Dr. Tom O'Bryan

Take a look at this video. Dr. Tom O'Bryan nationally recognized speaker, specializing in Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease.

Very interesting. For those in Nashville, he is coming to our meeting Dec 12.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhHwq8eErxs

Eating out in London

Tortoise and Hare on High Street Kensington, has become one of my favorite restaurants.
I can get Chicken Fried Rice with no soy sauce. it comes with miso soup but the chef holds that out, says it has gluten in it. I didn't know this. I have been eating miso soup.

I see on their website, there are several other locations and they are open 7 days a week.

Eating out in London

Today while touring London, we stopped at The Tower of London and London Bridge.
We stopped in at Wagamama Restaurant near by.
They had a list of what I could eat that had no gluten in it.
I got rice noodles with veggies.
It needed seasoning, but I was thrilled.
My understanding is Wagamama is all around London.

Eating out in London

Coco Momo in Kensington area!
I ordered chicken sandwhich, hold the bread. I was assured the chicken was plain and gluten free.
It was chicken, chorizo and rocket. Basically, saled with chicken.
The french fries were rosemary, garlic and salt.
All very good.

Eating out in London

Last night I road the Tube to Canary Wharf to meet my husband. We are looking for an apartment in this area to live in while he is on this project. We found a great restaurant called Nakhon Thi Restaurant and Bar on 45th West Ferry Rd.

I ordered vegitables and chicken with rice and asked them to hold the soy sauce. They were happy to do this. It was so deligious. This will be one of my favorite places to eat in this area.

Eating out in London

I found a grocery store in East London, Waitrose. Found tons of gluten free products.
Still with no kitchen, living out of a hotel, I had to watch what i purchased.
I share with you these products realizing they are made in France and some in England. But you might be able to order them.
So far, everything is delicious.
*Raw Health vibrant Living, Tangy Apple & Cinnamon Rolls with flax seed.(Vegan, G-fee, no added beet or cane sugar)
*Allergo Madeleines (www.valpiform.com)
*almond Tarts
*Mrs Crimble's Cheese Bites
*Eat Natural Cranberries macadamias and dark chocolate energy bars
So far, I love it all!

Eating in London

Will be in London for the next 8 months (with some back and forth to the States)
First Pub I went into was The Tybuen London Wetherspoon. On Park Avenue.
Couldn't believe my eyes when the menu had either v or gf next to all the items.
Items like Simple steak, baked beans, warm chicken and bacon salad, chicken tikka masla, sweet potato chicken (an award winning dish in a coconut sause with yellow basmatie rice. I ordered the Simple chicken.

Now you must know, the Pub's in London are the most economical place to eat but you get what you pay. The steak was all grizzel. Baked Potato was great.

Today I tried another Pub. I was told the hamburger and fries were gluten free but I knew the whole time I was eating them, they didn't seem to be gluten free. I should had stopped eating but I kept on. 10 pounds is almost $20 with the exchange rate, not quite but that is what I'm telling myself to keep it straight.

Pei Wei Asian Diner, Nashville

GLUTEN FREE MENU
Pei Wei has a nice gluten free menu to choose from. You can go on line to view it.

Last night I ordered the Fried Rice and asked for no soy sauce. This is not on the g-free menu but I spoke to one of the cooks and he had no problem doing it. He also confirmed there wasn't anyhting else in the dish that had gluten in it.

It was very good. I had a soy sauce travel packet in my purse that I used to spice it up.

Maggiano's Little Italian Restaurant

I think most are aware, you can go into Maggiano's and order anything off the menu- gluten free.

I get the Rigantoni D each time.

Nothing better to order Rigantoni D and gluten free beer while listening to Jeff who plays the piano.

Yum...makes for one of my favoirte evenings out.

