Not even a little Gluten!

Well friends the holidays are upon us! This is a challenging time for us. There are just so many danger zones to say the least. I want to remind you that even having "a little" gluten is not good. It is really a poison to your body. Even if your major symptoms dont present themselves, the inflammatory process will ignite in your gut and damage is happening to the only body you have.

In the beginning of my journey, I thought I could have a little and it would be ok. Never wanting to make a fuss as a guest, out to dinner or bring attention to my issue. Sometimes just wanting and thinking it will be alright to have a pinch. Not so................

I have never been one to express my needs, so this has really been a lesson for me and I am still working on it. Probably forever!

We are getting ready for my husbands company Christmas party. We will fly to Chicago in a couple weeks. Its a great time, they host it at a place called Pinstripes. Its an upscale bowling and bocce ball entertainment place. Music, food, drinks, games, food and more food. So last year, I just went thinking I should be able to eat something. Being there for six hours and having cocktails, I really should have assumed there would NOT be anything for me to eat. But I didnt and guess what, other than some veggies, fruit and some cheese that was it. Gourmet pizzas, meat w/ sauces, crusty breads and every kind of dessert I couldnt have. I was so hungry, I scrapped off sauces to just get some protein in me. And you guessed it , I got SICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh big surprise there!

Being that my husband was only six months into this job, I just didnt want to stand out or make special requests. After being unemployed for six months I just wanted to be low key, I guess.

Not this year, Mike asked his bosses, the brothers that own the firm if they would be sure to have some gf options for me. They were very happy to assure Mike that they would make that happen for us. At first I felt a little funny about it, but relieved really!!!!

If I am going to be guest at some one's house, I offer to bring a few dishes that I know are safe for me to eat. I feel more comfortable doing that, than asking for a menu adjustment on my behalf. But my family and friends are aware and now remember more often that its an issue for me. I try not to make it a big deal and fly under the radar but that has backfired to many times. So we have to put ourselves out there for our own well being and we are worth at least that!!!!!

So when some one says.... can't you can have just a little. Remember POISON. You wouldnt eat just a little poison, would you?!?

Reading Labels

Reading labels is now like a part time job. It is so important for your health. I found the easiest solution is to eat clean simple foods. But when you cant or dont, please look out for the following ingredients. This is were things start to be more difficult in buying products not clearly marked gluten free.

Grains are used in the process of many ingredients,  so depending on how they are processed they could be off limits. I now always assume they may contain gluten. Beware of the following terms they may contain gluten depending on what grain was used to process them.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable protein (MVP), unless made frm soy or corn
Vegetable Protein, unless made frm soy or corn
Modified Food Starch, unless made frm corn
Vegetable gum
Textured Vegetable Protein
Malt
Lecithins
Caramel Coloring
MSG
If you see these words on your labels this should alert you to a grain containing gluten has been used
Stabilizer
Starch, unless it says corn only
Flavoring
Emulsifier
Hydrolized
Plant Protein

There is a debate about modified food starch, some readings say that if the product is frm the US it is made frm corn. That said, I no longer risk it.
Also some say that MOST caramel coloring is made from dextrose (sugar) but it can be made from many different grains and mostly barley.

Example Coca Cola says their products are gluten free, they contain caramel coloring. You can always call or look on line for more detail ingredient lists for some of your favorites.
As for myself, I just cant chance it anymore without further investigation.

Some places you might not think gluten is hiding are:
candy
ice cream, popsicles
beauty products (lipstick, shampoos, soaps etc)
vitamins, nutritional supplements
protein and superfood powders
medication

My rule of thumb is if the list contains more than five ingredients I more than likely pass on it. Its just safer, or needs to read gluten free.

So remember to read,read, read. Learn from my mistakes! I would eat something, get sick and think what the heck?!?
After I learned about some of the above ingredients, well that explains everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!