Have Gluten Free Snacks - Will Travel!

Hello from the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, CO!  My husband and I are in the middle of a wonderful Colorado vacation!  I have been documenting our trip on instagram (https://instagram.com/siouxlandceliac/) by posting a lot of meal photos.  LOL.  I promise you, I have not just been spending all of my time eating! 

Traveling when you have Celiac Disease is a challenge, to say the least.  I ALWAYS pack a ton of gluten free goodies to take on the road with me, "just in case".  However, unlike last year, I've got a bit more experience with this trip!  Last year's Colorado vacation came just 6 months after my Celiac diagnosis.  I was so lost and ate mostly salads the entire time because I didn't know enough yet about how to find/make safe choices for myself.  I also was terrible about asking questions for fear of "putting anyone out".  I've gotten MUCH better about that - even if it still bugs me.  At least I understand the seriousness of needing to ask the right questions and require things a certain way so that I can be safe from cross contamination or being accidentally glutened.  We've been able to enjoy our travel so much better than last year!

 

 

I love this bag I received awhile back in my monthly box of G-Free goodies from G-Free Foodie!  It holds a LOT of gluten free goodness!!!!!

 

So, here is our trip, so far, in pictures.  Well before leaving for our trip, I did my research so I wasn't going into things blindly.  There are so many resources available online, through smart phone apps, etc.  I searched on Find Me Gluten Free app on my phone for the specific areas where we would be, as well as online for gluten free restaurants in specific towns.  I was able to find a listing online for Boulder Celiacs, which offered a wonderful and extensive list of gluten free restaurants/options in the Boulder area as put together by Celiacs who live in the area.  How awesome is that?!  Don't go into things blind.  Do the research up front.  It will make your trip a lot less stressful and so much more enjoyable!  But - DON'T let your guard down just because you are on vacation!  You still have to stay vigilant.  YOU are your number one advocate!  Don't ever forget that!

 

 Ruby Tuesday in North Platte, NE has an extensive GF menu and is very Celiac Friendly.  I loved my grilled salmon, baked potato and steamed broccoli!

 We had a wonderful evening in North Platte with my husband's cousin, Gary and his sweetie, Jan.

 Breakfast at the Hampton Inn in North Platte wasn't much, but it was gluten free and delicious!

 For lunch in Loveland the next day, my husband's Aunt Joyce took us to Blocky's Eatery that offers gluten free pizza and pasta (only 1 pasta dish, ravioli - they were out, but the pizza was divine!)

 Dave and his Aunt Joyce.

 Yesterday's breakfast was this wonderful gluten free raspberry scone from the Inkwell & Brew in Downtown Estes Park, CO.  YUM!

 We met up with another friend at the Rock Inn in Estes Park last night.  They also have an extensive gluten free/vegan & vegetarian menu available.

 My meal at the Rock Inn - lean buffalo burger on gluten free bread (the best I've had to date!) with yummy quinoa on the side.  Soooooo good!

 Me and my friend, Karen at the Rock Inn.



This morning's breakfast at our hotel in Estes Park, the Rocky Mountain Park Inn.  This was in their restaurant, Longz Grill.  Delicious!  Happy Friday!  Be good and stay #GlutenFree4Life

National Celiac Awareness Day

 

 

September 13th is National Celiac Awareness Day.  My mom and I wore the new t-shirts I just bought for us recently through Vista Print in honor of this day.  My two biggest supporters since my Celiac diagnosis in January, 2014 have been my husband and my mom.  Both of them have worked very hard to find out what Celiac is, how it affects me and what I can and cannot eat.  I'm so blessed to have not only these two amazing people in my corner, advocating for me, but I've got some fantastic and understanding extended family, friends, church family (shout out to my New Hope family!!!  You're the best!  #newhopemovement ) and co-workers. 

