A fellow Celiac put together an amazing video spoken from her heart about her feelings surrounding a gluten free diet. Check it out:

Everything she said rang true for me as well as my family. The video is very timely as we approach Thanksgiving and the Holidays. If you’re going to be spending the Holidays in a gluten-filled environment, I recommend sending this video to the host. It’s an easy way to let them know that you are not just being picky, but you’re keeping yourself healthy by eating the foods your body can digest and avoiding those that will cause harmful affects.

A few years ago, I discovered my need for a gluten free diet. At first I was overwhelmed. I felt like I would never be able to enjoy an amazing Italian dish again – not to mention one out at a restaurant. That’s when I discovered a small family-owned Italian restaurant on the East side called Bistango, and my love affair with gluten free pasta and garlic bread began.

From the moment you walk inside Bistango, the owner greets you with a warm, welcoming smile and a handshake that lets you know he appreciates the opportunity to serve you an unforgettable meal. As you’re seated, your server greets you and asks “does anyone at the table have any diet restrictions?” In the everyday hustle of New York City, it’s very refreshing to know that you’ll be taken care of and your meal will be prepared with a little extra precaution.

Last night, I savored Bistango’s Gluten Free Wild Mushroom & Ricotta Raviolis in pink sauce, stole a few bites of the Filetto di Vitello, gluten free garlic bread, and complimented it all with Pinot Grigio.

If you’re looking for a romantic night out, Bistango offers an intimate setting that lets you feel like you’re the only two dining in the entire restaurant. The atmosphere itself is enough to make you fall head over heels – if you haven’t already…

Thanks for an amazing gluten free dinner, Bistango!

*Note: For full disclosure, I was not paid in anyway to write this post. I’ve simply enjoyed several delicious gluten free meals at Bistango, and I can’t wait to go back.

What have these improvements done for the gluten free world? To stay up-to-date with the constantly changing ingredients in processed foods, find out the closest gluten free restaurants, and just have access to gluten free recipes, here are some of the latest smart phone apps for your gluten free diet needs:

1. ScanAvert ($1.99 Monthly Subscription iTunes) – Must have for newbies and veterans alike.

When you first start a gluten free diet an every day activity like grocery shopping can become a challenge for you.  Once you create a ScanAvert account, you can set up a profile of your dietary needs.  There are 2o pre-registered diets to choose from including gluten free, wheat free, egg free, soy free, shellfish free, tree nut free, peanut free, milk free, Crohns/IBS, diabetes, and organic (plus some others).  Also, you can add prescriptions plus minimum and maximum amounts of different vitamins and minerals in your diet.  While shopping, simply point your iPhone camera at the bar code, and ScanAvert will tell you whether or not the product is compatible with your diet. Not only will I admit that I have way to much fun playing with this app in the stores, but it is more usefully than 99% of all other apps I have.  (Yes, maybe even Facebook and Twitter!)

2. Gluten Free Registry ($1.99 iTunes) – Great for traveling gluten freebies.

What’s worse than being in an unfamiliar place? Being there without any idea where to get gluten free food of course!  The Gluten Free Registry does a great job giving you more than just chain restaurants around you, so you can find some where delicious and safe to eat.  They’ve done a great job creating the “Google of Gluten Free Dining” online, and their mobile app has really helped me personally in my travels across the U.S.  I haven’t used the app outside of the U.S., but they say there are some locations listed worldwide.

3. Allergy Free Entertaining ($4.99 iTunes) – Great recommendation for your friends and family around the holidays.

Your friends and family may be brand new to the Gluten Free Diet (or maybe even you are, too).  A straightforward and easy-to-use recipe app for allergen friendly foods is a must have for those of us cooking with allergies.  Melinda offers us everything from delicious desserts and stand-alone meals to lunch box favorites.  If you’re stuck in a rut with your meals, this could be the perfect app to pull you back to creative cooking for gluten free, wheat free, egg free, dairy free, nut free, and several other diets.

4. Foodditive ($2.99 iTunes) -Perfect for those with many food sensitivities.

Food additives are not always easy to recognize, but gluten freebies need to be aware of certain additives especially if you’re on the diet as a treatment for ADD, Autism, or other food sensitivities.  This app lets you find out exactly what certain additives are used for and how they can harm your body.  Much like the ScanAvert app, you can add detailed information about your diet and personalize your use for the best results.

