Katz Gluten Free

Gluten Free Companies, We Thank You

My motivation in starting this blog was to guide and help point people with Celiacs and people on a gluten free diet in the right direction when it comes to good tasting food. 

I myself made the horrible mistake of purchasing food that was either worth throwing as a frisbee outside or chucking in the garbage. 

Honestly, I lost hope when I started, because of my poor choices in food. 

I had no idea which gluten free products were tasty and which ones were terrible. 

One of the companies who has made a positive impact in my life is: Katz Gluten Free . 

You wouldn't think a simple gluten glazed donut could cause someone to become so down and doleful would you?. Well, I didn't think so either, until I realized the negative impact having regular donuts for the family in the house had on me. I couldn't eat it, but I had to watch as my loved ones eat it before me eyes. It started to hurt me inside, that was until I purchased Katz gluten free glazed donuts. 

I seriously took one bite of their donuts and almost wanted to cry. 

The taste I've been craving for months I can now have again. 
Can you imagine the how much hope was restored inside of me?. 
I was just so amazed! 

This is what I strive for with this blog, I don't want you to look at a gluten free diet as a death sentence, I want you to look at the gluten free diet with great expectation & excitement. 

Thanks to Katz Gluten free and many other companies, they are making more and more gluten

free versions that taste a lot like their counterparts.

I'm glad you take the time to read my blog and that I can give you the chance to make an informed decision on what is best to purchase. My hope is that this will help you and encourage you to keep pressing on, despite how hard it is to be on this diet. 

This goes out to the companies that do their best to make great products and do an amazing job at it. For giving us Celiacs and those on a gluten free diet a chance to enjoy food again.  

We appreciate what you do! 





*I just recently posted new Katz Gluten Free product reviews on my blog, make sure and check them out by clicking on the tabs above.*

A quick Thank you

I just want to say.....

Thank you!

Thank you to my wonderful husband who is not only the love of my life but a HUGE support in my fight to make it through with Celiacs. You have brought home so many gluten free goodies, you have my back, you always think of me. You have made it your priority to study up as much as me, so you know about every update there is to know about celiacs and gluten free products. 

To my mother who listened to the Lord's voice when he told her to have my doctor check for celiacs when I went in. For providing gluten free food for me off and on, understanding & helping me cope, relax & be at peace about my struggle, Thank you. 

I also want to thank my sister in laws, my mother in law and anyone else who has supported me by providing treats, food, etc. for me. You have no idea what an awesome impact you've made on me. 

I truly feel loved and I appreciate each and every one of you. 

THANK YOU TO MY READERS, who view my blog. 

You give me motivation to keep going, a goal to achieve, a purpose for all of this. 

I love writing reviews because it takes the negative out of celiacs and brings positivity to it. 

Why go out and buy something that tastes horrible, when you can read about it first and determine for yourself if it is worth the $$. 

I have a question for my readers!

"What do you find is the biggest challenge or challenges you face being a Celiac surrounded by gluten?" 

Honestly, for me, the biggest challenge is being surrounded by gluten day in a day out & the huge challenge and burden of finding restaurants that will cater to my special dietary needs while out and about. 

I am constantly in contact with gluten on a daily basis. The very key board I am typing on for instance, has seen gluten fingers. My husband has typed on this thing while eating his regular chicken nuggets. My couch, counter, floors & chairs and all covered in crumbs. 

I cannot go out and about with my husband without the fear of becoming hungry and not having a place where I can go and eat or having to reach in deep and bring out the boldness in me, to speak with a manager at a restaurant. 

I am however, EXTREMELY grateful that there are more gluten free options than ever before. 

It makes going gluten free a whole lot easier. Even restaurants now are trying to cater to those who cannot eat like everyone else too. 

We can look at our disease in 2 different ways- 

1. I cannot eat gluten ever again, how depressing, I am sick & it will take forever to heal up. 

or 

2. This is a blessing in disguise, I now know what is wrong with me, I can fix this, take control of my health and live a happy life. 

I am slowly grasping the # 2 way of thinking. It is definitely hard sometimes, specially when those around you are eating your favorite food.   

Just yesterday while looking over the University of Chicago Celiacs Disease Center website, I noticed that because they have renowned doctors working there, that they believe very strongly that they will find a CURE for Celiacs Disease within 10-15 years. Can you imagine?.  

