My World With Celiac Disease

I try to focus my blog on my life trying to eat healthy and gluten free. I share my newest recipes and my tips to live better. I have also shared my struggles of living a healthy life. But today I have decided to share a bit about my life with celiac disease and the struggles I have been having with it lately.

This is me

Having celiac disease is not always easy. Many people think "Cut out gluten, and you will begin to feel better!" That is not always the case. For me cutting out gluten is not enough. I also have to avoid dairy. I have to make sure I get an adequate amount of sleep so I do not put to much stress on my immune system, I have vitamin deficiencies and need to have my iron and thyroid levels monitored constantly. There are times when my stomach gets bad and I get very depressed or just want to stay in bed. Since coming in contact with gluten a few weeks ago I find myself still recovering. I do not know yet if this is because of the gluten, or if it is from the stress of school. But I do know that something in my body is not right. As soon as I eat my stomach begins to act up, and I could nap three times a day and still need ten hours of sleep at night. I feel like this has been a set back, but my body is telling me to take it easy, and that is exactly what I am going to do for the next few days. I sit and think about how I want to get back to prepping all my meals and working out everyday, but right now that is not a reality for me. I miss it, but I do not know how I am going to feel the next day or what I will be able to eat. Right now I am flying by the seat of my pants and trying to live as healthy as I can while struggling to get through a day.

The hardest part about not being able to eat gluten is that it is everywhere. I avoid wheat, barley, and rye. But it hides in so many other things. Sometimes you can be so careful but you still come in contact with it. It feels like gluten is everywhere, just waiting for an ambush like an army of party crashers. I find that now I just want to cook my own food so I know exactly what is in it. This takes away so much convenience. But it makes eating healthy easier and ensures that there will be no gluten hangovers.

 There is so much information available about celiac disease now compared to when I was first diagnosed. This makes things seem easier, but it can also be very overwhelming. A lot of the information is contradicting. At first I thought the new "gluten-free diet" fad would be great for people that HAVE to eat gluten free. But it has an awful stigma attached to it, and gluten free items that have hidden gluten are popping up everywhere. Monitoring has become much harder. Being gluten free is not a diet that I would wish on anyone. When you say you need to eat gluten free because you have celiac disease people give you a very confused look. Many people do not know what celiac disease is or its something that they have heard of because their neighbours sisters dog walker has it. Sometimes you get labelled as a picky eater, or someone following the newest health fad. This is not the case at all, and it infuriates me. I do not judge people who avoid peanuts, mushrooms, or any other allergen, so why do people on a strict gluten free diet get judged? This may not be the reality for everyone, but it is something I have seen.

I am going to give you a quick run down of how I explain celiac disease to someone that is unsure. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the intestine. The body cannot break down gluten and the small villi in the intestinal tract begin to die. Your body quits absorbing the nutrients that it needs to survive. If left undiagnosed, the lack of nutrients can begin to effect other areas of the body such as causing brittle hair and nails, yellowish skin, severe weightloss or gain, thyroid problems, or effect on anxiety and depression. Once someone is diagnosed with celiac disease they must cut out all gluten from their diet. They should get regular blood work done to ensure that they have the necessary vitamins and nutrients to live a healthy life. Even after going gluten free there still might be days or weeks where you are bloated, in pain, and feel exhausted. You also need to remember that I am not a doctor. I am simply sharing what I know about the disease and my experiences with it.

I have been very frustrated with being a celiac this week, and thought I should share a bit of the struggle. Everyone experiences it differently, but it can be reassuring to know that someone else is battling similar problems. Having a community to share stories, ask questions, and invite conversation is something I wish I had when I was diagnosed. Oh and I forgot to mention that most wines are naturally gluten free, so drink some vino and relax!

I will be back to healthy living and healthy eating this week (I hope) as school starts wednesday! I am so excited to share the delicious recipes that have been created over the last few weeks to ensure gluten free and healthy eating on the go!
Hope your enjoying this labor day long weekend.
k.

Comfort Rice Pudding

This old fashioned, baked, rice pudding is the perfect comfort food! It tastes just like the stuff that Grandma used to make. It is gluten and dairy free, and warms the soul instantly. 

As many people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease know, you can never be too confident when you eat out and order a gluten free meal. Last week I went out to a well known restaurant and ordered gluten free pasta, since then my stomach has been completely awful. My moods have been up and down, and my greatest accomplishment has been getting out of bed. I do not think I have had a gluten attack this bad since I was diagnosed with celiac disease years ago. Gluten affects people in different ways. When I eat gluten I get bloated, have awful migraines, get really sad feeling, and experience extreme fatigue.  Comfort foods are one thing that makes being glutenized seem a little bit better! I love eating oatmeal, scrambled eggs, toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tomato soup - all gluten free of course. The main idea is to keep things bland.  My favourite comfort food is rice pudding, so last night I quickly whipped some up!

