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quillyfied · 9 months

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what are ur fav foods or restaurants that are gluten free?

Aha! A tricky one! I will endeavor to provide a good answer!

So, disclaimer: I also have IBS, which complicates the tummy question, and I also have severe anxiety, so I’ve refused to go to or eat at many restaurants with my family since being diagnosed. This will be a short list, but I highly encourage you to do some research in your own areas and to either get comfortable asking people working in restaurants questions or have someone do it for you. YOU MUST LET THE RESTAURANTS KNOW YOUR CONDITION IF YOU HAVE CELIAC OR ARE GLUTEN SENSITIVE. And realize that most people still don’t understand what you mean when you say you have celiac disease or even a gluten intolerance. But they will understand wheat allergy, especially if you start listing common examples (buns, breading, gravy, etc). Don’t rely on “oh but it’s fruit, why would fruit be a problem?” Because sometimes you find yourself in a Cracker Barrel asking a waitress who has to go ask her manager and the manager will frankly tell you that there’s so much flour flying around back there that if you have any kind of gluten problem, this place is not safe for you. Incidentally, Cracker Barrel is not on my list of safe restaurants, but it is on my list of places to play a fun peg jump game.

Sit-down restaurants, I very much enjoy Cheesecake Factory’s mashed potatoes, and some of their burgers come with a gluten free bun that’s pretty good. Olive Garden has gluten free pasta and tomato sauce, but if tomatoes aren’t your thing, they will absolutely just coat them in butter (and add grilled chicken if you want, and they do scrape and clean the grills). There’s also quite a few local sit down places that I’ve had success with, so, again: research what is in your area! There’s actually a whole gluten free bakery and bistro in my area that isn’t exactly easy for everyday eating but great for a sometimes treat. And I just found a local Italian place that does a delicious chicken Alfredo that didn’t make me sick! Local restaurants can be such treasures, friends.

Quick service joints, by far my favorite is Five Guys Burgers and Fries. They already cook their burgers and buns on separate grills; all you need to do is tell them about your allergy, and they’ll flag it for their people to change gloves when handling your food. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has a grilling process where they flip their burgers onto a separate grill to cook the second side where the buns also go, but if you tell them, they will keep it on the meat-only grill; their fries are made in the same fryer as onion rings and therefore not safe. Chicken Salad Chick is a pretty good one so long as you pay attention to the chicken salad ingredients and ask for the Quick Chicks, which are individually packed. LawLer’s BBQ is really good; my sister in law gets the loaded baked potato without cheese, but I think I’ve gotten it before with cheese since I got sick and been fine? I don’t remember, but be safe and maybe skip the cheese, since anti-caking agents in shredded cheese is a sneaky place for gluten to hide and few restaurant workers will even know to check that.

Fast food, there are so few options for actual meals. Wendy’s Frosty is good, but not a complete dinner; I think their baked potatoes and chili might also be safe but I’m not a fan. Some salads are okay (check the dressing always), and many fries are okay (NOT MCDONALDS, THEIR FRIES ARE NOT GLUTEN FREE THANKS TO GLUTEN IN THE BEEF FLAVORING THEY ADD AND ALSO NOT DEDICATED FRYERS), but in my area, the safest place to get a fast, tasty meal is Chick-fil-A. They have dedicated fryers for their fries, and dedicated grills for their grilled nuggets, and they have managers and in some locations allergy specialists on site to make sure your food is made and handled carefully. I’ve never gotten sick from eating it. The moral implications are less than stellar, but. It is what it is. They’re the only place I can eat. And sometimes, I don’t have the time to run home and cook myself a meal before keeping other plans.

I can’t cite my sources here; I spend a lot of time googling and looking up menus and asking questions. Please do your own research and figure out for yourself what is near you that you can have and what you like. It’s a hard thing to live with. Good luck, friend!

#quilly’s gluten free life #I hope this helps #and I’m sorry to endorse the Homophobic chicken place #if you refuse to go there that is understandable and moral

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lhaze13 · 5 years

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Traveling While Gluten (and dairy) Free: London

This will hopefully be the start of a usual travel/food segment. Being gluten and dairy free (due to intolerances) can and has made eating while traveling a tad frustrating - to say the least. I will say, I have yet to find a place that allows me the freedom to just stumble upon food that works for me (maybe there are more places and I am just not equipped to deal with the uncertainty). It isn’t ideal to have to plan at least most meals instead of being able to do things on a whim, my plans have to be… planned. London, with scheduling, proved to be overall very gluten and dairy free friendly or accommodating, and the places we went all seemed to have knowledgeable staff. Without further ado let’s get into the restaurants.

Leggaro

This dedicated gluten free Italian restaurant was great! To start I had a taste of the Homemade Bruschetta Trio, just the cherry tomato one (although one of the others were also dairy free). It was tasty but nothing too exciting. For my actual appetizer I ordered the lamb meatballs. Best decision I made that night! Not only was it cooked perfectly but the flavors were, honestly, amazing. My father and I were addicted. I could’ve ordered a bunch of those for my meal and been more than content. For the table we ordered Pinot Blush Rosé, we went through a few bottles - I am a pretty big rosé fan. For the main course most of us ordered the Tomato Pappardelle with Bolognese. The handmade pasta was delicious! I had never had handmade gluten free pasta before so this was a delightful experience. Finished off with (unfortunately struggling to find the official name) a truffle chocolate tasting. Honestly, they were mediocre compared to the otherwise wonderful meal I had. Overall I recommend it - do yourself a favor and get the lamb meatballs!

Niche

Another dedicated gluten free facility. There is something so freeing about not having to worry about cross-contamination. Side note - as I was checking their menu for reminders on what I ordered, I realized they also have a low-fodmap menu! I will include a link to my video about my struggles with SIBO and when I was on the low-fodmap diet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJFZPWjCTDA&t=54s). Anyway, for an appetizer we ordered bruschetta which I remember being a larger portion than expected - which was fine since we were sharing; nothing crazy but was a nice start to our meal. For my main course I had the Beer-braised Short Rib. Once I read that the meat was fresh from the butcher down the street I was sold. It was so juicy and absolutely hit the spot - I could not recommend it more! Somehow I still managed to have room for dessert; fairly certain we all have a separate dessert stomach which would explain so much. I had the Dark Chocolate and Orange Ganache. LOVED IT! I’m a big orange and chocolate flavor combo fan and this did not disappoint. Other members of my family had the Tiramisu which they were not too happy with unfortunately. Otherwise, I highly recommend Niche for all your courses. Should also mention that the staff was hysterical, warm, and added to the fabulous time we had.

Indigo at One Aldwych

This one was a bit of a splurge! We went to Indigo for their afternoon tea (what would a trip to London be without afternoon tea?). Make sure to book well in advance if you have allergies as they even stipulate on their site that they can accommodate anyone with enough notice! My only real disappointment was that this afternoon tea did not come out on those tri-layer displays - obviously this is just me being nit picky in terms of aesthetic expectations. We each ordered tea - I had the Lemon Sherbet which really needed a sugar cube or two - which I added. As we sipped and enjoyed the comfort of the tea, we had time to just relax and take in each other’s company before our first course. For the savories I had the Smoked Salmon and Chive Quiche. Turned out to be a tad dry but tasty, still surprised it wasn’t crumbly without cheese or something extra to help hold it together. As a table we all agreed that the Coronation Chicken mini sandwiches were hands down best bite of food we had at this tea (we ended up ordering more of them). There was a roasted pepper sandwich , though I am failing to remember what else was in it, the one bite was all I really wanted of it. The beet wrap would have been better if they either balanced out the beets with something else or packed the wrap a bit less because all you got was a strong beet taste (and I eat beets). The Scones with Bacon and Toffee Jam were unlike anything I’d ever had - and I happily ordered another tray of them as well. Then it was time for wha we all had been waiting for, the very extravagant Charlie and The Chocolate Factory inspired sweets. The pictured treats explains for itself why we are here (for the experience). Loompaland Lemon Floss (AKA cotton candy for us simpletons) was way too lemony for my pallet and was nicer to look at than eat. I shot back the Banana and Chocolate Milkshake which didn’t taste anything like banana for me and seemed more like watered down chocolate. My family said their’s was too banana-y so I am wondering if the dairy vs dairy free versions were very different for this dessert. While I was looking forward to the Chocolate Cacao Bean Financiers they were dry and pretty flavorless. Similar in appearance to a strawberry shortcake was the Whipped Strawberry Mess which was pretty good, nothing insane and I honestly could only stomach a few bites, may have been due to the flavor being too artificial or sweet - granted, my father devoured his happily. My favorite items were the Violet Lemon Cake, which was so delicious and not too heavy but still left me content, Cream Chocolate and Orange Mousse (seems to be a sage bet for me apparently), and yet again the scones with jam, while appearing to be innocuous and not special on paper were still a delight. With all that being said - if you are looking for the tastiest meal you’ve ever had then I can’t recommend Indigo, but if you are here for the experience (as we were) then don’t shy away from the fun and enjoy the moment with those closest to you.

