Savvy Gluten-Free Living: Budget-Friendly Tips and Delicious Recipes

This world we live in requires expanding dietary choices. Yet maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle can sometimes be perceived as expensive, difficult and frankly annoying to others. However, with planning and creativity, you can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling gluten-free lifestyle without putting a massive dent in your wallet. Let's explore practical tips for gluten-free living on a budget, covering affordable ingredient alternatives and providing delicious budget-friendly recipes.

A Guide to Gluten-Free Safe Dining When Traveling

Traveling is supposed to be fun, right? Yet living with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease presents a unique set of challenges and a lot of anxiety particularly when it comes to finding something safe to eat when you're out of your comfort zone. Whether you are in a new airport, actually on the airplane, or in a new city or country of unfamiliar territory, the quest for safe and gluten-free dining can be akin to navigating a maze. Do not stress. Let's delve into the challenges of eating gluten-free, share strategies for minimizing cross-contamination risks, ensuring extremely low risk or walking away, and offer tips for a seamless reduce gluten exposure both at your travel home and during each leg of your travels.

A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Cozy Compost at Home

Embarking on the journey of composting can feel like stepping into a whole new world of sustainability and gardening joy. Don't fret and worry if you're a beginner – creating your own compost is a simple and fulfilling process that anyone can master. We all have to start from somewhere and try to optimize our lifestyle choices. As a Celiac or any type of gluten-free journey, you have a second chance at life. Your education on food ingredients, removing artificial foods and exploring the world of sourcing foods of all types includes composting to grow your own food in your backyard.  Now, let's explore the steps together and create a warm, nurturing environment for your composting adventure.

Decoding the Gluten-Free Oreos: A Peek Behind the Ingredients

Hello cookie enthusiasts! The world of gluten-free treats just got a bit more exciting with the arrival of gluten-free Oreo cookies from Nabisco. For those who have been patiently waiting to enjoy the classic Oreo experience without the gluten, it seemed like a dream come true. However, let's take a closer look together at the ingredient list to see if these cookies are as delightful as they seem or if there might be a lot of room for improvement. Nabisco's gluten-free Oreos have brought a lot of joy to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Finally, a chance for everyone to join in on the Oreo fun without the auto-immune / toxic gluten-related attack. But, before we dive into the snacking adventure, let's chat about what makes up these sweet treats and whether they live up to the hype.

Covid 19 and Gluten Free Living

Gluten free living was always a challenge, but now, there are even more hurdles. With COVID 19 restrictions everywhere and no end in sight there continues to be a never ending road of mystery ahead for those on a gluten free and allergen free lifestyle. 

If you dine out, many restaurants are still only providing take out. Are they being more careful or the same to adhere to a strict gluten-free request? I continue to trust only the same, tiny amount of local restaurants and route them in our meal plan. 

Meanwhile depending on which state you reside or travel to some allow you to eat indoors. At times it feels like you may be in a different word based on the amount of mask restrictions or openness. Nevertheless, communicating with a mask to a waiter with a mask provides more anxiety to those with restrictions on gluten based foods and with allergies. Simply because trust is built on verbal communication and non verbal cues in person. 

Real Food Real Health Resolution

Who loves food? Who doesn't? Food is not only essential to our development from our early days but responsible for our ability to fight off challenges related to immune health, too. I believe we are what eat and we need to choose our delicacies in moderation. Can you eat veggies and fruits all day? Have you tried any new spices, teas, or fungi?  Are you living a flexitarian lifestyle of both meat and plants? What we as gluten free peeps can't risk is flirting with foods that contain or have risk of cross contamination of gluten.  This damages our health, visibly or silently. So keep saying, no, to those gluten everyday temptations and say heck yay to the world of fresh ingredients and less packaged or processed foods as you prepare your meals, snacks at home and when you leave the door. When you do choose a packaged processed food, eat them in moderation, mixed with an active healthy lifestyle, in the sun, and having fun all year round with those you love. 

NJ Gluten Free Nourished Festival October 5th and 6th

It's that time of year again when you can explore trusted and credible gluten-free brands all in one place! This is practically a dream come true for those with Celiac Disease or other gluten and allergen sensitivities. The backbone of the type of event is that all brands must adhere to strict gluten-free protocol to be permitted to sample and sell at the event per the FDA guidelines < 20ppm gluten cross contamination.  Always double check with the people at the booth before sampling to ensure your lifestyle / dietary guidelines are discussed and the utensils and appliances used to cook, prepare and organize samples are also safe for you. Yes. you can even buy products so bring some bags and cooler bags :) Bring your entire family, friends and share with your co-workers.  I'll see you there!

Use This Coupon Code: (Code Expired)

Gluten Free Risk In Everyday Life

Those who know me, love or hate me. I say that jokingly, but it's true. My life is very difficult as I'm very serious to strive for ultimate gluten-free health and protecting our legit gluten-free movement. As an ambassador for gluten-free transparency, heck, call me a trail blazer or whichever word you decide, gluten-free living is as serious as a heart attack.

