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. 

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

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.

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.

There Is No Kinda Gluten-Free

 

Kinda Gluten-Free Isn't Real

There is no such diagnosis or diet plan called, kinda gluten-free. People often ask me if gluten-free diets can exist half way or partially in some manner. I am not a doctor, but I do laugh at the idea of shedding the truth about gluten sometimes since I've been committed for over 17 years, so let me tell you that my answer is No. Always No. And 99.9% of doctors will say No. You cannot go partially on a gluten-free diet when you are A) Diagnosed Celiac B) Gluten Intolerance C) Non Celiac Gluten Sensitive D) Have shown improvements removing gluten. 

You may feel "better' with less gluten because you've removed some common gluten related foods such as pasta, breads and cookies. That diet plan should first hand make you think about what you really just did, regarding the removal of nutrition weak wheat pastas, wheat flour, high sugar and dairy is something to consider learning more about. But if you don't go all in gluten-free (as mentioned below) then you're not gluten-free, you're not gluten-free, and you're not gluten-free. You are on a diet that removed pastries, pasta and breads, leave it there and do not refer to it ever as going gluten-free. 

Gluten-Free Only Has One Definition

Gluten signifies a 100% removal of gluten (wheat, barley, rye, malts, etc) and that includes any contamination that likely exists at restaurants and packaged goods. To ensure a gluten-free diet one must obtain a massive food education (yes it can be overwhelming at first, but fun second) and discover food brands (small and large corporations) who obtain a trustworthy certified gluten-free verification for <20 ppm (per the FDA) but preferably look for brands with certification by CSA testing <10 ppm or <5ppm so that you have transparency behind gluten contamination risks. 

Rudi's Gluten-Free Kids Scholarship Contest 2014

When Is Rudi's Summer Camp Contest?

Starting immediately from February 18 – March 18, the wonderful gluten-free and non-GMO brand, Rudi’s, is offering their second gluten-free (1 week) summer camp scholarship contest.

How Do Kids Apply For Gluten-Free Camp?

Families are encouraged to log-on to Facebook and (1) Like the page Rudi's Happy camper Facebook in the top right corner. (2) Then you can submit a 100-word essay from their kids about, “what makes them special” for a chance to win a one-week scholarship to attend a gluten-free overnight camp. The concept of a gluten-free camp is fairly new and they offer a targeted healthy, exciting experience to those kids with stable Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance at Camp Weekaneatit in Georgia or Gluten-Free Fun Camp in Minnesota. 

Contest Winner (10) 

Based on the uniqueness and thoughtful essay, Rudi’s plans to choose 10 winners, ranging in ages from 8-17, to have a gluten-free camp outing that is unlike any other camp in this world! Winners will be announced on April 2, 2014

I Buy Rudi's Gluten-Free Because:

I trust them for quality and taste, I do. For the past 35 years, based out of Colorado, they have offered a variety of gluten-free and non-Gmo breads, hot dog rolls, hamburger rolls, tortillas, pizza crusts, too. When I lived out in Denver for various years, Rudi's was everywhere and certainly that "hometown hero" and loyalty will always be deep in my background. I hope they continue to innovate and offer more nutrient dense healthier and tastier innovative breads as the competition grows and the market for gluten-free continues. When I go out and the party requires me to partake via bringing gluten-free breads, I trust that most grocery frozen departments such as Wholefoods and/or large supermarket chains will have Rudi's.

Shopping Gluten-Free Smart In 2014

Health Stores, Supermarkets & Online Marketplaces

The growth of gluten-free market place was inevitable from a Celiac perspective because we knew from the inside that gluten was a health concern beyond an auto-immune disease. Since food is a main stay in our society, we can't live without it, adaptation and survival of the fittest shows Darwin-istic tendencies from business to consumer. Now the mass population, curious and naive as they are (wink) witness gluten-free aisles, labels and promotions in their local stores and in their email, advertising popups and e-commerce online marketplaces and that's evolution for sure. 

• QUESTION REMAINING: From growing business acquisitions that we read about in the press, can we find out why we still face average 30% higher prices for gluten-free foods?

