-gluten free rice krispy bars. ick. they are also dairy free. maybe that is why they are ick? They are tolerable as a food-edible item. but they are NOT rice krispy bars. HA!
-gluten free microwave popcorn. it was also dairy free. i usually make air popped popcorn, but these cute little individual bags were given to me as a gift. whatever they use for butter flavoring that is non-dairy didn't do the trick. starting to feel sorry for my brother who is dairy free, however i bet he doesn't eat things that are artificially dairy-flavored!
-gluten free soy sauce. success!
I had a patient today who was asking about gluten free diet. she doesn't have celiac disease but someone in her family suggested she follow it for no reason. it was my first time feeling confident talking about celiac disease with a patient. in the past, when i had a patient on a gluten free diet i was always never sure what i was really saying.
I attempted to buy this black bean sauce for stir fry that was advertised at Whole Foods as gluten free. Or so I thought. darn it when I got home all excited to use it tonight, i checked the label and it had wheat. boo. it was probably a 6-10 dollar jar of sauce.
on another note...i was sick twice today. wonder what it was....i could spend hours tracking and thinking and wondering. maybe it wasn't related to gluten at all?
i'm hosting book club tomorrow at my house. andy is downstairs making the cookies. real cookies for my guests. i asked him not to bake them until i was upstairs so i wouldn't have to smell them. what a man!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
4-everrrrrrrrrrr
Forever
F
O
R
E
V
E
R
Forever Forever Forever
Forever
Forever
Forever
So....no matter how I look at it...it seems like a long time.
Right?
F
O
R
E
V
E
R
Forever Forever Forever
Forever
Forever
Forever
So....no matter how I look at it...it seems like a long time.
Right?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
updates, thoughts, happenings
just random thoughts
1. This weekend Andy and I went out to 2 different restaurants to try being gluten free in public. I was a little anxious. I think Andy was just excited to eat out of the home and be on a "date". The first restaurant was pretty good. We went to the bar before sitting down and I asked the bar tender if the Bloody Mary Mix had gluten in it. He shot back fast and furious "I don't know. Probably". It seemed insensitive to me, because it truly was my first time requesting. I looked at Andy (probably with scared eyes) and asked if I could read the label. He was nice after that. Our waitress sat down in the booth with me to help me look at the menu which was really personal and nice. She also told me she would not bring out the fresh bread and butter. VERY nice. The 2nd place we went could not print their gf menu. I thought that was weird. But we had good service. Saturday afternoon I did get a little sick and I'm guessing my food had the "seasoning" on it that they said gf-ers couldn't have. I could taste the spice/seasoning on my food so maybe they forgot? Or maybe it's just medication I'm on.
2. Yesterday, there was a kit kat in my presence (my very favorite candy) and cheese-its. Both were hard to watch.
3. Andy's birthday was yesterday. We enjoyed a yummy meal together and he ate his chocolate cake. That part didn't bother me. He did make himself an (unhealthy) appetizer that smelled SO good. I couldn't have it and stared at it on the stove. Instead of staring...I took over on Eli's bath and told Andy to EAT.
4. So far I have no shed too many tears over this, but I still don't think it has hit me that I can't eat some of my favorites ever again. I still think it's so hard to wrap my head around the aspect of forever. A choice made for me.....and it's forever. I just can't picture not having that option. I feel like it a fad diet. Like at any moment I can say-forget it. Done. Moving on and give me that bagel.
5. I'm struggling a bit with breakfast. I'm having cereal every day. I love cereal but I also love the smell of toast in the morning.I always loved toast. I have been eating 1 or 2 yogurts every day. And Andy has been SO nice to leave all the leftovers for me to take in my lunch. I'm starting Elisabeth Hasselbeck's book. It's been recommended by a few.
That's about all. My appointment with the gi doc is next week. Andy is going to go with me. What should I ask him?
1. This weekend Andy and I went out to 2 different restaurants to try being gluten free in public. I was a little anxious. I think Andy was just excited to eat out of the home and be on a "date". The first restaurant was pretty good. We went to the bar before sitting down and I asked the bar tender if the Bloody Mary Mix had gluten in it. He shot back fast and furious "I don't know. Probably". It seemed insensitive to me, because it truly was my first time requesting. I looked at Andy (probably with scared eyes) and asked if I could read the label. He was nice after that. Our waitress sat down in the booth with me to help me look at the menu which was really personal and nice. She also told me she would not bring out the fresh bread and butter. VERY nice. The 2nd place we went could not print their gf menu. I thought that was weird. But we had good service. Saturday afternoon I did get a little sick and I'm guessing my food had the "seasoning" on it that they said gf-ers couldn't have. I could taste the spice/seasoning on my food so maybe they forgot? Or maybe it's just medication I'm on.
