Gluten Free Chili Mac to die for!

Here is another one of my recent creations that was a huge hit with my kids. I used to make a cheesy, gooey, absolutely delicious chili Mac that leaves my mouth watering. I had to come up with a VERY close runner up to that recipe to fill my chili Mac void, so here is my gluten free substitute: (Keep in mind that I try very hard to keep all of my food low fat and healthy, but if you're one of those lucky people that don't need to watch their calories or fat intake, then please feel free to buy regular items ~ and don't even think that the rest of us calorie/fat counters are secretly hoping you get fat one day...HA-HA) joking


Gluten Free Chili Mac ~
From the kitchen of Susan Jones (The Celiac Shack)


2 lbs Ground Turkey ( I use the 85/15 blend because I find turkey breast is too dry for my taste, but you also can use ground beef if that suits your fancy)


2 cans diced tomatoes
1 large onion (chopped)
1 green pepper
4 tablespoons oil
1 16oz fat free sour cream
2 cans unseasoned black beans
2 cloves of garlic to taste
Chili powder to taste
Salt & pepper to taste
Cumin powder to taste ( I use a lot of cumin!)
1 family sized bag of gluten free noodles ( I really like Tinkyaya noodles, but I use whatever I have on hand)

Cheddar cheese to taste


Brown the meat, chopped onions and green pepper in a large pot with a little oil. I add my cumin powder, chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper at this point. Once this mixture is nice and brown, add to tomatoes and black beans. Simmer until everything has melded together. Add seasoning if needed to your taste and add the sour cream.


Cook your gluten free pasta noodles according the package instructions and drain.


Add the noodles to the chili mixture (I heard that you should always add noodles to sauce and not sauce to noodles...not sure if it's true, but it's what I do now)


Top with the cheddar cheese and serve with a nice salad or gluten free bread.

Delicious, easy to make, and completely gluten free. Hope you guys enjoy it, as this recipe makes enough for my family of 6 and I always have leftovers for lunches the next day. Cut it in half if you don't have an army to cook for ;)

Susan :)
The Celiac Shack ~ Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

SPRING is a great Gluten Free time!

I've have a renewed excitement in cooking, baking and living gluten free! I consider myself to be a pretty good cook (and yes, my family would agree...I hope!) I was getting into my winter cooking blahs, but now that Spring is here...watch out!


I'm not one to follow recipes exactly. I'm a busy Mom, and I "fidget" recipes to work for me in my day. I like to experiment, and sometimes my creations work...sometimes they're not requested again, but this is how I run my kitchen and I like it this way. Some of my family's favorites have come from me combining two different recipes, or just experimenting with ingredients. I also lack the desire to actually write down my recipes, which drives my husband nuts! He thinks I should have a book of recipes that the kids love, but I say, "Who has time"?? All of my cooking knowledge is in my head, which can be a pretty chaotic and scary place, depending on the day. Some days my chili has a tad more cumin than others, but this is okay in my world...my time is too precious to worry about the small details - ha-ha


This new blog format will serve multiple purposes. It will allow me to share my everyday cooking experiences with you, and it will also make my husband happy because I will actually be documenting my recipes for future use...blah blah blah. I'm joking, because I am really excited to share my trial and errors with all of you and document my successes so I look like a really good gluten free cook! :)


This is one of my creations that I used to accompany my fruit salad on Easter day.

HEALTHY GLUTEN FREE FRUIT DIP/TOPPING
Ingredients:
1 8 oz package fat free cream cheese
6-12 Strawberries (dependant on your taste- I told you that I fidget recipes!!)
1 banana
Approx. 1 cup low fat Cottage cheese
Approx. 1/2 cup fat free Plain yogurt
Honey - as much as you need for sweetness
1/2 teaspoon Gluten free vanilla


Add the first 3 ingredients into a blender and slowly blend until slightly smooth. Slowly add the remainder of the ingredients, watching for consistency. You don't want your mixture to get too runny, so if you need to cut back on the yogurt and cottage cheese, please do so. Blend all the ingredients together, and serve with any fresh fruit you have on hand.


Simple, easy, healthy, and it is delicious. I'm not a big fan of adding extra calories, especially to fruits and veggies, but this is a nice healthy alternative to get cottage cheese and yogurt into my kids' diets.


