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!"

Gluten Free Product Info

To Teff Or Not To Teff...That Is My Question

I've been hearing so many great things about Teff lately that I decided to read up on this "miracle" grain. Being the "average" Mom that I am, I haven't purchased Teff before, much less worked with it. I just spoke with a physician yesterday that swears Teff is the ultimate solution to gluten free living. He said Teff is versatile, easy to work with, comes in flour and grain form, and produces amazing products. Well, sign me up!!


After researching Teff, I've come up with some general information that I thought I'd share.


Teff's history goes back thousands of years to the ancient civilizations of Abyssinia. It was a reliable support to our ancestors basic survival. Teff is a fine grain, about the size of a poppy seed that comes in a variety of colors, from white and red to dark brown. Teff thrives even in unpredictable and difficult climates because of it's ability withstand high heat and bright light.


Professional athletes and individuals on special diets are attracted to its delicious taste, gluten-free physiology, and nutritional advantage. Teff grows predominantly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. As such, teff comprises the staple grain of their cuisines.

Teff is also now grown in the United States, primarily in Idaho. Ground into flour, teff is used to make the traditional bread, injera - a flat, pancake-like, slightly sour bread that complements the exotic spices found in the food of the Sub-Saharan region. Teff flour is delicious in pancakes, pastries, or as a thickener in soups and gravy.

Ethiopian Injera Bread!!! One of my favorite things in the world! For those of you who haven't tried this delicacy, please please please go out and find a place get some! There is also a link for making your own Injera Bread, which I'm going to try as soon as I get some Teff!!


Teff is a delicious grain with high quality complex carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and fiber. Teff grain can be eaten as cereal or polenta. Brown Maskal Teff is rich in flavor with a subtle nutty aftertaste. Ivory teff is milder in taste, but equally nutritious.Teff grain constitutes one of the best natural combinations of nutrients and taste to promote endurance, performance, and good health.
I'm going to get a hold of some Teff and work with it in my daily recipes. I'll let everyone know what I think and how it works. Very exciting to bring a new product into my house and kitchen!


If you have any comments, opinions or suggestions about Teff, please let us all hear them.


Regards,
Susan
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!"

Travel & Leisure

Gluten Free Cancun Trip!

It is the middle of winter and I have cabin fever!  I was looking back at some of the great gluten free travel sites that we've blogged about, and came across Bob & Ruth's Gluten-free Dining & Travel Club again.  I was looking at their gluten free getaways, and there is one coming up SOON! I am soo jealous fo the people going on this trip and I would love to know if any of you are going! 

CLUB MED WINTER GLUTEN-FREE GETAWAY VI, CANCUN, MEXICO VILLAGE

Dates: February 6 - 13, 2010

Get your suitcases out and go have some gluten free fun! 

Sitting in Snow in Michigan!! 

Susan :)

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

Shack Attack!

The Opportunities Are Endless!

2010 is proving to be a fantastic year for The Celiac Shack! We were featured in an article in The Free Press last Sunday, and that article has brought about so many exciting opportunities for us. I've received numerous calls from local physicians and businesses that want to work with us, and we'll be meeting with all of them to see how we can reach our dream of helping even more gluten free families.

The Celiac Shack's mission is to provide real time and in-the-trenches advice, information, recipes and products for living gluten free.

We want to help you live your life with your condition, NOT let your condition live your life!


Updates to follow...

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

Gluten Free Products

GLUTEN FREE HOMEMADE HASH

I was in a pinch for time last night, so I went into my freezer to see what I could pull out for dinner and I saw my box of Ore Ida Frozen Hash Brown Patties. I immediately got a craving for homemade hash! I usually shred my own potatoes, but these tasty morsels really worked for a quick alternative!

This is a quick and easy way to make homemade gluten free hash that your whole family will love. I have four picky kids and they all cleaned their plates.

Easy Homemade Gluten Free Hash

Ingredients:
Frozen hash browns (I've also used frozen tater tots, they work well)
1 Large onion
1 Green pepper
2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 cups of Diced Ham
2 Chicken Breasts (Optional)
8 Eggs (optional)
4-6 Green onions
Sour cream to garnish
Salt, Pepper & Garlic powder to taste


Thaw your hash or gluten free tater tots
Cube the chicken breast into tiny pieces
In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoon olive oil, cook the cubed chicken half way (I add my garlic powder to the chicken at this point for maximum flavor). Add diced ham and diced green peppers to this pan and sauté on low until the peppers are soft and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove this chicken/ham/green pepper mixture from the pan and place in a covered bowl
Using the same pan (I'm all about one pan dinners!) sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
Using your hands, break apart the hash browns or tater tots* and add to the onions.
(*TIP: This is a really great task for your kids to help you with since it's one thing they can't mess up...they LOVE breaking apart the potatoes and it lets them participate in cooking gluten free meals. Teaching our kids to cook for themselves is so important and even the smallest task gives them a huge sense of accomplishment!)
Add salt & pepper and let this mixture cook over medium heat until the bottom is slightly crispy. Turn this mixture and let the other side crisp up.
In the meantime, I fry up my eggs over medium so the yolks are just slightly runny.
Once everything is cooked, I plate the potato mixture covered with the chicken/ham mixture. I throw some chopped green onions on top and add a dollop of sour cream to the plate.
Easy, gluten free and delicious! Saves you the time of having to shred potatoes, and you'd never know the difference.
From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a happy gluten free day!


