Life With Celiac
May 1, 2018
This is going to be a very raw and unfiltered post about living with celiac disease. So here goes.
I'm not on a fad diet, nor am I a picky eater. I don't choose to be gluten free because it's super fun. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. I see the eye rolls every time I mention it. I know it's annoying when I ask you to change your gloves. I get it, I worked in the food and beverage industry for a few years and I know that it is an inconvenience but my health depends on you switching out those gloves. So before you shrug it off like it is no big deal please, I beg you, to take it seriously. Honestly, I don't even like eating out anymore. It makes me so nervous. I have about 4 restaurants that I keep in rotation but even then it is always a major risk.
When you are close to me but blatantly ignore my health...it pisses me off so bad that I honestly cannot see straight. Bringing gluten into my house when I specifically ask you not to. Insanely rude. And then when someone has the nerve to tell me that you are allergic to something. Let me make this very clear. I could care about your health as much as you care about mine. Making jokes at my expense about my lifestyle isn't funny. This disease makes me question if I want to have biological children in fear that they might have to deal with celiac. So the next time you go to make a joke...stop and think...how does this really affect someone? This autoimmune disease affects people more than just their diet. It affects every single aspect of their lives. I have to think if the lotion I use has gluten in it, the lipsticks, body wash...the list is honestly endless.
Every celiac reacts differently to gluten. My symptoms start with a celiac rash that covers both of my shins. It itches so bad and nothing gives it relief. Think of the shingles but times ten. And then the bloat starts to take over. I look about 4 months pregnant in 24 hours. You are probably thinking, "okay...I doubt it" but no. People have literally come up to me and asked me when I was due. I can feel brain fog creeping over me and then the fatigue takes total control of me. I'll start to throw up every single time I go to the bathroom. Headaches take over on top of the brain fog because having temporary short term memory loss isn't already super annoying. My body and mind want to sleep for days. It's so rough and the immediate symptoms last for about a week or two but my body isn't back to normal for about a month.
*this cross-contamination was from a work shirt that had been starched
*this cross-contamination was from a work shirt that had been starched
Even though celiac has changed my entire life around I'm so thankful for my diagnosis. I would still be going to countless doctor visits and who knows how many more surgeries I would be having. The celiac community is amazing. My boyfriend, family, and best friends are so supportive. It has brought mine and Eric's relationship closer. If I get a gluten food craving he will do endless research to figure out a way to make it gluten free for me...which is so sweet and kindest gesture anyone could do for me. My sweet pups always know when I'm feeling down in the dumps and will sleep with me for as long as I need. You can read about my journey from the very beginning here.
If you or someone else you know thinks that they might have celiac go get tested. Below are some great resources to help guide you. If you are in the Augusta, GA area I highly recommend Dr. Lal with Doctors Hospital. I believe that God gave me this autoimmune disease to help educate others who don't know anything about celiac or gluten sensitivity. This disease is becoming more common and every day I learn about someone else who is struggling with either celiac or an intolerance. If you ever need to talk to anyone please don't ever hesitate to reach out. If it wasn't for my support system this would've been a completely different story.
I am celiac strong.
I am celiac strong.
Travel Essentials: Weekend Trip
September 27, 2018
I'm all about a good weekend trip. 9 times out of 10 I will always choose to make a trip for the weekend. I try to save my longer vacations for the holidays. Plus ya girl can't handle being away from her sweet pups for too long.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:
1. Sweater / Cardigan
Even if it is 100 degrees out, I assure you that I will have a cardigan with me. I've lived in South Carolina for 10 plus years so ya girl can handle some heat but I absolutely hate being cold. I also hate being super hot too. I'm clearly a complex person. *This cardigan is from Swank located in Augusta, GA
2. Apps for GF travel
Most of you know that I have celiac disease, if you are new to the blog then this is brand new information! With celiac disease comes extreme planning...especially when it comes to where I'm going to eat at. I use the app Find Me GF all of the time. You can search for gluten free restaurants based on your location. It has saved me so much time and anxiety!