I will be posting more fabulous gluten free recipes everyday, so check back!


Susan :)
The Celiac Shack ~ Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

The Celiac Shack: working hard and accepting gluten free samples

So I'm working non stop on the new and improved Celiac Shack and in the meantime, I'm being mom, wife, chauffer, chef, maid, reader, tutor, mentor, counselor, snow shoveler and head zoo keeper. In all of this stress that I call life, I had a giggle today when I downloaded my photos from December to my computer and saw my daughter, Margaret, wearing her fruit snacks well. Ahhhh, the small things in life ARE what's important!

Okay, status report on The Celiac Shack: I'm recreating our layout for a more user friendly site. I'm working on choosing and adding new products to our site. I'm really excited about this step because The Jones Gang are happily taste testing everything that is being sent to us. Some have been hits and some items have been immediately declined. It's been a great experience and a lot of fun for them. When else are they going to eat gluten free cookies every night! Wooo hooo! haha
Back to the purpose of my post. I would like to extend an offer to all of you out there that produce, manufacturer, or package gluten free foods to send your samples to us for review. If they pass the Jones Gangs' test, I'll be happy to add them to our site for sale. This is the perfect time to get your product added to a site with a ton of members and customers from all over the world! Send me a note and I'll give you our shipping address.
That's the update folks. I am wishing all of you a happy gluten free day!


Susan :)
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!
theceliacshack@yahoo.com

Website Designer Wanted!

I have the most fabulous distributor that is more than willing to work with The Celiac Shock. I have TONS of new gluten free products to add to our site that are awesome and fabulous. I have support of so many great members, friends, my community, business contacts and my family, but what I don't have is an updated website. The one thing that I need and want the most.

The Celiac Shack launched in May 2009 and we were new to the online world as far as owning a business. I have learned so much in the past year about our business and the workings of a website, and my goal is to update our site to make it more user friendly for all of you. I have come to a cross road and I am waving my white flag.


I NEED help on my website because I just do not have the time, or I should say, uninterrupted time, to do what needs to be done.


So here it is, I am seeking a website designer to incorporate all of my e-commerce, information, and social sites onto one silver platter. I NEED search engine optimization and I really want input for a new and fresh approach.


Sounds like a great plan, eh? Well, here is the kicker...I need it done for a REALLY low price :D


I'm the Mom of four kids...I really need a guardian angel that believes in what I'm doing to help me out. In my life, I always say that I make one change daily to be the change that I wish to see in the world, and I am really in need of someone to practice this philosophy for me.


If you are a web designer, or know of a web designer that is looking to work and grow with us, please let me know. I'm looking for a long term working relationship with this person, and I promise that I will do everything in my power to make our relationship beneficial for all parties involved.




I'd appreciate any input or contacts you may have - I don't ask for assistance very often, but I'm definitely in need right now.




Have a wonderful gluten free day!


Susan :)
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Kids Corner

Easy Gluten Free Kid's Dinner

I was in a pinch for a quick and easy dinner the other night, and I came up with a casserole that knocked my kids' socks off! It was easy, pretty nutritious, and my kids actually asked for it again! Not too bad for a casserole!! ha-ha


Here is my concoction:

Gluten Free Hot Dog/Mac & Cheese Casserole


1 pack of Jennie O Turkey Hot Dogs
1 box of Gluten free noodles
2 packs of gluten free cheese sauce (I used our Full Flavor Foods Cheese Sauce)
2 cups Gluten free crackers crushed
1/2 stick melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional if you use the spinach)
1 package of frozen spinach (optional)


Boil the hotdogs just until warm - slice or chop into bite sized pieces.
Cook the gluten free pasta according to the package
Cook the cheese sauce according to the directions.
In the meantime, I pureed the spinach in the food processor or blender with the olive oil.
Grease an 11x13 casserole dish
Place the pasta in the dish
Layer the hotdogs on top of the pasta
Mix the spinach into the cheese sauce
Pour the cheese/spinach mixture over the pasta and hotdogs


Mix the melted butter with the gluten free crackers and spread evenly on top of the whole mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and the crackers begin to slightly brown.
Enjoy!