 

 

My co-workers and boss have been with me through my health issues of the past few years about as much as my husband and mom have.  All the time I am more and more humbled and amazed by how my co-workers are trying to learn about my disease and they have been so patient, understanding and caring.  They have seen first hand what I've gone through in the several years leading up to my diagnosis.  They've had to cover for me during times that my disease (before and after diagnosis) has gotten the best of me and shut me down for a time.  They've patiently listened to me talk about it and continue to ask questions to better understand it.  I'm always so touched when one of them brings a treat to the office and saves the packaging so that I can read the ingredients and see if it is something that I can have.  Not only my co-workers, but our new receptionist at work has been asking lots of questions, as well.  Her sister is gluten free due to Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.  She asked me for some gluten free recipes so that when she makes her birthday treat this month, she can have something available that is safe for me to eat, as well.  To know how much they truly care about me touches my heart more than I can express.  #whatyouneedwhenyouneedit #bomgaars

 

 

At church, I've had a similar experience.  These people truly are my church "family".  They have shown me as much kindness, caring, support and encouragement as my family has!  In fact, it was because of several members of my New Hope family that I began this blog in the first place.  Many of them have continued to ask me questions about Celiac Disease and about my health.  Some have put me in touch with friends of theirs who've either been more recently diagnosed than me, or those who think they may have Celiac or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.  That is why I started this blog - to help others in their journeys with Celiac.  A while back one of the elders (who likes to be called a "younger" because he's just 30) had shared something that really resonated with me.  It is something I fully believe, myself.  He said that he just couldn't believe that everything happens for a purpose, but he DOES believe that God can bring purpose out of everything that happens.  I fully agree with that.  I don't believe that there is a purpose for anyone to have Celiac Disease (or any disease, for that matter) or for the innumerable horrors that happen all around the world on a daily basis.  But, I do believe that God can bring a purpose to everything we go through.  In my case, not only with having Celiac Disease, but also the past I've had growing up in a single parent home, being a domestic abuse survivor, having miscarried my only biological child - there is no purpose to me having experienced any of that if I don't use my experiences to help others.  That is my goal.  To help others learn about Celiac Disease by sharing my story and to encourage and support others in the Celiac community in their journeys.  #celiacawarenessday #glutenfree4life

 

 

Part of this weekend of Celiac Awareness my mom and I spent by visiting our local Farmer's Market and doing some planning for the booth that we are going to do next Summer for the Farmer's Market.  We even got to talk to a couple of people about Celiac Disease and about our plans for a Siouxland Celiac booth offering nothing but homemade gluten free cookies, bars and breads.  Pretty exciting to be able to share!  I had some fun taking photos while we were there, too.  It was such a wonderful and fun day.  #naturallyglutenfree #siouxcityfarmersmarket

 



 

Life is Precious

This past Saturday my husband's mother's side of the family got together for the first time in 20 or so years.  Sadly, I never met my husband's mom, who passed away in 1994.  But I have had the privilege to meet and get to know her brothers and sisters.  We had an amazing turnout at the reunion, though many family members weren't able to attend, including my husband's Uncle Ab.  He'd been in the hospital and was too weak to make the trip.  During the reunion we posted photos on Facebook so that he could feel a part of the day with us. 

Yes, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable time at family gatherings when you have Celiac Disease.  I simply made and brought my own food to the picnic.  While everyone else was enjoying their meals, I was enjoying my own and still able to be with all of them and participate in a wonderful day.

 

 

We all had a wonderful time with lots of food, games, visiting and pictures!  It was so nice to be able to get to know some of this side of the family better.  Many are aware of my health issues, and many have gone through different health issues of their own.  One thing each of us has learned, I believe, is that we can get through these things and come out stronger on the other side.  I have to share a few pics from the day. 

