Wednesday 12 December 2012

The War on Gluten.

Slight (okay, huge) departure from what I normally blog about, but this is an issue to me I've become pretty passionate about, because it is one heck of a lifestyle change. One that I can't say i'm overly thrilled about.. Neither is my wallet, for that matter.

For years, literally, years, I was always nauseous.  Or would have a weird headache, or stomach cramps, all for no reason. I couldn't understand it: I ate very healthy - most of the time -, I drank lots of water and didn't drink soda or sugary drinks.. WHY was I constantly feeling this way!? Obviously, it was pretty inconvenient, because feeling sick most of the time is just ridiculous, and gets in the way of a lot! Not to mention, can make one very grumpy.

So, cut to earlier this year, and my niece was diagnosed as being a Celiac. So, my sister and her started a very strict, gluten-free diet. My niece became night & day different to how this disease has previously affected her, but my sister said that she was noticing all of her digestive issues had gone away as well, and she felt like she had more energy, and just all in all better. So, my mom decided she would give it a try too, to see if it made any difference with her (we are a family of random, annoying ailments. We're a hoot!). Low and behold, it did. She felt so much better, also had more energy, and the annoying symptoms she used to have were also gone. So, I figured, what's the harm? I knew I wasn't full on celiac, so I wasn't going to be eliminating all of it, or following a strict diet, but just cutting out bread, pasta and flour-based soups and sauces. Well, within a week, I felt great. No more nausea, cramps, headaches, all gone. Great! But not so great. While it may be the current "weight loss" trend, it isn't fun when you don't have the option. I miss bread, SO much. I miss not having to scan every label at the grocery store, shopping in specific gluten-free aisles (read: 3x more expensive aisles),or having a very in-depth conversation with our server when we go out for dinner that usually goes like this "Do you have rice pasta? What on your menu is gluten-free? Can you please go check?" (I hate being that person, but I also hate feeling sick for the following 3 days). Obviously, sometimes I just can't do anything about it and eat gluten items, because I don't expect that when I'm a guest for dinner somewhere, it will be completely gluten free. To me, that's a bit unfair and tough to do, but at least now when I feel gross for the next 3 days, I know why.

What has been fun however, is the recipes and baking that I get to try out, so I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of my old comfort food (CARBS). Last night, we went over to my mom and dad's for Cauliflower pizza.. Let me just say, YUMM. It was crunchy, did not taste like cauliflower, and on top of being GF, it is so so healthy. So, you're still enjoying the gooey, cheesy, tomato-y fun of a pizza, but doing so in a really guilt-free, delicious way. This is what the crust looks like after being cooked, a cripsy, cheesy wonder.

photoTo find the recipe, click here:

photo1This has become a staple in our house, because it is SO tasty, it is quick to make, very healthy, and Andy doesn't feel like he's getting deprived. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken, rice and steamed veggies. The next day, I take the leftovers and make them into a rice bowl for lunch. Mhmm!

IMG_2213My breakfast "parfait": Chia seed pudding, greek yogurt and whatever berries, fruit or whatnot I have in my fridge. The middle layer is nectarines I froze in the summer. Not a pretty color when thawed, but just as yummy!

 

I have yet to master things like bread, or most baking types. Luckily for me, my mom has been on a mission, especially with Christmas around the corner. We still have to indulge in treats too, ya know!

Here are some of my favorite GF sites, with great recipes, and also wonderful tips for how to ease yourself into GF living. Slow as it may be for me. I am still coming to terms with the fact that unfortunately, my bread days are a thing of the past. Sniff, sniff.

The Gluten-Free Goddess

Gluten Free Girl & the Chef

The Spunky Coconut

 

As,  always is the case, Pinterest is my best friend for finding new blogs for Gluten Free baking, recipes, tips & tricks.

So, a departure from the norm, but I do have an inner foody in me waiting to come out (Andy asked me the other day, "So uhh, what's with the baking kick lately? Not that I'm complaining.." ;) ), so maybe if you don't mind too much, I'll be able to share some of my favorite finds along the way?

Xo,

B

If you like this, don't be shy to "like" and share with your friends! It's very much appreciated.

3 comments:

  1. HI, I just read your blog and its great. We have recently given up wheat as well due to my stomach issues. I have found a brand called Udis that carrys all wheat free breads, bagels, muffins, cookies etc!! I got it at superstore but you can also find it in health food stores and online. :)

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  2. Thanks for the shout out B...this year has been full of ups and downs but mostly ups! I have a completely new child with energy to spare! Being 7 and 'different' sucks...thank goodness for all the reasorces out there for gluten free people. I only did it so she wouldn't be the only 'different' person in our house and I've never felt better. Keep it up B xo

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