I'm all about easy recipes, and this is a really good one when you're short on time and want to get a home cooked meal into your kids!



Regards,
Susan
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Shack Attack

A Change is Gonna' Come

I was blogging yesterday and it took everything I had to do so. I'm not sure if it's the Michigan Winter weather or just a lack of motivation. I have been blogging on almost a daily basis since May of 2009 and I just came to a realization...I'm full of crap. Though some of my blogs have been thoughtful executed, I have been doing nothing more than echoing what the gluten-free community already knows or spits out on a rigorous daily pace. The information being churned out is mostly carbon copies of blogs past. This is obviously done to stay fresh in everyone's heart and minds and to keep their name churning in the machine of all the large search engines. My information included.

Today I put my foot down and say no more! I want people to stay in touch and visit our website, but at what cost? Does anyone really need another brownie recipe or a shout out about the horrors of gluten? I think not and I'm going to do something about it. My son and I are gluten intolerant but still have yet to make the transition to a lifestyle totally void of it. Why have we not done so as of yet? The two biggest reasons are money and laziness. I am a mother of 4 and sometimes take the easy route for dinner. Though we have seen an improvement in our health, it's time to kick into overdrive.

Starting in February (or close to it) lol, I intend to blog about my families descent into the gluten free jungle. It's going to take my husband and other three children that long to eat the remaining gluten in our home and for me to do a restock of the kitchen.

I hope you will continue to follow us as we make this transition. I want as much 1st hand knowledge as possible so that I may serve my customers with honesty and integrity. So please stay tuned and you will see a marginal cooker reveal her gluten free adventures. I hope you will enjoy our new format and honesty. It's not going to be easy folks!

If you would like to submit a sample or product to our cause, please e-mail me at theceliacshack@yahoo.com. We will work it into our diet, blog about it, and possibly add it to our inventory at http://www.theceliacshack.net/ if the Jones Gang gives it the big thumbs up.

Thank You,

Susan Jones
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time!"

Health & Wellness

A NEW DOCTOR BRINGS HOPE

My husband recently landed a new job after about 11 months of searching. I know a lot of you can feel our pain. There are far to many people suffering financial problems these days. Like most new positions, we had to go through all the forms and hoops to obtain insurance. Finally after a few weeks, everything was in place and we could finally take advantage of our plan. Proper insurance was void from our lives for most of 2009. Thank God nobody in the Jonesgang become seriously sick or injured. Like most plans, you have to pick primary doctors. The kids all stayed with their previous doctors, but my husband and I decided to switch and find someone closer to home. Our last doctor was alright, just more of a healer of things presently wrong without the insight into the future. People, I am falling apart and I need to know what's going to be breaking down in the next five years so I can brace myself! lol

I recently had this cough that I could not shake. Countless over the counter meds and a three weeks of suffering made me pick up the phone and give in. Though we have insurance, I still hate the co-pays. I made an appointment that was sandwiched between the usual going-ons. This new doctor is located in downtown Northville, MI not far from our house. I figured in and out with a script in hand and I'm on the road to recovery. This was not the case. The wait for this doctor was lengthy and not very impressive. If I ran any longer, my preschooler would be at the curb with her thumb out. So after getting a bit upset after watching the clock, I approached someone. After puffing my chest, I quickly deflated when I found out the reason the doctor was running late was that she had to deliver some devastating news to the patient in the next room. Boy did my scheduling issues seem unimportant as I almost fell to tears.

Finally the doctor came in and apologized. I explained that it was no problem and maybe I should just reschedule to have more time with her. She said no, lets look at what going on and give me a brief history of yourself. So I went on for only five minutes when the doctor stopped me. She said, listen I am going to give you a script for your chest, you may have a slight infection. But I would like you to reschedule so I can have more time to spend with you. The next words that came from her mouth I have never heard from a doctor. She said, " Susan, have you ever heard of gluten intolerance?" Holy crap, did she just say what I thought she said? I quickly said, yeah I may know a thing or two about it. lol

This was the first doctor I have ever met that didn't see gluten intolerance issues like some kind of jungle medicine. She actually thought that the majority of my ailments were derived from gluten. She likes to treat her patients whole package instead of waiting for fires and putting them out like Smokey the Bear. I am now scheduling a visit to discuss my issues in depth. She actually has an entire program put together to treat people with gluten intolerance issues. So I start 2010 with a sigh of relief and a hope in my heart. I think a few people in the medical world are starting to take us seriously. Yippy!