I really don't know what to think about this, I am excited, yet I am skeptical. 

I have heard the hype about the egg white protein helping those who suffer from Celiacs, to be able to consume gluten safely, but even that makes me question a bit. 

I would be thrilled to not have to worry about this ever again and get back to the way I was over two years ago. 

I am barely starting to completely accept that I have Celiacs and it has literally changed my life, that I don't know how I can go back?. Will there be still a fear inside of me that it will come back?. 

I mean, the questions are almost endless. 

I would love to hear from my readers in regards to what YOU find to be the biggest challenge and why. Please feel free to comment below. 

-The gluten free momma

Update on my health

Hey guys, 
I was able to go see my hepatologist on Friday and she informed me that the slight elevation of my bilirubin is due to a common disease called "Gilberts Disease". 
I am thrilled to hear that this does not mean I have a problem with my liver or anything else for that 
matter. All of my tests came back normal and I am HEALTHY. 

Now I just need to get rid of these muscle twitches that are now plaguing me. I heard that this is common in people who have celiacs disease and also in those who have low magnesium levels. 
Just last weekend I went to the health food store and got myself a magnesium supplement powder 
and hoping that will take care of my muscle twitches permanently. 

On another happy note, while I have been dealing with these health issues, I have also been able to try a lot of new gluten free food that will be uploaded unto the blog very soon. BE ON THE LOOK OUT! 

How has everyone been doing?. 
I'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment below. 

-The Gluten Free Momma


*UDATE: The muscle twitches turned out to be what is called, Benign facilitation syndrome, where the muscles twitch when relaxed and do not twitch when active. Nothing to worry about but it is really, really annoying.*

What's been going on in my life

Hey readers, 
I haven't updated in a few weeks and I want to take a moment and tell you why. 
I had some blood work done a few months ago and the doctor noticed that my bilirubin was
slightly elevated. I was told to have it tested in a month or two again. It was once again slightly
elevated. I then contacted my GI doctor and told her about my issue. She told me that she talked
with a hematologist that works with the liver and he or she was pretty sure my results would decrease within a month. 

I once again tested it after a month went by and the number increased even more. My bilirubin is still considered only slightly elevated and the increase was only very small but my GI doctor had suggested I go meet with the hematologist. The other readings like my ALT and AST have all been in the normal range and I had two episodes back in 2014 where my bilirubin was in the normal range but since 2015 it has increased. 

These are my readings on my health chart: 

This in turn has got my mind working overtime and I am struggling not to think of the worst case scenario. I had read about Gilbert's Syndrome and thought that might be what I have but my GI doctor doesn't think what I have is classic for that. However, she is only a GI doctor and probably doesn't know to much about liver tests and what not. 
I have made an appointment for April 10th and I am sincerely hoping she figures out what is going on and gives me a peace of mind.  <Praying for that. 

I am praying that this slight increase is only because of Celiacs Disease and nothing more. 
The weel of my last blood draw, I did have what I believe might have been a gluten attack. 
It is still unclear what caused it, but I am hoping this is all just some simple thing that can be fixed. 

I love facebook and I am on it every day, I haven't even told anyone except you guys and my immediate family what is going on right now. I feel more comfortable fighting my battles by myself. 

What ever the case, I have spent most of my days busy trying to keep my mind from wondering. 
I will be adding more reviews within the week or next week sometime. 

I sincerely apologize for the delay & thank you for your understanding during this time. 

Yours truly, 

Gluten Free Momma. 


P.s. if you are reading this and you also have slightly elevated bilirubin without any known cause, please leave a comment below and tell me about it. It is nice to know I am not alone. 

The multitude of Symptoms.

Did you know that Celiacs has a multitude of symptoms. You know about the main/common ones which tend to be: Fatigue, stomach pain, diarrhea, Constipation, weight loss/gain, tooth enamel issues, head aches, foggy memory, malnutrition.  When you have Celiacs disease, it doesn't mean all of your symptoms have to be in one area (your tummy for example). With Celiacs, everything in your body can be affected.
There are actually 300 known associated symptoms. WOW

I have a number of these symptoms and way to many to list here but it makes sense when you look at the bigger picture. Not only does it take time for your body to heal after consuming gluten for a long time, but symptoms can last (as I am finding out).

