The sound of nails on a blackboard

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I’m angry to the point of tears.

Some people may not consider finger nails, hair and skin to be health and wellness related. I do.

Something I do for myself is maintenance manicures. I like no chip polish to get a little bit more life out of them.

My experience today made me realize I may as well have taken my polish off with a belt sander at home.

As a busy, mom I try to use vendors that are close to the activities my kids are involved in. As a result, i’ve been getting my nails done at a salon next to the taekwondo studio. Never again. 

All nail salons are not created equal. I’m disappointed beyond words that anyone would care so little about the quality of their work. I might as well have thrown that $20 out the window. 

Now to work on the weeks of healing for my paper thin nails and start over again. Fortunately, it wasn’t my hair or internal organs. 

End result, it’s worth the drive for quality.

Where to eat Gluten Free?

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I’ve had some newly diagnosed, paranoid people ask me if I quit eating out once I was diagnosed. No, I did not. We travel a ton and have a pretty hectic schedule during the week. I do tend to frequent restaurants I have been to previously and don’t venture out to try the “newest hot spot” very often. At least, until I have done some research and stopped by to ask questions without my kids in tow. While I’m willing to walk out of a restaurant, my kids are not quite as forgiving once they are hungry.

We are very fortunate to have great options in our area. I recently traveled to the back woods of Tennessee, the land of breaded and fried food. That experience left me in tears and very hungry. Not all cities are as accommodating to our seemingly, trend based diet.

Here are some of my regular spots in the Indy area. There are a variety, including quick pick-up and some fancy. There are more restaurants than you think that can accommodate. Many just don’t want to have a gluten free menu from a liability perspective.

  1. Rice Cooker – Zionsville, IN

They make the food from scratch and have a family member who is gluten free. Both are really handy when you are trying to avoid being poisoned. They know what gluten is, how to cook amazing food that is flavorful and gluten free and I’ve had things there that no other restaurant can make like hot n sour soup, general tsao’s and fried rice with molasses.

2. Mitchell’s Fish Market

Amazing flavorful options on an actual gluten free menu. They even have salads that are offered on the gluten free menu that aren’t on the regular menu. And they have bartenders who are knowledgeable about gluten free alcohol.

3. Ted’s Montana Grill

This is more of a salad place or burger without the bun option here. The big win is they do have dedicated gluten free frier, so if you want some fries, it’s the place to go.

4. Kona Grill 

They have recently revamped the menu to include sushi and select dishes that are more creative than steamed veggies and chicken.

5. Chipotle

Grab a bowl and build it how you want it. They even have wrap your own tacos. You pick the ingredients and corn tortillas and make them as you go.

6. PF Chang’s

If you want to have an experience that is much like everyone else, this is the place to visit. And the fact that they are all over the country helps loads too. They offer a fantastic standard gluten free menu with loads of options and even have gluten free soy sauce on hand. (No more carrying it in my purse, bonus!)

7. Jason’s Deli

This place offers an amazing organic salad bar with loads of options. Naturally, you skip the pasta salad, croutons, crackers and obvious gluten containing options. Their staff is very knowledgeable should you have questions about the ingredients. They also offer baked potatoes which you can fill with scrumptious choices and sub gluten free bread on their sandwiches. Just make sure they know you want it all to be gluten free when you order.

Keep in mind, what they offer is a “gluten sensitive” menu. This means they don’t have dedicated space and they do not accept liability for gluten free.

8. McAlister’s Deli

Salads without croutons, baked potatoes, vegan chili, and more. Stay away from anything with an asian dressing as it will contain either soy sauce or terriaki. Both have wheat ingredients. Ask questions and make sure to let them know you need it gluten free.

9. Zoup

This place rocks in my book. So many options. They change up their offerings each day so it’s not stagnant. They clearly label what is gluten free, vegetarian, low fat and dairy free. They do not offer gluten free bread, maybe some day!

