Wednesday, March 26, 2014

New FDA Nutritional Revision Leaves Out Gluten-Free Again



The folks at Fooducate have shared a draft of First Lady's Let's Move initiative to tweak the nutritional label for consumers to make better choices when they read labels. The conundrum with food labeling is that the majority of packaging is all product branding, butterflies, puppies, persuasive text, colors and other magical imagery. Of those consumers who decide to read the nutritional information, it requires intense concentration in store to do mathematics in their head to multiply serving size x info in the chart, attempt to understand what the % of daily value signifies and make an informed decision for themselves and their family. And who is making the decisions about what it all really means? There usually is hidden sugar, confusing fat data and lack of sourced ingredients to make a completely informed decision on whether this brand's product is any good or just another unhealthy snack that should only be eaten in moderation (at most).

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Zing Bars Gluten-Free Product Review



Zing Bars Are Fun, Exciting & Tasty. As You Can See they have a lot of items and color code them for easy shopping and findability. Founded by dieticians who for the north west who know a few things aout health and wellness.With a consistent flavor profile from 1st bite to last they're growing nationally so you should have these in your workout bag, work bag and pantry as a staple. 

Friday, March 14, 2014

Expo West 2014, Increase In Certified Gluten-Free But Not Majority



@GlutenFreeG

I spent the past weekend attending the largest natural products food and beverage trade show in the USA if not the world. This show is probably 3x as big as Expo East was in Baltimore recently. It was an eventful show that shed light on new ingredient trends and a deeper analysis from my Celiac point of view. I spent time with Steve Distefano from StrictlyGlutenFree.com, a gluten-free and allergen friendly shopping store and retail health food store on Long Island, NY unlike any other with the highest gluten free standards, kudos!


@GlutenFreeG


Gluten-free products were everywhere at EXPO WEST 2014. Many new products have obtained gluten-free certifications, self label, but still many didn't and therefore their labes were not justified to be safe for gluten-free consumers. Since neither the FDA nor other food governing leaders regulate and police gluten-free claims, brands continue to label without 3rd party certification, choose to self test at their own discretion or neither which is dangerous. The lack of gluten-free policing continues to effect the health of innocent gluten-free consumers, an outcry for public health decency. It's in all of our best interest to not trust gluten-free labels without conducting ample research... Continue supporting brands that have gluten-free certification or provide transparency into gluten-free claims (not all companies want to pay for certification but still can prove to consumer that they are gluten-free). Ask brands  if they test for at least the FDA guideline <20 ppm, but preferably <10 ppm or preferably <5ppm before purchasing. 

BEST OF WEST

@GlutenFreeG

@GlutenFreeG
My first press privilege was to vote for my top 3 products out of over 50 that were featured in this innovation category, Best of West. Since many of these had gluten and those that were gluten-free were not certified, my vote was narrowed. Pamela's Products' Figgies & Jammies in my opinion had the best combination of fun packaging, delicious taste, innovation in category along with commitment to gluten-free via gluten-free certification.


TRENDS

  • Giving Back - More brands show support to countries who make their product or hire victims of human trafficking, donating water, food to these foreign communities instead of donating % of profits. 
  • Water - Cactus and aloe break into the scene. Maple water seeking national distribution and  coconut waters expand into new pulps and flavors like lemonade
  • Milk - Algae, corn, flax milks should be added to your non dairy rotation
  • Plant Protein - Whey protein manufacturers now offer plant based, also.  As Vegan enters mainstream the natural food market innovators grow by demand.
  • Chips - Lots of chips and popcorn continue to break into the scene. Will all of these organic and non GMO brands survive?
  • Bars - Even more than chips, there are countless raw, plant, fruit, chia and even cricket bars. It's clear now which have too many added "natural" sugars and which are gluten-free, and allergen friendly with taste. 
  • Shapes & Flavors - Often products are launching new shape, textures and flavor combinations in unexpected categories. Re-inventing the chip, for example, is something I would support especially the ingredient base to be more healthy while being tasty and hold dips and salsas without breaking.
  • Nutrients - The gluten-free market was notorious for high sugar and/or calories without iron, omegas and other key nutrients and minerals. Brands felt pressure to match their gluten counterpart which typically was a lot of crap food to sell products to new gluten-free consumers who were dependent.  I noticed an effort to properly pack proper fiber, sugar, carbs, and protein more responsibly into food and beverages with alternative grains and natural fruits, flax, chia, quinoa, amaranth without added sugar, but there needs to be a lot more effort.... I have a few suggestions :)
  • Gluten-Free Labeling - Few companies choose to "certify" but when they do they are very proud of it... and few do their own gluten ppm batch testing and have the transparency behind their self labeling. But if I had to guess the total legit gluten-free safe products on the market that label their packaging remains < 30% safe for gluten-free consumers, not good! 

