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Welcome to Food Challenges, a site specializing in creative food preparation for people with Gluten Sensitivity Syndrome, Celiac Disease, gluten/wheat intolerance and other food sensitivities.
Feel free to search the many sections of my site. They are full of recipes, articles and information you may find helpful!
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There are things you know you should do, but it’s less hassle to take the easy route. I’m human and guilty of doing just that. When I’m stressed, I want comfort food: mashed potatoes, French fries, butter tarts, pasta, bread, cookies. I seem to have had more than my fair share of stress lately and as a result, I’ve turned to comfort foods. I’ve gained ten pounds in the last five months and my pain level is creeping up. Continue Reading…
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I am not a doctor, dietician or medical professional of any type. My opinions are based on my own research and observations. They apply only to me. However, it is my hope, that by sharing what I have learned, it will provide food for thought for other people. Perhaps it will create an “Ah Ha!” moment for someone else who is struggling to find the answers to their own health issues.
Recent research suggests that all grains contain various and unique types of prolamines and glutamines which combine to make gluten. The grains most commonly recommended to be avoided by people with Gluten Sensitivity Syndrome and Celiac Disease are wheat, barley, rye and triticale. Oats remains a hot topic of discussion because of cross contamination issues during harvesting and processing. Some medical professionals go as far as recommending that all grains and seeds be avoided by people with gluten intolerance. For more information on this topic consult the writings of Elaine Gottschall and information about The Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Additional research indicates that the digestive system repairs and replaces itself every three to five days. This concept supports the work done by Dr. Theron Randolph who was a pioneer in the field of the rotation diet. When I combined all this information, I came up with a plan that helps me remain true to my diet while allowing my digestive system the optimum opportunity to function well and maintain good health. Continue Reading…
I have been introduced to two medical videos about gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease, that I think are critical for everyone to see. The first was posted on the Celiac Disease- not just a food preference Facebook page. The site is a great resource run by dedicated, caring people who are doing a terrific job of keeping everyone informed. It’s well worth a visit. Although it is based in the UK, people from all over the world belong and post resources pertinent to their part of the world. When I shared this site with my sister and a friend, Heather, I was introduced to yet another resource by Heather. Both were so enlightening that I wanted to share them with all of you. The first video is about 40 minutes long and the second is about 50 minutes. I saw them twice …the second time I took notes! I hope you find them as valuable as I did.
Gluten Sensitivity, Intolerance, Syndrome and Celiac Disease
Gluten Sensitivity for the 21st Century
If you have additional information or sites that you would like me to add, please feel free to send them my way. In my opinion, we can never have too much information!
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Let me start by saying I’m not a doctor of any sort and I have no medical training of any kind. What I am about to share are my own experiences. If in the telling of my story, you can find an avenue of research to follow, some questions to ask or some ideas to explore, then I will be satisfied that my efforts to share have in some way helped another.
For three years, I have struggled to find solutions to the inflammation and resulting pain I live with every day. Initially, I removed all gluten bearing grains from my diet. My body’s response was immediate and positive. My pain lessened and I felt much better: my energy levels rose significantly, my mind was clearer, my thinking was more focused, my pain level dropped, I could move with greater ease, my seasonal allergies and asthma lessened, my rashes virtually disappeared, my digestive tract functioned better, and my quality of life improved. However, at the end of the first year, I was still experiencing a degree of inflammation and pain that were not acceptable to me. Although I was better than I had been a year earlier, there were still enough symptoms to cause me concern…. Continue Reading…
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Kitchen Renovation in progress… click on the image for a larger picture.
Bathroom Renovation in progress… click on the image for a larger picture.
Part 1
I have become spoilt! I enjoy a wonderful variety of foods and gourmet meals, in spite of my many food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. I have come to take it for granted that I can simply walk into the kitchen and whip up whatever my heart and taste buds desire. I feel very fortunate to have the ability to cook and create delicious menus, whether it’s for family or company. However, all that has come to a screeching halt… Continue Reading…
This is a recipe that I have adapted from my original to gluten free. It’s one I’ve made, in its traditional form, for my family for decades. I have updated it to reflect my change in lifestyle. There is a focus on organic, gluten free and fresh ingredients in this new recipe. Continue Reading…
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To me, food, family and friends are an integral part of everyday living. I look forward to celebrating life every time I sit down to a meal. It’s an opportunity to appreciate my relationships with those around the table, as well as participate in great conversations. Meals are a very social occasion. Continue Reading…
My husband and I both love to cook. We designated yesterday as our Valentine’s Day because Paul, my husband, will actually be working on Sunday. We decided to spend our Valentine’s Day together making a gluten free lasagne from scratch. Paul prefers to eat vegetarian, although he does eat meat once in a while, so I suggested we do a lasagne with mushrooms and leeks. I did some research and finally came up with a recipe that promised to be a treat fit for our special, celebratory dinner. Continue Reading…
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The Turducken Beast
At Christmas, my son-in-law started talking about Turduckens. I had never heard of one, let alone seen one. I had no idea what he was talking about, but as he began to describe this fantasy beast, I became more and more intrigued. He was adamant that one day we should seek one out. My curiosity was peaked, and so, I took up the challenge and ventured forth in search of a Turducken. Low and behold, my trusty butcher, Al, came to my rescue and introduced me to this fabled creature. Continue Reading…
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