Ruby Tuesday has a gluten free menu, Nashville

Sarah is one of the managers of the Green Hills Ruby Tuesday. She provided me with a menu that is gluten free.
suggestions:
Grilled Chicken Salad
Grilled Salmon Salad
Creole shrimp Salad
Fresh Garden Bar
Creole Catch
Grilled Salmon
Petite Sirloin
top Sirloin
Rib Eye
Chicken Fresco
Chicken Bella
all of the sides are Gluten free but I did find it interesting that one waitress said she would hold the butter and sour cream. I think sometimes people think dairy is gluten.
Burgers
berry good yogurt parfait (no granola)
Mini Benedicts
Western Omelet
Steak & Eggs
Kids' Menu is:Beef Mini Burgers
Chop Steak
Grilled Chicken

Gluten Free Hamburger Helper & Bisquick update

Several of us have been interested to know the update on G-Free Hamburger Helper that was a test drive in a few Krogers stores in May. I found the below on their website.
Update on Gluten-Free Bisquick and Hamburger Helper
by Tiffany

The news about gluten-free Bisquick and Hamburger Helper coming to market took the gluten-free world by storm. Both products were introduced at the Celiac Disease Foundation Conference in May of this year. Both Bisquick and Hamburger Helper are owned by General Mills. To date, their gluten-free website (Live Gluten Freely) lists over 250 gluten-free labeled products put out by the various General Mills lines.

There have many estimated dates floating around the internet about when the two new exciting gluten-free products from General Mills will hit the market. According to the company representative I spoke to, each product is presently in production and is expected to start showing up in limited stores in late June/early July. The items will have a more widespread release hopefully in August. General Mills expects the Hamburger Helper to hit store shelves first, with the much anticipated Bisquick to start showing up quickly thereafter.

So far, the Bisquick and new Hamburger Helper flavors have been a hit with the people who got to try them at the CDF conference. Because the products are not listed on any General Mills website yet, I don’t have the ingredients list. Even so, the one thing we know will not be in the items is gluten! Bisquick is one of those things that brings back childhood memories. It’s such a versatile mix – making everything from pancakes to dumplings. Hopefully, the gluten-free version will also be quite versatile as well.

There will most likely be many gluten-free recipes for the new Bisquick posted on the Live Gluten Freely website. There are now many gluten-free dessert recipes posted there that utilize the gluten-free mixes from Betty Crocker. Did you know the gluten-free yellow cake mix from the line can be used to make carrot cake? Check out this easy recipe for it. General Mills is really embracing our quickly growing market in a big way. It seems that the powers that be at the company have figured out what a loyal customer base we are. That’s something some of the other large food companies haven’t quite grasped yet.

With the gluten-free version of Bisquick hitting store shelves soon, it’s likely that the companies that are dragging their feet in response to our market will soon have to get serious about trying to get their piece of the gluten-free pie. According to the Grocery Guide, at least thirteen companies already make gluten-free pancake mixes like Bisquick’s. So is Campbell’s really going to let Progresso have all the mainstream gluten-free soup business? Is Kellogg’s willing to let Chex have most of the mainstream gluten-free cereal business? It’s doubtful that either of those things will happen and that means that even more exciting gluten-free products will soon be on their way to store shelves!

*General Mills would like to remind consumers to carefully check the label when looking for the new gluten-free items. Not all Bisquick or Hamburger Helper products are going to be gluten-free. There will be gluten and gluten-free versions available and each item will be appropriately labeled.

Related Posts:

Urban Flats Restaurant, Nashville, TN

Had a great gluten free meal at Urban Flats in the Gulch this week. The waiter was very familiar with Celiac and needs of a gluten free meal.

He guided me to several things but what I picked was Urban Baked Chicken with fresh seasonal vegetables and mashed red potatoes. It was incredible. I loved how they grilled the vegetables. $11

Gluten free bread

Go on this web site and get a $1 off coupon to try Udi's bread or any of their product. It is so good. I can now have a fresh sandwhich like everyone else!

http://udisglutenfree.com/ppc-gluten-free-foods

Holiday meals...special offer

I just ordered a guide to Holiday Cooking Gluten Free. If you plan on cooking for the Holidays, you must get this. Go on line
www.LivingWithout.com. It was only $6.95 plus tax. Read more about it below.

Wishing you Gluten-Free goodness all season long.

'Tis the season for family, food and festivities. It's also the season when those with special dietary needs may be most concerned about hidden ingredients and cross contamination. That's the reason for Living Without's special holiday issue.

We want you to relax and approach the season - and the table - with confidence and good health.