2. Yesterday, there was a kit kat in my presence (my very favorite candy) and cheese-its. Both were hard to watch.
3. Andy's birthday was yesterday. We enjoyed a yummy meal together and he ate his chocolate cake. That part didn't bother me. He did make himself an (unhealthy) appetizer that smelled SO good. I couldn't have it and stared at it on the stove. Instead of staring...I took over on Eli's bath and told Andy to EAT.
4. So far I have no shed too many tears over this, but I still don't think it has hit me that I can't eat some of my favorites ever again. I still think it's so hard to wrap my head around the aspect of forever. A choice made for me.....and it's forever. I just can't picture not having that option. I feel like it a fad diet. Like at any moment I can say-forget it. Done. Moving on and give me that bagel.
5. I'm struggling a bit with breakfast. I'm having cereal every day. I love cereal but I also love the smell of toast in the morning.I always loved toast. I have been eating 1 or 2 yogurts every day. And Andy has been SO nice to leave all the leftovers for me to take in my lunch. I'm starting Elisabeth Hasselbeck's book. It's been recommended by a few.
That's about all. My appointment with the gi doc is next week. Andy is going to go with me. What should I ask him?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Delish.....
I've been checking out this gluten free blog: glutenfreeislife. She features all gf goodies, recipes and menu ideas.
These look awesome.
Click here to find out how she did it!
I forgot about little things like icecream cones, even some icecream is not gf-but she mentions that magic shell to coat the inside of the cone is gf. Heaven.
This looks like a day long project-where I could make 12, package them correctly and freeze!
These look awesome.
Click here to find out how she did it!
I forgot about little things like icecream cones, even some icecream is not gf-but she mentions that magic shell to coat the inside of the cone is gf. Heaven.
This looks like a day long project-where I could make 12, package them correctly and freeze!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
nothin....and more pity-beware!
I can't be positive (even fake positive) about being sick and having celiac's disease.
My stomach turns at the thought of eating something that is supposed to taste like my comfort foods, but doesn't really do it.
I'm not hungry. But Andy keeps reminding me that I have to eat.
I really miss Mrs. grass soup and saltines. The way a saltine feels in my mouth is not something that can be duplicated by any gf cracker I've come across. They are all so crunchy my brain ricochets off my skull while I chew them.
A lot of the gf foods are tolerable, but sort of have a taste like I'm eating in a foreign country. And when I'm not feeling good, it's hard to convince myself to do it. So yes, this is another pity post.
Mashed potatoes and white rice are the 2 things that will still taste the same...
Since I'm in bed I sent Andy to his restaurant of choice and told him to get whatever favorites he wants. I can't smell so whatever he comes home with should not waft upstairs and bother me.
On another note-the pharmacists today were not that helpful in deciphering if my medications were gluten free. They didn't offer to call the company for me or encyclopedia-brown-it and figure it out for themselves. I was too sick to really care and am chancing it. But I am starting to get more comfortable talking about it with people I don't know. Nobody has looked at me like I'm crazy.
Since I was sick last weekend, I didn't go with Andy to visit his brother-which means I never made it "out" to eat. This weekend....pending I have an appetite and I feel better, I am challenging myself to going to a restaurant. I've been hearing little things here and there about different restaurants and chains that have a gluten free menu.
My brother has been trying some of the Bob's Red Mill products. It has made me so happy to get emails telling me what he has thought of them. Both times he has mentioned that his girlfriend, Liz, has not liked the product. This makes me happy because I don't want the added pressure that I, too, have to be impressed by it if I'm not. I am excited to try the product, but knowing that others might think it's not as good as the real thing, makes me feel HUMAN. Thanks Liz!
My mom had her celiac panel done. They didn't do the genetic portion, but they did the antibody test. Of course it came back normal! But it was fun to compare our results.
That's it.
That's all for now.
My stomach turns at the thought of eating something that is supposed to taste like my comfort foods, but doesn't really do it.
I'm not hungry. But Andy keeps reminding me that I have to eat.
I really miss Mrs. grass soup and saltines. The way a saltine feels in my mouth is not something that can be duplicated by any gf cracker I've come across. They are all so crunchy my brain ricochets off my skull while I chew them.
A lot of the gf foods are tolerable, but sort of have a taste like I'm eating in a foreign country. And when I'm not feeling good, it's hard to convince myself to do it. So yes, this is another pity post.
Mashed potatoes and white rice are the 2 things that will still taste the same...
