Gluten-Free & Making the Most of It

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I just got diagnosed as "Gluten Intolerant!" Now What Do I Do?

Before I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant, I knew that something was definitely up, and had been for a very long time. And, like a lot of other people, I went to my doctor expecting a diagnosis and a pill, and then I would magically feel better!

You are not alone. There a thousands and thousands of us out there! We all have it, and many of us don't really know what to do about it, other than throw out the Wheaties and Wonder Bread and start over.

I am writing this in order to hold your hand. You don't have to do this alone! Just because I had to go it alone, doesn't mean that you do. So read on. Perhaps you can avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way!

(Photo courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smiteme/)

Take a deep breath, and assess the situation. 

Help is on the way!

Unlike when I was diagnosed in the early 90's, there are now many, many places to get quality gluten-free products. (Keep reading, and I will provide you with a host of links to awesome resources - these are life savers!)

You will want to immediately check out Pamela's cookies, mixes, and biscotti, Gluten-Free Pantry for breads and mixes....Or, you might must want to take a tour of your local grocer's "natural foods" section.

While you are at it, pick up a really good cookbook. You are going to have to learn to cook all over again, assuming that you had those skills to begin with! (Yes, I am about to blatantly plug my new gluten-free cookbook! What did you expect?)

I just did a search on Amazon.com on the subject of gluten free cookbooks. There are, as of this date, over 60 different titles, including mine listed there. You have a wonderful assortment of amazing recipes out there to try, and many of them are gourmet class and a divine eating experience....otherwise, I would not have gained 25 pounds during the writing of my own cookbook!

 

Gluten-Free on Amazon 

Start your cookbook collection! This is where your freedom begins!

The Gluten-Free Cookbook for Kids

Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2009) Buy Now

The Super Allergy Girl Cookbook; Gluten-free Casein-free Nut-free.

Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 12/04/2009) Buy Now

Healing Foods: Cooking for Celiacs, Colitis, Crohn's and IBS

Amazon Price: $19.47 (as of 12/04/2009) Buy Now

A Wonderful World Of Gluten Free Health: Easy And Tasty, Too

Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 12/04/2009) Buy Now

Eating out - Gluten Free! 

How scary is this?

Yes, you can eat out at a restaurant! No, you don't have to stick to just a salad, minus the croutons and no dressing!

Here are some tips to make your dining out experience easier.

1- Consider printing up a card to hand to your server that addresses your dietary needs in a plain and easy to understand manner (see the link in resources).

2-Find a good gluten-free salad dressing that keeps well at room temperature, and carry it with you when you go out to eat.

3-Call the restaurant in advance, and ask questions about the menu.

4-Try to avoid small small sandwich and pizza shops if you haven't called ahead.

5-Fine dining is actually easier to negotiate than fast food or breakfast restaurants. (I have had a chef go into the kitchen and prepare a gluten-free dessert just for me on my anniversary!) Sometimes, all you have to do is ASK!

6-At a pot-luck dinner, bring something that could be considered a one-dish meal. It might be the only thing you eat, so be prepared! (I went to a pot-luck dinner where everyone brought pasta, with the exception of my salad.)

7-Consider eating a generous snack before going out into unknown territory. That way, you can eat just a salad or cruditee's should there be nothing gluten-free available.

8-Keep non-perishable gluten-free snacks handy in your purse, glove-box, desk drawer, gym bag, or where ever else is convenient, so that you aren't tempted to "eat just one" of something that you don't know is safe for you.

9-Make a list of restaurants that will accommodate you. These will become your new favorite places to eat. Then, make sure that your family and friends get a copy!

10-Consider Raw Vegan restaurants. This may be a stretch for you, but I have yet to eat in a Raw Vegan restaurant that accidentally served me gluten!

My Wordpress Blog 

Where I discuss my history with gluten intolerance

Please come by and visit my blog. Leave comments! Or gluten free goodies!

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Gluten-Free Cookbooks on eBay 

Find just what you want!

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Here are your resources! 

Be sure to visit these sites!