Make sure to click on the link for the full list of the many symptoms.

300 symptoms of CD

Minneapolis Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest 2015

Is there truly a Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest coming to Minneapolis Minnesota?. 

Yes

When: May 16-17, 2015

Time: Saturday 10a.m.-4p.m. & Sunday 10a.m.-4p.m. 

Where:    Minneapolis Convention Center

               1301 2nd Ave. South

               Minneapolis, Mn 55403

For accommodations and for more information, click on the link below. 

Hope to you there, this is so exciting. 

Gluten Free Food Fest Information

Celiac Disease Care Package

The University of Chicago Celiacs Disease Center offers care packages to those who have been freshly diagnosed with Celiacs Disease via a biopsy or endoscopy.

As you can see in the above photo, I received mine about a month or so ago after my complete diagnosis through an endoscopy. I look at it as a gift for all that I went through.

The care packages are completely free however there is an area on their website where you can send donations. These packages included magazines, coupons, gluten free samples of cookies, oat meal, a gluten free diet dvd, and so much more. I was thoroughly blessed when I stumbled upon this and got on it right away since you are only able to do it within a year of your diagnosis.

You will have to fill out a form, include a letter from your doctor stating that you do indeed have Celiacs, the doctors information, the information of who did your scope and where you had it done and your information. It usually comes within 3 weeks or less.

If you just got diagnosed with Celiacs and had an endoscopy done. Check out the website below and get your free gluten free care package TODAY.

Gluten Free Care Package

General Mills & Their Effort To Make Gluten Free Cereal

I made a post just yesterday stating that General Mills were making gluten free cereal but the risk of cross contamination was high because it wasn't being made in a gluten free area. 
I came to this conclusion by reading the articles announcing the g.f. cereal. 
No where in the articles did it mention that it will be made in a dedicated facility and I confirmed it
by talking to someone on a gluten free page. 

I stand corrected and want to inform everyone that I confirmed with two ladies from General Mills that their Honey Nut Cherrios are indeed going to meet FDA standards for under 20ppm of gluten and will be made in a dedicated area. 

As of now, it will be safe to consume their (gluten free) cereal. If however, it does make you sick after eating it, I would recommend not consuming it anymore. 

I apologize for my quick post but I was sure it was not gluten free.
My mistake was not calling them up and confirming this with them. 
I assure you, this will not happen again! 

General Mills Gluten Free Cereal will be available in July of this year. 

I am excited to stand corrected because I now know it should be safe for me to eat one of my favorite cereals (honey nut cherrios) again. 

Thank you General Mills for making your gluten free cereal in a separate area, reducing the risk of cross contamination. I look forward to trying out the cereal come July. 


-Gluten Free Momma


UPDATE AS OF 2/20/15
I got an e-mail back from General Mills in a response to my e-mail about the risk of cross contamination and their gluten free cereal and this is what they said: 

"Thank you for contacting Cheerios with your inquiry.

Whenever we manufacture gluten-free products, we take specific steps to ensure that the process and equipment used does not provide any opportunity for gluten or gluten-containing ingredients to get into our products.  General Mills has stringent programs and precautions in place to ensure the product meets gluten-free requirements.

We hope you find this information helpful. Please let us know if we can help you again.

Thank you,

Rhonda Short

Consumer Response Representative"

Pizza Hut 

Making Gluten Free Pizza?

It is true, Pizza Hut has now conformed to being able to support those who have food allergies to wheat or for those who have Celiacs Disease. 

I did a little research and found that Pizza Hut is doing everything right. 

They will not only be using a gluten free crust made by (Udi's) & will be preparing the pizza in a dedicated area. 

Not to mention they will be working with a great group called GIG which stands for: 

Gluten Intolerance Group. 

They will be educating the staff at Pizza Huts all around on how to make sure the risk 

of cross contamination is non existent and how to work with those who cannot have regular pizza. 

What do you think of this fabulous thing Pizza Hut is doing?. 

Tell me about it by commenting below. 

-Gluten Free Momma

Please not:  Make sure and call head to see if your local pizza hut even has this available. I was told that mine did but as it turns out, that wasn't exactly the truth. 

The Fundamentals Of The Gluten Free Diet

I have decided since I have been getting several requests, I would make up a fundamental list for those who are thinking about going on a gluten free diet. 

