Hi friends, I wanted to touch base with you with a little health update. For most of my life, I’ve dealt with a lot of digestive health issues that have fluctuated in severity over the years. Since I was 12 I have been on vitamins and medicine to help deter the intense stomach muscle spasms I experience when my body decides it doesn’t like a certain food I’ve eaten. For a long time what I was taking, (doctor-prescribed of course!) was working to keep my symptoms at a minimum for years. Lately though, in the last 2 months, my body has been reacting very severely to most things I eat. I spend many nights with my heating pad, trying to figure out what on earth could be causing this to flare up so severely. After a visit with a digestive disease doctor, I am being tested for Celiac Disease, which is essentially a severe gluten allergy. While I wait to see if this could be the issue, I have started to try and incorporate more gluten-free options into my diet, and swapping out products I already purchase for the gluten-free version if possible. Combined with daily exercise on my new pink treadmill (more on that soon, lol) I’ve been feeling lighter & healthier as a whole! My doctor said that even if I test negative for Celiac Disease, I very likely still have somewhat of a sensitivity to gluten. Overall I think eliminating as much gluten from my diet as I can is going to be the best move; once I find out my blood test results I will be sure to update you.
I know many people have a gluten allergy, but since this is new to me I thought it might be fun to share a few products I’ve really been enjoying. One thing I had to give up for months while I was really sick was coffee. I love coffee as much as the next girl, in fact, my last name could be Gilmore, that’s how much I love it! I cannot drink it black though, and I was certain the coffee creamers were the culprit to some of my discomfort. A few weeks ago I was in the grocery store and discovered this company called Planet Oat. Its coffee creamers are gluten, dairy, soy, and peanut-free! I was excited to try this because we all know dairy is a huge player in stomach sensitivity, too, so to find a creamer free of both was exciting! (Is this what happens when you turn 30?) Anyway, I’ve been using it for over a week now and can attest to ZERO issues after drinking it! Some days I’ve even had 2 cups and I’m still totally fine! Woohoo! I can recommend the Caramel, French Vanilla, and seasonally right now the Gingerbread is yummy, too! So far I’ve been able to find it at Weis Markets, and Aldi stores as well!
Just for fun, I thought I would share a few other favorite snacks I’ve been enjoying on this new food journey!
- Oui French Yogurt (this seasonal pumpkin caramel is AMAZING!, and I am NOT a yogurt person!) (Target)
- Gluten-Free English Muffins with a little “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” ( Weis Markets)
- ONE Protein Bars: Birthday Cake, Maple Glazed Doughnut (Target)
- Nature’s Path Gluten Free Brown Sugar Maple Instant Oatmeal (Target)
- KIND Dark Chocolate Protein Granola (Target)
- Frozen Fruit Blends to make a quick smoothie with a little Silk Almond Milk – (Target) I use the Magic Bullet for smoothies, it’s SO easy and fast.
- Quaker Large Rice Cake Apple Cinnamon (Target)
- Quaker Rice Crisp Ranch Buttermilk (Target)
- think! High Protein Lemon Delight Bars (Target)
- Snyder’s of Hanover Gluten Free Pretzel Sticks Honey Mustard and Onion (Target)
- Chomps Original Beef Stick (Target)
If you have any recommendations for me to try, I would love to hear them! I have started searching for recipes on Pinterest for gluten-free dinners, too! I’m a big crock pot girlie, so if you have any recipes I should sample, send them my way! I will of course keep you updated in the coming months, share new food finds, and let you know how my testing results come out! Cross your fingers for answers, no matter what they may be!
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