The Impact of Celiac Disease, Video 1

In honor of National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, I want to make sure that all my reader's understand exactly what Celiac Disease is and its impact. The University of Maryland's Center for Celiac Research has teamed with General Mills to produce a series of videos (find them here) that provides information on Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet. Here is the first video of the series, The Impact of Celiac Disease.

Video description: Dr. Alessio Fasano, Director of the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, describes the Gluten-Free Diets video series made in collaboration with General Mills. This video also covers the estimated impact and diagnosis rates of celiac disease, as well as background about the Center for Celiac Research.

It's official! Alaska recognizes May as national Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Save the Date for the 38th Annual GIG Educational Conference

GIG Health & Wellness Experience – June, 2112

GIG’s Annual Event is now the Health & Wellness Experience

The Health & Wellness Experience will take place in Seattle at the Sea-Tac DoubleTree Hotel on June 16, 2012.

Come explore a variety of informative activities offered at this event. Find out about living a healthy, balanced, positive, gluten-free life. Visit our health screening booths, hands on activities, exhibits and  presenter areas. If you are following a gluten-free diet, or want to know more about it – this event is for you.

I will be attending with everyone to learn practical tips for living gluten-free and balancing your life for better health. Participate in health screenings such as BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and bone density. Explore the exhibit hall, and network with others who are living gluten-free.  View more details here.


Also, join me for Gluten-Free Awareness Night with the Mariners Gluten-Free Tailgate Party! 
Join GiG Branch Leaders and gluten-free food bloggers for a special gluten-free dinner before the game. Mingle and dine while viewing the players warm-up in the adjacent bull-pen. 5 – 7 p.m. June 15th. $65 covers tailgate party and game ticket.  Visit tailgate.gluten.net to get your tickets now.

Gluten-Free Awareness Night with the Mariners

To purchase the game tickets only, go to mariners.com/glutenfree

Join me May 12th in Atlanta!

Before John and I moved to Alaska, I lived in Atlanta, Ga with my family. I was born a southern girl and I adored living in Georgia. Atlanta was my home for almost 10 years before we moved. I went to school at Emory and that's where I got my undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing.  It was also where I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. So, when Jennifer Harris, the program coordinator of the Atlanta Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) called me and asked if I would be visiting home anytime soon, I was happy to tell her that I would be home in May. Jennifer then asked me to be a guest at their May GIG meeting and of course my answers was yes! Jennifer is the same woman who organized the Atlanta Gluten Free Expo in October which my mom and sisters loved!
I am looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing my story. Watch for photos and a post after I visit them on May 12th. If you're in the area, stop by and join us! I will be hanging out with the group from 10-12pm at Scottish Rite (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta)

Here is the link to their page: GIG of Atlanta

Gluten and Allergy free at Chicago O'Hare

Sometimes traveling, especially by plane, can be stressful for someone with dietary restrictions. I have been living with Celiac Disease for over 4 years now and I still get a little anxious about traveling long distances because its any one's guess as to whether there will be anything that I can eat. I typically pack a banana, apple, protein or nut bar, and a bag of carrots just to make sure I don't get too hungry. Living in Alaska, it takes 4 hours just to get to Seattle so, even the closest big city is still too far away and way too long to wait to eat.
Recently, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find something in the Chicago O' Hare Airport that made my belly extremely happy! I was headed to the E & F concourse toward terminal 2 and I usually stop at this little natural food kiosk called CIBO. They've always had fresh fruits, veggies, and allergy friendly snacks there for me to grab and go. This time though, right next to it, was an new kiosk called Argo Tea. I had never heard of Argo Tea before so, I went to check out what they had in their little cooler in front of the coffee bar. I know the odds are not good they will have something I can eat but, a girl can always hope! As I surveyed the list of offerings sure enough, there were several healthy (and yummy) options laid out in front of me!

 

Most of the options were not only gluten free but vegan, dairy and soy free! They were low calorie and healthy as well. What more could a girl ask for? I ended up picking up the Chickpea salad. It was fabulous!

Thanks Argo Tea for helping make airport travel a little easier!

