Eating gluten free: supporting celiacs online

2010 School Year

2010-09-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it is a new school year which means new challenges and learning experiences. Little guy is now in the first grade! Wow! Oh how time flies. I have found that education of the gluten free diet is a big part of our lives. He has become a gluten detective! (Yes, I am sure there is a comic book in there some where!) He is aware of crumbs that others leave behind. The kids have snack in the classroom, and that has been more of a challenge this year in that the kids are stretching on the floor. Well, where do the crumbs end up from snack? You guessed it, the floor. You have to love that gravity! It amazes me that just when we think that we have this all figured out....a new challenge.

It is our job as those living the gluten free lifestyle to educate others on our lifestyle.

So much to write about, but no time to blog...

2010-02-05T04:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been awhile since my last blog. So much has been happening. If you are in the Jamestown, NY area and would like a nice place to get lunch, do I have great news for you. Cooper's Cyber Cafe is now serving GF items. Take a look at their link and stop by and try it out. http://cooperscybercafe.com/ PS. They have WIFI too:) and all tips are given to the local humane society.

I have come across an article that I wanted to share with you all. I am not sure if anyone out there is a single parent of a child that must eat gluten free, but you may find this article interesting. http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=11547425 It is a great example of how some individuals take it seriously and others chose not to take it seriously. I heard someone say once that they wished that those closest to them could "walk in their shoes" for just a day and get a hint of what it is like to live with a gluten intolerance/CD. I find this to be so true when it comes to the care of children. I guess it is true for any special condition that a child has to go through. We only hope it helps them become stronger and put a positive spin on their life. My 5 year old doesn't wish for world peace or massive toys, he wishes for the whole universe to eat the way we do. If only :)

Gluten free makeup

2009-08-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I have an update for all of you. I have become a consultant for BeautiControl! As I wrote earlier, I have tried the products and just fallen in love with them. I now am a consultant for the company and I do spas in homes, vender shows, and sell the products online as well. There a only a handful of products that contain gluten. If you are interested in learning more about the products, please drop me a line or add a comment.

Tammy Lachner

Certified Independent Consultant

http://www.beautipage.com/tammy_marie/index.asp

BeautiControlTam@gmail.com

I also want to share another reason that I started working for this company. As a Celiac, we have "flair ups" to put it nicely. My son also has these moments, along with doctor's appointments. So, I have had a difficult time with the conventional work schedule. My son comes first in my life and he always will. This company allows me to schedule a few spas a week (about 2 hours each) around his schedule. I go into a home or event and share these wonderful products with some nice people and then I leave. It is a great company. And we are hiring. This is a great job for single moms, moms, celiacs or just about anybody that would like to make a few bucks or make a new career of it. Contact me if you would like some more information.

Understanding

2009-08-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Due to recent events, I have found that many people do not understand the life of a Celiac. I am a Celiac and my son is as well. We try to keep our life as normal as possible without putting ourselves in harms way. I think that only another Celiac can begin to understand what it is like the live with this "incurable autoimmune disease." How many times have you felt that the world looks at you differently. As if you are making it up or being radical with what you refuse to eat. My five year old has visitation several times a year with people that don't understand this way of life. Being only 5, he finds it difficult to trust or even speak for himself. It must be hard for a child to want to trust a parent and in the same moment know they may be given something that will make him ill. I try my best to explain to my son that only other Celiacs can really understand what we go through and that he has to find his voice and speak up for what is right, for he is the one that will ultimately pay for what he is exposed to in his life. I hope this finds someone that is in a similar predicament and that may have some in site. I wish you all good health.