 

Group photo by Lloyd Clemon

 

Me and my husband, Dave.  Photo by Linda Reitz

 

Family is so important in each of our lives.  Friends may come and go, but your family is who you really lean on during the hard times and who you celebrate with in the good times.  I've been so blessed with such an amazing family.  Not just my own, but both sides of my husband's family, as well.  I have been met with kindness and compassion from so many.  I know that not everyone has that kind of support and understanding from their families.  I do not take it for granted.  We are there for each other - no matter what.  That's what family should be.

 

 

 

left to right: Ab (Albert), Mary Lou (Dave's mom), Dick, Joyce, Don & Wilma

 

Sadly, early this morning we received a phone call from Dave's sister with the news that dear Uncle Ab had passed away in the night.  While we know that he no longer suffers, it is still hard to let go of someone who was such a loved and important part of the family.  Dave's mom grew up with two sisters and three brothers.  Now there are only two brothers and one sister remaining.  It seems like I've been to more funerals in the past 10 or so years than weddings.  The older we get, the more we realize how precious and short life really is.  Now, it's time to say good-bye to another loved one.

 

The surviving siblings, left to right: Dick, Joyce & Don

 

Rest in peace, Uncle Ab.  We'll miss you!

 

  





 

 



Designs for Life

So, I've finally gotten around to designing an official logo for my Siouxland Celiac label.  So, what do you all think?  Next up will be Siouxland Celiac business cards to pass out at the Farmer's Market next summer when I set up.  I'm thinking I will probably get them before then leave some around.  Any input from my followers would be welcome.

 



I'm thinking I like it!

 

Sioux City Farmer's Market, I'm going to be ready for you beginning in 2016!  The more I think about doing this, the more excited I am getting!!  Last Saturday I spoke with the manager of the Sioux City Farmer's Market.  She told me that a few years ago a guy had tried a stand with gluten free products, but it didn't go over very well.  However, she also agreed with me that there is a real need for it and she believes that it is time to try it again.  She was very encouraging for me to make a go of it next year.  I'm already formulating plans on how I want it to be.  I'll be sure to have some samples and I plan to keep my products simple for the first season.  Yep, I said first season.  Something inside me tells me that it will be the first of, hopefully, many years to come.  Right now I'm thinking of offering cookies, brownies and other types of bars.  Probably some fruit breads, as well.  We'll see what all my mom and I are able to come up with through the long Iowa winter months.  I am sooo excited.  I am also really thankful to all of my wonderful friends and family who have been so encouraging to me about this.  I'll keep you posted as plans progress.

 

I've been playing with designs all afternoon and evening.  I've even designed a t-shirt, ball cap and banner to use for next summer.  I LOVE Vistaprint.com!!  Here are the designs I've come up with.  I can't wait!  I know there is still a lot more planning to do, not to mention prep work, containers and ingredients, etc to purchase over the next 8 to 9 months to get ready for next summer, but, little by little, I'll get there!

 

Farmer's Market

How's this for a new start up??  I haven't posted in months, so you get two-for-one today!  :-)

This will be a short one just to inform you of an idea that I had today.  My husband and I have gone to our local Farmer's Market the past two Saturdays.  While they have a lot of fresh, locally grown produce as well as many arts and crafts to choose from, they also have various stands offering fresh, homemade baked goods.  None of which are gluten free, of course.  Sooooo...I've decided to plan for next year.  I will have to do a lot of research and planning to be ready for it, but my idea is to work up some awesome cookie, brownie, mini banana bread recipes, etc., to make and offer next year at the Farmer's Market.  I also plan to offer free brochures about Celiac Disease and maybe have some little items (magnets, buttons, stickers) at my own Siouxland Celiac stand!  My mom has already volunteered to help me out with it!!  I'm excited!  I know it isn't feasible to do this season, but I plan to be ready for next year!!!  Now, to design a unique and original logo for my Siouxland Celiac.  I kind of volunteered a good friend of mine to help me out with this.  I am very excited and would appreciate any feedback from my readers!!

Sioux City Farmer's Market, June 20, 2015

 

 

 Homemade salsa I made from fresh produce and cilantro I bought at the Farmer's Market this morning.