Hobson’s

For a truly tasty and fried meal I highly recommend checking out Hobson’s Fish & Chips. I had the fried cod while my family members all had the haddock. All of the fish came out nice and flaky, cooked perfectly, and were healthy portions. To add to the fried indulgence my sister and I split an order of fries and onion rings! I don’t know the last time I had onion rings before this, needless to say I was in heaven. The batter was addicting and everything was still somehow flavored individually and did not feel like the batter overpowered the meal, but was a nice compliment. I was so full by the end of it that I had to take a decent amount of the fries and onion rings home to finish, they were a pretty nice snack the following day.

Bella Italia

Bella Italia was not planned like the other meals and was found by googling gluten free restaurant options in the area, glad it worked out for what we needed but of all the meals we had it was the least exciting and was more like checking a box than being noteworthy. For some reason I ordered Sicilian Olives as a “while you wait” (almost like a bread basket substitute)- there were way too many for one individual to have, even an olive connoisseur would have felt an olive overload. Then, instead of having a full meal I only found myself hungry enough for a starter. The adult in me then ordered Sweet & Sour Chick Wings which hit the spot and were exactly what I had been craving. So while this was by no means the most extravagant meal we had if you are in a pinch and need to find a place that can accommodate allergies then check out Bella Italia, it’s a chain so you should also luck out in finding a location near you as well (making it the most convenient of the ones on this list).

Beyond Bread

Unlike the other items on this list we did not sit down to eat here and just picked up food options for breakfast and to make sandwiches for days where we were out for a while (I.e. our 11 hour bus tour). However, it is important to note that it is a dedicated gluten free bakery! I had their blueberry and chocolate muffins most mornings and we purchased a few giant rolls of sourdough bread for the longer days. I was happy with everything I ate from there, my only regret is not having purchased more things to try!

#food #travel #london #resturants #allergies #gluten free #dairy free #lhaze #blog

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dietadviser · 7 years

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Celiac disease: Actress Jennifer Esposito on living gluten-free

When she was informed she had gastric condition, a digestion condition that harms the small intestine and also disrupts the absorption of nutrients from food, she had no suggestion what she required to do beside feel much better. Currently she's living a healthy, gluten-free life and she's established a charity, Jennifer's Way Foundation for Celiac Education. Right here's our Q&A with the actress.

SheKnows: Had you listened to much concerning gastric condition before your diagnosis?

Jennifer Esposito: No, I never listened to of celiac disease before my medical diagnosis, which is frightening [considering] that I was with a gastroenterologist for five years where I was being dealt with for every single other belly disorder under the sunlight. He never ever when believed to mention gastric disease.

Every piece of food requires 'interrogation'

SheKnows: Just how has living with the condition changed your life? People with gastric illness are not able to tolerate gluten, a healthy protein in wheat, rye, and also barley.

Jennifer Esposito: Freedom is the very first word that comes to mind. Consuming is a need in life. I am faced with this illness at the very least two times a day no issue what. Prior to being diagnosed with gastric condition, I would take place spontaneous trips, drop in a delicatessens to get something or attempt a new dining establishment without a thought. Now, every piece of food have to be interrogated, in a manner of speaking. On the silver lining, this illness has brought me to what I believe is my function now in my life: To be able to place a face and also voice to this very misinterpreted illness is so extremely important to me. There are way too several people experiencing as I did for years, unknowning exactly what is incorrect with them. It's not right.

SheKnows: Just how has living with the condition impacted your career?

Jennifer Esposito: When I was detected, I in fact quit acting. I can't say that I ever felt tranquil in the business I had actually decided to dedicate my life to. So when I was diagnosed, my heart and soul were merely too weary to care for myself in the means I required as well as to try to be in a company that has actually always been an uphill fight for me. Today, I'm much more at peace with the amount of acting I'm doing because my real love is developing recipes for my soon-to-be bakery, my structure - Jennifer's Method Foundation for Celiac Education and learning - and also my blog, Jennifer's Method, at jennifersway.org.

Gluten 'hidden' in medications

SheKnows: The greatest difficulty for you to living gluten-free?

Jennifer Esposito: There are many. One that actually troubles me is the absence of issue by medicine business. I needed to go on an antibiotic recently and the lack of expertise available concerning gluten in drug is remarkable. Why it isn't necessary to listing components in medication, like they perform in food, is beyond me. Once again, you are left to your very own devices to determine if a certain drug is risk-free. Hopefully, this is one of the important things I will attempt to make a difference in with my foundation.

SheKnows: Naturally gluten-free entire foods include rice, soy, potatoes, beans and also grains such as millet as well as buckwheat. Just what are your gluten-free favorites?

Jennifer Esposito: There are way too many to checklist. I do know that I have actually taken my food preparation as well as baking to an entire brand-new level. I was constantly a 'wanna-be chef' today I make everything from bread to pizza to muffins to cookies. They are primarily vegan, delicious and also stuffed with nutrition. I've also discovered a new-found love for normally gluten-free whole foods.

Not sure? Don't eat it

SheKnows:. Words of encouragement?

Jennifer Esposito: My advice to a new celiac is to be type to yourself. It's not always simple. Your mind and body need time to recover as well as readjust. There are people available who swiftly really feel a lot better after taking gluten out of their diet and also then there are individuals, like me, who do not. It requires time as well as it does improve, this new life. One more piece of advice when eating in restaurants, if you are uncertain concerning something, don't consume it. It's much better to be risk-free compared to sorry later on. And please do not assume you can rip off. It takes one-eighth of a teaspoon of gluten to obtain a [person with] gastric [illness] unwell. It's just unworthy it.

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consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis · 6 years

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The Best Gluten Free and Vegan Soft Foods to Eat After Dental Surgery, Part 2

New blog post! Whether you’re having your wisdom teeth removed or getting major gum graft surgery like me, going on a soft foods diet can be challenging - especially if you have dietary limitations. When I had my first bout of gum surgery last year, I shared a round up of some of my favorite gluten free and vegan soft foods and was amazed at how helpful readers found it.

So, since I got my second gum graft surgery done earlier this fall and again had to eat soft foods for two weeks, I thought I’d share even more of my favorite dental surgery foods. As always, follow your doctor’s instructions for what foods are OK to eat after your particular oral surgery. However, this list should give you some more ideas of tasty gluten free and vegan foods, recipes and products to enjoy after dental surgery!

1. All the hummus (homemade or store bought).

I was fortunate enough to receive a big goodie box of Blue Moose Hummus a few days before my gum graft surgery, and they definitely came in handy for my soft foods diet! Hummus is an easy way to get some vegan protein without having to chew anything, and you can eat it alone or pair it with foods like potatoes, mashed vegetables and avocado.

If you have a blender on-hand, it’s also super easy to whip up a homemade vegan hummus for you to enjoy while you recover. My personal favorite hummus recipe is my Creamy White Bean Beet Hummus. The beet adds a little bit of sweetness, and the dose of antioxidants definitely won’t hurt during your dental surgery recovery. You can also experiment with making different hummus flavors by using add-ins like lemon, oregano, spinach, thyme, etc.

2. Gluten free and vegan ice creams...including Halo Top for a “lighter” option.

Compared to my first gum graft surgery, this time around definitely involved a lot more ice cream...and that’s totally ok! The truth is, it can be hard to get all the calories you need when eating gluten free and vegan soft foods. Not to mention that you’ll probably be craving some major comfort food after having your dental surgery.

Obviously, it’s important to make sure that whatever ice cream you choose is smooth and doesn’t have any chunks that require chewing. This time around, I loved Coconut Bliss’s Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream. If you want a lower calorie option, Halo Top’s new vegan flavors are also insanely good! So far, I’ve tried and loved Salted Caramel (the best!) and Vanilla Maple. Cappuccino was OK, and I’ve heard good things about Chocolate. If you have celiac disease like me, make sure you only pick from Halo Top’s certified gluten free flavors. And if you need even more gluten free and vegan ice cream ideas, check out my list of my seven favorite dairy free ice creams!