gluten and our beauty

2009-04-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Allure magazine recently had an article about the gluten found in beautly products. http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2009/04/news-about-glutenfree-beauty.html As a celiac, I have tried to stay away from gluten of any kind. Sometimes it is hard to get a straight answer from food comp.anies on whether or not an item contains gluten. I have found a company that sells beauty products including makeup, lotions, and other spa treatments. The company is called BeautiControl. It has been around for nearly 30 years now and is soley owned by Tupperware (who hasn't heard of them?). I have fallen in love with their products so much that I am now a consultant. Some of their products do contain gluten, but the number of items is gettting smaller and smaller with each update. Isn't it great that we can live without gluten and wrinkles. Check out my link and drop me a line. I would be glad to help you to find gluten free products.

http://www.beautipage.com/tammy_marie/index.asp

Gluten free Chicken

2009-03-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have a very picky eater and since the dino-nuggets were possibly not gluten free we have been on a search for a chicken tender. I have found one at last. It is lightly breaded with rice and corn and it is a great tasting tender. Bell & Evans is the company and I have added the link for their gluten free product line. http://www.bellandevans.com/index.cfm?act=gluten_free check it out. I think you will be glad that you did:)

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are coming closer to Valentine's Day wondering what exciting sweets there to eat. I have been busy studying and relocating the bakery and haven't had too much time to think about it. So I find myself pondering Valentine's Day for the gluten free/dairy free. For my son, every holiday seems to consist of the same sweets. Wonka's candies, Peeps,(in what ever shape for the holiday) and homemade cupcakes and sugar cookies. So, I am determined to come up with something new and fun for Easter ( since Valentine's is next weekend.) Check back for updates in the next few months.

Gluten free makeup

2008-12-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

BeautiControl

I am very excited to tell everyone about a line of products that I just found out about, BeautiControl. It is a skin care/make-up line that has 68 products that are gluten free. I encourage you to check it out for yourself. You can go to their website or contact your local representitive and search for "gluten free". I was on the search for a gluten free skin care and makeup line because the product line I was using was causing my skin to be sore and very warm to the touch. I have been using the skin care products for a few weeks now, and my skin feels soft, warm (not hot) and feels normal again. I have ordered the make-up and am very excited for it to come in. I have added links to the girls that I have talked with about the gluten free products and they would be more than happy to help anyone out.

Gluten free Christmas

2008-12-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

There has been some gluten free and celiac holiday items added to the store. Great ideas for the gluten intolerant one in your life. The items include, but are not limited to, shirts, mugs, ornaments, bags and so much more. Happy shopping.

http://www.cafepress.com/TJB_Shop

Home Schooling

2008-12-01T07:35:00.001-08:00

Now that my son is in school, I worry about him staying gluten/dairy free. I send his lunch and snacks, provide the classroom with gluten free dough, and even provide the treats for parties. But I worry about crumbs, and the little friends that he is making. I have educated my child and his teacher and helpers that may come in contact with him. But he still seems to get glutened somewhere. I have thought about homeschooling him, but I want him to have friends his own age and to learn the social skills that he will learn from the interactions with people other than me. I wonder what else I can do to help him without putting him in a bubble and making him stand out any more than he does already. Any suggestions/comments?

2008-11-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

This Article was from the Chicago Tribune on November 21, 2008. It is a scary thought and I wanted to share it with others that may be eating foods and thinking they are safe.

Children at risk in food roulette

Mislabeling, lax oversight threaten people with allergies

By Sam Roe | Tribune staff reporter
November 21, 2008
American children with food allergies are suffering life-threatening--and completely avoidable--reactions because manufacturers mislabel their products and regulators fail to police store shelves, a Tribune investigation has found.

In effect, children are used as guinea pigs, with the government and industry often taking steps to properly label a product only after a child has been harmed.

The Tribune investigation revealed that the government rarely inspects food to find problems and doesn't punish companies that repeatedly violate labeling laws.