 

And. . . they had COFFEE!!!!!!  This little coffee station is called Java Hub Jr, a traveling coffee house courtesy of the Java Hub in Correctionville, Iowa.



It's been awhile

 



I know it has been quite awhile since I've written my last blog post.  It felt like my blog wasn't really taking off and getting many views, so I have been wondering if it was even worth the effort to keep it going.  So, I kind of fell away from posting.

I've decided that even if only a few people are reading it, it is worth continuing the blog.  This is about my story, educating people who are either newly diagnosed or just interested in knowing more about Celiac Disease and living gluten free.  So, here I go.  For those who are still with me - thank you!

The past couple of months have been really hectic and stressful as the company I work for has added 8 new stores at once with a 9th new store to be open later this year.  This is on top of the of the 69 stores we already had.  We lost one person in our department just as we were adding an extra person.  Next, we added two additional people and lost our part-timer.  I am the person who trains all of these new hires!  Three new hires within 6 weeks!  Whew!  We have a fourth new hire starting next week, as well.  Thankfully, this will be the last new hire for awhile (we hope!).  While I am extremely grateful to be working for a growing and thriving company, so much growth in such a short period of time is stressful - on everyone at the corporate office and distribution center levels.  Having Celiac Disease really makes things interesting.  Because I already have a compromised immune system, I really have to make sure that I get plenty of sleep, take my GF vitamin supplements and try really hard not to allow the stress to overwhelm me.  I've learned that stress is a trigger that leads to my body simply "shutting down".  By this, I mean that my entire system becomes overwhelmed, exhausted and I just can't go on.  This has happened twice to me in the past couple of months.  Thankfully, I was able to get through the work week before my body said, "ENOUGH!".  At that point, all I can do is do absolutely nothing but rest, drink lots of fluids and stay home.  I always hate when I have to put my life on hold because of this disease, but I have also learned that if I don't, it takes much longer for me to recuperate and it is so much harder on my body and on me emotionally.  Unless you've been there, it is difficult to describe how this feels.  At times like those, I barely have the energy to even get up to use the bathroom, eat, dress myself, etc.  Every nerve in my body feels heightened and overly sensitive to touch.  So much so, that anything, even sheets or clothing, no matter how light the fabric is, actually hurts me - every inch of my body!

See, that's the thing about Celiac Disease.  Even when you're doing everything right, living completely gluten free, taking care of your health by getting plenty of rest, fluids, taking the right vitamin supplements, etc, you STILL have an autoimmune disease.  Your body can still fight you and be uncooperative.  You may feel completely fine one minute and the next you are just completely and utterly depleted and can not possibly go any further.  It is really hard to accept and come to terms with the fact that my body still turns on me, even though I'm doing everything right to take care of myself.  It sucks!  It's hard!  What's the hardest for me is always feeling like I am letting everyone down because I have to cancel plans, often at the last moment because it's not as if I can actually plan and arrange when my body is going to shut down.  I hate that, at those times, my disease is running my life.  I mean, I already have to be hyper-vigilant every moment of every day.  It's not as if I can forget that I have this disease.  It is constantly uppermost in my mind.  But, I HAVE to keep it uppermost in my mind because if I let my guard down for one second it could have extremely severe consequences to my health.  It's exhausting!!!!!

What I am exceedingly grateful for is that I have a husband, mom, extended family and church family who have all been so supportive, encouraging and loving as I have been going through all of this journey.  My co-workers are the best!  They have been there and seen me through some pretty embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms and worsening health issues before my diagnosis.  Not once has any of them ever said that it's all in my head or belittled what I go through.  They've all been there, watching my back, asking questions, interested in finding out about this disease I have and what my needs are.  I know that not everyone has the kind of support system that I do.  Believe me, I do NOT take a single one of them for granted!  I am so incredibly grateful for the blessings that they are in my life.  Not just in supporting me in my health issues, but just for the wonderful people they are.

