G is for... Gluten Free!

This week, I thought I'd share my trials and tribulations of being Gluten Free. I've had stomach issues most of my life - it's my weak spot. I was diagnosed with IBS in college and then later on with Gastritis. I was on six different medications including blood pressure meds!! I felt horrible - tired, run down and just miserable. I didn't want to live my life like this and hated what being admitted into the hospital did to my family. I sought the help of a Holistic Nutritionist who diagnosed my gluten intolerance and set my diet straight. Within 3 months I was off of EVERY MEDICATION!!! Yes, even the blood pressure one!!! I went to my GP with all of this and had a blood test done for Celiac. It came out inconclusive which means I may or may not have it. However, my dad's first cousin has it and since I've been 100% gluten free and have no more symptoms, we think I do too. To be sure, I could go back on gluten and have a biopsy done, but I refuse to submit my body to that. So, whether I truly have Celiac or just a severe gluten intolerance, I don't care - the solution is the same - a gluten free life style. Now, some of you know that my younger son has Asperger's Syndrome. I began reading more about gluten free diets and kids on the Autism Spectrum and decided to give it a try. Guess what, not only is HE now off his meds, but bonus - his psoriasis has cleared up too!!! His teacher said his behavior is much better and so is his focus! The pediatrician is amazed too!

So, some people still want to know what do we eat?? I took a bunch of pictures of food I have that you can buy in a regular grocery store or a health food store. I don't go out of my way to shop - the local Acme and Giant have tons of gluten free foods. So, aside from the naturally gluten free foods such as fruits and veggies, here is what we eat:

Lazagna, anyone? Most cheeses are gluten free (except blue cheese which is molded on bread).




What sauce do we use? Here it is:



The back label says it's gluten free:



I love soup and Progresso has helped my out - here's my favorite:



I even will put some chips on the side or make a salsa to eat them with:





Sometimes, I need a quick snack and yogurt fits the bill. I not a fan of peach but Jarett likes it. My fave is strawberry!



If I need some "filler," I add in some granola:



This also makes a good quick breakfast! We also enjoy ready made waffles:



Or, we make our own or turn them into pancakes:



Sometimes, you just gotta have a bagel:



Sandwiches are now easy too. I had the hardest time finding a bread I liked and almost bought a bread-maker. Then, my cousin turned me on to this:




We like our pizza too. The best thing about the ready made crusts is we can customize our pies. Sometimes we do "white" with olive oil, garlic and mozzarella. Other times we'll do a tomato pie with just sauce and lots of veggies. Here is what we buy and love:




I wasn't sure if you could see the brand, so I took a closer pic:




The other thing that Jarett loves is his Mac & Cheese. No problems there either!!!



Or the ever famous dinner - chicken nuggets and french fries!!





As far as snacks, there are plenty to choose from and I didn't take pics of all of them. Here are the ones Jarett likes the most. The name on the pics say it all:










We also like to make Smores. Now, I'm gonna be honest, these don't taste all that great, but with the marshmallow and chocolate, it isn't bad.




I found out this year that Passover is not so horrible anymore either!!! See my post here for Gluten Free Matzah and a fried Matzah recipe!

So, as you see, living Gluten Free has become very easy to do. I feel great, my son feels great and we are no longer slaves to medication and Doctor visits!! If you are looking to go Gluten Free as well, please feel free to email me any questions you may have. It will take some adjusting and getting used to, but I've been doing it now for almost three years with success. For more of ABC week, visit Charlotte!