10. Hardee’s

Although they are not as prevalent as McD’s, they are the best fast food restaurant on road trips. I recommend downloading their app so you can map out your stops in advance. All of their meat is 100% meat with no fillers. As well, any sandwich can be low carb-wrapped in lettuce and paper so you can actually eat it in the car.

Be sure to order with regular (non-beer) cheese. They offer Budweiser cheese. Yikes!

11. Maggiano’s

Oh, so good and how often can you say that you went out for Italian with Celiac? Ask for their gluten free pasta and they will make a dish to enjoy there and one to take home too. Although they can’t do ravioli or lasagna, they have loads of options that will satisfy.

12. Cooper’s Hawk

They offer gluten free bread at the tables, desserts that are not just berries or creme brulee and creative, flavorful entrees on an extensive gluten free menu that will actually leave you a bit confused as to what to order.

13. Season’s 52

This is a fancy option for a special occasion, they offer flat bread pizzas, salads, an assortment of entrees and desserts. Be certain to specify gluten free when ordering.

14. Fogo de chao

Another fancy option that I highly recommend if you have the appetite! Worth the price for a fancy – no kids – night out. Loads of options on the salad bar, the bread is Brazilian so it naturally doesn’t have gluten, rather tapioca. However, I always ask when I go in case they change the recipe. They can identify the 2-3 options of meat that are not gluten free and all the others are flavorful, satisfying and filling.

15. Scotty’s Brewhouse  (multiple locations)

Who doesn’t like a place where they give you a hand towel as a napkin? That just screams “great burger” (on a gluten free bun, no less). They have a fun gluten free menu with options for the kids too. No dedicated frier so skip the fries (maybe some day) but there are several other options and they are great about subbing to accommodate.

16. Harry & Izzy’s

This is one of the more creative gluten free menus. Chef Dave put some of his culinary flavor in this menu and it shows. They have pizza, burgers with gluten free buns,  dedicated fryer for fries, creative salads, St Elmo’s Shrimp Cocktail and a lot of high end gluten free alcohol options. Check it out!

17. Which wich

This is a great alternative lunch place, as they give the option for any of their sandwiches to become a lettuce wrap or a salad. Their convenient bag based order system ensures that your order will end up exactly as you have requested and you don’t have to create the awkward atmosphere of yelling all of your unique requests in a busy shop.

18. Divvy 

This place is cozy and quaint. Bonus for parents who are leaving their kids at home, no kids are allowed so you won’t have to dine with other peoples kids on your night of reprieve. Or if you don’t have them, you will continue to be well rested and not have to eat with my kids.

Everything on their menu is clearly marked if gluten free or vegan. One menu. One labeling system. No awkward requests for special menus. Love it. Not to mention the locally sourced, creative menu items and fantastic out-of-the-box desserts.

19. Tuscanos Brazilian Grill

Much like Fogo de chao but a lower price point and inviting family dining atmosphere. Nearly everything is gluten free (except the Brazilian bread is not) and the staff is VERY knowledgeable.

20. Chili’s

Sit down at the table and log onto the little computer tablet for access to the allergy reference menu. I go there for the baked potato soup. No dedicated frier for chips, fries or anything else. No gluten free buns. Just go there for unlimited soup and salad. 😉

21. Authentic Mexican Food (by many names)

Most food made with corn (masa) flour. However, be careful. Many seasonings contain wheat and it’s hard to communicate to find out if their brand has it. As well, some enchilada sauce contains wheat. (Locally, I like La Hacienda and Los Toros)

22. Chinese Restaurants (by many names)

They can make any dish with white sauce (i.e. Moo goo gai pan). It’s gluten free. When in doubt just say “white sauce.” Since it’s often hard to communicate gluten, stay away from anything breaded, fried, with brown sauce (soy sauce) and opt for rice noodles, usually mei fun on the menus.

23. Jimmy John’s

Much like Which wich, they will allow you to order any of their sandwiches as wraps. Bonus is the freaky fast delivery and online ordering system.

A lot of places claim to be gluten free but all they do is leave off the bun. Most don’t even have dedicated fryers for french fries. There is a big difference between, “can I eat anything?” and “am I going to enjoy my gluten free meal.”

