Eating Out

Overcoming Gluten Free Social Isolation Part II: Attending a Wedding

Gluten Free Works Author Jennifer Leeson

Gluten free wedding receptionYou receive an invitation in the mail to a good friend’s wedding.  This is something you have been looking forward to for awhile, but now that you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, you notice that accompanying your excitement is some unwelcomed anxiety about being able to eat at the wedding. 

You already know the cake is a no-go, as are the dinner rolls that will undoubtedly be served.  But what about the Read More »

Overcoming Gluten Free Social Isolation: Part I Communication

Jennifer Leeson Gluten Free Works

gluten free cooking friendsThe phone rings…it’s my friend calling to see if I would like to come over to dinner.  Little does she know that I have just been diagnosed with Celiac disease and I’m now nervous about eating at other people’s homes… 

I’m still learning what to eat and how to read labels.  I feel my heart beat increase, and my palms start to sweat.  “What is this weird feeling,” I ask myself.  I feel like I’m going to panic…and all over a social invitation.  “What’s wrong with me, this shouldn’t be a big deal.  It never was before, I’ve always just done what I wanted.”  Oh yeah, I remind myself, it’s because I don’t know if I will be able to eat if I go over.  Maybe I just shouldn’t Read More »

Applebee’s Offering Gluten-free Options

Gluten-free residents can add another restaurant to the growing list that will accommodate their needs – Applebee’s.  Applebee’s joins a host of many other restaurants that are now offering a list of menu items that don’t contain gluten.  As noted, this list is subject to change, so make sure to check back frequently.  

As with any restaurant, there is always a risk of cross-contamination.  To help minimize the risk, ask to speak with the manager on duty.  Be sure to ask how the menu item is prepared and if it is cooked on surfaces or Read More »

Gluten-free Super Bowl Recipe Round Up

Photo source: http://insidecorner.dmagazine.com

Since the Super Bowl is this weekend, it seems fitting to round up all of the gluten-free recipes this Examiner can find.  We used to have fun hosting Super Bowl parties, but have since taken to just a quiet gathering.  When we hosted, some of my favorite dishes to prepare were: deviled eggs, seven layer dip, veggie tray, homemade dips (hot and cold), chili, wings from Allergy Free Foods, chicken nuggets from Applegate Farms, and brownies. Keep the menu simple and limit it to things you are comfortable preparing. No need to get stressed out on such a fun day of sports, commercials and of course gluten-free food.

Here are links to gluten-free Super Bowl recipes: Read More »

50% Off Complete Idiot’s Guide to Gluten-Free Eating

Special limited time offer while supplies last. 50% off remaining inventory of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Gluten-Free Eating” ($8.50 plus $4.95 shipping).

“This book was written to help you move as simply and easily as possible from a gluten-full to a gluten-free diet. It is chock full of all the basic information you need to get started on the diet and would make a nice companion book to “The Gluten-Free Nutrition Guide.” It is written from a refreshingly unique (and often times funny) perspective as Eve (my co-author) went gluten-free while writing this book.” ~Tricia Thompson, MS, RD

To be eligible for this promotion, this book must be purchased directly from Read More »

Stand Up for Your “Gluten-free” Self!

Interesting experience over this past weekend.  I went to a restaurant that offers gluten free pizza and buns and inquired with the bartender if they had gluten free beer. 

He proceeded to inform me that there is no such thing as gf beer because gf beer isn’t REAL beer and was a bit jerky about the whole thing.  He informed me that he brews his own beer, so he knows what real beer is. 

I was quite offended at this response, as I was ordering gluten free beer out of necessity, not out of Read More »

Top 10 Ways to Eat Gluten-free Safely for the Holidays

1)  Never assume.  Just because your host knows you’re on a special diet doesn’t mean they understand the nuances of your lifestyle.  Ask to see packages of foods before you eat them.

2)  Bring a protein-based dish to your next gathering.  That way, you know there will be something safe to eat, and you won’t be hungry.  Click here for a Holiday Read More »

Smoothie King Offers Gluten-free Choices

The idea for Smoothie King started back in the late 1960’s in the home of Steve Kuhnau.  Kuhnau was trying to remedy his allergies and low blood sugar and began to experiment with blending fruits, nutrients and proteins in a blender.  In 1973, Kuhnau opened a health food store selling his smoothies & vitamins and Smoothie King was born.  Smoothie King has grown to over 600 locations in the US and Seoul, Korea.  Smoothie King’s mission is “To relentlessly influence and help more & more people achieve a healthier lifestyle.”   Read More »