Gluten-Free

Although I have not been diagnosed with Celiac Desease, I have discovered that living Gluten-Free is exactly what I needed. You see, since March 3, 2011 I have been battling a severe case of Hives followed by Andgiodema. I don't know what in the world brought this on, but I was about to find out. After several weeks of testing (Allergist as well as holistic), it was determined by my Primary Phyiscian & Endochronologist that I have a severe case of Urticaria. HELLO!!

Let me just tell you that I was BEYOND elated when I was "labeled". Wooo-Hoooo!! I was doing the happy dance, Hives/Swelling and all.  What does that have to do with me being Gluten-Free"? Well, the holistic Doctor actually recomended it (which was scary and very overwhelming at first - only becuase I didn't know anything about it). After sending me home with the recommendation to stay Gluten-Free and a phamplet, I began doing research as well as changing my daily nutrition intake (hate that 4 letter D-word) to include Gluten-Free items only. Oh, by the way, the holistic Doc alsosuggested I exclude all dairy :o (oh how I would miss you Cheese... you and I had a good thing going).

After doing some research, Here's what I found:

There are TONS of Gluten-Free resources available on the internet - TONS!! And boy was I grateful. I found out what Gluten was, what it does to the body and why its used in most foods (more than you think). I also found plenty of web sites, that sell Gluten-Free products at a discounted price (Gluten-Free products can be pricy).

Why am I sharing this? 

AWARENESS!! Being Gluten-Free or being diagnosed with Celiac Disease is NOT easy. Gluten-Free food is not as readily available as Gluten-packed foods are. And I would like to do whatever I can to bring AWARENESS to the ENTIRE Gluten-Free topic, as I myself discover what it is to live Gluten-Free (A.K.A. GF)!

If you've never heard about what the deal is with Gluten, I strongly encourage you to find out. Hey, you never know, you might just want to try removing Gluten from your diet........ and see how AMAZING your body feels :) (not to mention how much MORE amazing my body felt after exculding dairy as well) And if you do... PLEASE come back and let me know ;) I want to be able to do the happy dance with you.

In the meantime..... Here are some REALLY great web sites and or Blogs that I've found to be EXTREMELY helpful!

• Gluten-Free Goddess (Blog with tons of info AND loads of yummy recipes)
• Vitacost.com (GREAT site for shopping for all your Gluten-Free needs AND an array of vitamins/suppliments)
• Gluten Free Works (this one is your one stop shop. This site has it ALL. Tons of 411)
• GlutenFree.com (another great place to shop for GF food at a discounted rate)
• Silly Yak Bakery (love the name.. And it says it all... Bakery - Yay!!)
• Gluten-Free Mall (hello... who would have thought GF would have a MALL. Shop till you drop)

Happy Surfing you!!