Going paleo?

I saw this cool infographic on Facebook:

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Sunday afternoon thoughts

My parents saved me an article yesterday from the Oregonian newspaper that talks about being gluten free.  It also includes a quiz on the signs of celiac disease created by Dr. Peter H.R. Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.  My search for this article online also led me to another Oregonian article about some great places to try in Portland with chefs who know first-hand about dietary restrictions.  I always love trying new restaurants where I can eat food without worries.  And, now that I am currently dairy free, too, that has added a whole new element. 

In any case, this leads me to thinking about how much easier it is to eat out (parts of my recent DC trip withstanding), and how much more prevalent this seems than when I started this journey 10 years ago.  I also know that this means that Martha Stewart gets to make disparaging comments and newspaper articles can  have titles such as "Going gluten free: Nutritional buzz word or serious health threat?" Seriously, I think it is okay to question dietary fads.  At the same time, I don't have any problem being certain that I have a gluten intolerance, and that undiagnosed dietary intolerances can lead to a host of other health issues.  I learned that first hand, and have now seen studies that back this up.  There was also the very sad story on one of the blogs a few months ago where a child died due to a food contamination.  That is tragic.

I also clearly remember that I used to be skeptical about dietary issues, and probably was a bit snug in my assertion that I could eat anything.  I like to think of my current situation as some sort of karmic justice and/or dose of humble pie. :) I am grateful that the issues are not more serious, and hope that they never become that way.

Ten years was when my journey to figure out how to regain health by changing my diet (i.e., cutting out wheat) started.  This is not a new idea, of course.  My dad had to change his diet years ago to manage his heart disease, my friend and former roommate, Megan, discovered diary restrictions 20 years ago, when we were roommates, and I know many more people who have other dietary restrictions (nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, etc.).  

So, where am I going with these thoughts?  As the title suggests, these are just Sunday afternoon musings as I have time to write while Alexander naps and Geoff runs errands.  This actually feels like quite a luxury to sit here just thinking and typing!  And, perfect timing, I hear Alexander start to stir upstairs.

Back in action

It's clearly been a while since I have been able to blog.  But, I was inspired by a post on the

Gluten-Free Goddess blog to make a link back to the resources that she talked about.  I'm now not only gluten-free, but am also trying dairy-free. It's another new adventure, but luckily a lot of the blogs have variations for dairy-free, too!  In any case, check out the Gluten-Free Bloggers List for some amazing other bloggers.

Holidays, food and health

Tis the season for...sugar!  It seems like everywhere I go there are sweets!  And, that is my first inclination in terms of what to cook and eat, too.  I'm thinking about whether to make cookies or fudge or muffins.  The food blogs and Facebook posts right now are filled with cookie and treat recipes. My mom is making her standard set of holiday cookies to send to family and friends.  And, since many religions and groups have some sort of holiday this time of year, it is pervasive.

At the same time, I am trying to eat healthier.  This is not just a pre-New Year's resolution. This is not a "low-carb diet" idea. It is, however, an ongoing life decision and something that it hard to do, perhaps especially at this time of year.

I have made a commitment to myself to eat more fruits and veggies (especially veggies) each day.  Going gluten-free has often meant finding delicious and/or edible alternatives to all of these treats, sweets and grain-based staples of our American diet.  And certainly, as I have been blogging, I have found it important to try out new recipes and gluten-free ideas.  The emotional part that doesn't want to be "missing out" on normal holiday treats, will be trying some of these amazing recipes for treats.  But, I'm wanting to see if I can also make an effort to eat less grains, in general, and more lean proteins and veggies.

They are not mutually exclusive, of course, and as with many things this time of year, it may just be a matter of moderation in all things. :)

Bread machines - part 2

I made some bread in our bread machine!!  I found the manual, which helped give me confidence and direction. :) And, I also used a mix, so it was pretty darn simple.   The mix I used was Inspiration Mixes Millet Oat bread.

I think it is pretty tasty, but it does suffer from the typical gf issues of heavy denseness.

As I've said before, bread really is the hardest thing to do gluten free when you are imagining a gluten-filled version.

I'm including two photos...

Bread machines

Am I the only one intimidated by a bread machine?  I think they are a wonderful idea (put stuff in and have bread come out).  But, we can't seem to find the instruction book, and when I plugged it in and it started beeping, I immediately unplugged it and switched to a new project.  It is interesting because I don't think of myself as a techno-phobe.  And, in general, I like to just try buttons to make things happen.  But, this contraption without a manual is a bit overwhelming.

From a brief search on the internet, I learn two things 1) it is very common to lose manuals, and 2) I am not alone in my feelings. :)

What to make...

I spontaneously have some time on my hands and am thinking of baking something that will suit this rainy and cold, but beautiful, Fall afternoon.  We still have a whole pumpkin we can do something with, and muffins are always good since they are an easy, quick breakfast.  Or, perhaps I'll take a nap (another rare thing).

I'm going to an interesting-sounding event tomorrow.  It is an event where there is a medical doctor/gluten-free specialist/singer-songwriter coming to Corvallis.  (Who says you can't do it all!)  Sound unique?  I heard about it from a friend at work, and we're going together.