Who Writes Articles on Gluten-Free Trends? (Inside vs Outside)

1. NY Times - A Big Bet on Gluten-Free, has been written by those on the outside of the gluten-free movement focusing on business and not the legitimate 360 degree educational mission for gluten-free change forward. It's nice to receive the attention, but it's not actually helpful to the masses and their lack of health knowledge affects the Celiac movement negatively with their lack of support for us and insights into evolving gluten related and non-GMO health concerns.
2. Celiac.com - Project Gluten-Free Market Growth Provides Incentive To Educate Yourself, was written by Tracy Grabowski  (gluten-free mom with three kids) from inside of the gluten-free movement supporting and promising health and educational reform. You'll see her pros/cons and holistic thinking and takeaways that enable us all to think about food in a new way for change.

• QUESTION REMAINING: When will our main stream leaders and big budget corporations listen, research and adapt the innovative research that so many of doctors, scientists have published to help and educate the masses on gluten as well as GMOs?

Shop With Curiosity Not Your Hunger

The wild card here is that articles written by the masses, who don't have Celiac or are not inside the true gluten-free movement, cannot shed trustworthy light on gluten-free food sources, labeling, health and provide accurate suggestions to those who shop for gluten-free because they believe deep down gluten is still healthy! It's as easy as interviewing a few people on the street and analyzing their diet, lifestyle and health. How many products have you seen that include "newer" ingredients such as quinoa, buckwheat, chia, amaranth, flax, teff highlighting their unique health properties (iron, fiber, protein, omegas, etc) and many more but their cost is higher than corn, wheat or rice based products with very little nutrient levels? Many believe wheat and other gluten grains are healthy, but don't know how unhealthy gluten is to the majority of humans and other animals since they don't research or believe that mass media and large corporations could feed us crap, well... wake up.

99% of food manufacturers don't care about health, just profits. When will this business mantra change? Eating cheap, pre-packaged foods is nowhere in the mission of any Celiac gluten-free consumer, that's just an uneducated, ignorant lifestyle. Just because Bisquick creates a gluten-free product doesn't mean we should buy it immediately; we should be investigating the source ingredients selected, taste profile and brand mission vs competitors. We need the masses who join the bandwagon and/or have legitimate gluten-free health concerns to shop smart, not cheap, and support those companies who combine health, price and earth... there are many!

Gluten contamination in food, beverages and in restaurants continue to be an alarming issue. How can we trust restaurants or brands that don't verify through a third party? Since labeling has evolved over the years it seems that without a certified gluten-free label we will simply cannot trust anyone or a label. That's why you should support those that go the extra mile to invest in their own products (which costs money) for these 3rd party label certifications such as gluten-free, non GMO, organic, vegan, etc and call companies direct asking why they don't have a certification. 

• QUESTION REMAINING: Can you share this article and others with a family or friend who previously didn't find the value of food education or perhaps is currently suffering from a confusing gluten related concern?

Gluten-Free Survival Tips For Newly Diagnosed

Congrats on becoming 100% gluten-free committed!

As a 17+ year diagnosed Celiac, I've learned a lot in my years. This is a brief synopsis of why you're truly lucky to have a gluten-free life commitment. Mine started with a food education that I received at age 14. Now it's your chance to learn the world behind the grocery store merchandising and sale promotions. You have an opportunity to treat your entire body (brain and gut health) along with family and friend's by simply developing a "what is that" food mind. No more putting food in your mouth because it smells good or everyone is eating it. That's silly and too easy, and you know it. Now you have to read the label and if you don't understand it... which most of us don't because our food is processed and made in a lab, dont' eat it. When foods have tons of weird name ingredients, and very long shelf lives, it's time to leave them where you found them. Trust me when I say learning the truth about how food is made in our world will change your life forever. 

Is Gluten A Trend?

