Yes, folks, we are not freaks. Gluten free is starting to go mainstream. Our local supermarkets (that's plural) have gluten free products, some of them even have aisle endcaps that feature gluten free products. It's in the news, it's on TV, new cookbooks coming out practically daily, celebrities coming out of the closet. Why, gastroenterologists who in their training years ago might have been taught that Celiac Disease was the "Wasting" Disease, only seen in young children who have distended bellies and skinny limbs, even they are learning more about it at conferences and in the medical literature AND they are diagnosing people with Celiac Disease more frequently. Almost every single person I hang out with for any length of time watches as I eat something I've brought with me (I never leave the house without food). They always want to know why - and I tell them, in as few words as possible. I don't want to be on a perpetual soapbox, so I try and keep it brief, unless they ask more questions.
Anyway, just to see one example of it being more mainstream, thought you'd be interested in watching this clip:
See Elizabeth Hasselbeck on The View (tv show).
Once again, yay for us!
good new good news is right...I realized after reading about your friends avoiding inviting you to dinner and those issues that I avoid things because I know there won't be anything I can have, for example a simple tea at church where I know there will only be gluten goodies. I don't want to listen to the "oh, just have one, come on" and feel I have to explain...yeah for the great news about gluten awareness becoming THE THING instead of "What the heck is gluten?"
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see this out more...a news anchor just came out as well (makes us sound like we are closet celiacs, doesn't it?).
ReplyDeleteI try to email those who come out (again there's that word!) and thank them for making it more publicly aware, some write back and some don't but the fact that they talk is great! Also started reading the Vegan Heart Doc's blog! Good to know future doctors are aware of preventing disease than bandaging it.
Anywhoo.... Yea for all of us!
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI don't go to any functions at our synagogue where there is food unless I bring my own. Try making cookies or that fabulous banana bread you blogged about recently. Freeze in individual portions and then don't leave home without a piece to nibble on the next time you want to go to tea at church. That plus we need Karina to make us new shirts that say "I love you but please don't offer me your cookie!"
Hi gluten freevegan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea to email the celebs who "come out of the closet". I did email Elizabeth Hasselbeck, but haven't heard back from her. I'll have to check out the Vegan Heart Doc's blog. If you read this, please leave me a comment with the blog address. Thanks!
I second the vote for Karina making a new shirt LOL
ReplyDeleteI went 10 years feeling junky and figured out my gluten sensitivity on my own because of blogs. Yes, blogs. I did the Enterolab testing, which came back positive even after a month of being gluten free. A family member in med school believes I have Celiac, but I plan to never find out for sure because there is no way in heck I am doing a gluten challenge. I never want to feel that way again.
Maybe with more "famous" people coming forward, more doctors will put this disease on their radar.
Here it is!
ReplyDeletehttp://veganheartdoc.blogspot.com/
Lisa
Hi Ellen!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment today. And I did not think it harsh. I agree with it completely.
I know it's not a death sentence. But it is a death of something. And the start of something new. One door closes..another opens.
I am hoping that the new door is full of health and energy, something that has been lacking.
If you notice, I am only really upset about places I love, memories I have that I would like to revisit. I have no problem eating gluten free in my house. I love to cook; I just have to learn the new rules.
(I actually made my first batch of gluten free choc chip cookies the other day...not too bad! Tastes the same.Not as chewy though.)
I do have a great friend whose husband and daughter are celiac, and she is a fabulous support.
So, thank you for reaching out and commenting, I look forward to reading your blog and checking out some stuff!!!!!
SM
Thank you for being so honest about this range of feelings.
ReplyDeleteI know that I went through mourning for some of my foods. And my daughter still wants a croissant! But we all feel so much better and won't go back.
Thanks for being a guide.
GF Momma
Ellen, I love your blog. There definitely isn't enough public awareness of celiac disease. You have a terrific message and great recipes.
ReplyDeleteThe BEST cookies I have ever bought are from this bakery www.applesbakery.com
ReplyDeleteThey make a Choc dried cherry cookie that is amazing and the Lemon drop and molasses are amazing!
I have been a celiac for over 15 years these are the best and they ship!