Tag Archives: Lifestyle

Don’t Be a Gluten-Free Grinch…Be Like the Who’s!

“And he himself carved the roast beef”

Although none of us live in a microscopic, snowflake world, we can all learn a little something from the Who’s of Who-ville. You know, the characters of that one movie about that green guy that steals everyone’s gifts with the help of his adorable dog, Max.

I know you’ve read the book, or have seen the movie (and if you haven’t, you can probably catch it on TV sometime in the next couple of days). The Who’s of Who-ville LOVE Christmas, with their singing, decorating, and all-around holiday spirit. Then of course there’s The Grinch, a Read More »

How the Gluten-Free Diet is like a Zombie Apocalypse

Going gluten-free is a battle. A battle of the many emotions involved with learning an entire new way of eating. The battlefield is similar to the one that Rick, Carl, Maggie, Daryl and the others face on every episode of The Walking Dead. How do the two journeys relate? Well, let me explain…

1. What the ______?

When Rick woke up in the hospital he had no idea what was going on. Where was his family? Were they infected with this new ‘disease’? What just happened to life as he knew it? These feelings are similar to the ones someone experiences when diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance. They are confused about their new condition. How did this happen to them?

2. Stay Away!!

On The Walking Dead, the group did not know exactly what the zombies were or how they got that way, but Read More »

How Do You Own Your Health?

This is the article I wrote on Health and Wellness for the Autism Community Magazine. 

I recently heard Rebecca Onie speak on TedTalk about the current healthcare system in the US. She poses the questions: “What if our health care system kept us healthy? What if waiting rooms were a place to improve daily healthcare? What if doctors could/would prescribe/facilitate diet and lifestyle change and improve health?” The work the patient needs to do is not done after the prescription is Read More »

Gluten-Free Shopping in Paris

Gluten Free Works Jennifer Harris

gluten free paris monopOur recent trip to Paris, France was filled with lots of sightseeing, shopping and taking in the local cuisine. Traveling gluten free in Europe does require some research, so I wanted to share my gluten-free shopping experience.

It is important to know how to say gluten free in the appropriate language, so in French you ask for products that are ‘sans gluten’. I found it difficult to come by people who spoke English when we were in Paris, so make sure Read More »

Gluten-Free Foods and Tools to Pack When Traveling Abroad

Gluten Free Works Jennifer Harris

Gluten free travel foods mrs may's cashew crunch

Mrs. May’s Cashew Crunch is filling and slightly sweet. Photo: Mrs. May’s

When we went on our trip to Europe I wanted to be realistic about what gluten-free foods I brought with me. I didn’t want to be in a situation where I had little to no food options, but I also didn’t want to bring my entire pantry with me, so I managed the situation by packing my favorite ‘staple’ items that did not need refrigeration.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to eat totally differently when I am traveling than I do at home, so I pack items I know will keep me full between meals and in place of meals. I also pack something sweet because that is usually the Read More »

Food Restrictions As Self-care

Cheryl Harris Gluten Free Works

food restrictions as self-care

Photo: Cheryl Harris

On the surface, “restricting” and “self-care” sound like polar opposites and I know this is such a core issue that so many of us experience in the gluten-free community.  Generally we think of restrictions as a way of saying “no”, of controlling and denying. I’m sure everyone knows or has seen someone take even concepts about healthy eating and eating the “right foods”, and push them too far.  Yet for people with food allergies, Celiac, gluten sensitivity, etc., food restrictions can really be a way of simply living more fully, or taking better care of health.  Chances are if you’re on this blog, you know where I’m coming from.

I hate the idea of “dieting”—the regimented set of rules that are about contorting and what you do until you lose enough weight so that you can Read More »

Panera Bread – Summer 2012 Updated Information

Kim Bouldin Gluten Free Works

After doing some behind-the-scenes work on my blog last week, I noticed that many people find my blog by searching for gluten-free Panera Bread information.  Panera Bread has offered gluten-free choices for years, but they have never had any gluten-free baked goods on the menu.  I emailed them last week to get the current list of their menu items that are free of gluten and will be sharing them below.  Since Panera Bread has predominantly bread items, there is a risk of cross-contamination.

(source)

This is the response I received from Panera: Read More »

Allergy Eats Answers! New Press Release on Traveling With Food Allergies.

Gluten Free Works Author Jennifer Leeson

* The following post was not written by me, but rather supplied to me by Adrienne Walkowiak at http://www.allergyeats.com/*

AllergyEats Makes Traveling Easier This Spring,

Helps Families Find Food Allergy-Friendly Restaurants Nationwide

AllergyEats, The Most Comprehensive Source for Finding Allergy-Friendly Restaurants,

Offers Free Peer-Based Ratings, Tips & Info-Sharing Forums
BOSTON, MA (March 19, 2012) – Millions of people will travel this season for spring break, school vacation and the Easter/Passover holidays, and for most of them, these trips mean fun, relaxation and wonderful adventures.  But for the 15 million people with food allergies (and their families), traveling can be a source of tremendous anxiety.  Dining in unfamiliar cities and restaurants – which may or may not be able to accommodate their special dietary requirements – can be extremely stressful.  Worrying about a possible allergic reaction compounds the problem.  But the food allergy community can depend on AllergyEats (www.allergyeats.com), the biggest and fastest growing source for finding allergy-friendly restaurants, to help them more comfortably dine out wherever they are – resulting in a more enjoyable, less stressful trip.

“I’ve traveled extensively with my children – who are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame and dairy –  and have learned Read More »

Food Strategies For Newbies: A Day in the Gluten-Intolerant Life

gluten-free-claire-harrison

When I became a gluten-sensitive newbie a year ago, I couldn’t figure out what I’d eat on a day-by-day basis.

This hadn’t been a problem when I became lactose-intolerant because so many alternatives to cow’s milk products were in the grocery stores. Nor had it been a diet problem because my program (Weight Watchers) was not restrictive in choice, just in portion size.

But gluten-sensitivity (and also a problem with oats, alas) threw me into a complete tizzy. So many of my favorite foods were out the window. What was I going to eat at breakfast? For lunch? What about when I just wanted to grab a snack? Read More »

Finding Gluten-Free Cuisine Is a Breeze in Las Vegas

Gluten Free Works Jennifer Harris

Grilled Lamb Porterhouse Chops w/Preserved Serrano Chile Vinegar Sauce and Roasted Garlic

For the last two years my husband and I have enjoyed going to Las Vegas for a getaway. We like it there because there is gambling, shopping, shows and of course wonderful food. Those food options include an abundance of gluten-free cuisine.

While there in December 2011 we enjoyed two gourmet dinners with a plethora of gluten-free menu options.  One of the dinners was at Mesa Grill in Caesars Palace and the other was at NobHill Tavern in MGM Grand.  We also enjoyed a special breakfast complete with gluten-free Pamela’s Products pancakes ordered off of their Gluten Sensitive menu at The Cracked Egg.

Mesa Grill was up first and while the decor was a little on the cheesy side the food was excellent. When we made our reservations I was sure to stipulate that I would be eating Read More »