Absolutely not. That's just a naive person who makes jokes about gluten such as Jimmy Kimmel and Rachel Ray Tv personality. They like others take advantage of the trend and then laugh about it and get caught, so don't support them. Watch Jimmy Kimmel and Rachel Ray laugh at Celiacs here.  Gluten is a major health concern that the USA has underplayed. the grains that contain gluten are not like those from early man the world has changed and humans have, too. The focus on gluten stems from a Celiac Disease diagnosis. Multiple food allergies, GMOs and other Rx drugs are believed to play a role in obesity and other health concerns and we all seek to analyze the connection of all of them, if any in years to come. 

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease that affects over 3 million Americans. If a Celiac were to consume gluten found in common grains such as bread, pasta, pastries, sauces, dressings, medicines, vitamins, lip balms, etc then there would be significant damage to the small intestine villi interfering with digestion and absorption. It is also believed that about 97% of Celiacs are not diagnosed, that's scary. Further, Celiac is an auto immune disease that is realized from two of three testing procedures: blood test, biopsy and DNA markers.

What Is A Food Allergy And Is Gluten Also A Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an auto immune response to a food protein. They are different from other responses to food such as a food intolerance or Celiac Disease. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies a protein as harmful. These symptoms could be mild or life threatening such as dermatitis, gastrointestinal, respiratory distress, and anaphylactic responses and there is no cure. You must avoid these food proteins 100% to live safely while preparing for the worst.  The common eight food allergens are wheat, soy, egg, peanut, milk, tree-nuts, fish and shellfish and as you can see gluten is not found in many of these proteins. Be sure to discuss your health with the appropriate doctor/s who can help you identify your symptoms and find a road to success.

Gluten Is Not An Allergy

Gluten is not a food allergy. At this point in time those with gluten as a trigger either have:

(A) Wheat Allergy - An allergy diagnosis, but not the below 

(B) Gluten Sensitivity Not Celiac Disease - Undiagnosed, but suffer from gluten is likely 

(C) Celiac Disease - Auto immune disease that is realized from two of three: blood test, biopsy and DNA markers.

What Is the Cure Or Treatment For Celiac Disease? 

Just avoid eating gluten 100% including the risk of gluten contamination found in your home kitchen silverware, pots, pans, sink and cutting boards along with the high risk from restaurant kitchens. You take these precautions and you should be living a carefree, wonderful, healthy life. There is no cure at this time and frankly, who cares?  Obtaining a complete food education and watching our world turn to gluten-free, organic and non-GMO food supply is an exciting journey to be part of physically and mentally. Your life should forever improve.

Tell Me More About What Is Gluten? 

Gluten is a amino acid (protein) found in grains such as wheat, barely, ryes and related grain family tree species. Gluten has been over manufactured, especially in USA,  by the super powers as it has properties of elasticity for cooking that other gluten-free grains do not have. Hence, why a common person would believe that gluten containing baked goods appear to the eye as having a more full, flavorful and aroma perhaps. On the contrary combining gluten-free flours and other common baking ingredients would yield a tasty, aromatic baked good as well.

What Must I Know About Celiac Disease And Gluten-Free Living? 

There are four educational tips that will help change your world and those in your life who care for you. All health benefits and nutritional living fall within these high level concepts:

     1. Learn about Celiac Disease

     2. Learn the list of Gluten-Free grains

     3. Learn the list of Gluten containing foods and hidden gluten due to bad labeling

     4. Risks of contamination at home, restaurants and packaged goods in the grocery

List of Gluten-Free Grains And Common Foods 

Quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, millet, sorghum, corn, rice, potato, teff, flax, tapioca, oats (however oats are usually contaminated at the mill with wheat so be careful to only purchase certified gluten-free oats). In addition vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, legumes, fish and meats are all naturally gluten-free. That's basically all living food ingredients :) except the risk of some grains and contaminated foods from these foods.

