Gluten-Free Halloween List 2013

Celiac.com has shared their list of safe gluten-free candies for 2013 and you should view it before you shop and eat yourself or family and friends here. It's great to have Celiac.com provide us with the list of the most popular candy product available on the market and be able to know which is safe and which to avoid. That's what is great about the community we are involved in and having this transparency helps us choose wiser and smarter to be healthier and reduce auto-immune reactions during this wild Halloween time of year.

Halloween Candy & Your Health
Candy, candy and more candy, it's what kids think about for the first 15-20 years of their lives!  Eventually, kids get a more sophisticated taste bud and may prefer certain candy over other, I hope :)  But for now it's all about filling as much as possible into their candy bags as they run like crazy down the street from home to home dressed in costumes with their friends. For example, I am a big kid and I enjoy peanut butter, fruit based sweet and of course chocolate, but I must know 100% that it's a certified gluten-free chocolate or candy or in a gluten-free facility and do my research. I choose a very dark in the evening and a milk chocolate during the day for some bizarre reason, but hey that's just me. 

Gluten-Free Candy & Chocolate
The elephant has stepped into the room. Keep in mind that just because most gluten-free candy options are proven gluten-free they are not necessarily healthy, non GMO or organic by nature. In fact, most of the brands on the Celiac.com candy list are going to shock you with the low quality of manufacturing and ingredients, but if that's not your concern, enjoy!  Just remember that in our culture, cheap cost, typically signifies low quality and poor health options. So when you buy that large bag of candy be wary. There are certainly exceptions, but this year and next, consider your health first and still have a lot of fun noshing on delicious sweets. 

My Favorite Gluten-Free Candy & Chocolates

• Lovely Candy Co: Always gluten-free & GMO free (kinda like Starbursts)
• Endangered Species Chocolate: Certified GF & Non GMO

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Nutrition Lies From The Past That Made Us Sick

I just came across a fantastic article from Business Insider that had me exploding with joy and relief all at the same time. It's my belief that you can only believe 1/2 of what you read and 1/2 of what you see and I grew up being so curious as to why I was "supposed to" avoid certain foods like limiting my eggs or not having too much meat. 

There is typically a motive behind any positioning and that's why you must do your own research, follow your instincts and balance this with literature and conversation from different opinions. The "experts" are not always right and that's why we have extremely healthy people vs the opposite.

Here are 12 myths that I can vouch personally that shaped my 30+ year old life and probably effected many of yours. Read this entire article and think about how your nutrition has been affected, shopping methods and cooking practices have been changed due to better research and improper fact busting. 

13 Nutritional Lies From The Past

1. Eggs are bad for you

2. A calorie is a calorie

3. Saturated fat is not healthy

4. Eating a lot of protein is bad 

5. Everyone should be eating "heart healthy" whole wheat 

The Gluten Summit - Free Online Webinar Series

Beginning November 11th

This is an original Gluten Summit unassociated with any other expo or convention brought before to benefit scientists, physicians, health practioners, bloggers, manufacturers, distributors, patients and consumers of all kind. The Gluten Summit is brought to everyone and anyone concerned with the world of gluten in our food supply and how we are effected from it by Dr. Tom O'Bryan of theDr.com. He has interviewed 25 of the world's leading experts on Celiac Disease and sensitivities to help us answer the basic and difficult questions of how to thrive without this "poison" that it's often referred to.

Register today and attend this multi-day online webinar series with expert speakers, introductions, recaps and learn more about the backbone of gluten-free living. It's promising to see this many committed people continue to recognize the dangers of gluten in food (yet large companies continue to inexpensively stuff gluten in our food supply and profit from from public health issues) and lead gluten awareness to the mainstream media when federal government research and some large companies either don't care or simply moons away. This session is a key to your health.

Share this registration opportunity with your friends, family and co-workers to be sure everyone can benefit and learn about the dangers of gluten to the general public. The findings are authentic, impactful and future changing. Enjoy!

• Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DABCN
• Host, Gluten Summit; Educator/Physician, theDr.com
• Michael Marsh, MD, DSC, FRCP
• Renowned Celiac Disease Researcher

Food Films That Every Human Being Should Watch

Ever year or two there comes an amazing film that sheds light into the food and beverage industry. It's usually a grass roots, film documentary that never makes the big screen where current blockbuster war, love and action films take over. That's why you need to see these, share these and take a step somewhere if you support or deny the messages that are built into the backbone of these powerful films.   