DISAPPOINTMENTS

  • Where Were Farm Fresh Fruits & Vegetables? All of these brands source their ingredients from farms all over the world and local, but I didn't see any of them at the show or I missed their booths.
  • Lack of Gluten-Free Accountability - It's still a non regulated disaster since FDA has not passed any binding laws and won't be policing brands to protect consumers.  Even at this show which is one of few Celiac and gluten-free consumer's only hope for the future there are still giant obstacles to face for true regulation in the USA food and beverage industry.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Expo West 2014 Is Finally Here



WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EXPO WEST

This is my first Expo West, but certainly not my first rodeo. My goals are to leave nothing behind, schedule meetings with innovative Celiac friendly gluten-free brands and people with the same mission, taste some treats, exchange biz cards, hydrate along the way and support those who stand beside us in our 100% gluten-free movement.

WHAT IS THIS FOOD SHOW ALL ABOUT? This is no ordinary food trade show... It's over flowing with trail blazers, pioneers and the calvary are here and we're not going away anytime soon. It's the initiatives of these incredible individuals that continue to bring YOU the products that are focussed on your health and taste simultaneously, challenge the status quo and re-shape the food and beverage marketplaces not only in the USA but around the world for a smarter and healthier tomorrow.  


LEGIT NATURAL BRANDS: There are countless gluten-free brands, most are legit and those who are not we will analyze. For the rest of the time my comfortable shoes, skinny jeans, button down and bacpack will enable me to navigate the never ending trade show floor and speaking events...  For those who don't know what Expo West is all about... this is where the greatest and most innovative natural food and beverage brands, people, products and services unite for business leadership forward. This is the holy grail my friends. Anyone and everyone who prides themselves on offering alternative to main stream food and beverages seek to be in here for new distribution, brokers, retailers, marketers, health practitioners and the rest of the supply chain, indeed.


INTERESTED IN CERTAIN PRODUCTS? 
Join our community. Comment in each post, Facebook post and Twitter and/or let me know by reach out throughout our social playplace. 


Monday, March 3, 2014

Gluten-Free Is Your Edge

Go Gluten-Free 100% Or Nothing

It's true that everybody these days is aware of at least one person that's trying a gluten-free lifestyle. However, it's unlikely that this someone has Celiac Disease, which is an auto-immune disease that birthed the gluten-free health movement. Instead, it's likely someone who either has undiagnosed gut and intestinal issues or is trying to stop eating so much bread, pasta and pastries, their guilty pleasure. 


More than 30% of humans 
have a non Celiac sensitivity to gluten 
where the auto-immune system is being compromised 
- Dr. David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM

It's sadly true that the growth of the gluten-free movement beyond Celiac Disease research is due to the lack of properly diagnosed health conditions of auto-immune related diseases, rising allergies, lack of profit seeking Rx opportunities to make profits and GMO overload in America without research on short and long-term health. 

It's completely true that lack of food education and poor food choices are the biggest enemy to our health and future existence.

The truth hurts when we admit that we eat food that tastes good knowing it's detrimental.

More truth shows those with Celiac Disease (myself) who go on a 100% gluten-free diet and remove all cross contamination risks at home, restaurants and packaged goods are treated by removal of gluten. Why you may ask? Well the first reason is if you're unhealthy everyday something is clearly wrong. Secondly, wheat a common gluten protein is so abrasive to the digestive track binding to molecules in your body, removing it will show benefits. Third, when removing gluten found in poor food choices with empty calories, sugars and carbs from bread, bagels, pastas, cookies, crackers and sauces that are processed packaged goods that saturate American grocery stores.

The truth about common cross contamination can change if all gluten-free consumers demanded 100% gluten-free experience including those on the band wagon taking it more seriously. Even a little tiny bit of gluten can effect a Celiac and someone with an undiagnosed intolerance. 

The final truth is substituting gluten-free foods that are nutrient dense and more envinronmentally responsible can both fulfill your cravings and keep your health up. 