We've compiled our favorite recipes to give you delicious options for safe holiday celebrating. Whether it's a traditional Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, a glittering New Year's Eve celebration or a festive holiday brunch, you'll find menu ideas for creating dishes that safely satisfy.
The guide is not just gluten-free. It's also dairy-free and offers substitutions to help you avoid all the major allergens.
The real magic of the season is coming together with family and friends. Let us help you create a table decked with yuletide fare that all can enjoy!

Happy, Healthy Holidays!

Alicia Woodward
Editor

P.S. Supplies of the Holiday Guide are limited. It is available only on newsstands and through www.LivingWithout.com. Order your copy today!

Amerigo's Restaurant, Nashville, TN

I had a wonderful Gluten-free meal at Amerigo's Restaurant on West End Avenue yesterday.
Great menu to include:
Caesar Salad, Goat Cheese and Walnut Salad, Arugula Salad with Flame Grilled Apples and Caprese Tower. Any of them can add grilled chicken or grilled salmon.

Entrees:Spaghetti Pomodoro, Spaghetti Alfredo, Chicken Acuto, Flame Grilled Salmon Acuto, Chicken Vesuvio, Veal Piccata and Steak Trattoria.

I had the Spaghetti Pomodoro, G-free pasta tossed with diced tomatoes, capers, garlic and fresh herbs in an olive oil sauce with grilled shrimp.

Hats off to Amerigo's!!

Smoothie King

Good news and bad news.

The good news is, Smoothie King has a list of all the smoothies they sell that have gluten in them. The bad news is, there are only about 5 to choose from.

At this writing, I have only tried one so far...and I didn't like it. It was low carb strawberry. Ug.

CA Wellness & Longevity Institute

I just returned from the Institute. It was a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Hotel outside of Malibu. The Institute was inspiring to get back to what we all know and hear.
1)be proactive toward health
2)try to reduce stress that causes other problems that make us sick
3)exercise daily to reduce stress and fat
4)eat 7 to 9 (1/4 cups)of green leafy,veggies or fruit combination, daily
5)looking at your dinner plate, 1/2 the plate should be full of veggies/green leafy food, the other half should be fish or chicken in a small portion. Normally don't you see the plate full of meat and starch with a small amount of veggies.
6)Spa for helping relieve stress and toxins in our body and have balance in our life
7)have your blood checked for low D. most people are low in D
8) buy organic when you can to include meat with no hormone injections
9) buy local grown veggies when you can
10) getting good sleep
I asked the trainer how to get rid of this stomach! He said when exercising, get your heart rate up and push that food away..when your full. Eat more small meals per day.
Good luck!
By the way, the hotel was incredible on serving me g-free meals to include when I checked in, there was a gluten free beer and chips and dip! Each meal was totally g-free without me having to monitor.

Gluten free cooking classes in Nashville

check this website out, I have been to one of her cooking classes and she is great,I'll go back for sure:


http://www.brentwoodhomepage.com/-in-the-kitchen-with-goes-gluten-free-cms-3141

For the month of September I am offering multiple free classes:

Holly Heath, personal chef
Whole Foods Franklin
Thursday 9/16 at 6pm
My "Back to School" themed class will include: Gluten Free Seafood Fettuccine, Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Turkey and Pesto Panini and a yummy "Green Shake".

Also in September, I will be teaching two classes at the Brentwood Library, on 9/22 at 10am and 6 pm.

For October, my them is "Gluten Free Fall Favorites" on 10/20

For November, my theme is "A Gluten Free Thanksgiving" on 11/17

For December, my theme is "Gluten Free Entertaining", hopefully on 12/1

G-free Meatballs

Make these meatballs and freeze them.

If you get invited out, and they are having pasta...grab a few meatballs and you are good to go.

Making pizza to eat at home or take out with you....take out a few frozen meatballs and add to your pizza.

Need a quick snack, take out your frozen meatballs and add a sauce to them.

Ingredients:
onion
garlic
1/2 c g-free catchup
1 T molasses
1T Vinegar
1/4 c parsley
1/3 c bread crumbs
1/4 t cinn.
1 t salt
black pepper
olive oil
set oven at 350
Mix all together (except olive oil)
rub olive oil over your hands to form meatballs.
make 30 minutes

Eating out in Charlotte NC

I am working in Charlotte NC all week. Each restaurant I go into, I say "I will need a Gluten free meal, will that be any trouble?" At every restaurant I hear, "oh no problem, let me get you our Gluten free menu".

