Sprouts Gluten Free Sale!

If you have a Sprouts near you, the whole next month they are having a 25% off sale on all their gluten free items! This is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite GF goodies or try out something you've been wanting to try.

I for one, finally went and got some Udi's bread, the mush touted holy grail of gluten free breads. Of course I'll be reporting back on that.

For now, enjoy the savings! :)

Mainstream comanies labeling their gluten free items

This morning while I was grocery shopping, I really started taking note of some of the mainstream companies and how they label gluten free items. I specifically noticed General Mills and Progresso Soups. Easy labeling makes t very easy for someone else to buy something for me and know that it won't hurt me. When I shop, I use the "Is It Gluten Free?" app on my iPhone, which I love. But if someone else, like my mom, sees a good deal on Fruit Rill Ups or soup she knows I like, she picks up a couple for me.

It seems like gluten intolerance and Celiac are becoming more mainstream and larger food companies are starting to pay attention to those of us affected.

I just wanted to put a public thank you out here on the internet, to General Mills, Progresso and all the other "regular" food companies putting a small gluten free label on your gluten free foods. Its very much noticed and appreciated!!

Review: Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins

I'm not going to lie...I wasn't so sure about these at first, but I'm still getting used to different tastes since going gluten free. (I'm REALLY picky, but that's another post all together!) However, the more of these I ate, the more I loved them! They're actually really good! They kind of taste like cheesy corn nuts in cracker form. Yum! I will most definitely be buying these again for sure.

Blending In

One of my biggest challenges so far has been assimilating into regular, gluten-filled culture and not sticking ot like a sore thumb when I go out to eat. So far, I've successfully eaten out at In N Out (bless them!) and BJs Restaurant & Brewery with no issues. I've UNsuccessfully eaten at Pizza Fusion, but that's a whole other topic and post.

It can be quite a challenge to get things so under control, to know the gluten free options so well that no one would ever guess that you couldn't eat it. I was out to lunch with some out of town clients and they were telling me of a friend of theirs who is gluten free and she's been gluten free for so long that unless you already knew, you'd have no idea! She just blends in so well and knows her stuff because she's been doing it so long that no one takes a second glance. I want to be like that! I know it will come with time, patience and experience, but gosh darn it, I want to be an expert now! lol

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed with trying to fit in like this?

Review: MFTH Tropical Coffee Bars

So its been almost a month since my last update. Oops! Gluten free living has been an interesting switch but totally worth it. I feel SO much better. My withdrawal/transition phase lasted longer than I'd like, and I definitely felt worse before it got better. So if that's you, please know you're not the only one! I almost gave but but I'm so glad I forged ahead!

I was lucky enough to be sent some yummy mixes to review by Mixes From The Heartland, an awesome company dedicated the making delicious gluten free mixes for some of your favorite foods.

I recently made the Tropical Coffee Bars with the mix I was sent and they are yummy! A perfect treat for morning time with your coffee, or a nice, small after dinner sweet. These are awesome with a nice tall glass of milk too!

I highly recommend these easy to make and delicious tasting bars. So good!

Foodsavers are awesome!

FoodSavers. Are. Awesome.

Half of my battles in being gluten free are because of the huge batch sizes of the really good recipes I keep finding. I just can't eat that much food all on my own. Luckily, I remembered I had a little-used FoodSaver sitting in my cabinet. DUH!

I broke it out this weekend after buying 8 chicken breasts when Henry's had a sale on some organic chicken. It's awesome. I froze most of the breasts individually, but froze some in pairs for larger recipes. No freezer burn, and it lasts months longer than if I had just placed them in a Ziplock. Buying bulk is the way to go if you like saving money over the long run and the FoodSaver is helping me do that. Totally worth the purchase price!

Review: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pancake Mix

I love pancakes and was really excited to try this pancake mix when I saw it. I've heard good things about Bob's Red Mill and their products.

The pancake mix definitely lives up to the hype. Its delicious. The pancakes are fluffy, moist and taste just like whole wheat pancakes. Do keep in mind that you need to use an egg and milk when whipping up the mix, though I used water instead of milk and it worked just fine. The package also says you can use egg white substitute if needed.

This pancake mix gets a big thumbs up from me!