Before I begin, let me clarify that going on a gluten free diet just because it isn't making you feel very good, having gluten intolerance or just doing it for weight loss means that you do not have to take this list as serious. For those of us who have Celiacs disease, this is a must read & it must be taken very seriously. 

First of all, there are a lot of naturally gluten free food products out there on the market and these are just some of the items 

• Potatoes
• Rice (white, brown, wild & black)
• Quinoa
• Meat (chicken, pork, hamburger, bacon) 
• Corn (Also applies to Corn Torillas) 
• Vegtables (fresh, canned & frozen) 
• Fruit (fresh, canned & frozen)
• Beans (canned, dried) 
• Yogurt 
• Cheese 

*Keep in mind, boxed potatoes may contain wheat or been manufactured in the same facility as wheat. Look at all of the rice bags, cans & boxes because they may be manufactured in the same facility as wheat as well. Mission brand of corn tortilla specifically states that it is gluten free but always look on the label to make sure it does not contain (wheat, barley, rye or any wheat flour). 

Make sure to look for any syrups in the canned fruit as they may add (malt or wheat) to thicken it. 

Look at all labels on ALL cheese and yogurts as they may include (flavoring, caramel coloring, or wheat) <three things that (may) contain gluten. Yoplait is a gluten free brand of yogurt. 

The main foods & condiments that contain wheat are the following (Keep in mind this is not the full list): 

• Bread (wheat, white, multi grain etc.) 
• Bagels
• Pastries (donuts, cookies, cakes, cupcakes) 
• Pastas (all wheat flour ones) 
• Meat (that is marinated, smoked or has extra flavoring & spices) 
• Tortilla (except corn) 
• Cereal 
• Oat meal 
• Chips 
• Fruit drinks/sods
• Beer
• Some candies
• Soy sauce 
• Soups (Some soups are gluten free now)
• Chilli mixes in a can
• Some seasonings 
• Chicken & beef broth
• Ice cream can sometimes contain wheat
• Licorice (sorry licorice fans! :( ) 
• Pizza
• Lasagna 

Even some medications can include wheat in the ingredients or use it in the gelatin process. 

Be aware when it comes to wine as some wines are made in a barrel and gluten is used as the glue in the barrel, posing a huge cross contamination issue. If you want wine, look for wines that are specifically gluten free or ones that weren't made in a barrel. 

DO NOT GO OUT ON A GLUTEN FREE SPENDING SPREE 

It can be very overwhelming at first because you aren't sure were to start. If you go out and have a gluten free spending spree, you will quickly become frustrated and you will realize what a big mistake that was. Let me tell you from experience that RICE BREAD is something you want to avoid at all costs unless you are okay with it crumbling in your mouth and tasting like you are chewing on medicine. I thought this would be a good plan to purchase the rice bread and it turned out to be a total joke. So, my suggestion for those who are just getting on the gluten free diet, DO NOT GO OUT AND BUY A WHOLE TON OF GLUTEN FREE FOOD WITHOUT FIRST TRYING IT OUT. I encourage you to see if you can find sample packs online that you can purchase, go on gluten free giveaway pages & attend gluten free expos/fests. This is your best way to go about making sure you purchase food you know you will love. 

SUGGESTIONS:

If you just found out that you have Celiacs by an endoscopy, check out this website and fill out the form to receive a FREE gluten free care package full of gluten free samples. 

Click Here To Get Your Free Gluten Free Care Package     (Keep in mind this is really only for those who have Celiacs disease and can show proof of it). 
A great gluten free giveaway website is Gluten Free Frenzy found here:  
www.glutenfreefrenzy.com. 
There will be a gluten free fest coming up here in Minneaplois Mn come may 16-17th of 2015.  For more information visit this website: Gluten Free Allergy Fest

When looking at a food label, you will want to pay close attention to the following ingredients: 