3. Puréed broccoli or other steamed vegetables.

I know I mentioned pureed vegetables in my last soft foods diet roundup, but I tried a couple new veggies this time so I thought I’d share the winners. The surprising favorite was actually broccoli purée just made from steamed and blended broccoli. Compared to other veggies, broccoli purees very smoothly, which made it an ideal side for the first few days after your dental surgery. If you want a cheddar and broccoli soup kind of feel, you could also make the purée runnier with plant-based milk and add some vegan cheddar cheese on top.

I also really liked puréed spaghetti squash for something a little sweet, and puréed green beans were surprisingly hardy. I’m not going to lie. Purees get old pretty quickly when they’re all you can eat, and you might start feeling like you’re surviving off of baby food. However, having as many different puréed vegetables to choose from as possible made my soft foods diet feel a little less boring. And adding a little bit of spice (such as curry powder, oregano or thyme) can make a big difference.

4. Soft gluten free bread soaked in water or plant based milk.

Another challenge of eating soft foods after wisdom teeth surgery or another other dental procedure is finding enough “plain” foods. As much as I love vegan ice cream, I could only eat so many sweet foods, and I didn’t feel like pureed broccoli for a night snack! So one of my go-to’s was actually soaking some gluten free bread in a bowl of water or milk until it would nearly dissolve on my tongue.

If you want to try soaking bread, you should definitely pick as soft of bread as possible. For instance, gluten free bagels with a lot of structure won’t break down that much. But soft gluten free rolls (like from Bfree Foods or a local gluten free bakery) are perfect!

5. Homemade protein mug cakes.

While I tried to eat mostly healthy, I definitely gave my sweet tooth what it wanted during my gum graft recovery...so chocolate showed up quite a lot! Another of my favorite night snacks was a soft gluten free and vegan mug cake. Some nights, I loosely followed this recipe to create a chocolate protein powder mug cake. The biggest tweak I made to that recipe was replacing the egg with a mashed banana or a chia egg (formed with my latest addiction of Foods Alive's Chia Protein Powder + 3 TBSP of water. I'm a Foods Alive ambassador, by the way!). Both ways turned out delicious!

Other nights, I just added roughly one half of a mashed banana, 1.5 TBSP of coconut flour, 1/4 tsp of baking powder, cinnamon, 4 TBSP of water/milk and whatever flavor add-ins I wanted into a mug and microwaved it for around 1 minute. The best part is that the flavor options for a gluten free mug cake are seriously limitless. For a chocolate cake feel, use vegan chocolate chips and cacao powder. Or you can add chopped berries (if your doctor gives you the OK to eat them!) for a blueberry muffin mug cake.

And I gotta say...the one good thing about gum graft surgery is that you have a really good excuse for eating banana ice cream and a chocolate mug cake for dinner!

6. Puréed pasta with tomato and cheese sauce.

Even four to five days into my gum graft recovery, my mouth was still too sensitive for a lot of chewing but I was desperate for a different carb than potatoes. So I over-cooked a bunch of pasta...and threw it in my food processor with a little water. And you know what? It turned out pretty tasty!

My “pasta” dinners on this vegan soft foods diet were definitely not Instagram worthy, but they were a great way to add variety. Since I mixed Tinkyada's rice pasta with Banza (made out of chickpeas) and Modern Tables' lentil pasta, I also got a nice boost in protein, too! I served my puréed pasta with tomato sauce and some of my homemade vegan cheese sauce, and I ate it several days in a row without complaint.

7. Applesauce - bonus if it’s uniquely flavored!

Applesauce isn’t a unique recommendation for a soft foods diet, but its popularity after wisdom teeth removal or other dental surgery is well deserved. To shake things up, I found some blueberry unsweetened applesauce at my local Aldi, and the unique flavor made applesauce a lot more appealing.

You can also spruce up applesauce by incorporating your own add-ins, like extra cinnamon, vanilla extract, protein powder, etc. If you’re low on bananas, applesauce is also a great substitution in gluten free mug cakes as well.

8. Protein drinks (homemade or bought).

This time around, I also focused on getting more protein during my dental surgery recovery, which I think definitely improved my energy levels throughout. If you have a protein powder you like (I’m in love with LivWell’s gluten free and vegan vanilla and chocolate protein powders), you can easily whip up your own protein shake with water or plant-based milk. I also love making vegan protein ice cream using frozen bananas or this recipe with coconut milk.

I recently got to try Koia's vegan protein drinks, though, and I liked the taste so much, I bought several cartons in Colorado (where I could find them in stores) and took them with me in a cooler to Minnesota. (Now that’s dedication). I hated the Cinnamon Horchata flavor, and the chocolate was OK, but the vanilla bean version is amazing. It’s sweet without tasting overly sugary or fake and is super smooth and filling. I’m kind of sick of these drinks now that I’ve had so many in such a short amount of time, but I’d definitely buy them again.

9. Cooked rice blended with milk, cinnamon, vanilla and bread.

During the first days after my gum graft, I was craving something plain, warm and comforting but couldn’t chew enough for rice or bread yet. The food processor to the rescue! I simply made rice porridge out of some ground rice and hot water (roughly 1/4 cup of ground rice to 1 cup of hot water) and soaked some bread in water until soft.

Then, I transferred the porridge into a food processor with the bread, cinnamon and vanilla, and blended until a mostly smooth paste. I wanted a relatively liquidy final result, so I also added some plant-based milk, but you can make this mix as thick as you want. As for how it tastes, I’d say a mix between oatmeal and bread pudding!

10. Alllll the condiments, from ketchup and mustard to avocado.

When you’re eating mashed potatoes, pureed pasta and soft veggies for 7+ days in a row for dinner, condiments, sauces and spices make all the difference. You’ll want to be cautious about acidic sauces. At least for me, ketchup irritated my graft site for the first couple of days.

Once you can tolerate various condiments, though, some of my favorites are ketchup, mustard, mashed avocado, tomato sauce and my homemade vegan cheese sauce. I also made an avocado sauce (that was a little more like mousse) by blending around one avocado with cashew milk, a little apple cider vinegar, oregano, thyme and water to thin it out. Chilled in the fridge, this sauce felt so soothing on my mouth and it tasted just as good on pasta as with potatoes.

11. Yogurt with mashed banana and chocolate sauce, nut butter or jam.

I thought I’d end this soft foods diet roundup with an oldie but a goodie: a yogurt parfait. I loaded up on my favorite So Delicious coconut yogurt for my gum graft recovery, and was very thankful I did. The best thing about yogurt is how many ways you can eat it. Turn it into dessert with mashed fruit, chocolate sauce (I’ve been loving this chocolate spread from The Date Lady) and nut butter. Or make yogurt a little more savory by pairing it with sweet potato. The options are endless, and all the probiotics you get from the yogurt won’t hurt either!

The Bottom Line of Eating Soft Foods After Dental Surgery

Dental surgery ain’t fun. Whether you’re getting your wisdom teeth removed or going through a gum graft, that’s just reality. However, the soft foods diet you follow during your recovery can be more exciting than just mashed potatoes, smoothies and ice cream. And, at least in my experience, the more options you can give yourself, the more tolerable your recovery will feel.

Now that a month has passed since my gum graft, I’m (thankfully) feeling more normal and enjoying anything I want to eat. So if you are just starting your dental surgery recovery or are doing research to prepare for your soft foods diet, know that it will get better....

...and that the crunchy foods you can’t eat now will definitely be worth waiting for!

Have you ever had to follow a soft foods diet? What were some of your staple foods? Tell me in the comments!

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#Blogger #college #celiac #gluten free #coeliac #celiacs #paleo #primal #foodporn #foodart

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spiceukonline · 8 years

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The best vegan eats in London

The Sunday Review: The Santa Clarita Diet (TV Series)

Dialogue

Acting

Shock Factor

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2017-02-26

3.2/FIVE

IT’s not easy being vegan. Even though I wouldn’t change my quote-unquote lifestyle choice, the first few months of my new-found veganism left me a. broke and b. wondering how the hell to cook quinoa and stop kale tasting like cardboard.

With an estimated 542,000 of us in the UK adopting a vegan diet (up from 150,000 in 2006, may I add), the options for vegans are endless- just not necessarily in my native rural Kent, where you’re lucky if the corner shop stocks peanut butter, let alone lentils.

Sick of living off of ready rice and falafel, I headed to the capital to check out the best (by best, I mean what my suffocating bank balance could stretch to) vegan eats:

1. Norman’s Coach and Horses, Soho

“Tofush” and chips, anyone? Photo credit: Georgia Chambers

The quaint Soho pub is a known as being a hotspot for journalists and thinkers. Source: locappy

Claiming to be “London’s only vegan and vegetarian pub,” I deliberately chose to eat here for mine and my best friend’s birthday meal, after he proclaimed he wanted “pub food,” as if to spite me. What the menu lacked in terms of extensiveness was compensated by its originality- vegan fish and chips anyone?