There are a lot of restaurants that pop up on the apps like “Find me Gluten Free”. Many are on there because they have great marketing departments, not gluten free food. Use caution. Ask questions. Read the reviews, I find these to be super helpful. If you are celiac or allergic, TELL THEM! I always stress the fact that I am not on a fad diet and I get sick if I eat it. This helps them to understand the severity and most servers will be either scared or responsive and get a manager/chef to talk with you.

For more options, check out (and download) the FIND ME GLUTEN FREE app.

Do you have favorites that aren’t listed? Please comment below and share with us.

Can I be Anxiety Free?

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Anxiety can sneak in when you are least expecting it and rob you of any ounce of joy. What is it? Where does it come from?

anx·i·e·ty (noun):
  1. a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

This should explain why it makes me feel like electric wires are loose and randomly zapping my insides. My emotions are unstable. I can’t think straight. I’m disorganized and find it difficult to stay on task. Suddenly, I can feel as if my life is not as amazing as it really is.

There are certain events and interaction with specific people that bring on anxiety for me. Christmas is one that comes leaping to mind.

Each year, the two weeks leading up to Christmas send me into a flurry of activities. Between finishing work projects before my kids get out of school, planning class parties, moving the elf, buying gifts for everyone, organizing work parties, managing our social calendar; hitting up all of the reindeer sightings, Santa spots, museum exhibits, locating every positive memory inducing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take the kids to and wrapping presents… I lose myself.

I become so overwhelmed with all of the things that I “think” I need to do, the things others are counting on me to do, the weight of my children’s childhood memories and the normal day-to-day schedule that I am miserable.

This can manifest itself in others differently. I have a friend that is responsible for a parent, a spouse and a child that all have health disabilities that severely impact their level of anxiety on a daily basis.

Regardless of how it settles upon you, know that all hope is not lost. In fact, I became acutely aware of my event induced anxiety and started taking action. Some of the things that I did were simple but had a noticeable positive impact on me.

  1. Review the activity/situation. Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus on what you can do.
  2. Separate what “needs” to be and what is optional.
  3. In most cases, evaluate the amount of responsibility you put on yourself.
  4. Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, calming and de-stress in a diffuser help impact your mood. I often use Women’s balance at work.
  5. Acupuncture. I can’t emphasize this enough. I did it this year and I specifically asked her to focus on my anxiety.
  6. Exercise. Do something you love. If you don’t like interacting with people, do something quiet, or something with smaller classes or attend an office gym and wear headsets. I love hot yoga. No one interacts. It’s all about your personal journey.
  7. Prayer. Counter the physical with the spiritual.
    I have been reading in my devotional and came across this:
    “Anxiety gains a life of it’s own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My presence.”-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling
  8. Massage. Increase your serotonin levels. There are very inexpensive places (about $25-$30) to get acupressure “foot” massages that are full body and you can leave your clothes on (if you are weird about that side of massage).
  9. Watch what you eat. Less caffeine. Less refined sugars. Less processed foods. No food dyes, if possible. Give your body a chance to reset and heal.
  10. Probiotics. Gut health seems to connected to our overall health. I am Celiac so I am on a gluten free diet all of the time, but I still can have bad gut health based on what I eat, medicines I take and colds. So, I take a daily probiotic.

I hope you can find some relief with these suggestions. They worked for me and I was able to enjoy my Christmas this year, in the midst of my chaos. I now know it’s possible and I hope others will find joy in their journey as I have.

Gluten Free Oatmeal Drops

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Getting my kids to eat something nutritious in the morning is more of a challenge every day. Most breakfast foods are not naturally allergy friendly. We have four of the top eight allergens in our family (and three more that are less common, although just as difficult to work around).

This recipe is super simple and I managed to make it in 25 minutes on a school morning.

6 ripe bananas – peeled and mashed
1T Cinnamon
3C Freedom Foods Gluten Free instant Oatmeal with berries (market district)
1C Raisins

I mashed it all together with my mix and chop for a chunky texture and scooped into my mini muffin tin with a small scoop. Fast, easy and contains the mess.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes and let cool.
The bananas are very hot inside, so don’t do what I did and eat within the first 5 minutes.

