Cardboard... Sawdust... Flavorless... What does it mean to be Gluten Free?

I guess the best place to start is at the beginning of my story. I was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years back and do take it seriously... from time to time. I am guilty of giving in to temptations and eating the "poison". I know what it does to me and I know that it is making me sick but sometimes I am overwhelmed with the desire/need for biscuits and gravy... O'Charley's dinner rolls...  or even a piece of toast.  

When I talk to my other gluten free friends they all seem to be in control of their cravings and in control of their diets. I feel bad... unworthy... weak. Through this blog I want to share my journey, my pitfalls, my successes, my victories and hopefully inspire other people that are struggling like me. I cannot be the only one that justifies the piece of cake on their plate with, "I will just pick off the icing".  

Now after writing that last paragraph I want to assure you that anyone can survive gluten free... there are days when I meet myself coming and going. My life is one that keeps me hopping! It isn't the fact that I don't have access to the right foods that leads me down the wrong path it is my own lack of self-control.  

I live in Lexington, Kentucky and feel very fortunate that I have year-round access to fresh fruits and veggies as well as gluten free options for bread and pasta products. I am going to blog about:

• Area resources for products and support
• Eating out experiences, discuss which restaurants are accommodating and which just don't get it 
• Share menus from local dining establishments and make recommendations 
• Pass along recipes and tips for simplified, budget-friendly gluten free cooking
• Tips for talking about what "gluten-free" really means
• Daily frustrations and pitfalls

I do not have hours everyday to stand in the kitchen and prepare the "best little dinner" ever. I, along with my partner, am raising a 13 year old son that is active and very much into sports. He works out and plays football, basketball, and runs. He is the center of our universe. My partner and I both work full-time and attempt to have relationships with our family and friends... some weeks this is easier than others. I still try to cook healthy meals for us as much as possible and when we eat out we go to restaurants that cater to my dietary needs.

When I fix something to take to work and say, "It is gluten free", I am met with skepticism. I know what my co-workers are thinking... I know what they imagine. Sawdust, dry, cardboard like texture but that doesn't have to be the way. Gluten free should be about healthy, rich, vibrant foods with an array of colors and textures just like any healthy diet!

"I like food. I like eating. And I don't want to deprive myself of good food." Sarah Michelle Gellar

I do not want to waste my "calories" on bad food. I want food that comes alive in my mouth and doesn't immediately bring up the idea that something is missing. You should be overwhelmed with the tastes and flavors that are there so you do not miss anything and this is entirely possible and still cook gluten free!  

I am on a mission to take better care of myself and provide my family with good healthy meals that we can all enjoy and I want you all to come along with me.