No, me neither. Until I had to because they were all out of vegan chilli.

The “fish” consisted of tofu, wrapped in seaweed, coated in batter. I know but stay with me. I’m yet to taste tofu that actually tastes of anything, and despite their best efforts, this was no different. I did, however, appreciate the homemade ketchup and vegan tartar sauce. 10/10 for effort.

2. Cookies and Scream, Camden Market and Holloway Road

The peanut butter creme pie that almost was… Source: Instagram @cookiesandscream

Vegan GOSH! brownies. Source: whatalicedidnext

how do you even eat this? Source: Trip Advisor

I’ve been dying to visit this hole-in-the-wall bakery since my best vegan pal sent me a snapchat of her cradling a vegan peanut butter creme pie. That’s like everything I’ve ever wanted. In a pie.

Located in the maze that is Camden market, Cookies and Scream is super hard to find but super worth it when you do (vegans do not, alas, have a sixth sense that enables them to detect vegan food, as my friend implied).

What we thought was just a random crowd of eager tourists was actually a line. A long line. Be warned, this place is popular. So popular in fact, that once I got to the front and discovered they were all out of the pie, I almost collapsed to the floor in devastation. I chose a brownie with soy based ice cream instead, which was delicious if not unremarkable, but I was totally jealous of everyone that ordered a cookie sandwich. With so many shakes and bakes to try, pre the menu in advance. And get there early.

3. Hummus Bros, Soho, Holborn, St. Pauls, Exmouth Market, Gray’s Inn Road, Eastcheap

Hummus 4 days. Source: Red Online

Source: bonvoyagelauren.com

Hummus is practically its own food group in the vegan diet, so look no further than Hummus Bros to satisfy your mushy chickpea cravings, which is, quite literally, a restaurant dedicated to hummus.

Fresh and Mediterranean inspired, expect hummus, warm pitas and falafel by the bucketload.

It doesn’t just cater to vegans either- you can cater the menu to meet the needs of all your gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, fish-free, celery-free and picky as hell friends.

4. Mildred’s, Soho, Camden, King’s Cross

Instagram worthy food. Source: countryandtownhouse.co.uk

Source: tofuture

If you like your vegan food served with a quirky (read ‘edgy’) atmosphere and a warm smile, Mildred’s is the place to go.

If you’re tired of watching your friend devour burgers you can’t have at Five Guys, you’ll delight in the selection of bean, tofu and lentil burgers that are far from boring.

5. Yorica, Soho

Heaven in a tub. Source: nicelife.com

Source: beautyandthedirt.com

One of the first things I missed when I went vegan was not being able to drown my sorrows in a tub of Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream on a Friday night (oh, just me?)

Yorica, with its all-natural range of frozen yoghurt, ice cream and shakes, satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Choose from classic strawberry to kooky gingerbread cookie and matcha flavours and then proceed to drown them in your choice of toppings.

6. Farmacy, Notting Hill

Source: thefoodiediaries.com

Source: vegansofldn.com

Perfect if you fancy something a little more upmarket, Faramcy promises “guilt free pleasure” with vegan and vegetarian food sourced from organic UK farms.

Meet with the gals for brunch and try the house pancakes, their signature Farmacy burger or their ‘earth bowls’- filled with goodness and ideal when trying to recover from a night on the tiles.

7. Vida Bakery, Shoreditch

Source: Facebook

Y-U-M. Source: Facebook

If like me, cake gives you life and you’re kinda over Lola’s cupcakes, VIDA will restore your faith in vegan bakes.

These guys update their menu regularly and probably make just about every variety of cupcake under the sun. They’ll also take orders for Birthday cakes, so there’s no excuse for just giving your vegan friend a slab of tofu with a candle in it.

@Just_GeorgiaSD

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#Cookies and Scream #Farmacy #Georgia Chambers #Hummus Bros #London #Mildred's #Norman's Coach and Horses #vegan #vegan food #Vida Bakery #Yorica

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magicaldistractions · 8 years

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If you’re looking to buy sweets for your sweet or indulge your own sweet tooth, you’re sure to find an abundance of yummy choices at Walt Disney World Resort! From the decadent double chocolate brownie sundaes at Ghiradelli to freshly made funnel cakes at the Funnel Cake cart on Disney’s BoardWalk, the selection of sweets is seemingly endless! Today, I’ll cover Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets!

Funnel cake-Photo Credit Disney

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Series & Other Basic Information

Welcome to the thirteenth edition of my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series! February is known for….come on….you know the answer. Sweets, sweets and more sweets! I’m here to give you the scoop on where to find sweets for your sweet (and yourself too). This article is titled: Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets!.

Links to previous articles in the series will be provided later on in the article.

Basic Information

The intent of my Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? series is to help you plan a fantastic and memorable trip to Walt Disney World Resort. It is my hope that both first timers and seasoned Disney vets enjoy the series and the information that I post.

Magical DIStractions is dedicated to providing our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information that we possibly can. Walt Disney World is a vacation destination that is always changing and expanding. So, there is a possibility that some of the things that I write about in this article may change location or change in style before you visit.

How to make the most of this article’s tips and links

You will notice as you are reading along and as is reflected above, some of the wording in this article is highlighted in light pink. My fellow team members and I write about our experiences, upcoming events and things to do while at Walt Disney World, and when you click on the highlighted wording, you’ll be taken to articles and pages that refer to certain topics. There is no need to go anywhere but to Magical DIStractions to find the information that you seek.

‘Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets for my Sweet!

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets!

Caramel, Caramel, Caramel

Presented by Werther’s Original, Karamell-Küche is a shop in the Germany Pavilion of World Showcase. The moment you step inside, you are surrounded by everything caramel. There are pre-packaged goodies from Werther’s Original such creamy caramel-filled hard candy, or caramel covered popcorn. In the cases, you’ll find a large selection of fresh candy, caramel candy, caramel and chocolate dipped strawberries and pineapple spears and other delectable treats.

One of the more unique offerings found at Karamell-Küche are the Caramel Bacon Squares. Each square contains Werther’s Original caramel and bits of bacon both inside and out. My personal favorite is the Turtle candy which is caramel with pecans with both covered in chocolate. Yummy!

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Cronut

What exactly is a cronut? A cronut is a fried delightful snack that’s a cross between a croissant and a donut and it is oh so very good! “It’s sweet, it’s warm, it’s deep fried and topped with cinnamon and sugar,” says Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann. “Simply delicious.” (Excerpt Disney Parks Blog)

At a price of less than $5 and a snack option on the Disney Dining Plan, a cronut is a very budget friendly sweet for your sweet! These delicious goodies can be found at Refreshment Port in Epcot.

Cronut-Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Cupcakes

Cupcakes. in a variety of flavors and sizes, are found all over Walt Disney World Resort. No matter if you are in the parks, at one of the Disney Resort hotels or at Disney Springs, you’re sure to find the perfect cupcake for your sweetheart. Today, I’ll talk about just a few of the cupcakes available. Magical DIStractions has menus for most Walt Disney World Restaurants.

Be Our Guest

Some of the most delicious cupcakes that I’ve ever had were those served at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom park. The Master’s Cupcake is a scrumptious chocolate sponge cake topped with Lumiere’s special “Grey Stuff”. The pretty “pearls” are actually edible as is the pretty chocolate square! And, yes, the “grey stuff” IS delicious!

The Master’s Cupcake Be Our Guest Restaurant-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

If you want a little something tart but still sweet, the Lemon Meringue Cupcake is for you! The cupcake is a vanilla sponge cake with a lemon custard filling and flamed meringue icing.

Be Our Guest sweets-Photo credit Disney

While The Master’s Cupcake and the Lemon Meringue Cupcakes were so very good, the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake was divine! This vanilla sponge cake has a strawberry mousse filling and cream cheese icing. Topping it off is a fresh strawberry slice and a small bite of chocolate.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake Be Our Guest Restaurant-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Creature Comforts

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, stop by Creature Comforts for their specialty cupcake, the Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake. DIStracted Tip: When you order a Starbucks Flat White Latte, a portion of the sale helps preserve the Cotton Top!

Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake Creature Comforts – Photo Credit Disney

Contempo Cafe

The pastry team at Disney’s Contemporary Resort creates beautiful cupcakes, each one a work of art and are oh so flavorful!