In disclosing ingredients, labels must clearly identify major allergens such as peanuts, milk, eggs and wheat. Millions of parents, teachers and baby-sitters scrutinize these labels to ensure that they are not giving children unsafe food.
But an alarming number of products sold as allergen-free actually contain harmful amounts, the Tribune found.
Many of the problems occur with foods marketed to children--candy, cookies, cakes and ice cream. Iconic childhood favorites such as Oreos, Pop-Tarts, Frosted Flakes, Jello-O and Campbell's Spaghettios have been recalled for hidden allergens in recent years.
n estimated 30,000 Americans require emergency-room treatment and 150 die each year from allergic reactions to food. A large percentage were children, researchers say.

To determine the full scope of the problem, the Tribune created an unprecedented computer database of 2,800 recalls related to food allergies over the last 10 years. The newspaper found that roughly five products a week are recalled because of hidden allergens, making it one of the top reasons any consumer product in America is recalled.

But that doesn't mean the government or companies are vigilant.

Take the example of Peggy Pridemore, a Kentucky woman who bought Wellshire Kids' Dinosaur Shapes Chicken Bites because her son Patrick has a severe wheat allergy. Bold letters on the packaging said the item was "gluten free," or contained no wheat, rye and barley proteins.

After Patrick, then 3, ate the nuggets in December, he started coughing, his eyes swelled and he had trouble breathing. His mom jabbed his leg with a large needle containing epinephrine, a drug to help him breathe, then raced him to the hospital, where he recovered in the emergency room.

Pridemore said she contacted both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the food manufacturer and that neither offered to test the chicken nuggets.

The Tribune recently bought the product on two occasions at a River Forest supermarket and sent the samples to one of the nation's leading food-allergy labs, at the University of Nebraska. Both times, the lab found gluten. The item remains on shelves across the U.S.

"I'm stunned it hasn't been recalled," Pridemore said. "I thought somebody somewhere would do something."

Recalls swell, but mislead
The nation has seen a mysterious rise since the 1990s in the number of children with food allergies, now estimated to be 3 million kids, or 1 in every 25 children.

As awareness has skyrocketed so have recalls. But they are voluntary. Food companies themselves--not regulators--decide whether to do so. If they do, the companies work with regulators to coordinate the recalls and issue news releases to inform the public.

Yet the official recall statements by the Food and Drug Administration often downplay the true risks or lack basic information, such as where the tainted products were sold. One reason for the soft pedaling: The FDA allows the food companies to write their own recalls.

A recent recall statement, for instance, read more like an advertisement than a warning. "While the product is good and wholesome," it stated, "these soups may contain wheat or soy as ingredients not identified on the label."

In many cases, the government and companies never inform consumers. The Tribune found that nearly half of the allergy-related recalls in the last 10 years were not announced to the public. This was true even in dozens of cases where the FDA classified products as likely to cause serious harm or death.

Alarms sounded by consumers seldom result in products being pulled.
n estimated 30,000 Americans require emergency-room treatment and 150 die each year from allergic reactions to food. A large percentage were children, researchers say.

To determine the full scope of the problem, the Tribune created an unprecedented computer database of 2,800 recalls related to food allergies over the last 10 years. The newspaper found that roughly five products a week are recalled because of hidden allergens, making it one of the top reasons any consumer product in America is recalled.

But that doesn't mean the government or companies are vigilant.

Take the example of Peggy Pridemore, a Kentucky woman who bought Wellshire Kids' Dinosaur Shapes Chicken Bites because her son Patrick has a severe wheat allergy. Bold letters on the packaging said the item was "gluten free," or contained no wheat, rye and barley proteins.

After Patrick, then 3, ate the nuggets in December, he started coughing, his eyes swelled and he had trouble breathing. His mom jabbed his leg with a large needle containing epinephrine, a drug to help him breathe, then raced him to the hospital, where he recovered in the emergency room.

Pridemore said she contacted both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the food manufacturer and that neither offered to test the chicken nuggets.

The Tribune recently bought the product on two occasions at a River Forest supermarket and sent the samples to one of the nation's leading food-allergy labs, at the University of Nebraska. Both times, the lab found gluten. The item remains on shelves across the U.S.

