Five Steps to Living Gluten-Free

Jens Gluten Free Blog

Hard to believe it’s only been 18 months since I’ve become egg-free, cow dairy-free, and gluten-free. It’s been total immersion since day one. I’m happy to say although it was challenging at first it’s now a way of life. I rarely pine for gluten-filled foods anymore. Eggs on the other hand are a bit more difficult and I miss them more often.

So, when Jen from Jens Gluten Free Blog asked me to write a guest post entitled Gluten-Free Newbies Report: Five Steps to Living Gluten-Free I was both excited and inspired. It wasn’t that long ago I was (and in many ways still am) a Gluten-Free newbie. If someone had given me pearls of wisdom gleaned from their own experience could it have made my journey easier? Yes, definitely! And, it did. I read a lot about this new lifestyle—blogs and articles and books and anything I could get my hands on—and I’m still reading and learning.

The challenging part was keeping the post to five points and a reasonable length. There’s so much to share. Fortunately some wonderful people are sharing online and in publications every day so there’s an amazing amount of information for newbies and veterans alike.

A word about Jens Gluten Free Blog—Jen and her friend, Julie, started the blog to help people who are navigating the gluten-free world. They both have children who are wheat-sensitive or celiac and founded the blog as an outlet for their own experiences and to communicate to others traveling down similar paths. It’s a great blog with recipes, guest blog posts, and their own stories and experiences.

So, please go on over to Jens Gluten Free Blog and read my guest post: Gluten-Free Newbies Report: Five Steps to Living Gluten-Free.  Then come back and visit the Links section of The Sensitive Pantry to find interesting blogs and sites that offer information for gluten-free living.

Pay it Forward: Attitude of Gratitude

I want to formally thank Rachel (Living Without Wheat) and Diane (The WHOLE Gang) for their very kind Attitude of Gratitude nominations last month.

I experienced a little pang of surprise when I received their messages—and then a warm feeling that gave way to a smile. You have no idea how touched I was by the sentiment of these two ladies.

Rachel and Diane, thank you for that moment and for your thoughtful words.

It may sound trite but, I feel fortunate every day. I’ve got an interesting family, supportive husband, incredible son and great friends. I’ve had a successful career and, even more important, a great life.

So, I have food intolerances. Finding out was, now looking back, a great day. (OK, at that moment I didn’t feel that way!) I was not healthy—overweight with repeated infections, surgeries, lack of energy, and stomach problems that were becoming more frequent and severe. Truth is I didn’t really know how unhealthy I was. What I did know was that I didn’t feel good much of the time. Finally a naturopathic practitioner understood my issues and helped me work through them. I entered a loosely formed cyber-community of people who had their own food related experiences and were willing to share them and their victories with me. And, I found it inspiring. For all of that—my doctor, my new celiac, gluten intolerant, allergic friends, my supportive husband, son, family and friends—I am grateful.

My Italian heritage, my mother, and the generations of women before her are just as important as my new support group. If my mother hadn’t cooked wonderful, whole food meals each and every day of my childhood I may not have been inspired or motivated to cook for myself in this new way. I attribute the cooking knowledge, ability and passion she passed on to me the reason I’ve been able to make this transition successfully.

Now it’s time for me to bestow this award on some pretty special folks. Each has chosen to show their gratitude to the gluten-free and food allergy world by sharing pieces of his or her life and many wonderful recipes.

Attitude of Gratitude Award

Karina (Karina’s Kitchen) - Karina’s blog was the first I came across (and one of the very few out there) that provided me a ton of gluten, egg, and dairy free recipes. Nirvana. And, they’re always delicious. Double nirvana. (Let’s not forget she has a great life philosophy.) Twitter feed @karinaskitchen and @karinasrecipes.

Nicole (The Benevolent Kitchen) - Nicole is a very helpful, knowledgable gluten-free cook. She shares great tips and information freely. You’ll definitely want to check out her site and follow her on Twitter @benekitchn.

Carrie (Ginger Lemon Girl) - Carrie is fun and a great cook! She has an extensive list of recipes including a “how to” section. Check it out. Tweet with her @gingerlemongirl.

Travis (Trav’s Gone Gluten-Free) - After a brief hiatus in China Travis is back. I look forward to his posts so missed him sorely while he was away. He has a compelling story, great attitude and interesting recipes you’re sure to enjoy.

Joyce (Grandma’s Gluten-Free Baking N Cooking) - Joyce is a social networking star! She’s tireless in her effort to bind the food allergic & sensitive together so they may share with and learn from each other. You can find her @SilknPearls and @GFGrandmaBNC on Twitter.

Jeanne (Four Chickens) - She has a sense of humor, style, and a talent for cooking gluten-free. Jeanne is inventive and fearless when it comes to cooking. (And, she’s really does have four, no five, chickens.) I tweet with Jeanne @FourChickens.

Jeena (Jeena’s Kitchen) - Chef Jeena is my new friend from across the pond. I barely get time to read her latest recipe when she’s posted another. You will find a great variety of photo laden posts on her blog. Connect with @ChefJeena on Twitter.

Naomi (Straight Into Bed Cakefree and Dried) - Naomi is also from the UK. You’ll find her blog wonderfully written and laden with all things gluten-free savory and sweet. She contributes not only through her blog but also through the practice of homeopathy and coaching for those new to gluten-free living.

If you’ve been mentioned and have the time please pay the tribute forward. If you choose to then here are some guidelines (these are not rules):

• put the logo on your blog or post
• nominate bloggers you feel show an attitude of gratitude
• link to your nominees within your post
• comment on their blogs to let them know they’ve received this award
• share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award
• tell us how you’ve come to have an attitude of gratitude