A recent film that was not included in this list was GMO OMG that just debut last month and needs support in your city. Check out GMO OMG website and learn all about the GMO, Monsanto and FDA play in this deep analysis by Jeremy Seifert. I saw this debut at EXPO EAST natural food and beverage trade show in Baltimore in September. Jeremy joined in for a Q/A afterwards.

Now view the full list of 26 other must watch food films to date here compliments of Food Tank and plan your next 30 days of powerful, emotional and a bit scary truths.

1) A Farmer In Africa
2) A Place At The Table
3) Cooking By Heart
4) Fast Food
5) Food Chains
6) Food Fight
7) Food Speculation
8) Forks Over Knives
9) Fresh The Movie
10) The Hidden Cost Of Hamburgers

See Food Tank's full list here.

Natural Products Trending From Expo East

 

Expo East 2013 natural food show was terrific! There were new products seeking distribution and existing products that were making heads turn. So when you walk down the aisle of your grocery store tomorrow, one that actually has innovative and natural products vs a traditional grocery who rarely has organic and/or gluten-free, there likely will continue to be even more trending ingredients on the shelf snagging your eye heading into next year...

FOOD TRENDS

1. Ingredient Transparency: More than ever founders, marketers and their team are in tune with all of the raw ingredients, manufacturing protocol and food allergen information vs the past. Each chooses their own list of priority but it's good to see that they are more aware and open to share.
2. Gluten-Free (GF): Albeit this phrase is almost everywhere and it's on many labels not everyone is getting GF certifications. Brands find it a real health issue, but as for consumer product labeling (A) brands believe it's still too expensive (B) claim the product already is "naturally gluten-free" despite it's possible contamination and don't need labeling (C) it's on their list of allergens to certify and/or self test
3. Non GMO: It was the #1 buzz word this year and I was loving it! Look out for the documentary GMO OMG and go bring everyone you know to watch and support it. Very few vendors were from another planet not featuring this a selling point and/or knew nothing about this practice. 
4. Chia: The miracle seed is found in everything from water, flavored drinks, milk, crackers, flours, chips, breads and tons more
5. Raw: Everything and it's mother is raw including solo and combos of coconut water, tea, kombucha, maple syrup water, super veggies and energy bars
6. Energy Bars: Look out for organic meat, jerkys, chia, raw fruits and veggies, veggie proteins and chocolates. Copy cat traditional brands are following yet look at how different the ingredients will be. 
7. Kale: It's in and around everything. Perhaps the wise President Clinton's affinity for kale helped a bit ;) but it's better to have this on the market than a GMO corn chip that America still consumes. 
8. Chips: I found the names of chips to be more creative yet also experienced they have less seasonings on the chip compared to the double sided coating that is out there! Even traditional brands have opened emerging divisions to offer a more natural chip product making them more competitive in this growing space.
9. Popcorn: Smart, air popped, no oils or butter, flavored with truffle oil, half popped, non GMO, it was popping everywhere without the pooping!
10. Water: Since we can't live without it, there continues to be innovation from different sources such as deep underground American resources, Korean, maple syrup trees, coconut, vitamin enriched this and that.

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Expo East 2013 Organic Harvest Fest

Good Boy Organics Bops and Organicasaurus 

Urban Moonshine Bitters and tonics

Alter Eco Chocolate and quinoa

Le Pain Des Fleurs Buckwheat, chesnut and quinoa crispbread

I drove into Baltimore at noon today and it was 78 and sunny! I walked through the Baltimore Convention Center entrance and Expo East banners and sidewalk logos excited me, badges were hanging from necks, vendors were unloading and the chit chat was underway on the patio for Organic Harvest Fest. As I walked further into the light there was an unlimited sampling of organic and sustainable goodness and lots of laughing and smiles ear to ear. The buzz from educational workshops for those in the manufacturing and retail world were another sign of a solid day. My hunt for the most innovative gluten-free goodies had begun!