The oatmeal in this mix is super refined and cooks quickly. These have a fantastic hearty texture and are secretly healthy for them. I won’t tell if you don’t.

Indy Coffee, what’s it all about?

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First off, did you know there is a National Coffee Association?

I had no idea. Since 1911 they have been doing research and providing resources to coffee makers, manufacturers, growers, wholesalers and the public. They offer memberships, training, health tips and more. They are generally the advocate for coffee you never knew you needed.

Far into her 90’s, my great-grandmother would percolate coffee multiple times daily.  In fact, as a small child I would add my lumps of sugar and drink with her. That was the only testament to coffee I ever needed.

Some of the benefits that the association promotes are:

  • Liver disease prevention
  • Improved cognitive function in older adults
  • Sharper memory
  • Increased athletic endurance
  • Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Longevity

They also noted that “moderate” consumption was rated at 3-5 cups a day. Well, that is good news for me! And clearly, my great-grandma was a testament to that.

When I am traveling around the world with my family, I’m always in search of an amazing cup of joe. Some of my fan favorites in other cities are:

Dark Matter, in Chicago, IL
Crimson Cup, in Columbus, OH
Honest Roasters, in Franklin, TN
Stone Creek Coffee, in Milwaukee, WI
Paradise Kona, in Kapolei, HI

It just so happens that if you click on the link, they will ship their coffee to other cities too!

Even though I like to try new coffee when I travel, I noticed that I don’t tend to branch out as much at home. I’m in a coffee rut due to proximity. After doing a bit of research, I will soon be on a Java tour of my own city to check out the following list of local, Indy coffee shops:

The Well, Fishers, IN
SOHO Cafe, Carmel, IN
Hubbard & Cravens, Carmel, IN; Broad ripple and Downtown Indy
Lulu’s Electric Cafe, Indianapolis, IN (north side)
Capstone Cafe, Carmel, IN
Zing Cafe, Carmel, IN
Quirky Feather Confectionery, Carmel, IN
All the Perks Espresso, Indianapolis, IN
Sure Shot Coffee, Fishers, IN
Mission Coffee, Carmel, IN (find them at the Carmel Farmers Market)
Monon Coffee, Broad ripple, IN and Downtown Indy
Perk Up, Broad ripple, IN
Bee Coffee Roasters, Indianapolis, IN (two locations)
Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Co., Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Coal Yard Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (east side)
Thirsty Scholar, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Rabble Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (east side)
Henrys Coffee Bistro, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Mo’Joe Coffee House, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Veloworks Coffee Shop, Fountain Square, Indianapolis, IN
Kaffeine Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Neidhammer Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Lincoln Lane Coffee, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Georgia Street Grind, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN
Indie Coffee Roasters, North of Indy (online purchasing only)
Tinker Coffee Co, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN (and they have classes!)
Mile Square Coffee Indy, Downtown, Indianapolis, IN (two locations)
Quill’s Coffee, Indianapolis, IN (based in KY)
St. Yared Ethiopian Coffeehaus, Fishers, IN
Cadillac Coffee Co, Ft. Wayne, IN (offers in office service)

Like me, I hope this list helps you get out of your coffee rut. Support the local guys (and gals), chances are, they have a better brew anyway. Smaller batches, water filtered, natural decafs, all with a personal touch.

Side note, if any of these establishments would like to (or if they currently do, please comment below) carry Gluten Free treats for those of us with allergies, we would be most appreciative! I’d happily recommend contacting Brooke’s Candy Co. in Dana, IN to supply you with some of the most amazing, local treats to sell at your shops.

If you have a local Indy coffee house that is not on this list, please comment and let us know. Cheers to a great cup-o-joe!

 

 

 

Hidden Gluten.

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Are you new to the diet, confused and overwhelmed?

Maybe you have been on it awhile and you don’t understand why you are still getting sick?