List of Grains Containing Gluten And Common Foods To Avoid 

Gluten is found in common grains such as wheat, barely, barley extract, rye in addition to bran, bulgur, couscous, kamut, farino, faro, kamut, matzo meal, orzo, panko, semolina, spelt, triticale, udon and other lesser known. Avoid all breads, baked goods, pastries, ice cream, sodas, chips, dips, salsas, marinades, etc that do not have a gluten-free certification or trusted labeling. These foods 9.9 out of 10 will be gluten based. Do not ever assume a food is gluten-free without an official gluten-free certification or thorough gluten-free self certification. Be safe and call the company or search for gluten free tested and approved products before consuming. It's a little bit extra work to eat at first, but then you'll learn and be more educated. Gluten-free these days is much easier than 20 years ago. (See below)

What Is A Gluten-Free Certification? 

The Gluten-Free logo stands for the independent verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. You can't just slab any label on a product as it must according to the FDA be tested under <20 ppm or face risks. Find a list of certified gluten-free products.  Other trusted and independent laboratories may test for gluten <10 ppm or <5 ppm for those Celiacs who believe they may react to <20 ppm gluten.

Celiac Spru Association

• CSA is for < 5 ppm 

Gluten Free Certfication Corporation

• GFCO is for < 10 ppm

Food & Drug Administration (USA)

• FDA is for < 20 ppm

Bella Gluten-Free Product Review

About Bella's Gluten-Free Dry Flour Mixes








Chef Mary Capone (aka Chef Bella) and I met in Boulder, Colorado at a Naturally Boulder meet up for an exciting food co-packer, Kitchen Coop. There were a variety of baked goods, pastries and the rumor was they were all gluten-free, but I inquired further (as always) to ensure they were Celiac friendly (and not some fake gluten-free product that isn't safe for those with Celiac Disease. 

Subway Ingredient Also Found In Yoga Mats: Azodicarbonamide

Do not eat here!

Thanks to Food Babe's article, millions of USA consumers are now aware that their favorite fast food gluten based bread products use an all-american common unpronounceable ingredient that is banned in most of the world, azodicarbonamide: 

What the Heck is "Azodicarbonamide"

BANNED IN EUROPE, AUSTRALIA & SINGAPORE 

BUT PERMITTED THROUGHOUT USA

WHAT THE HECK IS IT?

Azodicarbonamid is commonly used as a flour bleaching agent in common gluten and dough conditioners according to the the FDA. It's also the same ingredient used in yoga mats, shoe soles, floor mats, and window gaskets.  It's linked to asthma and other possible allergies for works involved in plants... Further, those who work with this ingredient wear masks far more urgently than just to protect their face, but to protect their entire health! Who at the FDA approved this and why is the FDA to be trusted after yet another ridiculous global issue?

Gluten & The Brain, Gut & Autoimmune Disease - Watch The Gluten Summit

If you hadn't watched the first round of The Gluten Summit, now is your time. This is for everyone to learn from even if you're already in an awesome and successful gluten-free and Celiac lifestyle. Or if you don't feel well you may have a non diagnosed, non Celiac gluten issue that effects different parts of your body from brain to auto immune possibly. Gluten is not good for human beings! This webinar can be bought or watched immediately today for free for a limited time so watch them today! Here are the top 5 videos to learn about diagnosis, treatment and change for the future to live healthier and you just need to register via email to gain access:

• Why the Early Stages of Celiac Disease Must be Taken Seriously - Michael Marsh

• Properly Testing for Gluten Sensitivity and Why Current Methods Fail - Aristo Vojdani

• Are You Developing an Autoimmune Disease Years Before Symptoms? - Yehuda Schoenfeld

• The Reality of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and its Many Manifestations - Umberto Volta

• Eliminating Gluten as the 1st Step in Preventing Brain Conditions - David Perlmutter

Here Comes Lovely Candy Co Gluten-Free Product Review

Ahhh, finally a gluten-free alternative to artificially flavored Starburst that is comparably delicious! If you're like me than you just can't have one gluten free candy, so when I need my sweets I eat these Lovely Candies because I can trust them to be gluten-free and non-GMO with mouthwatering flavor burst!

Lovely Candy Co 
These are individually wrapped squares, shaped similar to a Starburst but tastier, more variety, sticks less to your teeth and sourced from the best ingredients on the planet. Shwiiing! They source brown rice syrup instead of corn and add legitimate real fruit ingredients (blackberries, blueberries cherries, apples, cranberry, etc) without artificial and numbered food ingredients, lol.

