counter on blogger
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Day 2-4: Sugar is Everywhere... and Headaches
I admit, after being gluten-free for more than 32 years I have gotten lazy with my label reading. I stick with foods I know and trust. I eat more whole foods than packaged foods and only read labels when I am unsure of a new product or if I see that something on the packaging has changed. With this elimination diet, I have become hyper vigilant in reading labels again. And you know what?? Sugar is in EVERYTHING!!!

Seriously, I am shocked where I am finding sugar. I guess I never really thought about sugar that much until now. I don't live under a rock, so obviously I know sugar is ridiculously prevalent in most diets but the way it sneaks in is just crazy. I think I was most shocked to see sugar in sausage. Mild, Italian, breakfast, "healthy", it doesn't matter. Sugar or a derivative is literally in every sausage package I picked up (and then put down) this week. 

I think the hardest thing for me this week so far has been eating no fruit or eggs. I make fruit smoothies every morning but not during this elimination diet. It's been hard to have fruitless smoothies. Straight up kale and almond milk just doesn't taste the same without a banana and some berries. As for the eggs, I don't think I get enough protein even when not on this diet. Eggs are usually a go-to source of protein for me. I usually boil up a few at the beginning of the week and snack on them during the day. Without these eggs, I have begun to rely heavily on nuts. I do not eat that many nuts, but I am loading up on almonds, walnuts, and cashews. I also bought sunflower seeds which I haven't had in years. I was actually worrying tonight that I having too much almond products: milk, meal, almonds, and butter. I have heard of people developing allergies from eating too much of one thing so I am hoping this really doesn't happen to me.

My main issue since I started this on Friday has been awful headaches. I don't know if it is that I am not eating enough or it is a side effect of the sugar leaving my system, but I've had a headache 3 out of 4 days. I don't usually get headaches this bad so I am assuming it is related to this elimination.

To be honest, I think I could/should cut out even more. I have been eating carrots which are ok according to my doctor. He just doesn't want me eating them all the time and drinking tons of carrot juice. I also feel I am heavy on the nuts, as I said before.

Oh and who decides to go away from home (and their own kitchen) the very first weekend of their elimination diet? Me, of course. I went to babysit my nieces and nephew and went armed with a bunch of food. I was really hungry on Saturday and not as bad on Sunday but did get another huge headache. I probably should have planned ahead a little bit better and brought some additional food with me. It wasn't too bad, but it could have been better.

Let's see how the rest of this week goes. I have dinner plans and a brunch. I think the socializing and dining part of this week is going to be tough.

Thank you for your emails and support so far!

Labels: , ,



Friday, April 26, 2013
Day 1: Elimination Diet Worries and Woes
Today is the first day of my new elimination diet. Under guidance of my chiropractor, I am starting a three-week anti-yeast, fungus, and mold diet. Ever since the toxic mold in my old apartment in 2011, I haven't been quite right. Although not constantly in pain, I do feel like I am sick 4 or 5 days out of the week. I still go about my life, but I am not ever feeling 100% and haven't been for a long time. I have been to so many doctors, had so many tests, and took so many pills that I pretty much gave up on traditional medicine around December. I started seeing this chiro at the beginning of the year and besides the molds (which are still in my system according to blood work) my chiropractor says my adrenals, stomach, and gut are all in need of help. Since everything is connected within your body, I think he has finally convinced me that I need to do something to get my body in check. I am not a total believer of these alternative medicines yet, but we will see how I feel in a month. Whether or not I believe what my chiro is telling me, he listens to me. This is more than I can say about most of the doctors I have seen in the past year.

I just turned 35 and I use a nebulizer breathing treatment twice a day. I feel like a damn old lady on oxygen. I travel frequently so try explaining why a healthy-looking young female has this machine with wires and switches and 20-40 viles of medication in her carry-on bag. It always makes for an interesting conversation, to say the least. I am on PPI (proton pump inhibitors) for acid reflux but I have no traditional reflux symptoms like heartburn. My ENT said it was silent reflux which manifests itself in me as asthma symptoms and constant hoarseness in my throat. The dosage of PPI I was on in the beginning had me lose 9 lbs in 10 weeks. Everyone always says they want to lose ten pounds, but for someone that has pretty much been the same weight since college this was alarming. Basically, I want to get off the PPIs and treat the cause not the symptoms anymore. The doctor reduced my dosage but I am still on the PPIs and don't want to be anymore.

In comes the new diet as suggested by my doctor. I was diagnosed with Celiac as a toddler so I don't remember making the switch to gluten-free. My parents obviously prepared my food so I didn't have to do anything but eat the safe foods they gave me. This is the first time EVER that I have to seriously eliminate anything from my diet. I did make some changes when I went on the acid reflux medication (no caffeine, chocolate, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and any other triggers) but this new diet seems HUGE to me. I love sweets. As a blogger, I am sent samples all of the time and I eat those samples and then some. I travel and love seeking out new gluten-free bakeries in the cities I am in. I love chips and snacks and if I didn't go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, I think I would be "as fat as a house" as my grandma Peggy would always say about her sweet tooth as well.

Today is Day 1 of the anti-yeast, fungus, mold diet. This means meats/fowl/fish, veggies, limited grains,  legumes, some nuts, and seeds are allowed. This means absolutely no sugar in any form, no fruit, no dairy, no alcohol, no fermented foods, processed meats, yeast, and snack foods are allowed. The fruit is going to be the hardest, I think. That and sugar is in EVERYTHING! Don't believe me, read the ingredients of your packaged gluten-free food. Where there is no gluten, there is sugar and lots of it. Sugar in mayonnaise. I had no idea! I am also taking some supplements on direction of my doctor as well as my normal medications (for now), vitamins, and a pro-biotic.

Last night, I gorged myself on nachos for dinner with not one but two desserts. I went to bed feeling overfull and not great. I cleaned out my cupboards to remove anything that might be tempting as well as isolated things in my fridge and freezer that I cannot eat. I am such a snacker that I physically had to move snacks to a place I wouldn't just mindlessly reach for them when I was hungry or bored. This is what I needed to do for me and might seem extreme but it is the only way I think I can control myself.

I want to use this blog to vent, hold me accountable, and share my progress with my readers. But I also need your help. I want you to share your recipes, favorite websites, and tips with me. I need your support to go through this. I know so many of you have gone gluten-free as adults so you have already made this major life change. Remember, I was a child and have no recollection of changing my diet. I think I nee to make a meal plan for the first time in my life and figure out what I am going to eat days in advance. This freaks me out a bit.

It is now 10am and I haven't had any food to eat yet today. My normal morning starts with a huge bowl of gluten-free cereal and a fruit smoothie. I am at a loss on how to start this but know I should eat something. The idea of eating chicken for breakfast just seems too weird to me. Ugh. ok. here I go...

Labels: , ,



Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tate's Bake Shop Soon to be Certified Gluten-Free
I was very excited to learn yesterday that Tate's Bake Shop is expanding and getting certified gluten-free by the CSA. If you haven't had Tate's Bake Shop Gluten-Free Cookies yet, you are missing out. These things are GOOOOOOD. I brought one package to the last party I went to so I would have dessert while everyone else was eating cake. You know what? These cookies were gone faster than the cake! Everyone loved them and no one realized they were gluten-free.

I know many people will not eat products unless they are made in a dedicated facility so they might not have tried Tate's in the past. In June, Tate's Bake Shop is expanding their bakery to include a CSA-certified baking facility which includes a new 3,000 square foot addition dedicated solely to gluten-free products! This summer, you will finally get a chance to eat the delicious gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that us bloggers rave about!

Read on for more information about Tate's gluten-free expansion and certification in their press release.



TATE’S BAKE SHOP EXPANDS GLUTEN-FREE FACILITY

BAKERY ADDS TWO NEW GLUTEN-FREE COOKIES

NEW YORK, NY– In response to a growing fan base that follow a gluten-free diet, Tate’s Bake Shop is excited to announce the addition of two new gluten-free cookies, available nationwide June 1, 2013. The growth of Tate’s Bake Shop’s gluten-free product line is made possible by the expansion of their CSA-certified baking facility to include a new 3,000 square foot addition dedicated solely to the production of gluten-free goods.

“I noticed more and more customers were coming in to the bake shop looking for gluten-free options so I felt the need to expand our offerings nationwide," said Kathleen King, owner and founder of Tate’s Bake Shop. “I wanted to be sure to create treats that could be enjoyed by all, and I think I’ve accomplished that with these recipes; my friends can’t even tell they are gluten-free.”

Available nationwide beginning June 1, Tate’s will introduce two new gluten-free goods to the market: the gluten-free Ginger Zinger cookie and the gluten-free Double Chocolate Chip cookie (suggested retail: $4.99/package). These products are in addition to the gluten-free Chocolate Chip, Tate’s second best selling
cookie. The Ginger Zinger is a thin, crisp butter cookie with chunks of crystallized ginger in every bite. The Double Chocolate Chip is a crisp chocolate cookie with dark chocolate chips. Tate’s Bake Shop is proud to only use the highest quality all-natural ingredients. The new gluten-free cookies are made with rice flour in place of wheat flour.

The new gluten-free facility, open for production this June, will house gluten-free dedicated equipment lines that will increase Tate’s Bake Shop’s gluten-free product output by 100%. Tate’s Bake Shop currently offers two gluten-free products nationwide: a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie and a decadent gluten-free brownie.

ABOUT TATE’S BAKE SHOP

Tate’s Bake Shop, an award-winning bakery nestled in Southampton, NY, is committed to delivering classic and delicious baked goods made with the highest quality, freshest ingredients. Best known for its chocolate chip cookies – voted #1 by Consumer Reports– Tate’s offers a full selection of simple, mouthwatering treats
including cookies, bars, cakes and pies. Owned and operated by Kathleen King who began selling cookies at her family’s farm stand when she was just 11-years old, Tate’s Bake Shop now includes a thriving wholesale operation and a highly successful ecommerce site, www.tatesbakeshop.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Door • Jetty-Jane Connor • jetty-jane@thedooronline.com • 646-340-1771
The Door • Katy Darnaby • katy@thedooronline.com • 847-414-4411

Labels: , ,



Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Gluten-Free Globetrotter event: How to plan your gluten-free vacation

Gluten-Free Globetrotter: How to plan your gluten-free vacation

I am very excited to announce I am the guest speaker at the next Celiac Sprue Association Long Island chapter meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Here are the details:
Join the CSA Long Island Celiacs Chapter #23 for a discussion with Erin SmithGluten-Free Globetrotter and lead organizer of the NYC Celiac Meetup group, to discuss gluten-free travel tips. Erin just got back from an amazing trip to Thailand and she is excited to share her gluten-free globetrotting tips with the CSA LI group.
Gluten-Free Globetrotter: How to plan your gluten-free vacation
  • Gluten-free travel tips
  • Safe food on-the-go
  • Gluten-free travel planning resources
  • Gluten-free friendly destinations
  • Q&A
Wednesday, May 1, 20137:30pmDr. Martin Spatz Conference Center, Room AWinthrop-University Hospital259 First StreetMineola NY 11501
Conference Center is located on the Lower Level in the Main Hospital Building
Erin Smith
Erin Smith was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1981, so she’s been eating gluten-free almost her entire life. Erin has a unique perspective of growing up in the gluten-free community. She is passionate about sharing her experiences and expertise with others.
Erin has been writing her gluten-free lifestyle blog Gluten-Free Fun since 2007. In 2011, she launched Gluten-Free Globetrotter, a website that encourages those with celiac disease to travel the world and not be scared about eating gluten-free domestically and abroad. She has traveled to more than 20 states, 14 countries, and 3 continents all while maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet.
Erin is the lead organizer of the NYC Celiac Disease Meetup group, a social community that has grown to over 1650 members in the 8 years she has been organizing the group. She is also a staff contributor to Delight Gluten Free Magazine, frequently writing about gluten-free travel.
Transportation: If you are coming out from Manhattan, the Long Island Rail Road Mineola station is right around the corner from the hospital.

Labels: , , ,



Monday, April 15, 2013
Gluten-Free Menu Planning: Budget-Friendly Tips
  • Announcing NFCA's monthly Webinar, "Gluten-Free Menu Planning: Budget-Friendly Tips," on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern/5:30 p.m. Pacific.
    REGISTER TODAY: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/630518254

    Sponsored by Frito Lay and Cabot Creamery, this Webinar is free of charge and the only requirement is a working Internet connection!

    You asked and we’re answering! One of the most popular requests for an NFCA Webinar is how to maintain a healthy gluten-free diet while not breaking the bank. Join NFCA during Celiac Awareness Month as Kathleen Reale of BeFreeForMe.com shares money-savvy grocery tips and provides a list of go-to healthy gluten-free recipes.

    CE Credit: RDs and DTRs are able to participate in this live 60-minute event to obtain CE credits regardless of this program's approval status as long as the webinar is professional in nature. NFCA provides a certificate of completion for each webinar. Attendees must complete the program evaluation in order to access the certificate. Program participants will receive a link to complete this evaluation 24 hours after the live broadcast through an email from GoToWebinar. Participants must complete the survey and download the certificate before the date of the next webinar. See webinar schedule: CeliacCentral.org/Webinars/Schedule.

    Can’t attend? A recording of each webinar will be posted along with the webinar slides within 72 hours after the live event ends. Download recorded webinars and slides: CeliacCentral.org/Webinars/Archive.

Labels: , , , ,



Thursday, April 11, 2013
GF Mac & Cheese Time: Dinner at S'MAC
  • Let's celebrate Celiac Awareness Month with some gluten-free Mac and Cheese!

    S'MAC was the first restaurant ever to specialize solely in macaroni & cheese when they opened in 2006. S'MAC has been serving gluten-free mac & cheese since 2008. They currently have three NYC locations; we’ll be at the newest location in Murray Hill.  Every Meetup member is responsible for ordering and paying separately and then we are all dining together. The owner, Sarita Ekya, will be there to chat with us and answer any questions we may have. Sarita and her husband Caesar spent close to a year in recipe research and development to actually be able to offer ALL of their dishes gluten-free!
    S'MAC has 12 recommendations on their menu along with a Build Your Own so there is something to suit everyone's taste.  They also offer Reduced Lactose and Vegan options. (Link to menu)
    The new Murray Hill location is at 157 E 33rd Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington.  The 6 train stops one block away.  We will be gathering in the back seating area of the restaurant.
    Tuesday, May 7
    7-9pm
    157 East 33rd Street, New York, NY

    $1.00 RSVP fee (per person) will hold your spot and cover Meetup organizational fees. 

Labels: , , ,



Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Celiac Awareness Day at Citifield: Mets vs. Phillies
One in 100 Americans has Celiac Disease, but 95% of those suffering from the disease don't know they have it. Celiac Awareness Day at Citi Field will benefit R.O.C.K. Long Island, which offers free support to parents, families and friends of kids on the gluten-free diet for any reason.



Please visit Mets.com/CELIAC to purchase tickets.

• Come early and enjoy a private pre-game event for Celiac Disease supporters in the Bullpen Plaza. SNY's Kevin Burkhardt will be in attendance along with Mr. Met and current Mets players!

• Enjoy expanded gluten-free options in concession stands adjacent to your seats.

• Sit together with family, friends, and fellow supporters of R.O.C.K. Long Island in reserved seating (with this offer in advance of the game) which includes access to the exclusive Caesars Club.

• The New York Mets will donate a portion of each ticket sold through this advance offer to R.O.C.K. Long Island. 

 The first 500 purchasers will receive a Limited Edition Celiac Disease Awareness Bracelet.

Please visit Mets.com/CELIAC to purchase tickets.

 Any questions, please contact: Christina Andrews at 718-559-3069 or CANDREWS@NYMETS.COM

Labels: , , ,



Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Happy Birthday to Me!
Today is my 35th birthday. Some people throw a party, some go out to dinner. Me? I book myself a two week trip to Thailand! I just got back and I am slowly getting used to the time change and catching up on sleep after a 40 hour journey home. I am so proud of myself for navigating (solo) my first Asian country. I rode an elephant, pet tigers, and managed to eat relatively safely throughout my entire trip. I have so much to catch up on but I thought I would share a few of my favorite photos from my vacation. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am so glad that I went to Thailand. It was the best birthday present ever!


Getting a monk blessing and bracelet at Wat Arun, Bangkok

Baby tiger at Tiger Kingdom

BEST DAY EVER!!

I seriously loved every minute of riding the elephants. That was the highlight of my entire trip.


Elephant kisses

Selfie on a sandbar in Koh Phangan, Thailand




Oh and in case you were wondering, this is what a riding a hungry elephant looks like!!!

Labels: , ,



©2007-2018 Gluten-Free Fun
footer