5. GlutenFreeMe ($9.99 iTunes) – Celiac Sprue Association authorized app.

Although the app comes with a hefty price tag for the iTunes Store, this app is fully authorized and supported by the CSA which definitely puts my mind at ease when shopping.  The golden feature of this app is that it puts over 20,000 products that are approved by the CSA all at your finger tips when you’re shopping.  If you’re new to the gluten free diet, I would definitely recommend this app; however, if you’re familiar with recognizing which products are gluten free you may want to pass on this one.

Some reports have actually even linked ‘gluten free’ to becoming a fad diet to lose weight. Although, these reports have helped to spread awareness of the gluten free diet – it has also lessened the severity of it as well. Most of us would not choose to be limited to a gluten free diet.

Although, some people do lose weight on the gluten free diet because they cut out many of the unhealthy foods they were eating like pizza, pastas, and breads. Much to everyone’s surprise, there are also individuals who are on the gluten free who gain weight.

If you notice yourself gaining weight on the gluten free diet, it’s very important to take a few minutes and analyze what you are eating. Today there are many substitutes for the traditional glutens like gluten free pizza, gluten free pasta, gluten free baked goods, and many more. Just because these items are labeled gluten free does not mean they are healthier for your body. Even though they are gluten free, these items are still processed foods and there are other ingredients which can lead to weight gain when you eat too many too often!

To maintain a healthy body, you should make sure to include a lot of unprocessed foods likes fruits and vegetables. When grocery shopping, 90% of the foods I buy come from the perimeter of the store which consists of fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, and dairy.

Take five minutes and analyze your gluten free diet plan right now. Are you eating as much fresh produce as you should? Are you eating a lot of processed substitutes? How can you incorporate more healthy options into your current diet? Are you giving yourself enough time to prepare a healthy lunch or are you eating frozen gluten free meals?

Pamper Your Sweet Tooth With Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup gluten free flour

1/2 cup almond meal

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup applesauce

2 eggs

2 cups grated carrots

splash of lemon juice

1 teaspoon carbonated soda

1 teaspoon baking soda

teaspoon of cinnamon

pinch of salt

pinch of xanthum gum

Directions

First, grate the carrots as well as squeeze a bit lemon juice so that they do not turn brown. Next, mix your gluten free flour, almond meal,brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and xanthum gum together.  Add your eggs, applesauce, carbonated soda, and carrots and mix together. Finally, grease the pan of your choice, I like 8 x 8, and then pour in the mixture.  Bake for 32 to 35 minutes on 325 degrees (time will vary by oven) till the top turns golden brown.

Let your cake cool, then add the frosting of your choice.  I like Betty Crocker’s Cream Cheese Frosting!  Then, eat your delicious and gluten free carrot cake.

Be Aware: Glutens Are Used In Many Medications

Glutens are added to medications because they are useful as fillers (much like foods) and as a substance that will either hold the medication together (binder) or thicken it. You can also find gluten containing ingredients being used to coat the pills ( you know how they try to mask the flavor or scent of really gross medicines) or even as an ingredient that will increase the stability of the medication. If you are on a gluten free diet, you should be aware that the gluten products contained in these medications can (and will) cause irritation and the symptoms that you are trying to avoid!

Ask Your Pharmacist

If you are in doubt about any medication, inform your pharmacist of your special dietary need for gluten free medications and ask the pharmacist about the entire list of ingredients that go into any of your medications.Your pharmacist should be knowledgeable about the gluten free diet and be able to help you stay safe.

If you are buying drugs as an over the counter medication, read the entire label carefully so you can determine whether or not there is any gluten contained in the formula.  If you are still concerned, take the medicine over to the pharmacist and ask!

Typical Names Of Gluten Ingredients In Medications

Examples of the names for gluten ingredients that are used in the manufacture of medications include detrates, dextrins, maltodextrins, pregelatinized starch and sodium starch glycolate. This is not a full list of possible gluten containing ingredients, so you will need to ask your pharmacist about any other possible names that are used for gluten based ingredients in your prescription and over the counter medications so that you can safely choose gluten free medications.

Despite the fact that some drug manufacturers use gluten ingredients in their formulas, there are also many drug manufacturers who are aware of the growing number of people who need to have gluten free medications.  There are many prescription drugs and over the counter medications readily available that do not contain gluten, simply talk with your doctor and your pharmacist.