3. Face Spray / Makeup Bag
Being stuck in a car for however long while you travel can kinda be a major struggle on your skin. I always keep a facial spray in my bag but I triple check that I have one when I'm on the road. Nothing gives you that little extra boost like this one. Also can any women really go out of town without her makeup bag?
4. Snacks
Snacccccccccks. I'm a major snack queen! If you ever run into me, I'm sure that my bag will have some sort of snack in it. They are so essential to road trips. These peanut butter & jelly bites from Sprouts have been my go to recently. Not only are the snacks good for the car but they are also great for the hotel room!
5. Music playlist
I feel like this has to be really obvious. Every trip should have great music going along with it. I have Apple Music and it's my all time favorite. Some of my favorite artist for road trips are: Hootie & the Blowfish, Florence + the Machine, Beyonce, and Lauren Daigle to name a few.
Sprouts Favorites + Meal Plan + Grocery List
September 30, 2018
If you spend more than an hour with me you will quickly find out that I'm a true snack queen. Sprouts has fueled my snack obsession into over time. Literally I snack 24/7. Snacks are their own food group!
I use to shop religiously at Kroger when I was diagnosed with celiac disease but since a Sprouts opened up in Augusta, GA I have realized that my bill has come out to be significantly cheaper than anywhere else. They always have a great sale going on plus if you go on Wednesday's you can take advantage of last weeks sale and the current weeks sale. Last week they had a huge BOGO sale on pretty much everything that makes my tummy so v'happy!
Sprouts' Must Haves
Coconut Rolls - these have become a must have our household. I have to practice extreme self-control when snacking on them because I'll eat the whole bag within 15 minutes. I love both flavors but the chocolate is my all time fav. Also I like to pretend they are cigars...LOL!
Banana Chips - I've just recently discovered these and they are SO freaking delicious. Easy to grab + go with especially when I'm working! A cheaper option would be to buy these from the bulk section...I don't know if they are gluten free so I avoid but if you aren't psycho sensitive to cross contamination go for it!
Plantain Chips - I snack on these all the time. A nice alternative to potato chips and so freaking delicious. I've gotten all of my coworkers hooked on these as well. My favorite is the picante flavor.
Hummus - I will always love a good hummus but this one is mainly because of Eric. He snacks on hummus whenever he needs a little extra boost. He always goes for the chipotle flavor and he eats tortilla chips with them.
Strawberry & Peanut Butter Bites - these are like a PB&J sandwich but miniature.
Dark Chocolate Covered Bananas - these are ah-mazing and great when you are craving something sweet.
Solero Fruit Pops - I keep these stocked up in my freezer. They're absolutely delicious! I love the raspberry & pineapple ones.
Zevia - you can get these just about anywhere BUT they are worth mentioning up here because they are always on sale + such a great alternative to sodas.
Meal Plan
Monday - Rosemary chicken w/ red potatoes & green beans
Tuesday - Flank steak fajitas
Wednesday - Greek grilled chicken salad
Thursday - Buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potato
Friday & Saturday - we just do whatever we feel like eating
Grocery List
Produce
Green beans
Red potatoes
Green peppers
Red onion
Lemons
Romaine lettuce
Cucumber
Roma tomatoes
Avocados
Sweet potatoes
Rosemary
Dairy
Lactose free milk (I like Fairlife)
Feta cheese crumbles
Meats
Chicken Breast
Flank Steak
Frozen Food
Dark chocolate covered bananas
Solero fruit pops (raspberry & pineapple)
Other Groceries
Banana chips
Plantain chips
Peanut butter puffs
Strawberry & peanut butter bites
Zevia - Ginger Ale & Dr. Zevia
I hope that this has helped you navigate Sprouts a little bit better! Let me know if you've tried anything I have mentioned! Thank you for stopping by #GWFNblog :)
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