Contempo Cafe cupcakes-Photo credit Disney

ABC Commissary

The cute and tasty Olaf Cupcake is available at the ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The yellow cake is moist and delicious and the icing is smooth and creamy. You may notice that the actual cupcake that I received was slightly different that the one on the sign but it was still great.

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Olaf Cupcake from ABC Commissary-Photo credit Lisa McBride

Old Port Royale

Old Port Royale in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort serves a fan favorite cupcake! The Monkey Cupcake is a chocolate or vanilla cupcake with creamy filling and sliced bananas in the middle. After just one bite, you’re sure to see why Guests go ape over it!

Monkey Cupcake at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Sprinkles

“Treat yourself to sought-after, gourmet cupcakes baked fresh daily with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. You can also succumb to late-night cravings with a visit to the perky, pink Cupcake ATM nestled outside.” (Excerpt Walt Disney World website) Sprinkles is located in Disney Springs and is the perfect place to stop and treat your sweet to a sweet! Guests can indulge themselves with a gourmet banana, chocolate marshmallow, carrot, or salty caramel cupcake. Gluten free, sugar free and Vegan options are available.

Sprinkles-Photo Credit Disney

Funnel Cakes

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a freshly made funnel cake! Some of the toppings include your choice of powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, apples, strawberries or vanilla ice cream. Some locations even sell a funnel cake gift kit to take home! With this purchase, you can relive your sweet funnel cake moment after you get home. Guests will find Funnel Cake served at the Oasis Canteen in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Funnel Cake Cart on Disney’s BoardWalk, at the Funnel Cake shop located in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot and at Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom.

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Ghirardelli Everything

The world-famous chocolatier delivers decadent sundaes smothered with hot, house-made fudge as well as chocolate treats and drinks. Strike It Rich with specialty San Francisco-themed sundaes, shakes and floats. One of the chocolately of chocolate delights that they serve is the Ghiardelli Double Chocolate brownie.

If you want to really indulge your sweet tooth, order the Earthquake Family Favorite: Eight scoops of Ice Cream, fresh Bananas and eight delicious toppings. Finished with Whipped Cream, chopped Almonds, Ghirardelli® Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips and Cherries! The Earthquake is large enough it can feed 4!

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Stroll along the seashore till you stumble upon this quaint stop where you can entice your palate with a host of freshly made house favorites—from baked goods, soups, salads and sandwiches to a selection of beverages, both hot and cold.

Pastries

Some of the best pastries on Walt Disney World property can be found at Les Halles Boulangerie in the France Pavilion in Epcot. There, you can sample delectable treats and tempting delicacies from a traditional French bakery. The menu includes: Napoleon, a puff pastry layered with cream; Framboise, a raspberry mousse cake; Frangipane, almond filling between puff pastries. There are all sorts of delightful goodies served at Les Halles Boulangierie!

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Specialty Cakes & Pastries

Amorette’s Patisserie, an artsy yet sophisticate pastry shop, is located in Disney Springs. The shop sells a wide array of exquisite goodies such as elcairs, New York style cheesecake, gluten-free macaroons and even signature cakes! Surprise your sweetheart, birthday boy or girl or celebrate any special occasion by placing an advance order for one of Amorette’s Patisserie eye-catching cakes. To pre-order, call (407) 934-3500. You can also stop by their shop in Disney Springs at least 72 hours in advance and place your order in person. For additional information, use this link.

Disney Cake Hotline!

There’s no better way to surprise your sweetheart than with a specialty cake! Disney chefs can help bring your dream surprise to reality when you order a custom cake. While there is no official website that you can visit to view the cakes that are available, there is a thread on the Disboards that is kept up-to-date by the wonderful lurkyloo. Pictures have been posted by many who have ordered the cakes.

Cakes range from the standard “podium cake” to gorgeous grand confections that come in a variety of flavors and decorative styles.

How far in advance should you order? If you have a specific design in mind, you should contact the Disney Cake Hotline abut 3 to 4 weeks ahead and absolutely no less than 48 hours ahead. As a matter of fact, some locations require 72 hours’ notice.

Can I send in a picture of what I want? Once you make contact with a Disney cast member through the Cake Hotline, you can work with them to e-mail photos to the pastry chef.

What number do I call? Call the Cake-Ordering Hotline at 407-827-2253.

A previous Magical DIStractions writer wrote about her experience with Disney’s Cake Ordering service and she gave it a great review.

Disney Floral and Gifts

Disney Floral and Gifts offers cakes and even packages that include celebration cakes. For ordering information and to view the other offerings, visit the Disney Floral and Gifts site.

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Let your sweetheart know just how they special they are to you by ordering a celebration cake through Disney Floral and Gifts. The Celebration Floral Cake is stunningly beautiful! Looking for something a little more romantic? How about their Two Day Romantic Experience package?

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Just the tip of the icing!

The sweets for your sweet options that I’ve covered in this article are just a very few of what you’ll find on your trip to Walt Disney World! There are so very many options to choose from. If you want to tickle our sweetheart’s taste buds, try some of the suggested sweets that I’ve written about or search our website for other possible options!

Links to previous articles in the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Series

The series began with Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? The Drinks & Snacks: Park Edition which posted in April, 2015. The next two articles were also food themed, The Counter Service Parks Edition and The Table Service Parks Edition. In honor of National Ice Cream Day, National Margarita Day and then International Waffle Day, there were respectively, The Cool Treats Edition, The Margaritas Edition, and The Waffles Edition.

I decided to veer off the food course and the next article was Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? A Place to Put My Stuff which gave readers tips on where to store their things while in the theme parks, water parks, etc. The next two articles focused on resorts. Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Everything at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Everything at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.

For those cruising with Disney Cruise Line, I wrote Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Everything on Disney’s Castaway Cay! Readers wanting to know all about being pampered while at Walt Disney World, can find all that they need to know in the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Spa Services.

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets!

If you’re looking to buy sweets for your sweet or indulge your own sweet tooth, you’re sure to find an abundance of yummy choices at Walt Disney World Resort!

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets! If you're looking to buy sweets for your sweet or indulge your own sweet tooth, you're sure to find an abundance of yummy choices at Walt Disney World Resort!

#candy #celebrations #chocolate #Disney Floral and Gifts #Dole Whip #funnel cakes #Ghirardelli #specialty cakes #sweets #WalT Disney World #Where in Walt Disney World series

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consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis · 7 years

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Best of 2017: 21 Things to Be Grateful For From 2017

New blog post! By the time this blog post goes live, 2017 would've passed and we'll all be enjoying the first day of 2018. As the new year begins, I'm 100% certain that there will be tons of "Best of 2017" lists floating around on your computer screen - from lists about the Best Shows on Netflix 2017 (if you haven't checked out these foodie documentaries, add that to your 2018 new year's resolutions!) to the Best Selling Books 2017. This year, though, I wanted to end the holiday season - and 2017 - on a less materialistic note. As I shared this past Christmas, my family has shifted from giving actual "gifts" to focusing more on experience gifts. Similarly, we've also all tried to be more mindful...and gratitude is a big part of mindfulness.

So, to start 2018 off on a positive note, I'm sharing 21 things I'm grateful for from 2017, from delicious gluten free products that blew my taste buds away to special moments with loved ones to important events in the gluten free community. My hope for this post? First, that you'll discover some new gluten free foods or fun activities to add to your 2018 New Year's Resolutions. Even more importantly, I hope this helps you kick off 2018 with a mindful mindset - and that you think of 21 things you're grateful for too!

1. Learning how to take control of my gut health with Hyperbiotics.

It's no secret that my stomach and I still have days where we don't get along. As I've shared before, I used to be the kind of girl who could eat anything - and a lot of it. Since celiac entered my life, though, my less-than-flat stomach is the physical trait that I often feel most self-conscious about. Making a probiotic part of my 2017 daily routine hasn't entirely put my stomach problems in the past, but, as I shared in this post, Hyperbiotics has definitely changed my gut health for the better! If you've never tried using a probiotic (or eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kimchi), adding some probiotics to your life could be the healthy living trick you need for 2018.

2. Graduating college with honors!

2017 seemed like a really long year...and I think that mainly has to do with all of the big life changes that occurred during it, including graduating college! Technically, I finished my time at Point Loma Nazarene University in December of 2016, since I graduated a semester early. However, I didn't actually walk across the stage and receive my diploma until the following January.