I began engaging with various vendors, distributors, brokers, marketers and I was specifically impressed with the ingredients used in many new products that I hadn't purchased before.  I gently probed into their gluten-free claims and almost all of them were certified gluten-free through GIG which was reassuring. Those who were not GF labeled had obtained other third party gluten-free claims under 20ppm or better, but hadn't launched revise package yet.  As our talks grew deeper they were each willing and able to share the depth of their raw materials and manufacturing practices to assure me they care about the true gluten-free consumer whom has Celiac Disease. My expectation for more natural food consumer packaged good (CPG) brands to label gluten-free appropriately showed promise.

Expo East Natural Food Show Launches September 25th

It's almost here... Expo East is at Baltimore Convention Center and all of the most innovative natural foods, beverages, and mobile apps will be here presenting their products and services with guest speakers beginning on September 25-28th.  If you haven't been here before or heard of the event, consider this reminder your lucky day...

What Is Expo East?

• About 1,600 exhibitors will be on display at the largest trade show on the east coast!  The smallest and largest natural food and beverages, apps, health and beauty, marketers, chefs, media and customers all over the world will be checking it out. Also seek out key note speakers and other terrific speaking engagements with your registration type. If you live within 1-2 hours from Baltimore driving then it's ideal for you to take the step and register.  

Why Attend Expo East?

• Because you care about the food business, your health and the manufacturing practices that are used in making better tasting, healthy and innovation for a better planet! If you care about natural foods, gluten-free, vegan, allergy friendly and/or green products, to name a few then check it and share with everyone you know that may be interested. If not, then keep eating unhealthy and miss out on what's trending in the real world.

Gluten-Free Skin Rash - Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Skin irritations can exist from a variety of reasons. Touching, inhaling or absorbing certain stuff in our community can lead to something unfortunate. Skin rashes often showcase a deeper underlying issue that may exist.  I never had to deal with the skin irritation associated with Celiac Disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, which is related to gluten consumption in the GI yet I truly believe that this rash like others can be treated by proper lifestyle and health balance. It's no secret that we are what we eat so it's up to us to try harder to find balance. I am not a doctor, but consider these thoughts:

Overview
Dermatitis herpetiformis could be red legions that are itchy found throughout your body commonly on the hands and arms. It likely clusters and could have a liquid center and be a darker purple color as well. It is believed that consumption of some gluten either consistently or rarely could present this rash. Going gluten-free by avoiding all food/beverages and the risk of contamination that exists in manufacturing facilities and kitchens is the only way to avoid and heal it over time. If this has happened  to you take a few photos each time and log what you ate recently. Do you have any other symptoms that are irregular? Be sure to capture the rash to share with a doctor especially if you currently have it or  go to your general doctor, dermatologist or even a gastroenterologist since this may be a deeper issue such as Celiac Disease.

Treatment
Consider changing your diet before going on medication though. Unless you're in severe pain and have issues medication should never be your first and only solution. That's old thinking where drug companies had previously influenced of our parents and their parents to fix health issues. Do your research on skin rashes and in this case avoid eating gluten based foods, beverages and check that the manufacturing facility and at home your kitchen is gluten-free 100% could be a simple solution that beats taking a white pill. Learn more and see photos here.

Change The World, Scarecrow

Can you tell which brand is behind this highly charged movement? Watch the dramatic Scarecrow teaser and consider downloading the app if you want to have fun and it connects with your values.

Everyday, I walk in and out of this world and I find myself learning something new about food all of the time. Typically, I can see in a storefront from afar and guess what is likely being offered inside. Or I can smell the bakery of sandwich shop down the corner.

But do you know what you're truly eating? Do you care about each ingredient and the source of it's manufacturing? Where was this dairy farmed and what are their manufacturing processes?  Can you trust the food labeling and marketing behind an old brand who hasn't evolved it's ingredient recipe despite it's "great taste"? Is this all too much to worry about or are you taking some steps forward for yourself and your family/friends health?

Fast Food Protests In NYC Underway!

It's been the talk of NYC (and up to 50 cities) over the past few days that fast food staff are demanding higher living wages. Some staff reported to ask for about $15/hour.  Other reports say a McDonald's staff claimed that they work harder than billionaires! I'm not so sure about that, but I do believe that minimum wage is very low for people to prosper, save and climb up the corporate ladder. Google shows there at least 250 McDonalds in NYC's five boroughs alone and we can guess that each store likely has fifteen part-time or full-time staff for the sake of this evaluation. This is a lot of people who deserve to live above poverty while working to get ahead.

Non-GMO Food Regulation Is Coming (Watch Two Videos)

Plant A Garden And Grow Food Not Grass.