"I'm stunned it hasn't been recalled," Pridemore said. "I thought somebody somewhere would do something."

Recalls swell, but mislead
The nation has seen a mysterious rise since the 1990s in the number of children with food allergies, now estimated to be 3 million kids, or 1 in every 25 children.

As awareness has skyrocketed so have recalls. But they are voluntary. Food companies themselves--not regulators--decide whether to do so. If they do, the companies work with regulators to coordinate the recalls and issue news releases to inform the public.

Yet the official recall statements by the Food and Drug Administration often downplay the true risks or lack basic information, such as where the tainted products were sold. One reason for the soft pedaling: The FDA allows the food companies to write their own recalls.

A recent recall statement, for instance, read more like an advertisement than a warning. "While the product is good and wholesome," it stated, "these soups may contain wheat or soy as ingredients not identified on the label."

In many cases, the government and companies never inform consumers. The Tribune found that nearly half of the allergy-related recalls in the last 10 years were not announced to the public. This was true even in dozens of cases where the FDA classified products as likely to cause serious harm or death.

Alarms sounded by consumers seldom result in products being pulled.
Many manufacturers test their products for allergens and have set up special assembly lines to prevent cross-contamination. But other companies, particularly small ones with limited resources, acknowledge taking limited precautions.

Others do little or no testing, and the government does not require them to do so.

The FDA, which oversees the vast majority of packaged foods, said it trusts firms to police themselves.

The USDA, which regulates meat, poultry and egg products, is even more lax. It said it never tests for undeclared allergens, such as eggs or peanuts, because these ingredients by themselves are not prohibited foods--ignoring the fact that products containing hidden allergens are potentially illegal and deadly.

Testing shows risk
This broken system leaves families vulnerable.

Pridemore recalled how she bought Wellshire Kids' dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, made by New Jersey-based Wellshire Farms, because the item specifically claimed to be gluten free. She also found the same claim on the Wellshire Farms Web site.

After her son had the severe reaction to the nuggets, she took some to his allergist, who ran tests, including gently rubbing a nugget on the boy's arm to see if it would cause a small welt. It did, and the allergist concluded the nuggets were to blame for his full-blown reaction.

Pridemore contacted the USDA, which sent agency investigator Michael Maxwell to her home just outside Cincinnati. He took photos of the package, but did not test the nuggets for undisclosed allergens.

The investigator also obtained a copy of a brief, unsigned in-plant inspection report, which found no problems with the nuggets. He later acknowledged to the Tribune he wasn't sure who wrote the report--another USDA inspector or a plant worker. The report said workers routinely sent the nuggets out to a lab for testing. The report stated that those lab results, from last fall, "were all negative for gluten."

In an e-mail in January, Maxwell indicated to Pridemore that in light of that inspection report and the fact that no other consumer had complained, no action would be taken. "You may want to have the product tested," he wrote, according to a copy of the e-mail exchange.

Pridemore said she was taken aback that the USDA suggested she test the food herself. But she sent the remainder of the nuggets in her freezer to the Nebraska lab.

The results showed high amounts of gluten. So she e-mailed a copy of the findings to the USDA and reminded Maxwell that the product advertises itself as gluten free.

The investigator wrote back that the government had "archived your complaint." The investigation went no further, according to Pridemore. She also e-mailed the test results to Wellshire Farms. The company, she said, never responded.

In May, several weeks after Maxwell told Pridemore her complaint was archived, a second child with a known wheat allergy-- Timmy Osterhoudt, 5, of Lemoore, Calif.--had a severe reaction after eating the same product, his mother said.

"He said, 'Mommy, I don't want to die!' " Michelle Osterhoudt recalled. "I told him, 'Mommy won't let you die.'."