If anyone tells you that adhering to any level of gluten-free lifestyle is easy or simple, they're lying and probably secretly very ill without people knowing.  If they're telling you it's an everyday challenge, but accept the lifestyle and take the bull by it's horns give them a high five and support them! I have lived it, seen it, heard it and here to help by overcoming my own demons of over 20 years of being a diagnosed Celiac. 

Why Gluten Free Dieters Still Have Symptoms

Still having gluten free symptoms? Despite your race, skin color, eye color, sex, or job, gluten related illness can strike. Modern science research has objectively showcased that any person, regardless of their heritage, often cannot ingest and digest food and beverage containing gluten resulting in a variety of auto immune related illnesses. 

Happy Baby Organics Gluten Free Pouches

Happy Baby Organics clear packaging is just the transparency and visibility you need to provide your baby with the best organic food ingredients. And the best is the only option. From those early months when baby begins to explore beyond breast milk, Happy Baby Organics delicious variety of purees during that first year or a bit longer are a first hand recommendation! Especially early on, when you don't have the time or lack the energy, you don't have to make fresh baby food all of the time. C'mon you are an overloaded mommy and daddy on a busy schedule. The non-stop To Do list from your day time job working, cleaning, lack of sleep, and soaking in the baby moments are all in the mix.  If you are like us, sleep wasn't easy to come by, so having a trusted baby snack helped a few times per week and especially during traveling!

Clearly Crafted Baby Puree for Babies And Tots

With dozens of flavors and easy to open packs your kids are going to enjoy these organic baby food pouches and see their other awesome baby goods. 

Gluten Free Cheerios Evil Joke On Celiac Disease

What is with Gluten Free Cheerios evil joke on Celiac Disease? First, in 2015 Cheerios launch resulted in a recall of 1.8 million boxes. Two years later in late 2017, Canada rejects gluten-free Cheerios uncommitted attempt at legit gluten-free cross contaminated product safety and removes it from the country. Zoinks! Advocates from Canada our northern neighbor of USA deem Cheerios from parent company General Mills not suitable for gluten-free consumption.  Still eating fake GF Cheerios? Too many gluten-free consumers either don't know this news exists, aren't showing symptoms or living ill and in denial of gluten-free issues. Who can we jump on to blame?

No Definition or Standard For Gluten-Free Exists

2017 Gluten Free & Allergen Free Food Show Oct 14 and 15

Attention all smart and health conscious shoppers in the tri-state area, October 14 and 15th is the Gluten-Free & Allergen Friendly Expo! This is a humungous opportunity to learn along with your family and close friends who support your health needs. It surely does take support to be 100% committed to gluten-free safety and no cross contamination. Whether you have Celiac Disease or on a strict gluten-free smart diet choice, some of these brands you should learn more about and get to know as they could be your new favorites. Below is the info you need to grab tickets on discount and serious tips to have a great show and not get yourself ill or ill-informed.

 Get Tickets Here >

For 20% off enter code: 

ADVANCE 

(Expires: 10/13)

Cross Contamination Is A Secret Killer

Stop using the phrase "Gluten-Free" 

and start using "Reduced Gluten"

In over 20+ years of managing Celiac Disease, I proclaim to you from the top of my lungs and bottom of my heart that gluten cross contamination is the #1 health issue facing gluten-free consumers today. Yet majority of gluten-free consumers do not take gluten seriously and lack a huge education to eat safely.  Most have either no idea of the phrase "cross contamination" or simply don't care how dangerous it is to consume a little bit of gluten in a public kitchen which scares me even more! It's my belief that these everyday cross contamination risks are damaging the entire gluten-free movement and keeping people secretly sick while they carry out their "normal" fake health focussed lives.

Have you worked at a restaurant or at least peeked inside a busy restaurant kitchen? It's a mad house of mastery with multiple chefs, cooks and runners on the line slicing, dicing, sautéing, baking and preparing dishes. In fact, it's quite beautiful at a nice restaurant to watch this unfold. You probably have at least seen it on TV or online cooking shows. However, when any gluten ingredients are involved, especially, wheat flour, an entire kitchen becomes cross contaminated and risks go up for you and me.

Grow Your Own Food - Super Simple Gardening Tips

The Spring Weather has definitely arrived and that early morning freeze has officially subsided in greater NJ/NYC/Philadelphia area. It's the time to rock out with my green thumb and plant some of my favorite greens right away this week. Although I'm not an expert gardener and haven't been able to garden in recent years, I have a few gardening tips that anyone, anywhere can implement to grow your own food. Starting with arugula, red leaf lettuce, spinach, kale and parsley! 

Wild Planet Chicken Breast & Tuna Review

Canned tuna is not all the same. Not even close.  That's why a seafood company must respect the sea and the wild life therein before they can provide you with the best quality and tasting product available. Introducing, Wild Planet Foods, founded in 2004 with a mission that includes sustainable seafood and USDA organic products ranging from tuna, salmon, yellow tail, anchovies, sardines, mackerel and chicken.

