change the date to July =o) July 13th will be the day that I eat a yummy glutenous Ding Dong. If I die at least you know I died a happy woman that day. 72 days ladies and gentleman! 72 days... Still seems like a really long time =o(

Vinegar Explained!

2008-04-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have had may questions regarding Vinegar. I have been told to stay away from or watch certain types. Do you know how may things contain vinegar?

I have learned that if food manufactured in the United States, has vinegar listed as an ingredient, where just the word "vinegar" appears between commas (for example, "Ingredients: water, vinegar, tomato paste)" the FDA's Compliance Policy Guide for Vinegar requires that the vinegar must be apple cider vinegar. So, if you see just "vinegar" listed as an ingredient (not "malt vinegar" or any other modification), the vinegar is apple cider vinegar.

I found this information at http://www.nowheat.com/grfx/nowheat/primer/iheard.htm

Here is another site (Wheat Free Zone) that has some really good information if you're interested. http://www.nowheat.com/grfx/nowheat/index.htm

What Would You Do?

2008-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Am I supposed to remind everyone that I have this disease? You know how tiring that gets? You know how tiring it is to hear the same thing about how you cant eat the same foods over and over again? And who gives a Frick about BEER! So, you get invited over to someones house who you've had multiple discussion's with about the disease. Do you A. Bring your own food with you so you know you will have something to eat? or B. Remind them you are Gluten-Free? or C. Go to the house and assume they remembered based on the numerous conversations? Well, I did C! BIG MISTAKE! Plus the next day there was a party and could I eat anything there? NO! Luckily I brought over a Protein Burger from Carl's Jr. and ate that plus made myself some cookies before hand to take to the party for ME to enjoy. I guess people aren't as accommodating as I thought. I really have to give it to my mom! At least I know I'm loved and thought about there!

User Group Experience...

2008-04-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

So, I went armed with food I could eat just in case there were sandwiches. Well there were sandwiches, salads, fruit and chips with dips. I asked the girl who was taking care of the food at the stadium if she could ask the chef what was there that was gluten-free. I was able to eat the spinach salad with strawberries and red onion with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and fruit. The Press Box was really nice. There I ate 2 Dodger dogs without the bun (luckily they werent already in the bun) and mixed ketchup, tomatoes, onions and relish together and ate the hot dog's with my special mixture. I have to say... I don't think I want to eat hot dogs again. When you burp its nasty!!!

Out Of Town User Group Dilema

2008-04-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow I go to a User Group in LA with my co-worker Bryan. They are providing Lunch and Dinner. Should I of called in advance to talk about the menu or should I just bring my own food? What if its sandwiches? I am screwed! Anyone read my blog that could give me advice? No? Didnt think so!

Not Such A Bad Day

2008-04-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Michael picked up the girls from my Best Friend Bonnies house (Bonnie has a busy week this week) before he left for work and left them at the house with Gillian our awesome babysitter. I dont know if she was told that I wasnt having a great day, but I came home to Gluten-Free Brownies and paintings from the girls. I literally ate 1/3 of the batch. They were so delicious! Thank you Gillian, Allyson and Malia you REALLY made my day!

Boy I'm Good At Pretending

2008-04-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone thinks I am handling this no Gluten thing just fine. Little do people know I wish I would have cancer or some terminal illness instead. I see everyone eating such wonderful things that I used to eat and cry later that night because its hard to see and smell such delectable goodies. I am also getting sick of hearing people say how it sucks for me. Please stop reminding me. I remember this on a daily basis when I watch you eat. I am really sick of putting on a happy face saying the glass is half full and it could be worse! Well the F^#$%*& glass is half empty and this is worse than having cancer. At least with cancer there's a possibility of surgery and radiation therapy. I would at least still get to eat Ding Dongs, PF Changs Mongolian Beef, Apple Jacks, most Chinese food, and not have to look at all F^#$%*& ingredients that I am about to put in my mouth. At least with cancer I would know that my life is coming to an end and be able to prepare for a poetic ending to my life. I am sick of pretending! Dont try to cheer me up... it doesnt work! Nothing you could say would make me feel better! Unless you had a cure...

Happy April! I Wish The Joke Was On Me.