Since I'm in bed I sent Andy to his restaurant of choice and told him to get whatever favorites he wants. I can't smell so whatever he comes home with should not waft upstairs and bother me.
On another note-the pharmacists today were not that helpful in deciphering if my medications were gluten free. They didn't offer to call the company for me or encyclopedia-brown-it and figure it out for themselves. I was too sick to really care and am chancing it. But I am starting to get more comfortable talking about it with people I don't know. Nobody has looked at me like I'm crazy.
Since I was sick last weekend, I didn't go with Andy to visit his brother-which means I never made it "out" to eat. This weekend....pending I have an appetite and I feel better, I am challenging myself to going to a restaurant. I've been hearing little things here and there about different restaurants and chains that have a gluten free menu.
My brother has been trying some of the Bob's Red Mill products. It has made me so happy to get emails telling me what he has thought of them. Both times he has mentioned that his girlfriend, Liz, has not liked the product. This makes me happy because I don't want the added pressure that I, too, have to be impressed by it if I'm not. I am excited to try the product, but knowing that others might think it's not as good as the real thing, makes me feel HUMAN. Thanks Liz!
My mom had her celiac panel done. They didn't do the genetic portion, but they did the antibody test. Of course it came back normal! But it was fun to compare our results.
That's it.
That's all for now.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
pizza, bread and noodles
Gotta love the title of this post. No, not another pity post.
1. Andy bought me gluten free Bisquick mix. We tried pizza last night. He liked it (or claims to!). I thought it was ok. I said "I would eat this, but it isn't pizza". He didn't understand what I was getting at. Yes, it was edible without complaint. But I wouldn't call it pizza because it is not what pizza is in my head and heart (remember, I worked at pizza hut for >4 years). The crust had the consistency of corn bread. It was gritty. The flavor was ok, but on my tongue it was like wet sand. We need to keep trying other pizza crusts.
2. The bread I made a few nights ago sits on the counter. Andy loves it (of course, he loves everything gf). It's very dense. I could not eat a sandwich of it. I know that homemade bread is dense but this is so heavy and the flavor is just a little off. I have tried it toasted and even under the broiler as garlic bread. Both times Andy finished mine for me. I'm determined to make my own bread....but the Udi's is MUCH better.
3. Tonight was our first experiment with pasta (except for when my mom made that gf spaghetti bake). We made corn/quinoa pasta. It was elbow shape noodles. I smothered (yes smothered because I was worried about flavor) Alfredo sauce which I usually only like very light. We also added some chicken. It was great. This was probably the best gluten free product I've had so far and I'm so happy because -darn it-I love my noodles. I did try some plain as well and they were also tolerable, so I don't need to add that big, heavy, fatty sauce to eat it. I'm very excited. The boxes of pasta are much more expensive ($3.50-$5 a box vs. regular pasta 2/$1.00) so Andy made his own regular noodles and we were very careful to not cross contaminate.
4. My mom sent me these cards in the mail that have a description of a gluten free diet to put in my wallet. When I'm at a restaurant I can pull that out if it appears the waiter/server/chef doesn't know what it is all about. Very cool. Andy put one in his wallet too-cute!
5. I've tried the Woodchuck beer and the New Grist. The first New Grist that I tried I really enjoyed. I tried it again last night and did not like the flavor as much. I think it is because the first night I was gossiping heavily with 3 friends and didn't pay attention as much-so I know in social settings I can totally tolerate the New Grist. Not sure if I'm a cider girl-but the Wood Chuck could grow on me too.
6. This weekend we are going to stay overnight at my brother in law's house. It makes me nervous because it could turn into 3-4 meals away from home. I haven't gone out to eat yet and have only eaten at one other friends house (who happens to be a dietitian and helped in MAJOR ways). I think we are going to try restaurant eating Saturday night and I'm prepared to be bold and understanding.
So here's the real question....for all of you who actually have read this far into this totally boring post. We bought a 10 lb bag of potatoes thinking we'd be eating them all the time since I can't have noodles. Since, we have had potatoes only once. So now, here sits a huge bag of potatoes.
2 questions for you.
1. What recipes do you know for potatoes that you can make ahead and freeze?
2. Where do you store your potatoes? fridge? counter? floor? cupboard?
Happy Friday tomorrow.
1. Andy bought me gluten free Bisquick mix. We tried pizza last night. He liked it (or claims to!). I thought it was ok. I said "I would eat this, but it isn't pizza". He didn't understand what I was getting at. Yes, it was edible without complaint. But I wouldn't call it pizza because it is not what pizza is in my head and heart (remember, I worked at pizza hut for >4 years). The crust had the consistency of corn bread. It was gritty. The flavor was ok, but on my tongue it was like wet sand. We need to keep trying other pizza crusts.