Antibacterial Soap Reported By FDA As "Dangerous"

Okay here I go, STOP using antibacterial soaps, seriously. Go with all-natural soaps that are just as good if not better for you, your family, and the environment as the ingredient, triclosan (sounds lovely doesn't it) in these products are finally publically reportedly very bad.

Thanks to the FDA (who approves anything if you pay them) announcement to the mainstream, we're now at risk if we use anti-bacterial soaps. Almost every corporation and home in the USA, perhaps in the world, maybe at some point, used a product with triclosan, the chemical found in all anti-bacterial soaps. It's a claim that says very clearly that you're cleaning yourself to remove possible bacteria from your face, body, hands, etc which in theory is good, but actually with deeper analysis is not good at all.  What confuses me the most is this claim has been in the market for a VERY long time without research and studies in the mainstream to educate, typical actually, since the FDA is very late to the party very often. Is it their fault or someone else's about this late breaking finding?

FDA Gluten-Free Regulation - Welcome To The Real World

It's time to get a tad more excited for the FDA gluten-free regulation in August 2014, but not pat FDA on the back, oh no. Although it's not crystal clear and the policing of restaurants and brands is as grey as a 21 shot at your 21st bday party, we must get happier than the alternative, nothing.

FDA Urges Restaurants To Comply With Gluten-Free Regulations

ARE WE EXCITED, EH?
      
WHAT'S THIS MEAN?  
    
WHAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN?

The FDA follow up announcement was shared with me via Celiac.com and I am very excited about this update, albeit FDA has passed no laws! This additional clarification puts a well needed pressure on the restaurant industry to be completely accountable for their gluten-free menus options. I've lived in NY, NJ and Colorado and have visited dozens of states in search for restaurants with legitimate, safe gluten-free options finding a 99.9% failure rate. Have you given in to the typical, irresponsible gluten-free menus before?

Video How To Bottle Kombucha - Tips & Tricks

Fermenting kombucha at home is super exciting and once it's ready to bottle the drinking will begin! Since it's naturally gluten-free, and my kitchen is 100% gluten-free, it's going to be a heavenly experience for the next few weeks while the next batch is underway. Check out my GlutenFreeG YouTube Channel for all videos.

The kombucha bottling process continues to be simple yet tedious because it requires both cleanliness and necessary prep materials for bottling and future storage over the next few weeks for drinking and new batches.  At this stage you can bottle it in growlers, recycled liquor bottles and recycled tea or juice glass bottles (not plastic) that you can buy from the store or from friends and family to save a few dollars. Add the buch carefully with your spoon and funnel slowly into your glass bottles. As these new bottles are about to be closed you can place them into the same closed, dark but breathable kitchen storage area for 1-2 more days. This is the moment when you could add some flavors such as fruits, or spices, or keep it simple as is I prefer). After 1-2 days or so then refrigerate. Or you can place your buch directly into the back of the refrigerator immediately and keep it in the back because kombucha doesn't require light in fact too much light will damage the good bacteria.

Your scobie and a starter can be packed into a new, clean small glass jar with a breathable lid or seran wrap with holes in it and placed into the refrigerator. This process should be done carefuly and cleanly as preserving your scobie with buch (starter) for next time keeps the drinking process  ongoing ;) don't stop after one fermentation, that's crazy talk! This is an ongoing process every two weeks or so to enjoy kombucha instead of having to buy it regularly. If you don't have time to make another batch then just keep the gallon jar covered with your cheese cloth again in the refrigerator until ready, no worries.

Watch All Kombucha Tips/Videos

• How To Make Kombucha/Kombucha Guide 
• Video: How To Make Kombucha
• Video: How To Bottle Kombucha

Remember, only sip kombucha and most drinks for that matter, haha. Don't chug kombucha as it contains healthy bacterias and you don't need to overload your tummy. Instead sip it as a daily ritual to allow the healthy cultures into your digestive system for balanced healthy living.