I'm just thrilled and blown away! Nashville wake up! It has become the way....It's healthier for all of us.

Fuel Pizza was the first place I visited. I went on line to the Charlotte Celiac group and saw that they meet twice a month at Fuel Pizza for their meeting. They have G-free beer as well. It was delicious.

The King's Kitchen was the next place. Totally non profit restaurant that fuels economic vitality by creating jobs and supporting and feeding the poor. Blown away that they had a g-free menu.

BLT in the Ritz didn't have a g-free menu but immediately said "no problem" and told me what I could eat.

Tip for the day, while in each city you visit, go online to the local Celiac Chapter and see if they have a list of restaurants that have gluten free menus.

Bricktop's restaurant in Nashville

Love this restaurant! Second time I have eaten there and love that they have a Gluten Free menu!

Tonight I had Ribs, twice baked potatoe and devel egges.

Difficulty in eating out with Celiac

I find it harder and harder to eat out with Celiac. Or myabe it just takes more patience.

I have been trying to call ahead like most chef's suggest to do.

The last two places both said "everything we serve here is full of Gluten".

I ask if they serve salads and they say yes. I ask if they serve balsamic vinaigrette with their saled, they say yes. So it's just taking time to educate each location.

Granted, I can tolorate cross contamination more than others. If I was very sensative to cross contamination,I might not be able to eat out as much as I do. Everyone must do what they know they can do.

Today I ate at The Cottage Cafe in Nashville. 163 Belle Forest Circle. www.berenicedenton.com. Located in Bellevue off Old Hickory Blvd. behind TJ Max and next door to the Bellevue Antique Mall.Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30-2:30,673-2223



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I odered mini burgers (three to a order) with no seasoning or sauce or buns. I also got a fabulous Organic Baby Spinach Salad. All it had on it was onions, tomatoes and Balsamic Vinaigrette. It was a wonderful meal.

The owner asked me to mark on his menu, what he had that was Gluten Free. I suggested for him to purchase a box of Gluten Free Crackers and serve them with his Tuna, Chicken and Pimento Salads. He loved the idea.

Check them out, they welcome the challenge, they are good.

PF Chang's

I hope everyone is aware, PF Chang's has a gluten free menu. It is incredable.

Today I ate at the Cool Springs PF Chang's.

One thing I like is, the gluten free menu is on the back of the regular menu. Normally you have to ask for the gluten free menu.

Today I had g-free lettuce wraps and Chicken Stir Fry.

They even have a flowerless chocoate cake!

Foods that boost your energy

My daughter found a article in the Tennessean writen by Claudia Pinto.
It talkes about what we eat, affects our energy during the day and weight loss/gain. We have heard so many things about this but for some reason, this made so much sense to me.
Bottom line:
And I quote her: For sustained energy, people should eat a combination of complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats. Dietician Reba Sloan, www.rebasloannutrition.com, said the breakdown should be roughly 60 percent carbs, 20 percent protein and 20 percent fat. The protein and fat slow down the release of sugar in the blood, which prevents a dip in energy and the desire to eat again.

Here is a short list of foods that are good sources of carbs, proteins and fats.

Complex carbohydrates: G-free Oatmeal, whole wheat breads (for Celiac's it would be gluten free)brown rice, sweet potatoes, asparagus, strawberries.
Proteins: Turkey, fish (tilapia or mahimahi, salmon, tuna) beans (black, lentil, pinto) cottage cheese, yogurt, shrimp, mozzarella cheese.
Fats: Nuts (almonds, macadamia, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, cashews) avacado, peanut butter, olives, olive oil

She says Carbohydrates are like high-octane gas for the body. Foods that are high in carbohydrates give people a natural energy boost. If you are not eating enouogh carbohydrates, that makes you mentally sluggish...

She says the protein and fat slows down the release of sugar in the blood. That revents a dip in energy and the desire to eat again.