Comfort Rice Pudding

2 Cups Cooked Instant Brown Rice
1 Beaten Egg
1 1/2 Cups Almond Milk
1/4 Cup Mixed Dried Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries)
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Vanilla

Place all ingredients in a oven safe pan and bake uncovered for 40 Minutes at 350 Degrees.

I am not a huge fan of raisins, so I use mixed fruit, but raisins can be substituted if that is what you prefer! Paired with a cup of lemon ginger tea, everything seems to be a little bit better!

Other ideas if you accidentally consume gluten:

-Warm tea or almond milk with honey
-Yoga or another low impact work out
-A warm compress on the stomach
-Drink LOTS of water
-I find that the best thing you can do if you accidentally consume gluten is relax and take things easy for a few days. The best thing for your body is to keep stress to a minimum and get some rest. Things will start to feel better after a few days.


I hope that everyone who suffers from a gluten intolerance has something in their tool box that makes them feel better. If not, I hope that some of these simple tips can help! Eating healthy when you have been glutenized is not always possible. Sometimes a walk, or a low impact workout helps the stomach feel better, but a long strenuous work out can cause more stress on the body and fatigue. Just make sure you are getting enough nutrients and fluids that you do not get sick and run down. This will make flushing the gluten harder and it will take longer to get back to yourself. I found that what works for me does not work for everyone else. The best thing you can do is experiment and find out what makes you feel better!

Don't let gluten take you down, ask questions! Some simple question that I wish I asked are "Is the gluten free pasta cooked in the same water as regular pasta?" and "Is the sauce thickened with wheat flour?" Asking questions can save a lot of pain later on. My biggest hope is that one day people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance do not have to live in fear of accidentally eating gluten, that they don't have to be scared of the places that say they are gluten free but in reality are only partially gluten free. I hope that one day people become as cautious about gluten as they are about peanuts. Until then, it is best to always have some tools to help if you do eat gluten by accident, and always ask questions if you are unsure!

Happy Monday!
K.

Homemade Salsa

This salsa has the perfect amount of spice and sweetness. It is made with local, organic vegetables, and is gluten free! It is a great snack with corn chips, or can be used as a sauce when cooking. It is versatile and makes a great gift!

In addition to Peach Jam and Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam, my mom and I took on the task of making fresh Salsa! Salsa is a family favorite. We put it on meat and cheese platters, enjoy it with corn chips, and often bake chicken or salmon in the oven with a few tablespoons on top for an extra pop of flavor. Salsa is gluten free, and makes everything taste better! By making it ourselves we know exactly what is in it. It is low in sugar, and the flavor of all the fresh vegetables shine through.

We purchased all of our ingredients at a local fruit stand where everything is Okanagan grown, and most things are grown right on site. I have never had a bad experience there. Their tomatoes have been described as legendary, and I will not argue. They are juicy and taste like you went out a picked them yourself off the vine. We purchased a box of assorted hot peppers, which allowed us to control how spicy the salsa was. Everything smelled so wonderful; the car ride home was full of fresh aromas that filled my heart with warmth. Now those smells are preserved in small jars, to be enjoyed anytime of the year!

This salsa made 12 small jars. Next year I think it will be necessary to make a few batches because it is so good that one jar does not last very long! You can add anything you like to this salsa, such as corn, more peppers, more tomatoes, or whatever you feel like. This is how I like my Salsa, but it really is a personal experience! Get messy and experiment with your favorites to create the salsa that is perfect for you!

Salsa

 

8 Cups Roma Tomatoes

1 Cup White Onion

1 Cup Purple Onion

3 Cups Various Colors of Bell Peppers

1 Cup Jalapeno Pepper, or 2-3 Various Hot peppers

5 Cloves Garlic

2 Small Cans Tomato Paste

½ Cup Vinegar

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Salt

2 Tsp Cumin

2 Tsp Black Pepper

2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Cilantro

-Cut all fresh vegetables (Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Jalapenos, Garlic) to desired size.

-Combine everything in a pot and bring to a slow boil for about 60 minutes. Cover with a lid for the first 20-30 minutes, and then remove the lid and continue to boil.

-Place in sterile jars with ½ inch headspace

-Wipe top and rim clean and put lids on

-Place jars in a water bath for 15 minutes, and then lift out the canning rack, leave jars in the canner with lids on for 5 minutes.

-Remove from canner and allow to completely cool for approx 24 hours

Makes 12 Jars

Enjoy on top of meats, as a dip for sandwiches, on nachos, or whatever else you can think of! Salsa tastes so wonderful and is delicious on everything! It is a healthy alternative to store bought, and will keep you wanting more! It makes the perfect hostess gift, or can be stored and given away as chritmas gifts, in gift baskets, or kept for yourself to be enjoyed whenever you like!

Also, do not forget to check out my homemade Peach Jam, and Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam recipes!