Honestly, it already feels like it's been FOREVER since I was in undergrad. After all, in the eight months immediately after I graduated, I: 1) lived in Colorado with my parents and learned to adapt to the cold weather, 2) worked a full-time job with Entity Magazine (more on that later), 3) and almost went bat-cat-crazy over grad school applications. But the chance to return to my college as a successful graduate and celebrate three and a half years of hard work with lots of family and friends? That was a pretty dang special moment of 2017!

3. Bonding with the countless other celiacs who also found that a gluten free diet wasn't enough...

This was one of my most popular blog posts in 2017, and, as I read more and more of y'all's comments on my blog and social media channels, it was easy to see why: I'm not the only celiac who has struggled to feel "right" even after going gluten free. It was definitely hard to think back to such a dark time in my life. I literally can't remember a lot of my first semester of college since I was dealing with so much celiac complications, from going on a liquid diet the day after my 18th birthday to being hospitalized for malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. As usual, though, being able to laugh and cry and connect with tons of people across the globe who delt (or are dealing) with similar struggles made all the work worth it.

4. Reading too many epic mysteries and psychological thrillers to count.

I haven't really shared much of this on the blog, but I am a HUGE fan of mysteries and psychological thrillers. Heck, a lot of my winter break from grad school has been dedicated to hitting the local library and devouring all the novels I can get my hands on! So, it seemed only fitting to recognize some of the awesome reads that made 2017 especially great.

Some of my favorite mystery books and psychological thrillers of the year include:

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: I cannot say enough good things about this book or about the author's other novels. The plot will have you guessing until the very last page, and there isn't any gore - just a truly brilliant psychological thriller!

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: if you haven't already read this book (and/or seen the movie), definitely add it to your 2018 New Years Resolutions. The characters are all well-developed and intriguing, and you won't know who the real "villain" is until the very end.

The Widow by Fiona Barton: such an interesting (not to mention nail-biting) read about marriage and the secrets people hold for their loved ones. I won't say more for risk of giving anything away, but this book definitely needs to be on your 2018 Reading List.

The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle: what happens when your husband dies on a plane that he's not supposed to be taking in the first place? This book tackles that question! This was a fast-paced thriller that had plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested the whole way through. (Can you tell that marriage, loyalty and lies were common themes in 2017 psychological thrillers?!?)

Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo: anything from the Kate Burkholder mystery series is a winner. The main character (the aforementioned Kate B.) grew up Amish but chose to leave her Amish community, and a lot of her cases as the Chief of Police deal with her Amish roots. Great for mystery lovers and anyone interested in Amish culture!

5. The "things I'm afraid to tell you" blogging movement.

In case you didn't read any of these posts (including my own post, here), the "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You" blogging movement is exactly how it sounds: a movement encouraging bloggers to write about the things they're afraid to tell their readers. The first time I read a "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You" post, all I could think was: "Wow. Respect." 'Cause it takes a heck of a lot of courage to publish "secrets" or personal insecurities or controversial truths on the Internet, and that's exactly what bloggers like Ashley at Blissful Basil were doing.

Like this post? Then tweet me some love by clicking here: "I'm starting 2018 on a #mindful note by sharing 21 #glutenfree eats, personal moments & events in the #glutenfree community from 2017 that I'm grateful for. What are you #grateful for from last year? #bestof2017 #mindfulness http://bit.ly/2pD5RBw"

I don't know how many (if any!) great secrets or truths I revealed in my own post, but I do know that it felt nerve-wracking to click "publish" - and that I'm so grateful for the bloggers who inspire me to be even more authentic and open every day!

6. Discovering the gluten free heaven that is the Gluten Escape in Denver, Colorado!

If you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, food allergies or just love finger-lickin'-good food, then you can imagine how excited it's been to discover an epic gluten-free bakery not too far from where my parents live. The Gluten Escape is a 100% gluten free bakery in Denver, and they also offer various paleo, nut-free and vegan options.

So far, I'm absolutely in love with their (gluten free and vegan) cinnamon rolls, scones (the blueberry version was to die for!) and their seasonal pumpkin muffins. Their dark chocolate brownie was also the best gluten free brownie my mom and I have ever tasted. One of the best parts about visiting home is definitely visiting the Gluten Escape during my stay!

7. Learning how to balance chronic illness and a full-time job.

As I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest opportunities I received in 2017 was working as the Senior Editor for Entity Magazine. During the year I spent with Entity Magazine (I started interning with them the summer before my last semester of college!), I learned so much about freelance writing, interviewing experts, SEO optimization, and marketing an online magazine. However, I also learned a lot about balancing a chronic illness and a full-time job, from knowing my physical limits (and making sure I get the accommodations I need to give my 110% every work day) to embracing the fact that I will never be a "normal" employee. Even though I no longer work with Entity Magazine, I'm so grateful for everything they taught me and how I'll be able to apply these lessons to my future career adventures.

8. Conquering the Manitou Incline!

I was sidelined by a re-aggravated IT band injury only a few weeks after my Dad and I attempted (and succeeded!) at climbing nearly vertical .8 mile hike fondly known as the Manitou Incline. However, I definitely have no regrets! It only took us 53 minutes to climb up the 2,300 steps, but we were sweatin' like crazy and ended up hiking around 8 miles overall. If you're ever in Manitou, Colorado and want a physical challenge with plenty of Instagram-worthy picture opportunities, definitely check out The Incline!

9. Seeing thousands of celiacs, gluten intolerants and food allergy warriors speak up against ignorance and ill-treatment.

It's impossible to deny that 2017 included plenty of negative events (many of which I won't even go into here). Some of the bad moments that especially stick out in my mind, though, are related to the gluten free and food allergy communities. For instance, there was the teen with a dairy allergy who died after school bullies allegedly gave him cheese and the boy with a gluten allergy allegedly forced to eat outside in the rain at Colonial Williamsburg. And, of course, these are only a few of the people who faced challenges related to their celiac disease, food allergies or chronic illness in 2017. It's horrible that these tragedies happened, and it's equally horrible that stories like these will likely continue to be told in the New Year. What I am grateful for, though, is the fact that people spoke up when faced with tragedies or ill-treatment like those listed above. When I posted both of these articles on my Facebook page, hundreds of people liked, commented or shared; the first article even went mini-viral, reaching over 50,000 people. Similarly, people have also been brave enough to post articles like "Don't Be a Jerk About Food Allergies" to raise awareness about how dangerous dietary limitations can be. As much as 2017 has been a year of challenges and tragedies for gluten free and food allergy communities, it has also been a year of increased awareness and support. My biggest hope? That 2018 will continue this movement...and trigger systematic change (like in school or restaurant policies) as well.

10. Being accepted into a fully funded grad school program.

To be completely honest, hearing back from the 11 grad schools I applied to was, in one word, brutal. Emails with my acceptance (or, in the case of 10 of the schools, rejection) would appear in email at all hours, and I was starting to lose hope that I would get into anywhere. Then, late one night, I opened up an email from Minnesota State University, Mankato...and screamed. I was accepted! My joy was dampened by the fact that financial aid wasn't guaranteed at that paricular school, and I'd need to go through yet another application process to receive funding. A month later, I got another email offering me an assistantship: in return for teaching Intro to English, my tuition was covered and I'd receive a small stipend to live on. I'd never even visited Minnesota and I'd never taught a college class, but I said yes with a huge smile. And so began my next adventure of 2017...

11. Falling in love with everything from BFree Foods.

I know I say this all the time, but finding a gluten free bread that doesn't taste like cardboard is dang difficult...not to mention finding a gluten free and vegan bread option. So when I got the chance to taste BFree Foods earlier this year, it was an easy yes. Since then, BFree Foods has become one of my fave gluten free bread companies (along with Canyon Bakehouse). And trust me - their gluten free pita bread would definitely make 2018 even more delicious!

12. Making even more online BFFs.

It really is amazing how close you can feel to people even when you've never met them in person. The magic of the Internet, for sure! In particular, I've loved getting to know Cora from My Little Tablespoon (she really is one of the sweetest and most encouraging people I've ever "met"), Ellen from My Uncommon Everyday and Kat from Katalyst Health a little better this past year. Amber from Eats and Exercise By Amber is a sweetheart as usual while Dairy Free Gina and The Herbivorous Traveler and are partners in crime when it comes to Instagram giveaways! Especially since I've been battling a little bit of loneliness from moving to a new state where I don't know anyone, these online connections from 2017 were - and still are - true blessings.