You can read the entire article in The Tennessean Monday 7/26, 2010.

Sitar Indian Cuisine

Tonight I really stepped out of my confort zone and went to Sitar Indian Cuisine restaurant in Nashville. 116 21st Avenue North.

The owner didn't know what Gluten was but once I showed him my card I carry around and explained to him....he said you can get any entre gluten free. Obviously, stay away from the bread they give each table but all of their dishes use spices and natural foods.

It was delichous! I can't wait to go back.

Eating Out

Last night my son and I ate at Royal Thai in Nashville. 120 19th Ave North.

I asked what I could eat that would be gluten free. The waiter didn't know what that was untill I explained it to him.

After speaking to the chef, I was told the Kao Pad could be made without Soy Sause.

It was deliousious. The waiter said many people come in and ask for no Soy Sauce for this and other dishes. They used a bit of oil, salt and pepper

I highly recommend this dish and restaurant.
www.royalthaionline.com

Beef Bouillon G-Free

I am thrilled to find a Beef Bouillon Seasoning that is Gluten Free!
My husband and I cook several things with it and had to stop using it till now.

Hormel Foods, Herb Ox Instant Broth & Seasoning Beef Bouillon. I found this in Publix with the regular products.

Sodium Free, gluten Free, No MSG added!

I use it in canned Green Beans (one packet for two cans), Soups and the pressure cooker when I cook potatoes and fresh green beans together(this is one of our favorite side dishes).

Enjoy!

Eating out with Hardee's

Not that I promote fast food dinning out, but I just found out (others may have known this for some time)you can order almost any burger wrapped in fresh whole-leaf iceberg lettuce and achieve gluten sensitive nirvana!

Other things I have read on their website/that they say are g-free:
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is g-free
Cheese is g-free
Grits are g-free
Green Beans are g-free
Ham is g-gree
Punch is g-free
French fries are g-free

Looks like their chicken and Fish are not g-free

As always, check things out for yourself, don't ever take for word what you read or hear.

O'Charley's on White Bridge RD/Nashville, TN

Tip: found out that O'Charley's has a grilled chicken that is gluten free but is not on their regular menu. They do not have a gluten free menu but were very happy to prepare a wonderful grilled chicken, baked potato and fresh asparagus.
Delicious!

The waiter found it very fun to bring their kitchen book over to the table. Sat down with us and showed me how their rice had gluten in it and what he could do that was gluten free.

it was easy and pleasant. I tipped him big!

Fudgsicle's that are dairy and gluten free

Found in Celiac.com:Finally, a dairy-free, sugar-free, soy-free and gluten-free fudgsicle that is delicious, extremely easy to make, and because of the avocado it's also healthy! You will need 12 Popsicle molds for this recipe.

Dairy-Free Fudgesicles (Gluten-Free)
(Makes 12 Bars)

Ingredients:

•½ cup raw cocoa
•⅓ cup agave nectar (or to taste)
•1 ripe avocado
•1 can (15 ounces) coconut milk (use light for a low calorie treat)
•1 container (11.5 ounces) coconut water
To make:
Pour coconut milk, coconut water and agave nectar into blender.
Add peeled and pitted avocado.
Blend briefly, then add raw cocoa and blend on high until the entire mixture is extremely well blended.
Pour into Popsicle molds, freeze overnight, and enjoy!

Aunt April's Bakery in Nashville, TN

Aunt April's Bakery in Nashville, not only sales their gluten free and dairy free products to Nashville restaurants, but you can order straight from them for your own use. Having a b'day party, tea or gift to take to someone, call 615-568-0028 or go on their web site at: auntaprilsbakery.com

Some of the restaurants in Nashville that carry Aunt April's bakery are listed below:

The Green Wagon East: 1100 Forrest Ave. Nashville, TN

Matteo's Pizza: 1800 Carother's Pkwy, Brentwood, Tn

The Wild Cow: 1896 Eastland Ave. Nashville, TN

Yolos: 3805 Green Hills Village Dr. Nashville, TN

Hotel Indigo's Chef prepares a g-free lunch

The Chef at the Hotel Indigo Dowtown Nashville prepared a lovely g-free lunch.