This is a very interesting discussion to have. People who suffer from an auto-immune disease like Celiac Disease, gluten-intolerance and a variety of other health concerns face challenges that require a lot of education and obstacles everyday.Yes. It's often unfair, tiring, expensive and the hurdles can bring us down, but we can't live this way forever.

Take Life By The Seeds
If you have property then your'e already growing grass, watering, feeding and looking at it already. If you don't have property you can find an inexpensive community garden plot and/or share it with neighbors and grow your own food. Gather some new or used tools and plant your future.

Those Earlier Men/Women 
I know it seems like ages ago, but most human beings used to grow their own food to survive. Yes. It's easy to go to the grocery store in 2013, but when you have a health condition, you have an opportunity to step it up and overcome.

Gluten-Free Labeling FDA Update

GOOD NEWS vs BAD NEWS

Last week we heard news from the FDA that they're finally regulating food packaging for voluntary use of "gluten-free" labeling whether made in USA or imported into the USA for a mandate of <20ppm. This is a heavy topic so let's analyze it together to get a better understanding of what this means now and tomorrow for gluten-free consumers.

Organic, All-Natural, Free-Range Food Labeling Confusion

Are you confused by labels at the grocery store when shopping for meat, dairy, fruits, veggies and more? I sure am... because many manufacturers don't follow approved certifications because it's either expensive, a lot of work to undergo or they just don't care. Here is a large list of my understanding on many common approved food labels as well as non-approved labels (self-labeling) that you may think are safe, but may be risky to yourself, family and even the community.

Certified Labels: 

These are 3rd party verified by either USDA or non-profit groups that ensure protocol and ongoing practices are met to retain the approved and certified labeling. Often the labeling has a cost that could be expensive, too, so know that some farmers truly care.  These are to be trusted, but products could change over time. 

Fair Trade 

Often seen on coffee, bananas, tea, cocoa, sugar and is enforced by the non gov, Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) and if in the US by Fair Trade USA. Further, this signifies employees received fair wages, shelter, health, safety, may be in trade unions and any forced labor is prohibited. Very cool if you ask me.

Today Is Celebrate Celiac Community Event Denver, Co

Today from 2-5pm, just around the corner of Colorado Rockies' Coor's field is GlutenFreeCalendar's Celiac community event. They have brought food vendors, special guests, and book readings for Celiacs, gluten-free consumers, and gluten-free lifestyle to join on in for a few bucks entrance fee while downtown or going to the game for a discounted rate. 

Arrive early and the first 250 will receive a free a gift bag

When: Today, Saturday July 20th 2-5pm

Where: 2900 Fox Street, Denver Colorado 80202

Cost: $5 at the door, $4 online, Kids under 7 are free

Rockies baseball tickets: Hurry, click here

Nuwi Organic Gluten-Free Product Review Quinoa Banana Smoothie

Nuwi has introduced a new banana flavor to their portfolio of gluten-free organic quinoa vegan smoothies.  Let's welcome the banana flavor along with their blueberry flavored smoothie that I found to be once again, delicious, refreshing and filling as a gluten-free complete vegan protein beverage. You may have remembered that I conducted a review for Nuwi blueberry and you should read it here.

Nuwi Banana Gluten-Free Product Review

The Truth. Whole Truth. Nothing But The Truth ...

I keep hearing, reading and watching video from websites and guides on how to eat gluten-free.  As a Celiac of 17+ years here are a few tips that you must know from someone who has been there and done that and doesn't take gluten risks anymore. I've seen the worst rice based foods that crumble as you eat it them, seen Celiacs who cheat on their diet, spoke with people who go gluten-free and don't know that it's a movement based off of Celiac Disease, and I've been inside a restaurant kitchen many times to see how chaotic and contaminated food can get. I'm bringing this to your attention because it's just a simple truth and because the gluten-free movement seems a bit out  of control and we need to gather it by the horns and live smarter.   

5. DON'T TRUST STRANGERS:  Most people learn this as kids, but I constantly ask myself why adults do this in the wrong places? You have to earn trust from people and places especially when they're making food special for someone with an intolerance/sensitivity. Don't put just anything in your mouth, especially when the risk could be severe digestive or internal auto immune reactions. And if you're not "sensitive" treat it like you are because when you cheat with strangers others will find out. 