2008-04-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

So, I went to Phoenix this last weekend with a few people from the softball team I am on. I felt like a real pain in the ass when we needed to stop to eat. It seriously felt like a game of 20 question's every time I go somewhere I am not familiar with. In turn this takes forever in getting food. I had a really hard time this weekend and was hungrier than hell but didn't eat much because I didn't want to put a cashier through the 20 question ringer or a friend through an embarassment. So we went to Fuddruckers (I don't think I will go there again) and I asked for a turkey burger no bun on baby greens. They girl took the pattie and put it on a bun and proceeded to hand it to me all on top of the baby greens. I looked at her and told her I needed a new salad and pattie with no bun and she gave me a shitty look. Mind you... this was the last of the baby greens... they ran out so I got shitty salad :o(. I seriously cried in the car when I finally got the right to go order. I now need to make a list of all the salad dressings that don't have gluten in them and carry it around in my wallet. Pretty soon my wallet with be a Franklin Planner instead of my cute Coach one. I never signed up for this! I just want to thank Christie, Jen, Matt and Nicole for being so understanding on this trip. Sorry I was a pain in your rear.

Vegas Baby!

2008-03-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

So I made it Vegas with the family. I just met my little sister (who lives in Vegas) at Outback Steakhouse. Did you know they have Gluten-Free menu... Not just a few items but an ENTIRE MENU. It was so cool... here is the link http://www.outback.com/foodandmenus/pdf/glutenfree.pdf Anyways, we had dinner at my sisters house one night and she found this gluten-free Augratin Potato mix at Walmart. I have to say it was mgihty tasty! Thank you Amy, Erik and Hannah for a great time and dinner at your house!

Fiber Alert!

2008-03-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

My largest worry about being an anti-glutite is my fiber intake. Anyone out there have a hard time finding a way to intake enough fiber? I found the following list of good anti-glutite food for us to consume...

Highest Fiber Vegetables

Artichokes

~1/2 cup hearts (3oz) = 4.5 g Fiber

Avocado

~1 cup sliced (5.1oz) = 9.8 g Fiber

Edamame

~1 cup (6.3oz) = 7.6g Fiber

Broccoli*

~1/2 cup chopped (2.8oz) = 2.6 g Fiber

Brussels sprouts*

~1/2 cup (2.8oz) = 2 g Fiber

Cabbage*

~1 cup chopped (3.1oz) = 2 g

Fiber Carrot

~1 cup chopped (4.5oz) = 3.6 g Fiber

Chick Peas/Garbanzo Beans

~1/4 cup (2.1oz) = 2.6 g Fiber

Eggplant

~1/2 sliced (3.8oz) = 2.5 g Fiber

Greens --

~Collards 2 cups (2.8oz) = 3 g Fiber

~Turnip greens* 1 cup chopped (5.1oz) = 5 g Fiber

Lima beans

~1/2 cup (4.2oz) = 5.8 g Fiber

Potato with skin baked

~1 medium (6.1oz) = 3.8 g Fiber

Pumpkin, canned

~1/2 cup (4.3oz) = 3.5 g Fiber

Peas Green

~1/2 cup (3oz) = 3.5 g Fiber

Peppers Bell

~1 cup chopped (5.3oz) = 2.5 g Fiber

Rhubarb

~1 cup diced (4.3oz) = 2.2 g Fiber

Spinach*

~Raw 1 bunch (5.1oz) = 9.8 g Fiber

~Boiled 1/2 cup (3.2oz) = 2.2 g Fiber

Sweet Potatoes (boiled no skin)

~1 medium (5.3oz) = 3.8 g Fiber

* These high-fiber vegetables are also goitrogenic, meaning that they promote thyroid enlargement and can potentially cause or aggravate hypothyroidism. Typically, the risk is highest when these foods are consumed raw, regularly, and in substantial quantity. Cooking eliminates most goitrogenic properties.