If you would like this doctors information, send me a message or e-mail and I will gladly give you her information.

Regards,

Susan Jones
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time!"

"Happy New Year"

2010

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Health & Wellness

The Gluten Free Vegetarian

I have been speaking with quite a few people lately who are vegetarians, and they've asked me how to go gluten free while following  a vegetarian diet.  For a vegetarian who has already eliminated meat, poultry, fish, seafood and possibly eggs and/or dairy products, further limitations may be particularly unwelcome.  As with any lifestyle diet, there are challenges, but with proper planning and education, a completely gluten free vegetarian diet is absolutely possible and a very healthy way to live and eat. 

I followed a vegetarian diet for many years for personal reasons, and after I get my chops on the entire gluten free diet, I may try to go vegetarian again.  That may be too much for my family to handle all at once, so we're taking baby steps! haha

Below is an article that I found, read and find very informative.  It is from www.Celiac.org and it was written by Carol Rees Parrish, R.D., M.S., Series Editor.  Please read it over for some great information if you're interested in becoming a gluten free veggie!

The Gluten Free Vegetarian

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Travel & Leisure

Starbucks has Gluten Free Items

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am a full coffee addict!  I can't live without it, and I don't understand people that do. I Like the smell, the taste, the feeling it gives me, and there is nothing better than walking into a coffee house and getting your hot cup of joe and a delicious treat to enjoy with it.  Only problem is, until recently, every time I walked into Starbucks, I only could get my hot cup of coffee.  Sad that I couldn't pick one of the treats from that forbidden case that I always drooled over.  Now I CAN!  Starbucks has an Orange Valencia Cake that is gluten free.  They also offer a gluten-free Amaretti Cookie that you can purchase. I know that there is a Starbucks in every town and city...probably on every corner, so it's nice to know you can pop in, sip your hot cup of goodness and get a gluten free snack on the side. 

Check out the link below, which is the Starbucks blog link to answer any questions you may have:

Gluten Free Starbucks

Go out and get some caffeine!!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Shack Attack

Closed For Business

Aloha "Shackers"! We are shutting down our website starting January 1st for a major overhaul. We are adding new products and removing the ones that are not a good fit for our customers. We are also streamlineing the usability of the overall site to make it more enjoyable and easier to use. Though you will not have access to The Celiac Shack for most of the month, we will continue to share and communicate with all of you through our social networking websites. If their is anything that you must have, we can be reached via e-mail at theceliacshack@yahoo.com.

We would also like to afford you all the opportunity to chime in and add your two cents on the changes we make. What do you want from "The Shack" in 2010? Tell us about your likes or dislikes about everything from the products we carry, to the overall design and functionality of our pages. We want to hear everything! Without your approval and happiness, we would not be able to carry on. So let it rip and stay tuned for further updates concerning January's closure. Thanks for a great 2009 and we look forward to a fantastic new year.

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Gluten Free Product Information

Soup's on!

My family loves a great bowl of soup, and typically I make my own pot of homemade goodness, but the other day, I was short on time.  I went online, looked for some great gluten free soups and came across the Live Gluten Freely website.  This is an informative website that lists all of General Mill's Gluten Free products.  I chose their Traditional 99% Fat Free New England Clam Chowder for our dinner, and it was quite delicious.  I made some gluten free rolls and it was a perfect dinner for a cold winter evening. 

Here is the link to the Live Gluten Freely website

I'm not getting paid or receiving anything from General Mills for promoting their website or products, but I really like to see companies that are getting on the gluten free wagon!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Kids Corner

Empower Your Children To Live In A Gluten World!

After speaking with numerous parents about the different ways they are teaching their children to live in our gluten filled world, I decided to look for some key points that may help everyone with this necessary, yet daunting task.  It is more difficult for children in my opinion than adults to grasp the concept that they can't have "normal" birthday cake or treats at school.  It is a bad day when you tell your child that they will always have to read labels and ask questions before they put anything into their mouths.  After all, everything always looks SO good!  I came across a great article that I found informative and inspiring and I'd really like to share it with all of you.  It shows ways to empower our children to live without gluten and deal with life in a world that doesn't cater their special needs diet. 

