Gluten Free Diets - The New Fad

Okay this was an impromptu poll that I participated in, however I found it quite interesting.

Poll Results

About Poll
Do you follow a gluten-free diet?
Yes, I have celiac disease so I have to avoid gluten. (34)	54%
Yes, I don't have celiac disease, but I feel better when I avoid gluten. (15)	24%
No, I don't follow a gluten-free diet. (13)	20%
Total Votes: 62

15 people who participated in this poll have adopted a gluten free diet even though they don't have celiac disease. I wonder how many are like me, married to a DH who has a sensitivity and follow the gluten free diet plan. I have found that I am less bloated, hold less water, have slimmed down and generally feel more energy when I follow the gluten free diet. I'm not certain it's the gluten free diet or the fact that we have eliminated preservatives in our diet because everything is fresh foods. Well, I thought it was interesting and I'm proud to be gluten free most of the time!

Enjoy the day knowing people are choosing your diet plan for themselves!

Oh No - Gluten Allergy, how will I grocery shop?

You have just received a diagnosis of Celiac or Gluten and Wheat sensitivity. Your first thoughts are oh no - what in the world can I eat. It's a daunting thought especially in a world of chicken nuggets and fried everything. But I promise there is a plethora of foods available to you that taste amazing and are gluten free.

My first question is what does your grocery cart look like? Here is my cart from today's grocery experience. Look at the colors, the textures and yes that is a bag of corn chips in there. You have to be diligent in your shopping but your regular grocery store has most of what you need and if they don't ask them to stock it. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the first order of business upon entering the store. You will need to have these on hand every week. I clean up the lettuce and fruits that need to be prepared (strawberry, grapes) as soon as I get home that way I know they are ready for consumption whenever I'm in the mood to eat. Lunch can be deli meat (Boar's Head Oven Roasted Chicken and Turkey Breast are gluten free). I ask at the counter to see the actual packages with nutritional information on them to ensure gluten free. Boar's Head actually says it on their packages. A quick stop at the seafood counter for fresh(like) shrimp and the meat counter for ground beef (91/9). I'm halfway done with the shopping for the week. Then it's the sale items and Bob's Red Mill section. My Smiths (Kroger) carries a wide variety of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free products with my favorites being the pancakes, pizza dough and all purpose baking flour. You can serve any of these to your wheat eating friends and they won't know the difference. Yes also in that shopping cart above you see Rice Chex. Thank you General Mills for your conscious effort towards a gluten free product in your Rice and Corn Chex. Some people think they can't buy store brands but you can. Today I purchased store brand organic peanut butter, tea bags, soda water, pickles, potato chips and organic butter. For some reason butter is okay for me but milk and cheese isn't. These products are truly fine, 2-3 ingredients all gluten free so read the labels you might be surprised at the items you still CAN have even with your diagnosis.

I know it is overwhelming to think about everything that has wheat in the products and it is for everyone around you too. The key for eating is to eat food products that are whole foods. It may take a little more preparation but your body will love you for taking the time. Good luck with your next shopping experience!

“There’s a growing awareness that gluten intolerance is a disease,” Hamelink said. “A diagnosis like that can be devastating at the time but there are many, many resources out there and it’s not impossible to eat gluten-free.” From an article on MLive.

Your diagnosis of celiac or gluten intolerance truly isn't the end of eating delicious foods however it is the beginning of a new way of thinking about food. You will need to adjust your thoughts to "whole, real foods" nothing processed and certainly nothing from the bakery at a grocery store (I keep hoping though). The way we think about eating now is one or two ingredient foods. Like apple, banana, lettuce, beef, chicken, pepperoni; these are all single ingredient foods that when cooked are delicious. You will find herbs, various oils (olive, flax, sesame) and butter to be your friends. You will eat a rainbow of colors and textures while being gluten free. Your ability to cook will soar and your taste buds will find natural flavors enticing. It isn't a life sentence to cardboard tasting foods, it's a glorious new beginning to eating foods that are rich in natural flavor.

Join us on this journey and try some great new foods.

Gluten Free at College

I just read this interesting article on gluten free and allergy accommodations at several colleges. I am so glad that colleges and universities are starting to understand the importance of accommodating for student allergies. This is a growing trend and just because you have an allergy shouldn't prohibit you from furthering your education. Thank you Holy Cross in Worcester for taking the time to make student services include allergies.

If you need help with your student and the college/university of choice hasn't set up accommodations yet, email me at kew5007@yahoo.com and we can work out menu plans and food plans to get the right foods into your students hands. College is an amazing experience that everyone should be able to experience.