Highest Fiber Fruits

Apples

~1 medium (4.9oz) = 3.3 g Fiber

Bananas

~1 medium (4.2oz) = 3.1 g Fiber

Berries --

~Blueberies 1 cup (5.1oz) = 3.5 g Fiber

~Blackberries 1 cup (5.1oz) = 7.6 g Fiber

~Raspberries 1 cup (4.3oz) = 8 g Fiber

Cherries

~1 cup, without pits (5.1oz) = 3 g Fiber

Dried Fruits --

~Figs 1 cup (5.3oz) = 14.6 g Fiber

~Apricots 1 cup, halves (4.6oz) = 9.5 g Fiber

~Dates 5-6 dates (1.4oz) = 3 g Fiber

Guava

~1 medium (4.9oz) = 3.3 g Fiber Kiwi (no skin)
~1 medium (2.7oz) = 2.3 g Fiber

Mango (no skin)

~1 fruit (7.3oz) = 3.7 g Fiber Orange
~1 small (3.4oz) = 2.3 g Fiber

Papaya

~1 cup (4.9oz) = 2.5 g Fiber

Pears

~1 medium (5.9oz) = 5.1 g Fiber

Easter Time!

2008-03-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

As you can probably tell from a previous post I had no desire to do anything for Easter. I have to thank my mom for coming to the rescue. She made the girls cute dresses last night (I'll have to post a picture later) and brought them over this morning. Last night she went and bought stuff for Easter baskets, eggs and egg dye and the plastic eggs with candy for the Easter Bunny to hide for the girls.

BTW, My yellow cake worked very well for Strawberry Shortcake.

I also tried to make a pineapple upside down cake this morning. I flubbed the first one (I guess my eggs weren't stiff enough and when I baked it the egg yolks and egg whites separated) and the second one turned out ok. I used the recipe from this link http://www.csaceliacs.org/recipes3.php?id=27. Its NOT that great of a recipe... ok maybe if it were easy to follow it would be better. Here's part of the recipe...

Ingredients

1 T margarine

1/2 c GF brown sugar

4 pineapple slices

4 egg yolks

3/4 c sugar

juice and grated zest from 1/2 lemon (how big of a lemon? I had some big lemons in my fruit bowl)

4 egg whites

3/4 c potato starch

1 t GF baking powder

Directions

Melt the margarine and sugar (this took me a while... I then assumed since Brown Sugar was the first sugar listed that's the one to use) in a 9-inch square-baking pan. Arrange the pineapple slices over the melted sugar. Set aside.In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until light. Gradually add the sugar, (didn't I already add the sugar?) lemon juice and grated rind; continue beating until creamy.

PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO MAKE THESE RECIPES FOR DUMMIES!

Anyways, Lunch was great. My family (the ones still left in San Diego) came over for lunch so that Michael could have Easter with his girls and I because he had to leave for work at 3:00. We had Ham, Asparagus, Funeral Potato's (my mom modified the recipe so that I could eat it and they were good), fresh fruit, and deviled eggs. I had a gluten-free feast! Today was a happy day so far!

For Dinner the girls and I went to Michael's parents house (kinda backwards I know... Michael's parents went to go listen to Kamron and Shanna's talk at church that morning and then they went to their ward at 1:00). We had a wonderful Turkey, Potato's (Krista, Michael's sister made which were delicious), Yam's that I made, fruit jello and Stuffing (I didn't eat but everyone else did).

Two great meals in one day. I was so stuffed, happy and tired!

I would like to thank both of my families for great food and a great time!

LOVE YOU!

Starter Grocery List

2008-03-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

Today I went through some of the gluten-free cookbooks I bought at Barnes and Noble and made a grocery list from the ingredients that are used the most.

Here is my list...

Dry Milk Powder
Yeast
Dough Enhancer
White Rice Flour
Tapioca Flour
Xanthan Gum
Unflavored Gelatin
Egg Replacer (if you don’t eat eggs)
Brown Rice Flour
Potato Starch
Corn Starch
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Almond Meal/Flour (EXPENSIVE but worth it)
Buttermilk Powder
Sorghum Flour
Gar Fava Flour
Guar Gum
Confectioners Sugar (Powdered Sugar right?)
Sweet Rice Flour (you can find this for about 99 cents at an asian food market)

I found I also needed the following to make life easier...

Tamari Soy Sauce (they have a gluten-free one with a silver label, that's $6.99 and worth it)
Tomato Paste
Crushed Garlic
Any gluten-free Pasta (I found the corn pasta tastes better than the rice pasta)
Brown rice
Jasmine Rice
Gluten-Free Chicken Broth (they sell a brand at Costco by Pacific Natural Foods)
Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar (great to cook with. Stir fry fresh vegitables)
Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce (Here’s another by Tamari)
Pamela's Pamcake Mix or Betty Crocker

Now where do I put all this good stuff and how do I store it so that it doesnt get mixed with the non gluten-free goodies? Maybe I will find a tupperware consultant!

