Gluten-Free Traveling Problems

January 30, 2019December 22, 201812 Comments

Since becoming gluten-free we have noticed many changes. First up, we all see a difference in my son’s behavior and learning. We also experienced some weight loss and the feeling that we do not need caffeine all day. I remember I used to have so many cravings like chocolate and snacks; this is not the case anymore.

It is hard to find gluten-free products, though. You have to make sure that you identify what’s truly gluten-free. We have put together a list of favorite items that we buy weekly now. Sticking to real goods (meat, fruits, and vegetables) helps when shopping. We still enjoy snacks, so we have to be careful with what we purchase.

More importantly, it is hard to be gluten-free when you are traveling. We try to take trips as often as we can. Throw that diet away when you go places. Let’s see… people aren’t considerate at parties. You also have to find specific restaurants that cater to gluten-free eating and hope that they have good food.

When we came home from a recent visit, we noticed a significant difference. We had stomach aches and were bloated. You know, all the pains. We felt down and super tired. It took me about three full days before I got my food back on track.

What do you do when you go on trips? Do you take a lot of snacks with you and look at restaurants before you travel? We are starting to research more ahead of time since we haven’t had the best of luck. We do not use fast food when traveling and try to pack our own food. We also make sure we have our own kitchen area in the hotel so we can shop/bring gluten free items with us. There is so much more than going gluten free (bread).. so much more than it.

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Easy Ways to Live a Healthy Life

January 28, 2019December 22, 2018Leave a comment

I don’t know about you, but lately, we have been on a health kick. Meaning, we are trying to live a natural and healthy lifestyle. We have gone gluten-free (read why here). I have always loved the spa, massages, and super girly things. They REALLY do help. I have changed so much over the years since becoming an adult. We evolve and learn what is important.

Here are three easy ways to live a healthy life right now:

-Facial. I use Aveda Cream Cleanser. I do a facial once a month in their location, and then purchase the items that I need to take care of my skin at home. Skincare is just crucial for many different reasons.

–Rock Salt Lamp. I got into a rock salt lamp kick last year (insert link), and they have been amazing. I recently went to an in-person rock salt cave. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I felt better both the day of and the day immediately following. You feel so relaxed and improved. It was better than a massage, and I LOVE massages.

-Diet. Your diet is vital; it goes along with the facial. You are what you eat, and if you do not eat healthily, your skin can be affected. I have cut out many foods., read more about our gluten free journey.

Don’t forget to add in some exercise as well. I like to switch it up whenever possible. Sometimes I choose Zumba, sometimes yoga. Changing workouts keeps my interest.

There are so many great ways to live a healthy life, and each person is going to be different. You have to find what you like and want to do.

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12 of The Best Gluten-Free Foods

January 23, 2019December 12, 20183 Comments

Since going gluten-free, we have lost weight and haven’t felt so down. I don’t really know how to describe it, but we don’t feel so consumed. We don’t eat as much because when you give your body what it needs, you feel better. Like, you eat sugar, you are going to want more. I haven’t had real unnatural sugar or candy of any kind in quite some time. We notice the difference immensely. We went out of town for a conference a few weeks ago, and let’s just say we couldn’t even keep their food down because our bodies have adjusted SO MUCH to eating healthily. It is amazing how much a diet can change you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Catch up on why we hopped on this journey.

It’s important to always look at the ingredients. In general, when determining whether a food product is made using gluten-containing ingredients, you are looking for six keywords: wheat, barley, rye, oats, malt, and brewer’s yeast.

I want you also to note that you can still eat bread, tortillas, etc. You merely need to make sure you are eating the right types.

Here are 12 of the best gluten-free foods:

Be careful what you look for in products. If you see any of these, the goods contain gluten:

Triticum vulgare (wheat)
Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
Hordeum vulgare (barley)
Secale cereale (rye)
Triticum spelta (spelt, a form of wheat)

Read more about what foods have gluten in them here – https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/sources-of-gluten/

We decided to go gluten-free to be healthier, and to try out some ideas behind autism. We are sharing our journey as time goes on, and this is still fairly new to us. Gluten-free so far has treated us well.

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Tips For a Gluten-Free Journey

January 11, 2019November 16, 2018Leave a comment

Here we go starting one theory to help my son with his autism. Moms after moms have sworn by so much to improve the situation. I have learned a lot on this autism journey that I could never have imagined. I never realized how much our food is critical for learning and development. How food affects us EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I thought I ate well. All this time? I mean, I like chocolate and bread. Those are my addictions, if I am going to be honest. Time and time again, I have heard moms talk about going gluten-free when their child is autistic. I have listened to them talk about going dairy-free, and getting rid of red-dye items. I am like WHAT is this nonsense?

When Antonio had chronic ear infections when he was much younger, we put tubes in his ears. I did research. He was still getting ear infections with tubes. SO, we went dairy free because milk increases mucous (who knew). P.S. I am not a doctor nor do I claim to be. This information is my personal experience. We had to put in new tubes, so what better time to go dairy-free? We did, and NO ear infections, nothing. TWO years later, we still have the same devices and have had perfect hearing and NO more ear infections.

Back to being gluten-free. PARENTS SWEAR BY THIS. I researched again to find out more before we began. There are numerous different ideas and theories. You just have to think about it.

Why we chose to go gluten-free/red-dye free. We heard it helps with behavior, learning/processes, and even our son’s stimming. I want the best for my son, and I am willing to take risks (see our last blog post). I am a fighter and do not let anyone tell me something until I have tried it. Even his doctors and therapists have said it is worth a try.
I am not sure how I am going to give up chocolate and bread. OH, and pasta. But, you know what? We will adjust. We are strictly eating meat, fruit, and veggies. These should be the only items on your plate. We stopped taking vitamins just because of the fact that they contain the red-dye in them that is HORRIBLE for anyone. Get rid of it.
My husband has been gluten-free for under six months, so he has been waiting for us to be 100% on board with this lifestyle. It’s kind of scary and nerve-wracking, but at the same time, I need to do this for my son and hope for the best.

I’m sharing this journey now with you all, also. Keep up with us and maybe you will learn something or even get healthier along with us!

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Make Your Own Zucchini Chips

August 24, 2018June 26, 2018Leave a comment

With all this talk about our garden, I thought I would share this super easy and healthy recipe with you all!!! We always end up having way more zucchini than we can imagine so I love being able to create fun recipes with them. Here is a great one.

Total: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings, serving size 1/2 cup
Level: Easy
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (3/4-ounce)
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a bowl, toss the zucchini with oil. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Dip each round into the Parmesan mixture and make sure to coat it evenly on both sides. Place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the zucchini rounds until browned and crisp for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Here’s some favorite items to shop: