Eating gluten-free at weddings, showers, dinners and parties can be wonderful, or a challenge!
I recently attended two weddings. At the luncheon of one, the plates were served and I looked at the delicious lasagna and french bread on my plate. Since I can eat neither, family members quickly whisked away my plate and gave me that knowing look. I found salad in a bowl on the table, and helped myself to a generous serving. Noticing there were two dressings, I decided that neither were likely to be gluten-free. So, I ate my salad, which I jokingly call “weed salad” and drank ice water.
At another wedding, we were served buffet style. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could eat everything! They served a large vegetable tray, chips ‘n salsa, fruit scewers and meat & vegetable scewers. It tasted so good that I went back for more during the evening.
I am reminded of this advice: Always take a gluten-free goody in your purse!
Filed under Gluten-Free Info by on Jul 27th, 2008. 2 Comments. 
My mom and dad had seven kids – all REAL CHARACTERS! My mom is THE BEST MOM – we all know that! She can do anything! She’s been a great homemaker along with working at times to help our family. My dad died 17 years ago. He was a wonderful teacher who taught junior high history. He did so many great things in his life, including teaching us to love beauty in scenery and also taking us to many historical sites. He had a difficult time with his health, from the time he was born. He overcame many things, but was still burdened with intestinal problems and daily migraines.
When I learned that I have celiac disease, I knew that it is a first-generation disease. And so I knew that my dad had suffered with it his entire life. The US has only just recently become knowledgeable about celiac disease, or celiac sprue, which affects the villi in the small intestine so that necessary nutrients and vitamins can’t be absorbed. There are so many symptoms that are similar, such as reflux, ulcers and irritable bowel, that celiac disease is hard to diagnosis. 97% of people in the US that have celiac have not been diagnosed.
I look at my crazy/wonderful/talented family, and wonder if any of them may have celiac too. After going through my various illnesses over the years, and then finding a way to eat gluten-free and to feel good, I want THE BEST for every one of my brothers and sisters!
Filed under Gluten-Free Info by on Jul 21st, 2008. 2 Comments.
This is me at age 19 – 20 pounds healthier!
Since my diagnosis of Celiac Sprue 1 1/2 years ago, I have tried to learn everything I could about eating and living healthy. I trusted that everything I was doing RIGHT was healing my tummy and intestines. And I can honestly say that I’ve never “cheated.”
A couple of days ago my GI, or Gastroenterologist, Dr. Sathya Reddy did both a Colonoscopy and an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which used to be called an Endoscopy. She wanted to see the condition the villi of my small intestines, since I’ve never had these procedures again since my diagnosis. She has also ordered blood work, to see if I’m absorbing the proper nutrients and iron.
After waking from the anesthesia, Dr. Reddy showed me the pictures from both procedures. Because of my age, the colonoscopy showed some diveritculi, which is not serious. My stomach is still digesting food too slowly, I still have and ulcer, and there are still SPRUE in my intestines. What? I was not at all happy to hear this, considering how carefully I’ve been eating.
When I told my family, several of them told me that THEY HAVE noticed a difference, so I just need to be extra careful and keep going – no matter what!
It has made me MORE nervous about eating out, whether it’s fast foods or nice restaurants. I try as much as I can to question the waiters, and the chef when I can. But I know that there are still ways that my food can be contaminated, like being cooked in the same oil as breaded foods, being cooked on a contaminated surface, or having hidden ingredients that I can’t see.
At home I KNOW I’m as careful as I can be. Remember to watch the little things, like using your own butter so you don’t get somebody else’s bread crumbs, as well as jam, honey or anything you use on your bread.
Good information, good friend/family support, and watching EVERYTHING you put in your mouth all counts! It’s worth it, even when things don’t go as planned, to keep trying and not give up!
Filed under Gluten-Free Info by on Jul 18th, 2008. 1 Comment.
I’m a wife, mom, grandma, and I have celiac disease. I’m sure I’ve had it my whole life, but it wasn’t until I was near death in a hospital last year that I was finally diagnosed. My lifetime of suffering has become a life of helping others understand a gluten-free diet, creating and sharing gluten-free recipes, eating and enjoying good food–and most important of all–enjoying a healthy and happy life with my family. You’ve heard people talk about a new lease on life. I have a new LIFE!
This blog is my way of sharing all I have learned about medical conditions that require eating gluten-free such as celiac disease, ADHD, autism and food allergies. I have ideas about how and where to eat out, feeding a family, kid’s meals, where to shop, etc. I love to cook and want to share my recipes. So, check back often. I would love to chat with you.
Filed under Gluten-Free Info by on Jul 15th, 2008. 7 Comments.
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