I'm Tired!

2008-03-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

So, now that I am not eating Gluten I don't feel full after my meals and I am extremely tired. Anyone else feel the same way? I really want to take a nap in the middle of my day. Should I or am I supposed to take a multivitamin? I feel like I was told, "you have Celiac Disease go and do what you need to do to make your life Gluten-Free." Anyone know if there's some kind of training? How am I supposed to make sure I have the right combinations of food. I know I am not getting enough fiber. Going from a high fiber diet to, it feels, next to no fiber doesn't make me comfortable.

Maybe I am tired today because I ate a delicious gluten-free Apple Cake from Jimbo's. Maybe all this worrying about being gluten-free is making me tired.

On another note, I haven't bought anything for the girls for Easter. I really don't want to either. My poor kids. Well, its not like they know its Easter anyways. They might know tomorrow when everyone comes over. AHHHHHHHHHHHH... Can you people sense my frustration?

As my friend at work said to me yesterday... Gluten Tag or is it Non Gluten Tag. Tee Hee!

Anti-Glutite (no stealing this phrase)

2008-03-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is a new term my husband has coined for me being gluten-free. He says that because I am anti gluten I am an Anti-Glutite. Us Anti-Glutites must come and be one together! Anyone with me? This term is under copyright as of 3/21/2008. Be sure to watch or www.anti-glutite.com (right now its just a redirect)

PF Changs / The Kids Get Tested

2008-03-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with 2 of my co-workers, Janet Tait and Karen Fine, in UTC at PF Changs. We went to go dine gluten-free. This was my first gluten-free dining experience. Although I REALLY wanted the Mongolian Beef I ordered from the "Right" menu =o(.

Thank you Karen and Janet for an awesome time at PF Changs. We need to do this again!

After PF Changs I met my husband at Scripps in Carmel Valley to have my girls tested for the wheat intolerance and for HLA DQ2/DQ8. HLA DQ2 and/or DQ8 are absolutely necessary to develop Celiac Disease. The presence of DQ2 or DQ8 does not imply that the person will develop Celiac Disease, rather, that they have a genetic compatibility with Celiac Disease. Conversely, the absence of DQ2/DQ8 almost certainly rules out Celiac Disease.

I am testing the girls to make sure that when they may show symptoms we can have it checked out right away and for piece of mind =0)

Pray for my girls please that the don't have the genetic code for Celiac Disease.

Gluten Aliases

2008-03-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Gluten is a protein substance contained in wheat and many other grains. It is what makes dough elastic, which allows dough that contains yeast to rise. Gluten gives the cohesiveness to many products that we use daily. Unfortunately, many of us cannot tolerate the gluten as it can cause inflammation of our bowel walls as well as becoming a morphine-like substance in our children with autism and related disorders. But, when removed from our diets, our systems can return to normal, no longer poisoned by the gluten.

Foods to Avoid...

Wheat
Barley
Oats
Spelt
Rye
Triticale
Kamut
Malt
Semolina
Teff
Far
Farro
Mir
Couscous
Rue (used in soups to thicken and contains wheat)
Quinoa (This grain is considered to be gluten-free but may not be tolerated by some)
Millet (This grain has one of the lowest amounts of gluten and may be "safe" for many)
Buckwheat (Buckwheat is often cross-contaminated by other gluten-containing grains. Also, dark Buckwheat flour is ground Buckwheat with extra hulls added and is the most allergenic form. Standard Buckwheat flour is ground buckwheat with the hull but without additional hulls added. Light Buckwheat flour is considered to be the most tolerable as the hull has been removed and the inside is ground. White Buckwheat is ground with the hull and is lighter in color. The exterior is light brown, not dark like the more commercially available Buckwheat)
Amaranth (This grain is considered to be gluten-free but may not be tolerated by some)

Gluten Containing Additives...

Cereals and Cereal Grains
Caramel Coloring
Colorings
Emulsifiers (palm oil, rapeseed oil, soy bean oil, sunflower oil or lard/tallow... which one contains gluten??? not sure this is correct)
Flavorings
Malt
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP) this can be made from corn, peanuts, soy, rice, casein or wheat.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) this can be made from corn, peanuts, soy, rice, casein or wheat.
Preservatives
Starches
Modified Food Starch
Vegetable Gum
Malt Vinegar (Distilled Vinegar is safe because its made from corn.)