This article is titled Kids and the Gluten-Free Diet and it was written by Mary K. Sharrett and Pam Cureton from the February 2007 issue of Practical Gastroenterology.

Empower Your Gluten Free Children!

I hope you enjoy it and take some great tips and information from it.  I really spend a lot of time with my kids in the kitchen, role playing for hard situations where "taboo foods" are bound to be, and reviewing labels.  It really can become part of your day and life without much hassle if you have the support to do so. 

If you haven't already, please sign up for The Pipeline, The Celiac Shack's monthly newsletter.  We offer something different each month, including contests, gluten free recipes, and gluten free information. 

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Health & Wellness

Understanding Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity is a condition that results from a person's body being unable to properly digest the gliadin protein. People without gluten sensitivity can digest and break down gliadin into very small particles and those small particles can then be easily absorbed by the small intestine and used by the body as a nutritional source.

Those people who are gluten sensitive cannot break down the gliadin protein molecule in to small enough particles. The undigested gluten protein gets absorbed into the first layer of the membranes of the small intestine. But because the food is not fully digested the body's immune systems sees these protein particles as something it needs to attack and destroy, in very much the same way the immune system would attack an invading organism such as a virus, bacteria or parasite. The attack by the immune system is what causes the problems because the surrounding tissue of the small intestine can become severely damaged. It results in two significant problems in the small intestine:

1.The surface area of the small intestine is reduced and the tissue becomes very unhealthy. This results in a condition called malabsorption, which means that the small intestine can no longer properly absorb foods and essential vitamins and minerals.

2.The attack of the immune system directly affects the surface membrane of the small intestine and essentially creates large gaps in the membranes resulting in the membranes becoming permeable to large size proteins. These proteins would not be passing through a healthy small intestine. One of the biggest problems for gluten sensitive individuals is that this permeable membrane will allow the large undigested gluten molecules to enter the blood stream. These gluten molecules can then travel through the bloodstream and adhere to tissues distant from the small intestine and create damage to those tissues. This occurs because the immune system is actively fighting gluten molecules wherever it finds them. This phenomenon explains why gluten sensitivity can create problems throughout the body and may in fact create many symptoms in other parts of the body in addition to or other than the small intestine.

* Information by Dr. Rick Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.)
(Click here to view whole article)

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Travel & Leisure

Wild Wood Art/Gluten-Free Cafe

Let's take a trip down to the lone star state to visit a real gem. The Wild Wood Art Cafe is nestled in Austin, TX. I'm sure you know or have heard about this cities hot music scene, but know little about it's gluten-free side. People everywhere are interested in healthy living from wholesome, alternative food sources. Wild Wood strives to make baked goods that are delicious, yet harmless to the growing community of wheat-, gluten- and carb-free people who love tasty foods.

They remain dedicated to the nutritional welfare of people with food allergies and medical restrictions. Wild Wood produces gluten free foods that are so good, the claim everyone likes them better than ordinary wheat-filled items. That is a tall statement to make in my book. I have tasted some pretty good products before, but as good as the gluten filled counter parts? Wow!!! They have Mexican favorites, salads, cookies, breads, the works! (Menu)

Normally the menu they have created would be enough to peak my intetest, but Wild Wood has more to offer. They have their very own art gallery. What kind of “magic” do the Wild Wood artists offer? One that is grounded firmly in the earth and its precious resources - clay, fibers, metals, woods, and savory flavors... Join them in a virtual – or real – flight to a place where good taste can satisfy all five senses, a place where affordability, adventure and delight are shaken, not stirred...

WOOD: In the steady skillful hands of the Zapotec woodcarvers a mix of imagination, humor, and insight crystalize into wooden sculptures. Smooth or textured, huge or tiny, these art works invite us into the minds and culture of an ancient world. They work with 60 Oaxacan families who use copal wood and other found materials to delight and amaze us.

