Tag Archives: #glutenfree

Step Beyond Celiac KC5K

18 Oct

While I have been seemingly in hibernation as of late, at least from this blog itself, I have actually been doing all of the things. And by all of the things, I mean SO many great things that involve advocating for my own wellness and the wellness of others.

One of the most recent things that I feel so fortunate to have been a part of was the Beyond Celiac – Step Beyond Celiac KC 5K run/walk. This was the Beyond Celiac’s inaugural event, and it was held in Kansas City, my home town. I could not have been more lucky to have ended up not only volunteering with some of the nicest people. But I also got to sneak in some quality time with one of my favorite Celiac advocates – Erica of Celiac and the Beast.

The event also brought me back in touch with Emily from Food Equality Initiative , and Jill from t.Loft. I also met adorable dogs, courageous kids dealing with a celiac diagnosis, and some extremely generous supporters and volunteers. But more than anything it showed me that we actually have a dedicated group of people whose lives have been touched by food allergies and celiac disease. And so many of them are right here in Kansas City. I have learned so much from all of the people I have been lucky enough to meet. And I look forward to many more opportunities to learn, support, advocate and come together as a community.

Check out Erica from Celiac and the Beast’s recap of the event here:   Beyond Celiac: Step Beyond Celiac KC5K 

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Natural Products Expo West 2016

7 Mar

Has it really already been a year since my last Expo West? And I barely can recall Expo East. I could blame it on some type of brain fog from living in a house with hidden mold for nearly a year. Or perhaps time just flies once you are in your 40s.

I am so incredibly excited to be able to find balance, with my cohort in all of these adventures, so that I can still travel, and avoid flares and exhaustion.

I am happily anticipating crossing paths with favorite folks who I only see at events like this, and meeting new people and brands who will hopefully become among my favorites as well.

This is my first big trip (more than 24 hours, and sans a car and cooler) while following my version of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). I have reintroduced a few items successfully. But my go to snacks that I used to put in my purse are not compliant with where I am at currently. So this is still going to be a challenge. But it is definitely a challenge I am up for. And I armed with the resources I need to ensure that I am nourished during our visit to Anaheim for Expo West.

I have been just busy enough with work and trying to not overdo things, that I have not embarked upon the same level of research that I typically would have accomplished by now, leading up to an event. But I am OK with it because it ensured the balance that I desperately need to keep my immune system in check.

With the small amount of Expo prep I have done, I thus far only have a short list of brands to check out. Some are new to me, and others are old favorites that I will be thrilled to cross paths with, and maybe check out their latest & greatest offerings. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once I in full Expo mode, this list will have at least quadrupled in length. So much to see. This does not even cover the other attendees that I will be meeting up with during the course of the event. With daily yoga, tastings, sessions, and happy hours on the floor there is already so much to do. Then at the end of the day, there are still more opportunities to learn, socialize, and explore with like minded people. I will close with the beginning of my what will soon likely be a much longer list. Onward to Expo West 2016 . . .

Wild Mountain Paleo Market who has launched Pure Traditions Brand

Vixen Kitchen Vegan & Paleo Gelato

Gemini Tigernut Horchata

Farmhouse Culture (I would like to try the Beet Ginger Gut Shot)

The Mochi Mill (these were some of my favorite people from Expo West 2015)

Love Grace Foods I  could live on their juice, and adore the people behind the product

Pascha Chocolate

NibMor

Pure 7 Chocolate

Tipu’s Chai

Bhakti Chai

Hu Kitchen

Clearly Kombucha

Living Intentions

Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss

Kite Hill

NadaMoo

Hugger Mugger

Gaiam, Inc.

Synergy Organic Clothing

Pact Organic

Humm Kombucha

 

 

 

 

 

Return of the deadly nightshades – living nightshade-free – & AIP friendly BBQ Sauce

23 Sep

And it happened again. I was exposed to nightshades. And not in an extreme way either. Typically this happens when I either neglect to ask for every single detail (including spices used) if eating food prepared by others. OR there are times when I have covered all of my bases. But somehow the ignorance about what nightshades are/aren’t ends up being the culprit. Meaning that if someone says they require a meal to be nightshade-free, this means NO nightshades in any form. Even if it was just a tsp of paprika or cayenne in the entire dish, this can and will still cause a reaction. Which to the person who is not familiar with the term, a tiny sprinkle of something likely seems so insignificant. But to the contrary, that little tiny bit triggers inflammation in my body; some of which can last for a few days after even just one bite of something that likely had just a speck of a powder spice form of a nightshade.

As I sit here in pain from swollen and tender joints, with unattractive skin eruptions (that also hurt) covering my face, feeling angry that a mistake of taking one bite of something that I thought only had black pepper on it could do this much damage, I also have a contrasting feeling of hope and contentment.

My happy place during this post nightshade exposure time is found courtesy of a local Kansas City company who makes gluten free, all natural, certified non-GMO BBQ Sauce. This company – KC Natural recently released a Feud With Food approved, nightshade free BBQ sauce called Mastodon Sauce. This is a huge deal for me since I have pretty much not consumed condiments at all since going gluten free. And once I realized that nightshades were an issue, the odds of finding anything in the condiment world that was safe were pretty unlikely.

This sauce is not only safe for me to eat. But it’s pretty flipping delicious, too. I actually think I might have a problem with now wanting to put it on absolutely everything. I am in love with this new found option of deliciousness. It tastes great on Hilary’s Eat Well Veggie Burgers, as well as on Mean Vegan ChickUn.

KC Natural will be at the Kansas City Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event on Sunday, September 27th, and I will be there singing their praises. For those who are not following an AIP (Autoimmune Protocol), or needing to be nightshade free, I still suggest trying not just the Mastodon Sauce. But please check out the other varieties as well. I would love to hear your feedback (since I sadly cannot taste the ones with tomatoes & peppers).

I will be writing more about this sauce, KC Natural, the GFAF Wellness Event, AND other allergen free topics again soon. So stay tuned.

Check out the Mastodon Sauce : KC Natural Mastodon BBQ Sauce

Countdown for the Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event 2015

14 Aug

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For those of you near Raleigh, NC the Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event is coming to you this Saturday, August 15th. Check out all of the information on their website.

Gluten & Allergen Free Wellness Event

I am excited to be a part of this year’s series of events ; as Kansas City will be hosting the #GFAFEvent on September 27th. Stay tuned for more information, giveaways, and a full report from the event itself.  I am thrilled to have this event coming to me. I normally travel for these things. But it will be nice to experience this locally for a change.