(Wild Planet Chicken Breast USDA organic)

King Coconut Water from Sri Lanka Gold

Coconut waters are yummy, but each of them tell us that they're the best quality, right? We love coconut water for their delightful, fresh taste as an alternative to water containing high potassium (1.5x the banana) and full of electrolytes. Therefore, it's a wise choice as a natural hydrating beverage during an active lifestyle for you and kids. 

Have you even looked at the ingredient label of your kid's Gatorade and the junky Powerade? Who cares that super athletes drink it, they're paid to say or do anything. Whether you drink coconut water for sports or for well being, here is my take on the new Sri Lanka Gold coconut water.

Gluten Free Experts

Who gives you advice about living strictly gluten-free? Some random gluten free expert on Instagram with tons of followers, a blogger with gluten sensitivity, a yogi mom with a few auto-immune children living a strict paleo diet, a fellow Celiac with a ton of Twitter followers, but why? 

I ask myself the same question over and over and do not understand why any of them have authority over another. If their pretty food posts, creative recipes and stories of restaurant socializing are inspiring you then it's important to find out who is not living symptom free, and if you're finding yourself often ill when you're supposed to be committed to healthier and smarter gluten free choices. 

Gluten Free Bagels #BagelsToSchool

Seeking a better gluten-free bagel? Enter The Greater Knead's #BageltoSchool contest by October 20th or if you missed it check out their website, Go here >.

It's not easy to find a delicious gluten-free bagel especially one that is allergen free and tasty! But the right gluten-free bagel from Sweet Note Bagel (known today as Greater Knead) is what you need to try!  That's why I would suggest you get on board and join me in entering their #BageltoSchool contest by October 20th, and hurry to win a year supply of gluten-free bagels! Go their Facebook page to sign up for their #BageltoSchool Contest here >

Gluten & Allergen Free Expo 2016 & Event Sampling Tips

Secaucus, NJ – Oct. 15-16, 2016

at Meadowlands Expo Center (click for map)

I am super-duper excited for Gluten & Allergen Free Expo coming to the greater NYC area soon! Have you been there? If not, let's do this together...

How To Sample Gluten-Free

1st: Ask smart questions & learn

2nd: If deemed GF safe then sample 

(See top 10 tips below)

Wild Zora Original Meat And Veggie Bar Review

Just when you thought the gluten-free jerky category was jam packed and couldn't innovate: baam!!!  Merging grass fed beef WITH vegetables, spices and fruit is exactly what omnivores needed desperately from the snack aisle.  Introducing Wild Zora, the original Meat & Veggie Bar full of flavor and made of high quality ingredients for those who care about health and wellness.

No gluten No Soy No Nuts No Milk or Nightshades No MSG No Hormones No Chemical Additives No added Sugar No Preservatives No Dairy

Was Independence Day Meaningful For You?

According to Wikipedia, "Independence Day of the United States, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire."

Despite what you believe in, support or agree with according to American history, when you have allergies or an issue with food associated with this holiday, life is more complicated than just celebratory! Since food is a key variable this time of year, gluten-free eating becomes once again nearly impossible, if you let it. That's why preparing ahead, learning to say no and minimizing expectations by taking no risks is what being "independent" is all about. 

Gluten Free Menus And Their Risky Disclaimers

Living with a gluten related auto-immune disease, wheat allergy, or gluten intolerance can be extremely difficult. None of these are the same though yet that have a lot in common. From Celiac Disease to a wheat allergy we all decide on different lifestyle choices. Some illnesses can be life threatening and others are not because you can treat yourself and remove risks. A very common everyday risk remains though, when you dine in at a restaurant and order from a gluten-free menu or from a server explaining their GF options, there is little to no chance you're receiving a 100% gluten-free meal. In turn, you have accepted the responsibility for potential G.I. intestinal trauma, diarrhea, exhaustion, or another delayed auto immune reaction. A restaurant may provide you with a degree of 1-on-1 attention to make you feel safe, warm and fuzzy, but the risk is real, every time, you're taking a conscious risk of cross contamination in the kitchen. These decisions are very risky!

Example of a gluten-free menu & disclaimer... a complete contradiction of gluten-free definition.

Celiac Awareness Month To Reflect

Activities like yoga connect mind & body.

It is my favorite month of the year, May - Celiac Awareness Month! So another year has gone by, and we journey through another period of reflection. Let's look back at this moment on your health - how do you actually feel about the health of your body and mind this past year? Seriously, are you feeling well right this moment? Are you satisfied with your ability to say, No? Are you handling food and beverages risks and have you learned more this year than the past regarding the risk of cross contamination, asking questions about food ingredients?  Do you feel that your overall health has improved or are you unsure, frustrated and confused more than ever of the status of your Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance or gluten reduced diet? I certainly hope that you put yourself first, lived well, eaten well, exercised and laughed in the good life!

CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH

We all know that I'm not perfect, hehe, but I am a 20 year Celiac Disease veteran managing my strictly gluten free lifestyle in a positive way. If there is one tip I can share regarding the health of my own mind and body, it is my confidence to say, "No" a lot. In fact, all of the time I say No to food options.