She jabbed him with the epinephrine needle and raced him to the military hospital on the base where the family lives. There, he recovered.
Like Pridemore, Osterhoudt sent the chicken bites to the Nebraska lab for testing. Again, the results showed high amounts of gluten. She said she complained to Wellshire Farms, USDA and FDA, but to no avail.

USDA spokeswoman Amanda Eamich said one reason it did not ask Wellshire Farms to recall the chicken bites is because the agency did not trust the consumers' testing results. The consumers had sent samples of chicken nuggets from opened packages, raising the possibility that the product was contaminated somewhere between their homes and the lab.

Pridemore said it was the USDA's job--not consumers--to test samples from unopened packages.

"I'm not a doctor. I'm not a scientist," she said. "I'm just a mom trying to keep her child safe."
The Tribune recently bought two samples of the chicken nuggets and sent them to the same Nebraska lab. Both tested positive for gluten--including a sample from an unopened box.

The nuggets, said Steve Taylor, the lab's director and a leading allergy expert, "are not safe for people with wheat allergies or celiac disease," often characterized by chronic abdominal pain.

The newspaper also tested two other Wellshire Kids' products: the "Gluten Free" Chicken Corn Dogs and the "Gluten Free" Beef Corn Dogs, finding high amounts of gluten in both.

Wellshire Farms owner Louis Colameco said his products are safe. But he said that in light of the two consumer complaints and recent moves by regulators to tighten "gluten-free" rules, he halted production of the three Wellshire Kids' products in June.

Colameco said he would start making the food again when he finds a supplier who can guarantee that the batter used in the products is gluten free. The old supplier, he said, could not give such an assurance.

He said he has not recalled the Wellshire Kids products still on store shelves because he believes they are in compliance with federal regulations.

But weak and murky federal rules on gluten leave food companies wiggle room and consumers at risk.

The USDA, which has jurisdiction over meat-based products such as chicken nuggets, said it has no policy specifically addressing "gluten-free" claims. The agency must approve labels before products go to market, and packaging claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The FDA's rules are tougher. Though the agency has no specific rule for "gluten-free" products, the agency's policy generally is that absent a standard, products claiming to be "free" of an ingredient cannot contain it.

Recognizing that food companies may interpret these rules as they wish, the FDA has pushed a proposed rule that products advertised as "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. A UN health panel this summer recommended a similar standard. Tribune tests of Wellshire products all far exceeded those levels.

Apart from online sales, the Wellshire Kids' gluten-free products are sold exclusively at Whole Foods Market, the upscale chain.

Whole Foods said it was investigating the issue, but that it was the supplier's responsibility, not Whole Foods', to ensure the Wellshire products are safe and legal.

Tribune reporters Annie Slezickey and Jason Grotto contributed to this report.

Hard to find Tabitha Jones Bakery products

2008-10-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to purchase those hard to find Tabitha Jones Bakery products. This is a link to purchase clothes, mugs, mouse pads, and a few other items. The holidays are coming and how great it would be to give that special gluten free someone in your life a wonderful gift basket with a shirt and some homemade cookies. Happy shopping.