2. The bread I made a few nights ago sits on the counter. Andy loves it (of course, he loves everything gf). It's very dense. I could not eat a sandwich of it. I know that homemade bread is dense but this is so heavy and the flavor is just a little off. I have tried it toasted and even under the broiler as garlic bread. Both times Andy finished mine for me. I'm determined to make my own bread....but the Udi's is MUCH better.
3. Tonight was our first experiment with pasta (except for when my mom made that gf spaghetti bake). We made corn/quinoa pasta. It was elbow shape noodles. I smothered (yes smothered because I was worried about flavor) Alfredo sauce which I usually only like very light. We also added some chicken. It was great. This was probably the best gluten free product I've had so far and I'm so happy because -darn it-I love my noodles. I did try some plain as well and they were also tolerable, so I don't need to add that big, heavy, fatty sauce to eat it. I'm very excited. The boxes of pasta are much more expensive ($3.50-$5 a box vs. regular pasta 2/$1.00) so Andy made his own regular noodles and we were very careful to not cross contaminate.
4. My mom sent me these cards in the mail that have a description of a gluten free diet to put in my wallet. When I'm at a restaurant I can pull that out if it appears the waiter/server/chef doesn't know what it is all about. Very cool. Andy put one in his wallet too-cute!
5. I've tried the Woodchuck beer and the New Grist. The first New Grist that I tried I really enjoyed. I tried it again last night and did not like the flavor as much. I think it is because the first night I was gossiping heavily with 3 friends and didn't pay attention as much-so I know in social settings I can totally tolerate the New Grist. Not sure if I'm a cider girl-but the Wood Chuck could grow on me too.
6. This weekend we are going to stay overnight at my brother in law's house. It makes me nervous because it could turn into 3-4 meals away from home. I haven't gone out to eat yet and have only eaten at one other friends house (who happens to be a dietitian and helped in MAJOR ways). I think we are going to try restaurant eating Saturday night and I'm prepared to be bold and understanding.
So here's the real question....for all of you who actually have read this far into this totally boring post. We bought a 10 lb bag of potatoes thinking we'd be eating them all the time since I can't have noodles. Since, we have had potatoes only once. So now, here sits a huge bag of potatoes.
2 questions for you.
1. What recipes do you know for potatoes that you can make ahead and freeze?
2. Where do you store your potatoes? fridge? counter? floor? cupboard?
Happy Friday tomorrow.
This just in....
I waited all week for today to arrive. Thursday....ahh good old Thursday. It was the day the receptionist at Dr. B (eli's pediatrician) said I could call back. Wednesday I thought it was Thursday. Thursday felt like Wednesday. Everything was complicated because I had an intern with me at work, which made it difficult to make a "personal" call. But what did I care? She was sitting right next to me when the e-mail came through from my gi doc diagnosing me with celiac's. (awkward!)
It took ALL day for me to finally get Eli's results. I had to make many phone calls and I left work almost in tears as I still didn't have an answer. As Andy and I made our gf dinner, the phone rang. I couldn't get to the phone....was it in my pocket? jacket pocket? on the counter? in my purse. Andy couldn't believe it. It was either the doc or my sister in labor-both reasons to scavenge everywhere and find that phone! It was the nurse. She apologized for all of the confusion. The hospital had faxed over different lab results from October. Regardless---this just in! Eli's blood work showed no sign of celiac disease!
I jumped up and down, requested the lab work sent to our house and threw Eli in the air. I told him he could eat cupcakes and pizza! hahaha. It was great.
I know that if the results would have had elevated antibodies, we would have bonded together over a gluten free diet-but I prefer he bond with his daddy with cake, cereal, fishy crackers and eventually a good ol' miller lite.
It took ALL day for me to finally get Eli's results. I had to make many phone calls and I left work almost in tears as I still didn't have an answer. As Andy and I made our gf dinner, the phone rang. I couldn't get to the phone....was it in my pocket? jacket pocket? on the counter? in my purse. Andy couldn't believe it. It was either the doc or my sister in labor-both reasons to scavenge everywhere and find that phone! It was the nurse. She apologized for all of the confusion. The hospital had faxed over different lab results from October. Regardless---this just in! Eli's blood work showed no sign of celiac disease!
I jumped up and down, requested the lab work sent to our house and threw Eli in the air. I told him he could eat cupcakes and pizza! hahaha. It was great.
I know that if the results would have had elevated antibodies, we would have bonded together over a gluten free diet-but I prefer he bond with his daddy with cake, cereal, fishy crackers and eventually a good ol' miller lite.
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