It does not matter what type of gathering you are planning this New Year’s, you can have gluten free alcoholic beverages that will suit the occasion. Whether your event is formal, informal, seasonal, private or a larger function, you will be able to find the perfect gluten free beverage to serve.

When your physician recommends a gluten free diet for you, it affects your options for everything from food to skin care to even your alcoholic beverages. Ingredients that you must remove from your diet include wheat, oats, malt, barley and rye. Despite these limitations, it is possible to enjoy an alcoholic beverage.

Gluten Free Options
Over the past few years, many gluten free beverages have been introduced to the marketplace. Before, if you were looking for a gluten free beer, you had to search and search, now there are plenty of options available.

You can find all types of wines including reds, whites, roses, champagne and sherry to suit both your palate and your menu. As always, I strongly encourage you to read the wine labels and look for ‘natural flavorings’ which can be hidden glutens.

There are many safe distilled alcohols. Make sure to avoid those made directly from glutens like wheat, rye, barley and oats. UNSAFE alcohols include most vodkas (those made from oats), gin, scotch, and whiskey (although Makers Mark is definitely gluten free). Since these alcohols are distilled, some companies will argue that they are gluten free. However, it is up to you to decide. Personally, I have talked with several individuals who ‘feel the difference’ when they have an encounter with an alcohol derived from gluten. In the event that ingredients are changed, you should ask the manufacturer about it especially if you have any doubt.

Read Your Labels

Sometimes, drinks that you think should be gluten free end up being not gluten free. For instance, you might think that hard cider is only made from fermented apples when in fact; some hard ciders have barley added to the recipe for flavor. Other alcoholic beverages that are often not gluten free include many wine coolers and other wine-based drinks. Malt beverages like Smirnoff Ice, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, etc also are typically not safe for those on a gluten free diet. Check these and other pre-mixed drinks for ingredients that could be hidden glutens.

As long as you read labels and understand the ingredients that make up the different types of beer, wine and spirits before you buy your alcohol, you will be able to make gluten free alcohol choices with confidence. If you don’t consider yourself an ‘alcohol connoisseur’, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender or the employees are your spirits store what a particular alcohol is derived from.

To help you with your Gluten Free New Year’s Eve celebration, here are a few gluten free recipes:

SpaTini
2 oz NUDE Vodka (Gluten free vodka made with corn)
2 oz Champagne
2 Mint Leaves

Served in an elegant martini glass. (1 rose petal garnish is the perfect finishing.)

Orange Pom Champagne
1 shot Grand Marnier
1 shot pomegranate juice
Champagne or sparkling wine
Start by pouring the Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice into a Champagne flute. Then add in the Champagne to fill to the top.

*As always, please drink responsibly when you are at the legal drinking age.  I am also not promoting the consumption of alcohol, I am sharing information to help you make your own decisions.

Many people feel that Celiac Disease just suddenly came out of nowhere.  However, more and more individuals and organizations are coming to promote Celiac Disease awareness like my friend Lisa Lundy, author of The Super Allergy Girl’s Allergy and Celiac Cookbook and the National Foundation of Celiac Awareness.  Through this awareness, the possible symptoms are becoming more and more well known.  However, just like everyone is unique in this world, even their Celiac Disease symptoms are unique, too.

When To Go To The Doctor

One of the most common symptoms of Celiac Disease is an irritable bowel (as Celiac Disease is commonly misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS).   This leads to menstrual-severe cramps in any sex, diarrhea and bloating, but there are also Celiacs who show no gastrointestinal problems at all!

However, these people get other more subtle Celiac Disease symptoms such as mouth sores, sudden weight loss (even when your appetite is strong), anemia, osteoporosis (which can lead you to breaking bones often) and very strange bowel movements that smell really bad (yes, I had to say it!).  Others experience symptoms like migraines, hair loss or acne breakouts which can be hard to associate with Celiac Disease if you are not aware of the symptoms.  I am not a doctor, and I can not say that if you are experiencing these symptoms then you have Celiac Disease.  I am sharing them so you know what to look for if you are feeling ill.  Also, these are not only symptoms of Celiac Disease, but they may also be symptoms of other problems like parasites, ulcers or even Crohn’s Disease.