LAUGH FOR THE DAY:

 



Celiac & Vitamin Deficencies

Let's talk about Celiac Disease and vitamins.  Before my diagnosis I had been taking vitamin supplements in the form of a multi-vitamin, as well as extra vitamin C, Calcium and Folic Acid.  When I was still in the early stages of learning about this disease that I have and how to live a completely gluten free life I began reviewing the ingredients in pretty much everything I used in the house.  At first it was only my food, but then I realized that many household items contain gluten, including soap, shampoo, face moisturizer, make up, toothpaste, lotion, etc.  I went through all of these products and dumped out a lot of the items I'd used for years.  I never even thought about checking my vitamin supplements!  A few months later I read an article online about hidden gluten in vitamins!!  Wow, was I surprised!  I looked at the ingredients on all of my supplement bottles and every one of them contained gluten!  So, like all of the other products I could no longer safely use - these, too, went into the garbage.

Because of the damage caused by gluten to a Celiac's intestines, we are not able to properly absorb all of the nutrients we need.  This causes vitamin deficiencies.  Newly diagnosed Celiacs are prone to more serious deficiencies because they are just beginning to live gluten free and their intestines still need to heal.  I have been gluten free for just over a year and while my body is still in the healing process (I believe I lived with undiagnosed Celiac Disease for close to 35 or 36 years before finally learning I have this in January, 2014), I've been living gluten free long enough that some healing has occurred and hopefully, that means that I can now begin to absorb the nutrients my body so desperately needs.  Sometimes with all of the things I've been learning in the past year about products containing gluten it can get very overwhelming.  While I've known that I need to be taking supplements, I just didn't have the energy (another sign of lack of nutrients?!) to delve into this area.  Which was self-defeating, I realize.  I now regret that very much.  Having been sick and run down lately, I decided that I have to do something.

Common nutrient deficiencies seen in people with celiac disease include vitamin A, D, E, K, calcium, magnesium, vitamin b12, vitamin D, iron, and folic acid among others according to many online sources, including http://celiac-disease.com/nutrient-deficiencies-and-celiac-disease/ , http://www.medicinenet.com/celiac_disease_gluten_free_diet/page4.htm and http://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/vitamins-and-supplements/.  Each of these links will take you to some vital information about Celiac Disease an vitamin deficiencies. 

Okay, I will admit that I haven't yet been tested to see what my deficiencies are.  This is something that is very critical to do and I need to get on it.  In the meantime, I am taking matters into my own hands, as with everything else I have done since diagnosis and going gluten free.  Don't worry, I will follow my own advice.  I know that testing is a very important part of monitoring levels and getting healthier.  I got another eye-opener tonight as I shopped for vitamin supplements to get started on.  Bottle after bottle after bottle that I picked up and reviewed the ingredients showed "Contains Wheat".  UGH!!!!!!!  I FINALLY, after reviewing about 10 different multi-vitamin bottles, found a gluten free multi-vitamin gummy with natural fruit juices.  Score!!!  I know in the past I've have issues with anemia, so I also grabbed a bottle of iron supplements.  Thanks to a couple of co-workers I have learned of a place I can go in Sioux City that will test for any nutrient deficiencies I may have.  I need to make an appointment soon to get this done so that I can continue to be proactive in my quest for better health.

My lesson tonight is in the importance, not only of getting the nutrients my body is sorely lacking in, but also in reading ALL ingredients in ALL products I plan to use before purchasing them.  Yes, this takes a considerable amount of extra time over what a normal shopping trip would take.  But, it is worth it.  Of course, another option is to do the research up front before you even step outside your home to go to the store.  There are so many resources available online for this information.  The links I included in this post are some very good places to look and they can lead you to other information to help you find out about specific brands and what to look for.  Here's to a healthier tomorrow!

 

Watch for my next blog post about gluten in make up and beauty products.