Here are a few simple ways to keep an eye out for hidden gluten:

#1.     Oatmeal

It must say gluten free. It has to do with how it’s grown. Basically, farmers rotate crops to keep the ground conditioned for optimum growth. This means that one year of wheat, another year of oats, results in wheat being harvested in oats. Many tests have been run on leading oat brands and determined that the contamination was so high you might as well be eating a bowl of wheat bran. My favorite is Trader Joe’s gluten free oats. They are the best value I have found on the market.

#2.     Imitation crab meat

Not only is it imitation, making it essentially equal to the plastic stuff used in the display cases, but it’s full of food dyes. Oh, and did I mention that it’s created from wheat? Check the label. You will see what I mean. Either it’s real crab or it’s not safe.

#3.     Vanilla extract

I have watched the food network and according to Alton brown and his infinite food wisdom, I have learned that vanilla is made from a vanilla bean being placed in a jar with vodka and distilled. If the vodka has gluten in it, which most do, you have a bottle of gluten filled vanilla extract. If the bottle doesn’t specify gluten free, assume it’s not. I use Kirkland brand. It is labeled gluten free and a great value.

#4.     Soy Sauce

I know, you thought it was made from soy, right? Wrong. It’s actually made from wheat. Unless you buy La Choy, Tamari based (gluten free) soy or Liquid aminos. Bragg’s aminos are in my fridge now. They taste amazing and I love the quality of the companies products.

#5.     Licorice Candy

Anyone think that candy must be safe? Well, actually, flour is added in the baking process to most recipes, although the root itself is a legume. Put down the Twizzlers and watch for the “healthy alternatives” to main stream candy as well. The process is the same. The only brand I have found to be free from gluten is from Lovey Candy Co.

 

#6.     Cheese

Don’t get excited, it’s not all cheese by any means. Check the package on shredded brands for flour that is used (as a non caking agent). Also, some bleu cheese may be produced with the aid of flour. I’m not a fan of bleu cheese so this hasn’t been an issue for me.

#7.     Packaged meats

Lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages, hams and turkeys can be infused with gluten containing substances (usually present in the broths they are made in). The safest meats will label gluten free on the package. Boars head is my personal favorite.

#8.     Condiments

BBQ sauce, teriyaki,  salad dressings, asian sauces,  gravy, dips… you name it. I have encountered wheat, rye and barley in all of the above. Be especially careful in restaurants as they tend to buy the least expensive options, due to the quantity they go through. It may be boring but much safer to have any sauce left off.

#9.     Cereal

Just because it is a “corn” “rice”, or “potato” cereal does not mean that it doesn’t contain multi grains. There are a few brands, like Chex that carry gluten free options but always double check the label. And remember that malt is made from Barley, so if your cereal has rice and malt, it’s NOT gluten free.

#10.     Soups

This is one of the most agonizing for me. I love a good bowl of hot soup in the winter and cans, boxes, catering and restaurants love to thicken their soups with flour. Anyone ever heard of corn starch? Seriously. It’s rare that I can have a soup. A few safe ones I have found are Chili’s baked potato, Jason’s deli’s veggie chili and tomato and Zoup has several daily choices that are clearly labeled with gluten free tags.

Unfortunately, there are loads of places that gluten lurks, including “Modified Food Starch” because it can be made from corn or wheat. Keep stead fast, be diligent. It is worth the effort to rid your body of the pollutants and help you feel better.

-Your Gluten Free Sister.

 

Gluten Free Banana Bread

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I’m detoxing from sweets after a long winter break but I still needed a little treat with a healthy edge. Besides I had four over ripe bananas that were going to be round filed, so why not bake them up?.

I ordered one of Brooke’s Naturals Banana Bread mixes in my recent Green Bean Indiana bin and altered the directions to accommodate for my sons dairy and egg yolk allergy.