If any of these symptoms persist for two weeks or more, go to the doctor. While you are waiting for the appointment, you could experiment by eliminating all foods containing gluten from your diet. That means nothing made of grain flour. No wheat, no pasta, no pastries, no cookies, not even beer if the flour or brewing process is derived from grains such as wheat, oats, rye and barley. If your health improves, that might be a big clue that your previous health problems were Celiac Disease symptoms.  The problem with removing gluten from your diet before a doctor’s diagnosis is the fact that you may not show the proper blood work for gluten antibodies to lead to an official diagnosis.  However, do not let that stop you from experimenting with gluten free before a diagnosis.  Ultimately it’s your choice.  If your issue is gluten, then just one day on a totally gluten free diet will feel different!

Until you start a gluten free diet, you may have more problems than just food.  You may become severely malnourished in the process and develop even more symptoms and problems.  This is one of the reasons why osteoporosis is listed as a symptom of Celiac Disease. Although it is a problem in and of itself, if you are malnourished, your body will cannibalize your bones, muscles and hair in order to survive.

The sooner you get tested for Celiac Disease, the sooner you can go back to a better quality of life.  If you have any concerns, please speak with your family doctor or go see a gastroenterologist who should be familiar with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance.

Where Did The Name Celiac Disease Come From?

Celiac, or coeliac, is Greek for “abdominal region”. There is no Dr. Celiac we have to thank or blame for the name of this one.  What are Celiac disease sufferers called? Celiacs. The pains normally felt by Celiacs cover pretty much the entire abdominal region. However, symptoms differ from person to person. Some people can have Celiac disease and never actually show any symptoms whatsoever.

It Is Rare?

What is Celiac disease? It’s a more common affliction than you might at first thought. Over three million Americans alone have it. In reaction to this, there are many food products and cookbooks available specifically for Celiacs. You still need to go see the doctor to be sure you are getting the right treatment. Some of the more usual symptoms mimic that of other diseases or conditions such as dermatitis herpetiformis or IBS.

How Do You Get It?

Celiac Disease is hereditary, so it is passed on from generation to generation.  Some children develop it when they begin eating solid foods.  Others develop it in their twenties, so then it might be the body reacting to overdoses of gluten, much like the body rebels with overdoses of other chemicals. Still others develop it much later in life.  Sometimes the Celiac gene is ‘turned on’ because of a tragic or life-changing event.

Why Not Leave It Alone?

You do not want to ignore Celiac disease, or any of these symptoms that happen to you for over two weeks and don’t respond to any over the counter medication: bloating, diarrhea, painful gas, sudden joint aches, fatigue, osteoporosis, sudden weight loss even if you are not on a diet and strange rashes.

What is Celiac disease? It is a potential killer if it is totally ignored. Your digestive system is totally disrupted, making the digestion of any food difficult. If you can’t digest you’re food, you’re like a car with out gas – you’re not going to go anywhere. Your body will then get ill, cannibalizing the bones and muscles in order to get the nutrition it needs to survive. The body’s immune system doesn’t have any energy to sustain itself and goes out of business.

Celiac Disease is much more than just manageable.  With the proper diet and attitude, Celiac Disease could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.

Top 3 Tips that I learned:

How to make gluten free and healthy shopping easy

How to shop at farmers markets to get the healthiest ingredients

A step-by-step guide to how to not worry about what you will be eating next

Plus, over 100 Delicious and Nutritious Whole Food Recipes that are gluten free and soy free!

I learned a lot of other extremely important information in the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book like how to eat healthy while out at a restaurant, and how to really feel energized!

What I would change about the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book…

I truly don’t really have anything negative to say about it.  Antonio and Jaime have created a great product that definitely over delivers on their promises.  They could easily be charging 3x as much for this information. Perhaps that only thing I would change would be the name of the product to be honest.  I really don’t think the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book does this program justice!

Recap

I highly recommend the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book.  I think Antonio and Jaime have done a fantastic job preparing this information. It’s really all-inclusive, so you can jump into a healthy and gluten free diet with both feet and get started right away.

If you have tried other gluten free cookbooks then I highly recommend that you take a good look at the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book.  It will help you understand gluten free food shopping and the foods that will help you feel energized and alive!

Click here to go to the official website for the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide & Recipe Book