Easier than I thought it would be...

It has been two weeks since we started our gluten free journey.  
I must say it was easier than I had expected it to be.

What I've realized most recently, is that it's important to talk to positive people about this journey.   I've talked to people who were very negative about being gluten free - and it made me feel almost as if I have a big disability and my life is "sad."

The fact is, we are choosing to eat healthier.   We can still eat a huge variety of different foods and feel completely satisfied.   In the past two weeks, I have went to lunch and attended events where fresh baked bread and pastries were served - and I didn't feel the urge to have "just a bite."   I'm positive that this is because I know that it will hurt me and that I'm choosing to eat better for my family and for me.

Given that I'm very new to this journey, I figured it would be good to chronicle the lessons learned and the tips I have to share.   I found benefits so far and a few downsides.

The benefits that I have noticed:
- My stomach has not been feeling bloated.   I've had a problem with a bloated stomach and sharp pains for as long as I can remember, and on a daily basis for the past few months.   But after day two of being gluten free - my bloating has disappeared.
- We are eating healthier, mainly because we have gotten rid of all sweets and processed food.   We are eating veggies and fruit and lean meats mainly.
- I have dropped 5 lbs in the first week and kept it off in the second week.   Although I'm not doing this with the sole purpose of losing weight, I do hope that this lifestyle will come with the benefit of weight loss.

The issues we have faced so far:
- We are getting bored with our menu on some days, so I need to look up more easy meals that have variety.
- You cannot just grab a bite to eat from any fast food place if you didn't have time to prepare a meal.   This can be a positive outcome though, because we won't be eating just and are forced to really think about what we eat.
- Gluten free foods like bread and pasta cost more.   For a family that is on a strict budget - that has presented a bit of a challenge.  However, I am confident that I can make this work with our budget - especially if we focus more on eating fresh veggies and making light meals such as soups.

Do you have any amazing recipes to share?   Do you have any tips for a newbie?  Please comment on this blog and share your thoughts.   Also, if you'd like to be notified of my new posts, please make sure to subscribe to this blog.

By the way, my brother and his wife are writing an interesting and educational blog about gluten free living.   They also posted a link to an upcoming seminar on gluten: http://glutenlite.wordpress.com

It's Been A Long Time Coming - what finally pushed us to switch to a gluten free lifestyle.

I've been contemplating the switch for almost a year.   I was scared.   Scared that I would have absolutely no idea what to cook.  Scared that I would fail because my family won't be on the same page.   Scared that it would take an unbelievable amount of time to do the research and prepare.

What am I talking about, you ask?   I'm talking about going gluten-free.  My friend Anya D has been educating me on the benefits of going gluten free for about a year now, but I've just been too intimidated by the whole thing.   I was also afraid of going "off-the-wagon" because my family would likely not eat gluten free.  

The reason I was even considering the switch to gluten free, is because of all my medical issues.   I have been suffering from: Insulin resistance, severe scalp dermatitis, GERD, upset stomach, weight issues and so much more, for years now.   In fact the past month my stomach has been hurting me so much, that I have been considering going to see a specialist.

This weekend, I called my brother and his lovely wife (Mr. & Mrs. Engel) for a long-overdue video-call.   We caught up, and as we were discussing Thanksgiving plans, they broke the news that they went gluten free!   I was amazed and shocked at the same time.   They must be so brave to make the switch so quickly, I though.   We discussed why they made the switch, and they gave me a link to an easy to understand video to educate myself more on going gluten-free.  

My husband surprised me even more that night - he said that we should all go gluten-free as a family!   This was huge!   I was stoked and immediately started cleaning out all of our cabinets of gluten-containing foods and pantry items.

So, this is how we finally made the jump to gluten free living.   I must admit, I'm still scared.   But you can't have reward without risk.

Join me, as I plan on sharing my family's journey through this new lifestyle.   I plan to share lessons learned, educational links, recipes, and struggles and successes.  

Here is the video that I watched and recommend:

Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Hubby and I love a bowl of hot chili, especially on a chilly day.   Here is our favorite recipe that tastes amazing and is super easy to make!   Enjoy!

Spicy Chili
Cook Time: 6 Hours
Modified from the Taste of Home Slow Cooker Classics Cook Book

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
2 cups frozen corn
2 cans (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup chopped onion
1-2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup beef broth
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chillies
1 tbs chili powder
1/2 tsp each salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown the ground been in a skillet.   Transfer the beef and drippings to a 5 quart slow cooker.  
Add the remaining ingredients (except the cilantro and cheese) into the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.    Stir in cilantro.   Serve with cheese, chopped onion, cilantro and sour cream (tortilla chips optional).