Here is a listing of some food items that surprisingly contain gluten...

Ketchup (The vinegar in ketchup may contain gluten)
Canned Tuna Fish
Soy Sauce (Try Tamari Gluten-Free Soy)
Maple Syrup (unless labeled 100% pure)
Sauce Mixes
Corn Starch (flour is added as an anti-caking ingredient. Purchase ARGO or KINGSFORD's Corn Starch. They ban be purchased anywhere.)
Rice Syrup (unless labeled gluten-free)
Imitation Crab
Spices (flour is often added as an anti-caking ingredient)
Medicines
Healthcare Products such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap may contain gluten. (Here are the Gluten-Free Nazi's at work! Are you going to ingest these things?)

Call the manufacturer or do not purchase food if you aren't sure the product is gluten-free. Be suspicious of food additives labeled as "natural flavorings", or "spices", or if the word "extractives of" is part of the ingredient listing. If the ingredient does not state what it is, be suspicious! For example, the FDA does not require some food additives to be listed such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) to be specified in some cases - both additives often contain gluten. Food manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on products for various reasons. Sometimes they can get away from listing ingredients just because the packaging is small, or if they receive the food additive from an outside supplier. If in doubt, don't purchase the product.

The information in the post was found at http://www.dietarysupport.com/glutenaliases.html

Gluten-Free Nazi's

2008-03-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that I had a conversation with my Gastroenterologist yesterday. I asked him how far I needed to go with this gluten-free diet. He stated that it would be best if I didnt ingest, swallow (sorry hun j/k), intake, or eat anything with gluten. I asked about makeup, sex, lotions, and soap. He stated that there are people who go over the top. The people that need to go over the top are those people are who allergic to wheat the way some people are allergic to peanuts (rash, breathing problems). He siad that Celiac Disease affects the small intestine and it is impossible for your small intestine to absorb something you put on your leg's or arms unless you actually eat the makeup, lotion or soap. So warning people... stop eating your lotion or soap there are bad effects it can have on your body =o) Oh ya... Kissing, Making Love, Having Sex... He stated that if there is gluten transfer it is so minute (unless he has a mouth full of bread) that I shouldnt be effected. I am now learning and understanding what this is all about and feeling alot more confident.

So, this leads me to my new term... "Gluten-Free Nazi" that is what I am deeming the people who go over the edge with anything gluten-free who dont have an allergy like the peanut allergy.

What Does That Result Sheet Say?

2008-03-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the Gastroenterologist for my followup appointment (after my Endo and Colonoscopy). He handed me the paper that came back with the results and the exact comment on the result sheet states, "In the proper clinical setting the histological findings in specimen #2 would be consistent with celiac disease, Marsh category 3A."

Here are the stages of intestine damage caused by gluten...

When you have a biopsy to see if your small intestine has been damaged by gluten, the pathologist will give the biopsy a celiac disease Marsh Score. More details about each stage, and actual biopsy samples showing varying extents of injury, appear on the pages that follow.

Stage 0
The mucosa (intestinal lining) is normal, so celiac disease is unlikely. Stage 0 is known as the "pre-infiltrative stage."

Stage 1
The cells on the surface of the intestinal lining (the epithelial cells) are being infiltrated by lymphocytes. (A lymphocyte is a small white blood cell that's involved in the body’s immune response to disease.)

Stage 2
The changes of Stage 1 are present (increased lymphocytes), and the crypts (tube-like depressions in the intestinal lining around the villi) are "hyperplastic" (larger than normal).

Stage 3
The changes of Stage 2 are present (increased lymphocytes and hyperplastic crypts), and the villi are shrinking and flattening (atrophy). There are three subsets of Stage 3: --Partial villous atrophy (Stage 3a) --Subtotal villous atrophy (Stage 3b) --Total villous atrophy (Stage 3c).

Stage 4
The villi are totally atrophied (completely flattened) and the crypts are now shrunken, too.

The above information can be found by clicking here.

Well, with all that luckily my colonoscopy was normal =o)

Cleaned Out Barnes and Noble!