What you need:

4 ripe bananas (black but no mold)
3T Earth Balance Vegan Butter (melted)
3T Coconut oil (melted)
2 egg whites
1t Vanilla
1C walnuts (I used fishers whole)

This is the easy part… peel the bananas, add to melted butter and coconut oil. Add in the egg whites and vanilla and beat with a pampered chef mix n chop. I like chunky bananas so this works perfect and you don’t have to dirty a mixer.

Spray a pampered chef stone wear loaf pan with coconut oil and pour in mix. Bake for 1 hour at 350 for a perfect texture banana nut bread that is gluten, dairy, rice and egg yolk free.

Gluten Free layered dip

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I’m not sure about the “seven” layers so we are just going with layered dip. After all, it can be as many or as few layers as you want it to.

We LOVE Mexican inspired food in our house and I’m pretty sure my kids could live on corn chips. This was one of our New Year’s Eve treats and it was a crowd pleaser.

I used a 9×9 casserole dish for the quantity of ingredients. You can always double and go with a larger dish.

Layered:
1Can Refried beans (I used trader joes)
1 8oz sour cream mixed with 1/2 package trader joes taco mix
4 individual servings Eat Wholly Guacamole (or an 8oz container)
6-8oz Shredded Cheese (more trader joes)
1Can sliced black olives
1/2Can tomatoes with green chilis
1Bunch green onions (chopped)
Chips to garnish

You could add a layer of beef on top of the beans or sub for beans.
You could also leave out the sour cream and mix the taco seasoning into the guacamole for a dairy free option.

Grandmas Cherry Torte, Gluten free

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Through the years, grandmas cherry torte was a constant at holiday meals. For years we have tried to immolate it and somehow it just doesn’t taste the same. Maybe it’s just the love she put into making them for the enjoyment of the family that made them better. That was a lot of love.

This Christmas we made some adjustments to the recipe to avoid gluten and ended up with a delightful replacement that is allergy friendly. I believe grandmas would have been proud.

Crust:

1 stick of butter
1 package Schar GF graham crackers
1C pecans

Grind them together in food processor or magic bullet and pat into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (this should make it lightly browned) and set aside to cool completely before adding filling.

Filling:

8oz package Cream cheese (room temperature)
1C Sugar
1box dream whip (large box has two packets-this is what you need)

Mix both packages of dream whip according to directions in large mixer (I used Kitchen Aid). In another bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar. Then add this mix to the dream whip mix in the large mixer. Pour the combined mixture over the cooled crust.

Let mixture chill for one hour and spoon 2 cans of cherry pie filling on top. We used Duncan Hines Wilderness Simply Cherry. It is made with no artificial ingredients, food color or HFCS.

Let chill and it serves about 12 per pan. We usually make at least 2 pans. The longer it refrigerates, the better it tastes. At least let chill overnight before serving.

Enjoy!

 

FREE Donut holes: from gluten, dairy, rice and yeast that is.

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This has been a tricky one for me. My kids are really picky when it comes to donuts. Honestly, I don’t know if I can ever win them over with a yeast free donut. I can’t blame them. I’m a light and fluffy kinda donut girl myself.

After three batches, I added and removed a couple things and ended up with something that reminds me more of a pancake but tastes really good. The key to donut holes is 1) have deep enough grease that you can drop balls and they won’t splat before they cook 2) don’t get the oil too hot or they will burn before you can get them all in the grease and 3) have your coating ready to go as soon as you pull them from the grease.

You will need a deep pan, pot or fry baby.

Coconut oil for frying (enough to have 2-3″ of oil in the bottom)

Combine:
1 1/4C Bobs Red Mill GF baking mix
1/4C Brown Sugar
1/4t Nutmeg
1/4t Cinnamon
2T melted Earth Balance
1/3C Coconut milk
1/4C egg whites, whipped
1t Almond extract
1/4t baking powder

Use a small scoop with release for dropping into the oil for approximately one minute. Don’t drop too many at once or you won’t be able to retrieve them before they burn.

Pre-mix coating, option 1:
1/4C sugar
1/2t cinnamon

Pre-mix coating, option 2:
1C powdered sugar
3T Coconut milk
Retrieve from oil and drop in coating. Let cool and enjoy!

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