WOOL: Weavers by trade for more than 2000 years, Zapotecs Indians were introduced to wool by the Spanish only 500 years ago. They create 100% wool, double sided tapestry weave rugs and wall-hangings. They specialize in unique designs and custom sizes. (Gallery)

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!" 

Shack Attack

Aloha Everyone! Below is a special segment from our newsletter "The Pipeline". The lounge focuses on input from our subscribers. In December we asked people to give us their very own personal stories regarding their gluten intolerance. We had a couple of really good submissions that we would like to share with you today. If you like what you read, click on the following link to receive your copy. You will find an assortment of stories, recipes, contests and more! Hope you enjoy it and I look forward to sending you your copy today!

Subscribe: "The Pipeline"

I have a personal story for you. I've always gotten headaches (forever!) but 7 years ago I suffered a spontaneous subdural hematoma and since that time have been plagued by chronic migraines occurring regularly up to four times per week. I've seen countless neurologists, alternative medicine specialists, acupuncturists, and surgeons. Nothing worked and I resigned myself that I would suffer these debilitating headaches daily for the rest of my life. Six weeks ago my 13 year old son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and my entire family started the gluten free diet with him. My son was rightfully discouraged by his diagnosis but took it in stride saying God gave this to him for a reason, he just didn't know what it was yet. Well, since starting the diet with my son I've only had one migraine! One, in six weeks! I haven't ever felt relief like this. Obviously, I'm very gluten intolerant and just was never diagnosed. I thank my son every day for getting us on this diet. It isn't easy and it isn't fun but, I think he now has his reason for his diagnosis - it was to help his mom. (From: Tami Wessley - Gluten Free Faces)

Hi my name is Mike, and I'm a recovering gluten-holic. My story is somewhat unique, because I do not have the typical "bathroom" symptoms like most people experience. My mom made me get tested, because celiac runs in my family. I was diagnosed with celiac when I was 21 years old, a sophomore in college, and doing all the things 21 year-old college students do: Cold beer in the fridge, Pizza buffet on the corner, and especially the $1 McDonalds double cheeseburgers. Immediately after college, I started a business and worked 24/7. I couldn't resist the temptations and convenience of quick, high carb, meals on the go. After selling my business, my life slowed down a lot, and I could start to see some symptoms that I had previously overlooked. About a week after I switched to a gluten free diet, I could tell a difference. I was in a better mood and more energetic. Since then, the benefits have become even better. I believe success all is about your mindset. You have to make yourself believe that you will never eat "poison" again under any circumstance. If you are serious, your friends and family will also feed off of your new attitude and will begin to accommodate to your needs. To make it easy on myself, in the beginning, I stuck to meats, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Over time, I have slowly added other safe foods into my diet. Yes, you can still go out to eat. Just do some quick research beforehand, talk to your server of chef, or always keep a snack with you. One last thing: get involved! Talk with people on Twitter, Facebook, and people in your community. They will keep you motivated and updated on all the new things going on in the quickly growing gluten free community. (From: Mike Hutchinson - Switch To Gluten free)

I like what you've done with the Celiac Shack...your theme, messages and info are always informative. Keep up the good work! (From: Chad Hines - Gluten Free Faces)

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Health & Wellness

Bone Problems in Kids With Celiac Disease may be Reduced by Gluten-free Diet

A new study has said that gluten-free diet can affect recovery of children with celiac disease (CD), an inherited intestinal disorder characterized by life-long intolerance to the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

Although CD can be diagnosed at any age, it commonly occurs during early childhood (between 9 and 24 months). Reduced bone mineral density is often found in individuals with CD.

Now, the new article in the journal Nutrition Reviews examines the literature on the topic.

Metabolic bone disease remains a significant and common complication of CD. Reduced bone mineral density can lead to the inability to develop optimal bone mass in children and the loss of bone in adults, both of which increase the risk of osteoporosis. There also exists an additional risk of fracture in people with CD.

However, evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet (GFD) promotes a rapid increase in bone mineral density that leads to complete recovery of bone mineralization in children.

A GFD improves, although rarely normalizes, bone mineral density in adults. Children may attain normal peak bone mass if the diagnosis is made and treatment is given before puberty, thereby preventing osteoporosis in later life.