2008-03-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today at my lunch break I went to Barnes and Noble to see what they had for "gluten-free" books. I was referred to, "the gluten-free bible" by Jax Peters Lowell. Next to that book were about another 10 books that had some great ideas and tips in them, that I cleared the shelf of anything that said gluten-free.

So, at home I am reading this gluten-free bible and one of the sections that caught my eye was "Sex and the Celiac". Yeee haaaa... we're going to talk sex in this book! Anyways, I am reading and it seems that hot, steamy, unplanned sex is out of the question unless your partner (non celiac) has first brushed, flossed and rinsed their mouth. Ya know, this disease is taking the fun out of everything! First food... now sex? Other than my kids and hot husband what else am I to live for? Oh and another thing they mention in that book is to watch your soaps, gels, and makeup. SCREW THIS! To make myself feel better I am going to go home so that I can kiss my husband and make mad passionate unplanned love! This is ridiculous!

Now There's Cross Contamination

2008-03-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Just a few moments ago I contacted a person from the CSA/USA San Diego Chapter #57. I got an ear full! I was told to watch for cross contamination and that I shouldn't eat anything that isn't specifically labeled "gluten-free". Cross contamination is the process by which a gluten -free product loses that status because it comes in contact with something that is not gluten-free. Meaning that a place that manufactures flour tortillas could possible have contamination in their corn tortillas even though the corn tortillas don't have wheat flour in them.

This is new so now I am really restricted on what I can eat. I'm going to starve! This has to be how people with a gluten-free diet die... They die of starvation!

And The Breakdown Begins...

2008-03-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am home today and cooked some yummy white sticky rice. Went to the fridge and looked at the ingredients of soy sauce before pouring it on my delicious rice. Soy sauce? Your telling me the best ingredient on earth, Soy Sauce can not be eaten!!!!! What will my white rice say about that! HELL, here is what I have to say about that... This is F!@#$% up! What next your going to take away German Chocolate cake from me too? Oh ya... you are? If there is a time in my life that I could really use a friend it would be now! No more yummy gas station chocolate doughnuts, Wonder Bread, yummy non gluten-free German Chocolate cake, Ho Ho's, OH NO WAY... Ding Dongs! My life is over! Everything is over! PLEASE SHOOT ME NOW TO TAKE ME OUT OF THIS MISERY!

The Gluten-Free Diet Begins...

2008-03-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

After talking to a newly found co-worker, on my mobile, after work, I went and bought some gluten-free pasta and pasta sauce at Trader Joes. I really didn't know what to get I was so lost, sad, angry, freaked, and stressed out at the same time, but trying to play it cool. Anyways, I was planning Italian Sausage, pasta and salad tonight for dinner. Italian food is one of my favorites, if I had to give that up I don't know what I would do. So, I get home and cook dinner and begin my research in Celiac Disease. I notice I have to stay away from wheat, barley, gluten (ha ha just seeing if your paying attention), rye, oats and malts.

My cooking experience tonight wasn't a great one. Of course I flubbed the pasta and it was mushy (I didn't read the directions) but we ate it anyways. I have to say it wasn't that tasty. It tasted like rice with pasta sauce, Yuck! I always eat rice with soy sauce not tomato sauce. If this is what this gluten-free thing is all about, nasty tasting food, I guess I will have to eat "GLUTEN"! Hell I have been living with bloating and stomach cramping all my life... its not that difficult. I'm just not so sure about the stabbing pain on my right side.

After dinner I began on more research. I looked up celiac and gluten-free to find out what its all about. Interesting my doctors nurse didn't care to explain. Everyone in my meeting who heard my conversation gave information on what they knew. Well, where does my life go from here? If this is hereditary (found that on the web DQ2 and DQ8 gene are now active) who did I get it from and do my kids have it? I NEED ANSWERS! I AM NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL I AM THE ALL KNOWING! (evil laugh) HA HA HA HA HA HA!

This is going to be hard... going from real food to real different food.

Note to a new Celiac person... READ THE DIRECTIONS OF THE PASTA BEFORE YOU COOK IT FOR THE FIRST TIME!

What Do I Have?

2008-03-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, today Thursday March 13, 2008 I received a call from my doctors nurse in the middle of a work meeting stating that my results from my colonoscopy were negative and the biopsy taken from my endoscopy came back with Celiac Disease. So what now?