This historic property is located on Union Street with wonderful guest rooms, lovely meeting space and a tremendous lunch menu in their cool looking restaurant.


Chef Dustin Allen (dallen615@gmail.com) came to the table to speak to me about what he can prepare that was Gluten Free. He suggested the Indigo Salmon Spinach Salad,(grilled Salmon, filet julienne vegetables, candied pecans and citrus vinaigrette on a bed of mixed greens) Or Strawberry & Gorgonzola Salad with Chicken.(Served on a bed of mixed greens topped with fresh sliced strawberries, gorgonzola cheese crumbles and Raspberry vinaigrette with grilled chicken or without chicken.)

I went with the Straberry Salad. Wonderful!

Tip #1: The Chef suggest anytime you dine out, call ahead if you can.
Tip #2: If you have cards made up, to give to the hostess(see yesterday's blog), that will give any Chef a much better understanding of your needs. Sometimes the translation between the waitress and chef gets messed up.

Gluten Free Restaurant cards in many countries

I just discovered this website. For a small donation, you can download and print off restaurant-cards for different countries! How cool is that!

http://www.celiactravel.com/restaurant-cards.html

Beef Vegetable Soup

Good for winter nights, summer colds, take to a dinner party or take to a sick friends house or just a good craving.....

Beef Vegetable Soup

*1 bottles Spicy Hot V8 vegetable juice. It says Gluten Free on the back!
*Beef, depends on size of crowd. Cut into small piece, I cooked for 20 min in pressure cooker but you can cook in skillet till tender.
*Frozen corn, 2 cups
*2 cans green beans
*Frozen peas, 1 cup
*Potatoes, peeled and cut in bit size, 7 potatoes
*2 - 3 cans of beef broth, optional, gluten free. I have even used g-free chicken broth. Tast just as good.
*G-free pasta optional
You can use any vegetables your family likes...
Enjoy

________________________________________


1) Cook the beef. I either use the pressure cooker or cook in skillet till tender.
2) In pot, combine all ingrediance.
Cook till potatoes are tender.
Season how you like

How to stop gaining weight on a G-free diet

Tip one: rice, corn & potatoes products offer very little in the way of nutritional value, and on top of it, they're high glycemic index foods that may make you pack on the pounds!!

Find more Quinoa, Millet, Buckwheat, Teff, Amaranth, Sweet Potatoes and Montina foods. For instance Quinoa pasta is pretty widely available and loaded with nutrition. Pronounced keen-wah Did you know it's actually a fruit? Cook like rice...Or add raw quinoa into soups to thicken...use cooked quinoa under chili.

Tip Two: stay away from man made foods....processed foods

Tip Three: high fructose corn syrup is G-free but will cause weight gain...watch HFCS in ketchup, salad dressings and low fat product's as well as the sweets

Tip Four: watch those yummy G-free goodies....but let yourself indulge once a week if you must

Tip Five: watch those sweet drinks and soft drinks...indulge once a week if you must

Tip Six: eat smaller portions and keep working out

You will find a balance that works...it's a lifestyle change....you will see the results in weight, energy and more alterness

Going to friends house...what can I eat that is Gluten Free?

It's 4th of July....dinner at friends house....will there be anything for me to eat?



Be safe...bring our own food.



I'll bring Potato Salad, crackers (Blue Diamond Pecan Nut-Thins)and brownies (Betty Crocker rocks!) all gluten-free!



Try this G-free potato Saled!



Traditional Potato Salad, G-free

• 7 potatoes


• 4 hard boiled eggs


• 1 cup mayo


• 1/2 cup sour cream


• 2/3 cup sweet pickle relish


• 1 1/2 tsp mustard


• 1/2 tsp salt


• 2 celery ribs, finely sliced


• 1/2 cup onion (I left this out)

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes & cut into one inch cubes


2. In a large pot, cover potato's with water and boil for 12 minutes or bit more


3. drain and cool


4. Chop the hard boiled eggs and put in a large bowl


5. Add all of the remaining ingredients and mix well


6. Add the potatoes to the bowl and stir gently to coat


7. Cover and chill untill ready to serve.

Do ask the hostess, to leave one piece of chicken or beef plain to be sure you can eat it.



Enjoy.