Also, nutritional supplements consisting of calcium and vitamin D seem to increase the bone mineral density of children and adolescents with CD.

"Our findings reinforce the importance of a strict gluten-free diet, which remains the only scientific proven treatment for celiac disease to date," the authors conclude.

"Early diagnosis and therapy are critical in preventing celiac disease complications, like reduced bone mineral density," they added.

(Source-ANIRAS)

Regards,
The Celiac Shack
"Making gluten free fun one day at a time!"

Travel & Leisure

Zehnder's of Frankenmuth

Have you ever heard of Little Bavaria and Zehnder's? If you have, then you know how cool Frankenmuth can be for a day or weekend visit. If not, you have to start combing your calendar for a date that you can pay a visit. It's a semi-annual visit for "The Jones Gang" because it is in our home state of Michigan and they have a rocking restaurant that has a Gluten-Free/Celiac menu.

Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is the heart of Midwestern hospitality. In its ten dining rooms, which can seat more than 1,500 guests, Zehnder's offers a full-service menu that features all-you-can-eat family-style chicken dinners, seafood, steaks, fresh baked goods and European desserts. Each year, Zehnder's serves nearly a million guests with the superb hospitality that has made it a world-wide attraction.

Dinners range from $15.25 to $21.50, with children's portions and special event menus available. The luncheon menu is available Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. Zehnder's is open seven days a week. They are only closed on Christmas Eve, and for our annual employee Christmas party in early January.

It's a tradition the began 150 years ago when The Exchange Hotel opened its doors in 1856. The Zehnder family purchased the hotel in 1927 and the tradition of good food and hospitality continues today at Zehnder's of Frankemuth.

Zehnder's of Frankenmuth History

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

"Making gluten-free fun one day at a time!"

Shack Attack

Wanted!!  Feedback For The Celiac Shack

As all of you know, we are always trying to improve our site with new product additions, finding ways to improve functionality for our customers, and seeking new and pertinent gluten free information and news. We have had such great feedback from all of the gluten free community, but we're asking for some more input. 

We're approaching a new year, and we'd like to make some changes to improve The Celiac Shack.  We would really appreciate your input and suggestions on our site.  Input of all kinds is welcomed so we can make all of the necessary changes to make  The Celiac Shack the gluten free pantry/community that you think of first for all of your gluten free needs. 

Here are some of the areas we'd really appreciate feedback on:

What can we do to make you shop more at The Celiac Shack?
Is our site easy to use?
How can we make our site more user friendly?
How do our products' prices compare to other gluten free pantries?
What gluten free products would you like to see in our pantry that we currently don't carry?
Would you find gluten free cooking demonstration videos helpful?
What can The Celiac Shack do to keep you as our customer?

We are open to product suggestions and will get new products in as requested.  We will do our best to get all of your favorite gluten free products to you at a better price than you're paying now, and we'll have them delivered them to your door!  
   
Again, we value all of the opinions we receive from you.  As a thank you for replying with your suggestions, we will send you a gluten free sample bag absolutely FREE.  Include your name and mailing address with your e-mail, and we'll get it out to you ASAP.

The Celiac Shack is making gluten free fun one day at a time...How can we make it fun for you?

Regards,
The Celiac Shack

Gluten Free Product Information

Ruby Tuesday Is On Board With Gluten Free Dining!

Back in the day, my family used to take our occasional trip out for dinner at a local restaurant.  It's much more difficult these days because not many restaurants have gluten free menus.  I get excited when I see restaurants get on board with gluten free options for their customers.  It makes my life easier when I don't have to look at every ingredient and ask the server so many questions that their head pops off. 

We have our few dining spots that I know are safe, but now I am able to add one more to my list.  Ruby Tuesday's Gluten Free menu looks pretty good.  You can get appetizers, sandwiches, burgers (without the bun of course), Ribs, Chicken dishes, Salads, and Seafood. Best news of all, they offer Gluten Free Kids items!  Super bonus for us and all other families with kids! 

Quite the selection from what most places are offering, so I think the next time we go out to dinner as a family, we are going to head to Ruby Tuesdays! 

Listed below is the link to their gluten free menu for your review:

RUBY TUESDAY'S GLUTEN FREE MENU

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!