4. GLUTEN IS NOT AN ALLERGY: It's not. Identify your sensitivity and/or intolerance or neither. Peanuts, shellfish, eggs, wheat, etc may be an allergy to you or more, but gluten is not. No doctor has declared gluten an allergy so be very wary when people say this. Don't spend any money buying a book from these persons or getting any other advice or you just got wripped off and bought them a new car.  Reference article here. 

Dunkin Donuts Rumor

Dunkin Donuts is a humungo cowabungo company found all over the USA and internationally. Not only are their doughnuts ridiculously delicious, but their coffee has radical loyalists. However, the elephant in the room is that every product they offer either contains massive amounts of flour and would be highly contaminated on site in their kitchen, chef aprons and in the air all over the place.

"Please Bake It In A Gluten-Free Facility & Seal It To Reduce Contamination"

Do Gluten-Free Disclaimers Hurt Or Help?

Speak To Your Local Cafe & Restaurant About GF

It's all about trust. Once it's gone, it's hard to get back. There are many great cafes that try to offer the growing gluten-free consumer food options. That's great! We all appreciate it, but it's time to stop offering contaminated gluten-free food as this is not acceptable and damaging the consumer and your reputation.

Teacher Who Bullied Me

This morning I was told, "Go eat gluten" by someone who I thought was somewhat of friend of mine.  Did I do anything to deserve this statement? No. I was on Facebook and chatting sports with friends in a discussion on my wall when this other person decided to randomly chime in and tell me this rude statement.

Who Was This Bully?
This was actually a friend who is very smart in fact they're a 10-year seasoned teacher of young students. This person is responsible for educating and influencing children's lives yet they are bullying me in a public forum. A 30+ year old individual who knows much better.

"Go Eat Gluten" Is Not A Punchline

Bolivia Says Peace Out Fast Food!

Think about it... As crazy as your day may have been today, it's worth a smile right now because the nation of Bolivia has cracked down on fast food with the great understanding that it's horrible for it's people's health. Bolivians clearly don't trust food that's made, prepared and rang up in seconds and thats comforting and eye-opening. Although there were eight stores left that were losing money they stayed open for brand awareness. That's a pride that only a super powerful company has the finances to afford such as the golden arches of McDs. 

Bolivia's Cultural Rejection

What seems even more eye-whomping, pun intended, is that the people have rejected McDonalds for many years the article shares. There is also a documentary supported by marketers, foodies and community members all over the country. It's important to really understand that deep in Bolivian culture is a high regard/respect what goes in and out of their bodies. They continue by sharing that the McRib has about 70 processed ingredients into one product. Oye! Last time I checked meat such as ribs were from nature's free roaming animals, not multiples added together, and when grilling you barely need spices, seasonings or bbq sauce to have a great meal. 

Should The World & You Follow?

Don't Forget About Seasonal Fruits

Just about every fruit on the planet Earth is gluten-free 

This may be a no-brainer to some consumers, but those who are new or exploring the gluten-free lifestyle must know the truth. Many consumers have a banana, apple or orange in their refrigerator and it stops there. Take a look at this massive list of fruits by season that are waiting your purchase at your local grocery store. When possible try to buy fruit in season to be sure that fruit wasn't shipped by tractor, boat, plane, car, etc just to get to your store when there are local farmers growing many of these in your own community!

I hear way too often from gluten-free consumers that they are seeking breads, pastas and pastries to replace what they've lost in their regular rotation. Why are you dependent on these carbs so much? Now is your chance to replace an old craving with a new fruit which is just as gratifying while you retrain your bodies natural needs.

Sign The Kraft Mac & Cheese Petition Today

Hurry,.. watch, read and sign the petition to help remove artificial food dyes from our food supply, starting with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Yellow #5, Yellow #6 along with GMO wheat.  Yes. You and I have both more than likely eaten ingredients created in a lab along side petroleum that were named with a number. It's upsetting. The ignorant days of "wow this taste good and kids love it" are about to end.  

Apparently, Kraft, a food super power chose to remove these chemicals from the UK product due to a consumer outcry, but didn't in the USA. How non American is that? Do not support such irresponsible behavior. There are plenty of macaroni and cheese products that don't include these artificial cancer linked chemical dyes such as Annie's which are delicious. Please hurry, read here and sign the petition today. Show you care by participating in change.