13. Reading about the progress being made in celiac disease research or legislation.

I don't know about you, but progress always has me smiling - especially when it's progress in celiac disease research or legislation. Luckily, 2017 offered some of both. One of the biggest pieces of news about celiac disease this year was a study finding that a common virus could trigger celiac disease. There are still plenty of questions about the biological causes of celiac disease, but at least scientists seem to be moving in the right direction! Even more recently, the FDA released recommendations for labeling gluten in medicines. In its current version, their draft of "Gluten in Drug Products and Associated Labeling Recommendations" suggests that appropriate products include the phrase: "Contains no ingredient made from a gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye)." Considering how difficult it can be to find out about gluten in medications right now, I know I'm looking forward to seeing how these guidelines are adopted.

14. Discovering some celiac-safe options near my new home in Mankato, Minnesota.

I'll be the first to say that Mankato, Minnesota is no gluten free mecca. However, I was beyond excited to discover that Friesen’s Family Bakery and Bistro, a small restaurant a few miles from my apartment, has several gluten free (and many vegan) options!

So far I've tried Friesen's peanut butter cookies (which turned out to be chewy, two-inch-thick gluten free heaven) and a carton of their white bean veggie soup (heavily spiced but perfect when paired with potatoes and avocado). Warming up with a celiac-safe bowl of soup - that you didn't even have to cook! - is one heck of a tasty reminder to be grateful for small blessings!

15. Mastering (at least most of the time!) the art of eating healthy on a budget.

It's no secret that eating healthy for cheap - not to mention eating gluten free on a budget - can be super challenging. In the last year, though, I've learned some tricks and tips that help me spend $35 or less a week on groceries. Of course, there are times when I don't plan my shopping carefully enough and end up spending more money than I should. There are also times when a girl just has to #YOLO it and buy the $3 avocado 'cause you're craving an epic guacamole burrito for dinner that night. However, every little bit of money saved helps...and will be put to good use in 2018.

16. Realizing that I actually *really* like teaching a college English class!

I literally had no idea how teaching my own college class would go. I knew that I was knowledgeable about the subject I was teaching (English 101), and I knew that I enjoyed helping people improve their writing. What I didn't know, though, was how comfortable I'd actually feel in the front of the class...or that I'd discover that, out of all the jobs I've tried, teaching has felt the most "right" so far. My most rewarding moment of the semester was definitely receiving an email from one of my students thanking me for the reading I'd assigned and explaining that the reading changed his perspective on writing. If I can make even a small difference in one student's life every semester, I'll be pretty dang excited!

17. Seeing restaurants like Chick Fil A and Jersey Mike's Subs step up their gluten free game.

You know I love finding even more gluten free restaurant options, and several new big chains joined the gluten free family in 2017. I was especially excited to hear of Chick Fil A's gluten free bun, which was introduced earlier this year. Since Chick Fil A's gluten free bun is served separately in a sealed plastic bag in order to prevent cross contamination, some have complained that the bun tastes dry and bland. However, I love the extra steps Chick Fil A is taking to have a celiac-safe gluten free menu. Other gluten free restaurant news from 2017 included Shake Shack introducing a new gluten free bun (along with staff training to help prevent cross contamination), Jersey Mike's rolling out a gluten free bun and Canada Subways experimenting with gluten free bread. The more mainstream gluten free restaurant options there are, the easier it can feel to thrive with celiac disease, food allergies or other dietary limitations. Here's to hoping for even more gluten free restaurant choices in 2018!

18. Learning that homemade vegan protein ice cream is a thing...

If I had to sum up my night time snacking in 2017 using only three words, "protein ice cream" would probably be the most accurate choice! I'll admit it: usually, protein powder ain't my thang. However, I'm always looking for ways to upgrade my gut health, so when I got the chance to try this fermented vegan protein powder last August, I couldn't say no. Who knew that blended frozen bananas + protein powder + coconut milk could be so addictive?!?

19. Surviving my first semester of grad school!

Between car troubles, computer troubles, a phone that died the night before finals week and the regular chaos of grad school and teaching a college class for the first time, there were definitely moments I doubted being able to survive my first semester of grad school. So you can only imagine how freakin' grateful I was to walk out of my last final around a month ago. Grad school has definitely been one thousand times more challenging than I ever expected (and I'm sure I'll write a blog post with more details soon). However, considering how much I've grown from just one semester of grad school, I know this three-year adventure will be worth all of the stress and hard work.

20. Stumbling upon some new staple recipes, like homemade trail mix and rainbow energy balls colored with superfoods and fruit.

You know that moment when you bite into a delicious dish and realize you're completely in love? That happened several times in 2017 with my own gluten free recipes!

Some particular favorite gluten free recipes that I keep making again and again include:

Taste the Rainbow Bliss Balls: homemade healthy energy balls that are naturally dyed with superfoods and fruits!

Secretly Healthy Sweet n' Salty Trail Mix: this crunchy homemade trail mix has become my new favorite gluten free snack.

The Ultimate Gluten Free and Vegan Snack Plate Dinner: AKA, a lazy dinner that somehow always manages to taste like a time-consuming feast!

Super Clumpy Summer Squash Granola: when you're craving a sweet treat but want some hidden veggies...

The Easiest Gluten Free Cast Iron Skillet Pizza: perfect for nights when you want pizza but don't have the time or energy to make a homemade gluten free pizza crust!

21. Having the chance to relax and recharge with my family during the holidays.

As I shared at the end of November, I'm spending my Christmas break in between the first and second semester of grad school with my family in Colorado! It definitely took me some time to turn off my brain and get into relaxation mode, but having a solid month of just enjoying time with my family, writing and exploring Colorado Springs has been such a blessing. I can only hope that all of my readers' holidays (I'm talking to you!) have been just as relaxing and filled with family memories. 2017 was a crazy year full of endings and new beginnings and challenges and surprises and good food and everything in between. Throughout those intense 12 months, though, there were plenty of moments to be thankful for...and that's what this "Best of 2017" list was all about.

Even more important than writing this list, though, is remembering it. I know that 2018 will have its own obstacles and blessings and, this year, I hope that I can do a better job of being grateful when something happens instead of only feeling gratitude upon reflection. And I'm challenging you to adopt the same mindset in the New Year - and beyond! What are you grateful for from 2017? What are you looking forward to in 2018? Tell me in the comments! via Blogger http://ift.tt/2CnqiZ1

#Blogger #college #celiac #gluten free #coeliac #celiacs #paleo #primal #foodporn #foodart

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consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis · 7 years

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7 Things People with Dietary Restrictions Want You To Know About Thanksgiving Dinner

New blog post!

For many people, Thanksgiving is the ultimate holiday. After all, what's more epic than a holiday specifically dedicated to spending time with family, lounging on the coach to watch football and, of course, eating lots of delicious food?

When you have celiac disease, food allergies or other dietary limitations, though, Thanksgiving gets a little more complicated. Suddenly, you have to worry about things like cross contamination and offending Grandma Marie by turning down her buttermilk biscuits. Thankfully, though, spreading a little celiac disease and food allergy awareness can go a long way in making Thanksgiving a holiday everyone can enjoy.

So what do people with dietary limitations want others to know about Thanksgiving dinner? Based on my own experience with celiac disease, here are seven things that all Thanksgiving diners should keep in mind!

1. Don't be offended if we can't eat Grandma's "famous" pecan pie.

I promise, I totally wish I could taste the pecan pie that Grandma made from scratch based on a century-old family recipe. And if a “little bite” wouldn’t seriously hurt me (aka: gluten me and turn me into a brain-fogged, bloated zombie for at least a week), I’d “even just try the filling.”

However, I have the right - and the responsibility - to put my own health and well-being over being polite. So please don’t be offended if I turn down offers of food with a simple, “Thank you, but I need to follow a strict gluten free diet.”

On a related note, don’t feel embarrassed for not knowing what a “gluten free diet” is or feel bad for forgetting and offering me more food, either. I'm used to explaining my diet and advocating for myself on a daily basis...and most people with dietary restrictions can probably relate. And, whether I can eat the food or not, it's always nice to feel like people are trying to make me feel at home and well-fed!

2. We appreciate it when you try to accommodate our dietary needs...

The longer I’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, the more amazed I've been at how far loved ones are willing to go to accommodate my gluten free diet. When I’m home for Thanksgiving, my parents and sister cook a 90% gluten free Thanksgiving dinner, with the only gluten typically being a few bread rolls and a traditional green bean casserole for my dad. A few years ago, we even had an entirely gluten free Thanksgiving, complete with a gluten free green bean casserole, amazing rolls from a local gf bakery and apple pie for dessert.

I know that not all families or friends are able to host an allergy friendly Thanksgiving dinner, and I don’t think people should feel obligated to try. As I’ll discuss in the next point, cooking gluten free or allergy friendly is often a lot more complicated than people realize, and “gluten free” meals made by inexperienced cooks may still contain dangerous cross contamination.