• Barley (flakes, flour, pearl)
• Breading, bread stuffing
• Brewer's yeast
• Bulgur
• Durum (type of wheat)
• Farro/faro (also known as spelt or dinkel)
• Graham flour
• Hydrolyzed wheat protein 
• Kamut (type of wheat)
• Malt, malt extract, malt syrup, malt flavoring
• Malt vinegar
• Malted milk
• Matzo, matzo meal
• Modified wheat starch
• Oatmeal, oat bran, oat flour, whole oats (unless they are from pure, uncontaminated oats)
• Rye bread and flour
• Seitan (a meat-like food derived from wheat gluten used in many vegetarian dishes)
• Semolina
• Spelt (type of wheat also known as farro, faro, or dinkel)
• Triticale
• Wheat bran
• Wheat flour
• Wheat germ
• Wheat starch

LOOKING PAST THE FOOD LABEL

When looking at a food label, you need to not only pay attention to the ingredients but where it is being manufactured. If it is being processed in the same area as another product that contains wheat, there is a high possibility that there is cross contamination in your (so called) gluten free product. 

*Keep in mind wheat flour stays in the air for 24 hours* 

The main foods that you need to be cautious about are: 

• Cereals (even though they say they are gluten free) 
• Pastries 
• Pastas 
• Snack items 

However, everything no matter if it is gluten free or not must state under the label if it is manufactured in a facility that contains wheat or any other allergen. 

LIVING GLUTEN FREE AT HOME

When we talk about living gluten free in your home, you need to be cautious about wheat on surfaces, utinsels, pans, handles etc. 

Make sure to have a clean surface (wash with water and soap) before handling any gluten free item. 

Make sure you wash your hands before handling anything gluten free (this includes under your nails).  (Also make sure to educated family members & children about this important rule as well.) 

Look through your pantry, cupboards, fridge and freezer and remove anything that contains gluten. Make a list of these items, so that you may go out and purchase alternatives.  

In situations like mine where I am the only one that needs to be on a gluten free diet, I'm forced to make my meals before everyone else because I do not want to cross contaminate my meal.  *When something does become accidentally cross contaminated, make sure to have alternative frozen food items that you can pull out and make quick (Udi's G.F. Burriots are a great option for those times.)

When using an oven, always place the gluten free meal on the top rack and the gluten food on the bottom reducing the risk of crumbs and what not falling on your meal and cross contaminating it. 

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HOST A PARTY OR GATHERING

When people are over, make sure and let everyone know about your situation before they eat, guiding them on what to do. Encourage them to take one spoon full of the dish, drop it on their plate (above it) making sure not to touch any gluten containing food on the plate, thus eliminating cross contamination. Try to have all breads and gluten food on one side of the table and your gluten free on the other side. Some websites have gluten free labels that you can buy to put in, on or in front of your food to label it. 

Here is the link to the website that sells gluten free labels: 
Gluten Free Labels

WHEN EATING OUT GLUTEN FREE

Eating out can be tough too, my biggest concern is the cross contamination. 

I always suggest those who need to be very careful of that, to plan ahead. Call the restaurant and see if they have a gluten free menu or can accommodate you. 

Make sure that they understand that you will need a separate (washed) pan, a clean stove, clean utensils/tools, that you cannot use a toaster & need to be careful about what you use on your food (seasoning wise). 

If this is a restaurant which makes their own bread daily, I would personally avoid that restaurant altogether because there is flour in the air and on pretty much every surface. 

Most restaurants now days are willing to work with their guests and if you give them enough time ahead, are willing to make a gluten free meal just for you. 

I would avoid fast food restaurants at all costs because the staff is not educated enough and you may get wheat in your meal on accident. 


TWO GREAT RESTAURANTS FOR G.F. DINING ARE: 

1. Ernies Pub & Grill in Burnsville Mn. (They have the biggest g.f. menu in Minnesota. 
2. Chipotle (call ahead and have your bowl made from fresh ingredients in the back). 

PRICE

A gluten free diet is a tough one, it's spendy because most of the gluten free food is twice if not more expensive then it's counterpart but overall, if it helps you feel better & stay healthier, it's worth the trouble. If you are converting your whole family over to the gluten free diet, I suggest maybe purchasing from a bulk gluten free store online. 

I sincerely hope this has helped some of you kinda get a grasp on what a gluten free diet is all about. I am here if anyone has any questions. 

Otherwise, 

Enjoy your gluten free lifestyle. 

*Note, It may take 6 months to a year to see a huge difference in your health and well being on a gluten free diet. This is not an over night kind of diet. For those of us who have CD, it could take up to 5 years for us to be completely healed. Do not get discouraged, you're not the only one on this journey!*