http://www.cafepress.com/TJB_Shop

10 WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS EVERY DAY!

2008-10-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

10 WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS EVERY DAY!

MAY is NATIONAL CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

Share “Are You The ONE?” color FLYER with friends and family who are unaware of celiac disease and its symptoms Download PDF here OR give them the new "Are You The ONE?" color BROCHURE Download PDF here
Write your Congressperson and them ask to co-sponsor/support H. Con. Res 70 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month GO
Contact the health editor of your local newspaper and ask them if they know about celiac disease. Write them a letter and share your story.
Read the latest on the Celiac Diet Series - articles from Practical GastroenterologyGO Print out one of the articles from PG and give it to your doctor, dietician or pharmacist. Include a color flyer – Is Your Patient The ONE? For your doctorDownload PDF here
Suggest that employees at your company have a “Pay $5 to wear jeans to work on Friday day” to raise awareness and funds for CDF at your office.
Request CDF brochures from the national office and ask your doctor and dentist to place them in their reception area. [CDF brochure is also downloadable from CDF website] GO
Request CDF brochures and Quick Start Diet Guides and give to teachers and healthcare providers at your child’s school or day care center. Download PDFs Quickstart Diet Guide GO CDF Brochure GO
Find out if there is a health fair coming up in your town and offer to set up a table with information on celiac disease and how to get tested.
Have a dinner party with your friends – celiacs and non-celiacs – and make a delicious gluten-free meal – complete with dessert!
Show them gluten-free is fabulous!
When you visit a friend or neighbor in the hospital, take the opportunity to talk to doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and dieticians to help increase their awareness of celiac disease and the gluten-free diet needs of celiac patients during their hospital stay.

Courtesy of Celiac Disease Foundation

Autism Commercial

2008-10-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I recently saw a commercial for Autism. It seemed to be taking the angle that the prevalence was shocking. Fourteen years ago, only 1 in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism. Today, that rate has soared to 1 in 150. It is great that they are getting the awareness for Autism to the general public. It may be good for Celiacs and those with gluten intolerance as well. The diet that some are recommending for Autism includes eating gluten and casein (protein found in dairy) free. I look forward to the day when I turn the channel and there is a commercial to tell the world that 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease, 98% are undiagnosed. That day will come.

Gluten Free website for kids

2008-10-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

I just found this site and it is from the Shaer company, the makers of Dr. Shar products. The site is for gluten free children. What a great idea! Here is the address, please check it out with your little one. http://www.123milly.com/en/

Celebrity Celiacs or those eating gluten free

2008-10-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

These are celebrities that have been stated to have celiac or family members with celiac. I think that it is great that they let it be known about their association with Celiac Disease. Maybe it will help others come to terms with their disease.

Rich Gannon's (NFL Quarterback) daughter, Danielle

Keith Olberman (a newsperson on MSNBC "Countdown with Keith Olberman")

Elisabehth Hasselbeck (Co-Host of The View and former Survivor contestant)

Joe C (Kid Rock's Friend and Rapper)Mickey Redmon (former pro hockey player, hockey commentary for Fox Sports Detroit)

Jane Swift (Former State of Mass Lieutenant Gov.)

Katherine, Dutchess of Kent

It is unknown if these are living with Celiac Disease, but it has been said that they have been known to eat gluten free. More and more people are eating gluten free, including celebrities.

Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice)

Sarah Vowell (Comedian, Spokesperson, voice of Violet from Incredibles)??

John F Kennedy ???

Terence Stamp (actor Star Wars Episode 1);

Lady Antonia Frasier (noted author of historical novels)

Amanda Donohoe (actress LA Law)

Dannii Minogue (gluten intolerance, pop star/actress/model )

Dr. Phil's wife Robin (eats gluten free)

Goldie Hawn (actress)?????

Juliette Lewis (actress)????

Newly diagnosed & The 7 Stages of Grief

2008-10-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Looking back at when we began down this gluten free path, I keep seeing similarities between this path and the path of grieving. When we lose something or someone so dear to us, we naturally grieve. This is the same when going through the diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Years ago I had a cancer scare, and went through the steps of grieving at that time. When my son and I started down this path, again I went through the steps. If someone would have told me then, that this was a natural part of the Celiac process, it would have made it a little easier. So, with that said, I am posting the steps in hopes that it may help someone.

Here is the grief model called "The 7 Stages of Grief":

1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

2. PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it.

You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the loss on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.

You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair.

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.

During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

5. THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without gluten, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.

6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without gluten. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself.

7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.

Welcome

2008-10-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. A place for sharing information about living a gluten free lifestyle. It doesn't matter why you live gluten free. Whether you have Celiac Disease, a gluten intolerance, or just have made it as a life style decision, here is a place for information to make living gluten free easier, healthier, and maybe even a little fun.