When friends or family do offer to alter their Thanksgiving dinner recipes on my behalf, though, I feel extra loved - even if that offer doesn’t become a reality. And I doubt I’m the only gluten free foodie who’s appreciated similar offers or allergy friendly Thanksgiving dinners.

3. ...but sometimes, it's easier (and safer) to just bring our own food.

As mentioned above, it’s super cool of people to offer to accommodate my gluten free diet during Thanksgiving. When I’m not spending the holidays with my immediate family, though, I often respond, “I really appreciate the offer, but it’s actually easier and safer for me to just bring my own food this year. Is that OK?”

Just like I need to read the labels of “gluten free” foods that friends bring me to make sure the treat is celiac-safe, eating gluten free food prepared by other people typically requires a long conversation about the ingredients, pots and cooking utensils used. If you have gluten intolerance or less sensitive dietary limitations, you might be able to accept allergy-friendly meals with less worry.

Like this post? Tweet me some love by clicking here: "Have friends or family with #celiacdisease, #foodallergies or dietary limitations? Here's 7 things they want you to know about #Thanksgiving dinner! #celiac #foodallergy #health http://bit.ly/2zTfiOM"

For people with celiac disease or other dietary restrictions that require no cross contamination, though, eating slightly questionable food can result in worrying about the food’s safety the whole dinner. Bringing our own allergy friendly Thanksgiving feast often gives us the best of both worlds: time with loved ones and some delicious, safe food!

4. If we do eat eat something different, please don't feel the need to point it out.

I’ve found that hosts rarely mind if I bring my own Thanksgiving dinner in Tupperware; however, eating a different meal than everyone else can feel awkward at times, especially if people can’t stop talking about it.

Of course, if someone sees the gluten free popcorn pumpkin balls I packed for dessert and comments on how delicious they look, I’ll smile and thank them. That’s very different, though, from:

Asking me about every single ingredient I used in my meal,

Saying how “weird” gluten free food is and how they had a *insert random friend or relative here* who went gluten free once and that their food tasted horrible,

Telling me I’m “lucky that I can’t eat the bread rolls so I can stay skinny,” or

Endlessly exclaiming how delicious the "regular" food is and asking if I miss eating “normal” food and if I’m sure I can’t even eat just a bite.

(And, yes, I’ve experienced moments of each of those, though not always on Thanksgiving).

I can’t speak for everyone with celiac disease, food allergies or dietary limitations, but I personally don’t mind questions about my food or celiac disease as long as they are respectful and the person sincerely wants to learn more.

However, when people make comments like those listed above or seem incapable of letting me just blend in with everyone else, it’s hard to not feel awkward and isolated. So, when in doubt, spend more time talking to people about who they are and what they do and less time talking about what they eat!

5. Stay open-minded...and open-mouthed!

On a similar note, don’t automatically turn up your nose at a gluten free recipe we bring to Thanksgiving dinner to share. I’ll be the first to say that 99 percent of allergy friendly recipes do not taste exactly like their traditional counterparts. Unless you’re using a really stellar gluten free recipe, gluten free bread will not taste like the flaky pre-made crescent rolls you used to enjoy eating. That’s just reality.

However, allergy friendly food can still be flippin’ delicious, and I’ve come to love people who have an open mind and are always willing to try new gluten free recipes. Who knows? Maybe the slightly “weird” gluten free and vegan Thanksgiving dessert your celiac niece brings to dinner will become a new family favorite!

6. If there are allergy friendly dishes for everyone to enjoy, please pay attention to cross contamination rules.

Depending on how many people need allergy friendly options or the set-up of the Thanksgiving dinner (for example, a potluck with friends instead of one person cooking everything), you might see several allergy friendly Thanksgiving sides, main dishes and desserts on your table this year. If there are eaters who need to avoid cross contamination, please follow the rules they’ve established.

Many times, these “rules” can involve using specific, separate serving utensils for each dish, that way the gluten-filled gravy doesn’t touch the gluten-free mashed potatoes, etc. Your family or friends might also consider letting the person with celiac disease or dietary restrictions serve themselves first, so they know people haven’t accidentally used the wrong utensils or put contaminated leftovers back in the original container.

We know that using a specific utensil or keeping the allergy friendly Thanksgiving dishes in another section of the kitchen might sometimes feel annoying or like overkill. However, these little actions can literally keep the food from killing us. And trust us. Thanksgiving dinner is much more enjoyable for everyone when we can eat without any negative effects!

7. Remember - Thanksgiving is about the people, not the food, anyway!

This is perhaps the most important thing I want everyone to know about having Thanksgiving dinner with celiacs or dietarily limited loved ones. It’s easy to think of Thanksgiving only in terms of food we eat during it. After all, grocery stores are overflowing with holiday foods, restaurant commercials are full of turkey dinners and sitting around the dinner table is often the highlight of Thanksgiving.

However, Thanksgiving - at its core - is not about food at all. It’s about being thankful for all the blessings we’ve had that year, and we can be plenty grateful even without a full dinner plate. We can spend the afternoon catching up with friends and family. We can bond over a good game of football or a long walk before dinner. And, yes, we can even form special Thanksgiving dinner memories that have nothing to do with the dinner itself.

The Bottom Line

At first glance - or even during the first year after a celiac disease diagnosis or a big diet change - enjoying Thanksgiving with dietary restrictions can be challenging. It can just as challenging to know how to act as loved ones and friends of those who can’t eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

However, as these seven reminders show, we don’t actually need people to know a lot about our diet or medical condition to make us feel at home during Thanksgiving. Being respectfully curious, open-minded and flexible can go a long way in making this year’s Thanksgiving dinner the best yet...regardless of whether everyone’s dinner plate looks like the same.

Have an amazing Thanksgiving, everyone!

What do you want people to know about Thanksgiving dinner with people with celiac disease or dietary limitations? Tell me in the comments!

via Blogger http://ift.tt/2zkgEoF

#Blogger #college #celiac #gluten free #coeliac #celiacs #paleo #primal #foodporn #foodart

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magicaldistractions · 8 years

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Funnel cake-Photo Credit Disney

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Series & Other Basic Information

Links to previous articles in the series will be provided later on in the article.

Basic Information

How to make the most of this article’s tips and links

‘Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets for my Sweet!

Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Sweets!

Caramel, Caramel, Caramel

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Cronut

At a price of less than $5 and a snack option on the Disney Dining Plan, a cronut is a very budget friendly sweet for your sweet! These delicious goodies can be found at Refreshment Port in Epcot.

Cronut-Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Cupcakes

Be Our Guest

The Master’s Cupcake Be Our Guest Restaurant-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

If you want a little something tart but still sweet, the Lemon Meringue Cupcake is for you! The cupcake is a vanilla sponge cake with a lemon custard filling and flamed meringue icing.

Be Our Guest sweets-Photo credit Disney

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake Be Our Guest Restaurant-Photo Credit Lisa McBride

Creature Comforts

Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake Creature Comforts – Photo Credit Disney

Contempo Cafe

The pastry team at Disney’s Contemporary Resort creates beautiful cupcakes, each one a work of art and are oh so flavorful!

Contempo Cafe cupcakes-Photo credit Disney

ABC Commissary

Olaf Cupcake from ABC Commissary-Photo credit Lisa McBride

Old Port Royale

Monkey Cupcake at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort-Picture by Lisa McBride

Sprinkles

Sprinkles-Photo Credit Disney

Funnel Cakes

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Ghirardelli Everything

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Pastries

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Specialty Cakes & Pastries

Disney Cake Hotline!

Cakes range from the standard “podium cake” to gorgeous grand confections that come in a variety of flavors and decorative styles.

Can I send in a picture of what I want? Once you make contact with a Disney cast member through the Cake Hotline, you can work with them to e-mail photos to the pastry chef.

What number do I call? Call the Cake-Ordering Hotline at 407-827-2253.

A previous Magical DIStractions writer wrote about her experience with Disney’s Cake Ordering service and she gave it a great review.

Disney Floral and Gifts

Disney Floral and Gifts offers cakes and even packages that include celebration cakes. For ordering information and to view the other offerings, visit the Disney Floral and Gifts site.

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Just the tip of the icing!

Links to previous articles in the Where in Walt Disney World Can I Find? Series

#candy #celebrations #chocolate #Disney Floral and Gifts #Dole Whip #funnel cakes #Ghirardelli #specialty cakes #sweets #WalT Disney World #Where in Walt Disney World series

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