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

Health & Wellness

HAPPY NEW YEAR SHACKERS!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and now you're back in the swing of things...I know I'm trying! 

I was thinking about all of the events that are coming up in the next few months, and the one at the top of my list is taxes!  I know it's a painful word to some, but I have some really great news for all of you gluten free people.  I was surprised to find out that we can deduct certain items from our taxes with a Dr.s note and if you follow the tax guidelines.  Below is a link that I think will prove most helpful as you begin to prepare your taxes this year.  

LIVING GLUTEN FREE CAN MEAN TAX DEDUCTIONS!

Give it a read and as always, if you have any questions that I may be able to help you with, send them my way! 

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

"Happy New Year"

2010

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Kids Corner

Gluten Free Baking In Our Easy Bake Oven!

My girls received their first Easy Bake Oven for Christmas, and of course, the first thing they wanted to do was make some delicious pint sized treats for the entire family.  I obviously can't use the mixes that came with the oven, so I found this delicious recipe online and it was fabulous!  I am going to try out some of our cake mixes that we carry and I'll report how they turn out.  If you have kids with an Easy Bake Oven, you'll love this recipe! 

Here is a recipe that make 4 cakes, plenty for everyone to share!



Chocolate Easy Bake Cake


•1 cup gluten-free flour mix
•1 egg
•1 TBS canola oil
•1/4 cup sugar
•1/4 cup water
•1 tsp baking powder
•2 TBS cocoa powder


Method
Preheat Easy Bake Oven. Grease cake tins with oil or dairy-free margarine
Mix all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
Pour into cake pans.
Insert cake pan into the Easy Bake Oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove, let cool, then frost with icing recipe below
Enjoy!

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

Happy Holidays From The Celiac Shack!

Happy Holidays!

May your days be filled with family, friends and all good things. 

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at at time!

It's Almost Time...

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

The year has passed and so many exciting things have happened to us all over the past twelve months.  I am finding it hard to believe that the New Year us almost upon us.  I've been thinking in my spare time about how I wish to see to new year and the changes I'd like to personally make in it.  As many of you know, my favorite quote is "Be the change you wish to see in the world", and I try to be this change throughout all of my days.  I teach and preach this motto to my children, spread the idea to strangers and friends alike, and believe the world would be a much better place if everyone was the change they wished to see at least once a day.  It's not a hard concept and very easy to do.  I tell my kids that if someone says something mean, then they should say something nice.  If someone doesn't hold open a door for you, then you should hold a door for someone else.  My personal favorite as of late...If someone doesn't say "Please" or "Thank you", then you be sure to say those words to someone.  Quite simple in concept, but has HUGE results in the scope of a day!

We have informed all of you that The Celiac Shack will be undergoing some changes throughout January 2010.  We asked for feedback and received so many great suggestions and comments.  I'd like to thank all that took a moment out of their busy day to let us know how we can make our community and pantry even better.  We've thought about how we can be the change we wish to see in the gluten free world, and we've decided to make those changes over the next month. 

I've re-evaluated what is important to me as a mother, wife and person.  I've thought about what changes I'd like to make so The Celiac Shack will provide you an even better gluten free destination spot.  I've decided to use the first month of the year to give all of you the best that I have to offer.  The Celiac Shack has been a dream and ever changing entity of mine for years, so I appreciate all of you and your support.  My labor of commitment and determination will be back better than ever very soon! 

I am still accepting product suggestions , so please feel free to let me know what products you'd like to see in our gluten free pantry.  I want to provide all of you with the best shopping experience possible and that includes carrying all of your favorite products for less than you're paying now! 

Please email us @ theceliacshack@yahoo.com with your suggestions/requests.  We will be around the entire time we're making our changes and you'll still be able to order  your favorite products during this time.  Just send us a quick line and let us know what you need!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world"...my contribution today is to reassure each of my children that they are super smart and special cookies!  A word of praise is worth more than all the money in the world! 

How will you be the change you wish to see today? 

Regards,

Susan

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!

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!"

Gluten Free Product Info

Gluten Free Wine...Just In Time!

For those of us that really enjoy a nice glass of wine once in awhile, it is nice to know there are safe wine options out there.  My husband enjoys the gluten free beer, but I have been staying away from wine for the past year, and now that I know of some brands that are safe, I can resume my occasional wine sipping with friends!

Listed below are the companies that have certified their wines are safe and free from gluten:

*Beringer

*Fenn Valley

*Five Oaks

*Ingleside - (Only the Blue Crab Blanc and Blue Crab Blush, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosato de Sangiovese, Viognier, The Rose, and October Harvest.)

*Kendall Jackson

*La Rocca - All wines are not only gluten free, they are sulfite free too

*Louis Jadot - Only the Maconnais and Beaujolais are made in stainless cask. Their other wine are made in barrels sealed with water and flour.

*Meridian

Break out the cork screw, polish up those glasses, and get ready for the taste of some great wine!

Regards,

The Celiac Shack

Making gluten free fun one day at a time!