Day #5

October 14, 2011 - Day #5 Gluten Free

Almost a week has gone by of my 30 day gluten free challenge :) So far, I feel like it's had a positive impact on my body  - but time will tell if that is a coincidence or not!

A few things to report....I got mixed reviews from the husband on my GF cookies. According to his experienced cookie pallet - he gave my chocolate cookies a 7 out of 10  but the PB only earned a 5! I have to agree with his assessment. The chocolate cookies are so rich and delicious, you never know they are GF. They remind me a flour-less chocolate cake - just pure chocolate bliss. The PB cookies are more curious. You could tell they were not a typical cookie. Certainly not bad, though!

We also got the fantastic news that my husband passed the bar exam today :) Since that called for a celebration we began our search for a GF restaurant in Pittsburgh. We ended up venturing to Eden  a really cute little restaurant in Shady Side. The entire menu is raw, vegan, and GF! This was wonderful because I could be stress-free and not spend the meal worried about if my french fries were in the fryer next to something breaded or if there had been croutons on my salad. We had a deliciously interesting dining experience trying new and unusual foods including pumpkin curry, spicy cabbage slaw, and butternut squash pad thai. I don't think this was what Curt was expecting when I said GF restaurant  :)

But - another day stomach ache free! I have been getting daily headaches, though - which might be from the cold I am fighting. Time will tell!

Another adventure awaits tomorrow - eating out 2x!

Day #4

October 13, 2011 - Day 4 Gluten-Free
Today was a day of firsts! I had a successful day of GF eating. But, Curt & I went to meet friends for dinner...which made me nervous. We went to Fatheads - which is a restaurant not exactly known for customer service (they won't even let you sub chips for fries!). So, I didn't feel exactly comfortable that they would accommodate my GF diet. I decided to pack my dinner and eat beforehand. My dinner at the restaurant consisted of a glass of wine :) I didn't even eat one chip off of Curt's plate. I know they should (in theory) be GF, but who knows what was in that fryer before the chips....


I also called Whole Foods today to make sure the Turkey Sausage my mom got for Jen's birthday party on Saturday if GF. No problem there :) She already has my GF pasta ready and knows to keep everything separate for me. The only thing that was missing for Saturday was a sweet treat for me - because I can't eat the cake she will be having. 


Adventure #2 of the day - GF baking!! I started easy with two recipes that were flour free (instead of trying to master the GF flours). So far smells great and looks great. Luckily chocolate and peanut butter are GF. And added bonus - both recipes were dairy free, too!

 Gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip

Gluten-free deep dark chocolate cookies

Day #3

October 12, 2011 - Day 3 Gluten-Free
Day 3 gluten-free! Another successful day :) Went to my mom's house for dinner tonight and was my first meal since going GF. She did a fabulous job!! I didn't even miss the gluten....


....until she pulled out some biscottis after dinner.....


haha :) but luckily she had a Reese's in the freezer awaiting me.  Another day without any major stomach problems! Yaay! 

Day #2

October 11, 2011 - Day 2 Gluten-Free
I successfully planned ahead, packed all my meals, and resisted the urge to grab a handful of candy from the candy dish in the office across from mine. All in all - pretty good day again. I also had my first experience with gluten-free bread. I think that might take some getting used to...

I woke up with a little upset stomach but it was minor and gone by my first cup of coffee.

With Halloween approaching the hubby and I checked to find a list of GF candies :) With this sweet tooth it was a necessity! Luckily Reese's are safe (phew!).

Day #1

October 10, 2011 - Day 1 Gluten-Free

A month ago from today I married the love of my life :) What could be a better day to start the next journey in my life? I was successful in eating gluten-free for my first day! And - no stomach issues to report. Although I know this is probably coincidence, but a welcome relief none the less! My hubby called me from the store and had a successful gluten-free trip - which resulted in a big pot of soup for me when I got home.

The beginning....

After years of struggling with digestive hardships and "tummy troubles" I am taking on a new challenge. For as long as I can remember I have battled with a wide range of stomach problems. I had accepted an upset stomach as status quo - until my now husband gently pointed it out to me that having a daily stomachache is not so typical.

After  researching, reading, google-ing, and keeping a food diary - I made an appointment with a dietician and began my  gluten-free journey. Although my blood work has not tested positive for Celiac....I share so many symptoms with the disease. I decided I owe it to myself and my health to commit to a gluten-free diet for 30 days.

With the guide provided by my dietician in hand, my husband and I ventured to the grocery store. Hours later we had read and assessed every food product entering our home! Our trip even included an original song composed by my husband, entitled "Everything has gluten in it!" My pantry is stocked, my fridge is packed full, my husband is on board....what more do I need? Here goes....