Common Gluten Related Symptoms (Reference Gluten-Free Resource Directory)


  1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation after eating gluten
  2. Keratosis Pilaris, (skin on the arms) which is fatty acid and other vitamin deficiency
  3. Fatigue, brain food or feeling tired after meals that have gluten
  4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative, colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or multiple sclerosis 
  5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling off balance
  6. Hormone imbalance such as PMS, PCOS or unexplained infertility
  7. Migraine headaches, migraine headaches and migraine headaches
  8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia when diagnosis can't be pinpointed
  9. Inflammation, swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips
  10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings and ADD


Sunday, March 2, 2014

This Is How I Omelette

Voluntary Vegetable Overdose

Slice, dice, stripe, squares or whatever your fancy. Just be sure there is a lot of colorful and fresh organic vegetables (preferred) in your omelette and every meal. Go with what's on sale and/or use my favorites; onion, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes at minimum. Saute-style on the stovetop on low/med with olive oil and/or coconut oil, light spices such as a dash of salt, pepper, cumin, and turmeric and add into your saucepan. Wash all vegetables carefully to avoid any gluten contamination in the home or from store accidents.



Add The Beaten Eggs

After the vegetables are semi cooked, not fully cooked though, add the eggs slowly around your pan. It'll start to smell super divine in your kitchen and beyond at this point. I typically use a six organic eggs in my omelette to share ;) for 2-3 people if you have sides such as fruit or sliced avocado or you may have extras. (Don't eat egg leftovers longer than a day though because they're obviously best freshly cooked. Continue to cook and cover this concoction on low/med heat. At this time start to prep your taste or bagel (optional) so that you have enough defrosted slices prepped for about five minutes prior to the last step for exact timing. 


Eggy For Breaky Is Created

Since it's covered and cooking on a fairly low flame it will fluff similar to a frittata. I checked it along the way to be sure it wasn't too runny, but that's okay if it is as it will continue to steam and slowly fluff and shape in your sauce pan. Patience grasshopper. If you're in a rush go run. Dash half way through cumin and turmeric for some good spice loving.


Gluten-Free Toast or Bagel

Since you prepped ahead and had toast ready you can combine your hot omelette with your warm toast or bagel.While in the saucepan slice your omelette into small triangle pizza slices so that they fit on your toast without getting overly messy, yet ample food.  On each toast or bagel add organic gluten-free sriracha for a kick or some salsa on the side.  Do not over consume bread, ever, even if it's gluten-free. Focus on eating healthy food and not the comfort food of bread or bagels. 



Tips For Gluten-Free Omelettes


  • Clean all sauce pan, plates and silverwear with virgin sponges and hot water/soap if you're in a non gluten-free kitchen such as friend or family
  • Be sure your spices are gluten-free, yes they can be contaminated in a facility
  • Use a gluten-free toaster or another saucepan for "toasting" bread instead of someone else's dirty glutened toaster because you'll get sick!
  • Always have frozen or fresh gluten-free bread, toast and sriracha and salsa available in your home, trust me!
  • Be sure all surfaces were cleaned so that there is no risk of contamination.


Saturday, March 1, 2014

List Your Top 10 Food Ingredients


These foods should be what you shop for regularly and are found in your refrigerator or in your kitchen table. Utilizing your top 10 ingredients to make simple and complex meals enable you to be sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals throughout the day. Since it was nearly impossible to only list 10 I put a few substitutes that I put in my rotation... If you can't make your own list today, look at mine and see how yours may compare and figure out ways in which you can learn more about gathering these foods by planting vegetables seasonally or trading with neighbors and friends! Also, notice the foods that are NOT included.

My Top 10 Daily Foods (In no particular order)


  1. cabbage 
  2. onions
  3. tomatoes
  4. quinoa or buckwheat
  5. kale or spinach
  6. nuts (peanuts or almonds) and peanut butter
  7. eggs
  8. chicken or fish
  9. grapefruit or orange
  10. green tea



Could I Grow or Gather Food? (If you have land, grow food not grass)

  1. vegetables (Seasonally yes you can or buy organic local)
  2. nut butter (yes but you need to likely buy nuts and kitchen blender components) 
  3. quinoa or buckwheat (likely need to buy unless you have a sizable land)
  4. Chicken (Call you state or local zoning department to build a chicken coop!) 
  5. grapefruit or orange (Unless you live in a very warm year round client, you buy)
  6. green tea (Most tea requires a warm winter climate so you need to buy)

Gluten Cross Contamination

Based on the short list above I can eat dozens of raw and cooked meals. Some of my favorite are salads and soups which never get tiring when you get creative. There also isn't any gluten in those very common foods except from the #1 killer - cross contamination. Yes. It's gluten cross contamination that is found in farms, manufacturing and production facility as well as every day in restaurant kitchens that harm innocent people. The safest foods above are farm fresh organic vegetables, but everything else including green tea, can have gluten contamination in the glue to seal the tea bag or from a facility. It's a sad truth and a likely culprit for those random days when you "thought" you ate gluten-free, but still got very ill.