Gluten and Allergen Free Expo in Chicago, IL

 I just had the most amazing weekend! It was like a gluten free vacation for two days with the celebrities of the gluten free world. Where was I? In Chicago at the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo. The Expo is the creation of Jen Cafferty, President of Gluten-free Classes. In only four years, The Expo has grown to reach over 10,000 attendees throughout the United States and Canada. Jen Cafferty and her team of notable chefs, cookbook authors and nutritionists present cooking demonstrations and educational sessions.   In addition, the event includes a Vendor Fair with over 70 GF companies from across the country. To know more about Jen click here.

While there, I had the pleasure of assisting in some of the cooking and baking classes. I was excited to wear my Mrs. Alaska apron too. I had it specially made for the occasion. (see photo above) The first class I helped with was The Italian & Asian Adventures. Laura B Russell, author of The Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen, was first up. My friend, Sueson Ross Vess, of Cumin & Clove, emceed the class while Laura and I cooked. Laura demonstrated to the crowd how to make a Quick Barbaqued Pork and Barabqued Pork Fried Rice as well as her delicious and highly coveted Gingery Pork Pot Stickers! I may have eaten the entire plate that she made! ;)

Sueson Ross Vess, Laura Russel, and I

After, Laura, the men of DaLuciano's Italian restaurant in River Grove, IL stopped by to share their recipe for Bruschetta bread and meat sauce for their own pasta. The executive chef of DaLuciano's, Rose Libreri, has 7 children and 4 of them have Celiac Disease. She found herself not being able to serve them most of the traditional Italian dishes she grew up with so she made it her mission to provide wonderful fresh Italian food from the finest ingredients that were free of gluten. Everything on DaLuciano's menu is gluten free.

 After lunch, I spent some time walking around the Expo and found a lot of my favorite vendors. Udi's was there as a major sponsor making pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches.

 

 I also met up with some familiar faces from Enjoy Life Foods. Scott, the CEO, and Joel, the CFO, were there promoting their new Plentils chips (see photo below). Enjoy Life Foods is one of my favorite company because they are not just gluten free. They are free of the top 7 food allergens which is great for others like me who also have dairy and soy allergies. While the Light Sea Salt Plentils were my favorite, two of the new Plentils flavors are Dill & Sour Cream and Garlic & Parmesan, are dairy free despite their names! Very exciting news for those of us who miss the dairy flavors. Lentil powder and potato starch are the first two ingredients in each bag and are a great light snack!

While at the Expo, I was also given the opportunity to speak to the attendees about living a Heart Healthy Lifestyle with Celiac Disease. Heart Disease effects 1 in 3 Americans and Celiac Disease increases you risk of heart disease 30% over the regular population. As a former Cardiovascular ICU nurse, I feel I am uniquely suited to educate my fellow Celiacs of this risk.

 Why are we more at risk? In one word - inflammation. Celiac Disease is an inflammatory disease and the inflammation that occurs does not just stay in the gut. It occurs in the vascular system as well.  Arteries that are inflamed are more at risk for clots and fatty tissue build up that could block blood flow. Most Celiacs also tend to have diets higher in fat, sugar, sodium, and calories due to eating prepackaged gluten free food. Part of my lecture included information on eating heart healthy and the importance of exercise. With diabetes and Thyroid disease occurring simultaneously in more Celiacs than the general population, diet and exercise are even more important to focus on.

 I also had the pleasure to meet Kyra Bussanich, owner of Crave Bakeshop, and notable gluten free personality of Cupcake Wars fame. She was featured on the 100th episode of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network and won with all here cupcakes being gluten and dairy free!

I also had the pleasure of meeting Pamela of Pamela's Products. Her chocolate chip cookies are the best on the market. 

Overall, the Expo was an amazing experience. I recommend that any gluten or allergy free person visit one if they have the chance. You never know who you might meet!

April GF Support group meeting

Please join me for the April meeting of the Gluten free Support group! We will meet at Natural Pantry off Old Seward Hwy in the University Center Mall from 6-8pm. I will have samples and stories from the expo for everyone!