Here you will find gluten-free products, support groups, cookbooks, MY COOKBOOK!, and medical facts that will help you navigate these uncharted waters.
The Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation is a great resource for medical information, as well as support for you as you begin to learn more about your condition, and ways to manage it.
Celiac disease - MayoClinic.com
Celiac disease — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this digestive condition affecting children, adults.
Gluten Free Recipes | Elana's Pantry
gluten free recipes using healthy and wholesome ingredients
glutenfree.com - your online source of gluten-free food for your Celiac Disease diet!
Shop online for the widest selection of gluten-free food. We ship domestically to United-States and Canada. glutenfree.com provides gluten-free, wheat-free food product for diets restricted due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance or autism.
Gluten-Free Recipes
Your additions and sharing of additional gluten-free recipes will be greatly appreciated. You can send recipes to the CSA Office by U.S. Mail or via e-mail.
Gluten Free Restaurant Cards for Celiacs / Coeliacs
Celiac Travel Home Free Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards
Gluten-Free Tips, Tools & Articles
Gluten Free Recipes Blog: Gluten Free Food Freak
Food Intolerance / Allergies Celiac Travel Stories Celiac / Coeliac Societies & Links About Us / Contact
Site Search:
Web
CeliacTravel.com
Glutino & Gluten-Free Pantry
Welcome to Glutino & Gluten-Free Pantry, the ultimate gluten-free manufacturing company.
MedlinePlus: Celiac Disease
Medical advice for celiacs
Pamela's Products
Since 1988, Pamela's Products has created a new standard in wheat-free and gluten-free foods. We've combined the finest all natural ingredients for superior tast and texture.
Taste The Difference ~ 182 Sensational Solutions to the Wheat and Gluten-Free Diet Problem!
My Cookbook! I hope you really enjoy using it!
Gluten Sensitivity Syndrome
Patient perspectives on gluten grain intolerances and sensitivities including the celiac disease subset, and the risks of gluten challenges for diagnostic purposes.
Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide from Cecelia's Marketplace
Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide has over 25,000 gluten-free food products listed to help people that are on a gluten-free diet due to Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, wheat allergy, or other health reasons.
Gluten-Free Status of Swine Flu Medications
Gluten-Free Status of Swine Flu Medications
This Month's FREE Recipe!
New gluten-free cookbook! Wonderful recipes for those who are either gluten intolerant, or allergic to wheat and / or gluten. Taste the Difference is a cookbook with 182 sensational recipes to support your healthy gluten-free lifestyle.
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
GIG provides information, education and support to those with celiac disease (CD) / dermatitis hepetiformis (DH), their families, health care professionals, and the general public.
International Celiac Expert Shelley Case Dispels Common Myths about the Gluten-F by The Marketing Chefs
While Celebrity Elisabeth Hasselbeck Sheds Light On Gluten-Free Living, International Celiac Expert Shelley Case Dispels Common Myths about the Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten intolerance becoming more commonplace
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 · Last updated 2:16 p.m. PT
Gluten intolerance becoming more commonplace
BY MARION NESTLESAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLEEditor's note: Nutrition and public policy expert Marion Nestle answers readers' questions in this column written exclusively for The Chronicle. You can e-mail y
Mesquite Flour: The Rediscovered Food Phenomenon
Mesquite, a healthy wheat alternative, may contribute to lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
%uFFFD Gluten Free recipes
August 3, 2009
Dr. Ritamarie's High Omega Parmesian "Cheese"

I made this recipe up the other day and it was a hit. It's a raw parmesian cheese alternative that's loaded with omega 3 goodness, green food magic and immune system support.
Omega Rich Parmesian

* 1/2 c hemp seed
* 1/4 cup ground chia seed
* 1/4 cup ground flax seed
* 1 Tablespoon kelp granules
* 1/2 - 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1-2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a more "cheesey" flavor
* 4 Tablespoons dried nettles

Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust salt and garlic to taste. Store in a glass jar. Use as a topping on salads, soups and "pasta" dishes. It's yummy and very nutritious

 

More Gluten-Free Resources 

Some Books You May Find Helpful

Just click on the image for more information.

Eat Well, Live Well With Gluten Intolerance: Gluten-Free Recipes And Tips (eat Well, Live Well)


Celiac Disease: A Guide to Living with Gluten Intolerance


Healthier Without Wheat: A New Understanding of Wheat Allergies, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance

Other Lenses You Should Know About 

More Gluten-Free Information!

 

Great T's on CafePress 

Let the world know that your are Gluten-Free...And Proud Of IT!

Gluten-Free Goddess Apron

The ultimate apron for the ultimate Gluten-Free Goddess!

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Advertise your Gluten-Free skills with this truly Hawt Tank!

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You deserve the very best! And it's Organic!

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Gluten-Free Organic Men's T-Shirt

He deserves the very best! And it's Organic!

Price: 25.99 Buy Now

Gluten-Free Kids Light T-Shirt

Make Gluten-Free an adventure for your kids!

Price: 16.99 Buy Now

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