Have a great day doing the salsa!

K

Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam

Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam does not require a canner, and preserves your favorite fruits into a tasty jam that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is healthy, and low in sugar. This freezer jam is the perfect topping on ice cream and fresh muffins. It only requires three ingredients.

This jam is different from the Peach Jam that I previously posted because it does not require the use of a canner. It is a lot easier to make, and is cheaper for the person wanting to make jam on a budget. Many gluten free breads are dry, or lack flavor. Homemade jam is healthier than store bought, and gives gluten free foods the punch of flavor that they may lack.

Blackberries and raspberries are packed with fiber. They are full of antioxidants, which help protect the body from cancer and speed up the healing of cells. These berries boost the immune system and help fight off colds and illnesses. These are all added bonuses to enjoying foods that already taste good. But if that wasn't enough to make you wish you were eating berries right now, they have also been known to prevent premature aging! If you do not have the time to make a lot of jams and sauces this year, I hope you have the time to make a berry packed freezer jam! It is so simple to make and anyone can do it!

To keep the jam healthy I used sugar free freezer pectin, you can add additional sugar if desired but I recommend tasting it first. The pectin is very sweet, and the berries add a lot more sweetness to the jam. For berry jam I do not think that extra sugar is necessary, but if using a more bitter fruit then it might be needed. Like many things in the kitchen, jam is all about experimenting!

Raspberry Blackberry Freezer Jam

4 Cups Crushed Fruit (2.5 Cups Crushed Raspberries, 1.5 Cups Blackberries)

1 ¾ Cups Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

1 Package Sugar Free Freezer Jam Pectin

- Crush berries with a masher, do not puree berries, leave some chunks of fruit intact.

- In a large pot combine juice and pectin until dissolved, boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.

- Turn off heat and add fruit, stir vigorously for one full minute,

- Spoon into sterile jars and leave ½ inch space at the top.

- Cool in the fridge for twenty-four hours and then place in the freezer.

Makes approximately 6 small jars

Jars in the fridge can last for approx 3-4 weeks, while jars in the freezer can last for up to a year. 

If you had fun making this jam, or want to try something else, check out the Peach Jam and Salsa that I also made this year!

Have a great day jammin'!

K.

Peach Jam

This Peach Jam has a warm flavor that keeps you wanting more. It is low in added sugar, and is quick to make! It preserves the perfect summer fruit into the perfect fall treat, making the transition of seasons a little easier!

It is peach season in the Okanagan! This season does not last forever, and it seems that this year the peaches are larger and juicier than ever! I cannot get enough of the plump yellow fruits and their sweet aroma. Peaches are the perfect summer fruit! They have many health benefits, and are a Chinese symbol of good luck and protection. Peaches can help cleanse the kidneys, fight diabetes and obesity, keep the skin and hair healthy, and have been known to help relieve stress and anxiety. There are so many positive benefits to peaches that I want to eat them year round and this year I will be able to! 

While I have never canned or preserved anything in the past, this year my mom and myself took it upon ourselves to learn how, and preserve we did! Peach Jam was just the beginning. After going to many fruit stands we decided we also wanted to preserve all the colourful fresh vegetables as a salsa, and the plump raspberries and blackberries as a freezer jam! The possibilities are endless, and I cannot wait to see what we preserve next year! Now we can enjoy delicious Okanagan fruits and vegetables year round!

 

Peach Jam

8 Cups Crushed Peaches with stones and skins removed.

¼ Cup Lemon Juice

1 Cup Unsweetened Cranberry Juice

1 Tsp Vanilla

1 Cinnamon Stick

½ Cup Sugar

1 Tsp Margarine

1 Tbsp Liquor (Tia Maria, Brandy)

1 Package Sugar Free Pectin

Score the tops of the peaches and then blanche them. Blanching removes the skin, and is done by placing the peaches in boiling water for a few minutes, and then promptly placing them in an ice bath. The skins will peel off easily. Cut the peaches in quarters and remove stones, then mash to  desired size.

After Blanching

- Combine Fruit, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, and Margarine in a large pot. Stir in Sugar Free Pectin until it is dissolved.

- Over high heat, bring to a rolling boil and stir constantly.

- Add Sugar (You may need more or less, it depends on personal taste)

Peaches In the Ice Bath

- Bring back to a full boil that cannot be stirred down and boil for three minutes.

- Remove from heat and begin to fill sterile jars, leave ½ inch space at the top of the jar.

- Wipe off tops and rims of the jar, and put lids on.

- Place in a hot water bath for 10 minutes, and let cool in the water for 5 minutes.

- Remove from water and let cool for 24 hours.

Makes approximately 10 small jars

Enjoy your time preserving! This jam is perfect on fresh pancakes and leaves you wanting more!

Check out the homemade salsa and freezer jam if your looking for more preserving ideas!

K.

Three Goals for Motivation

School starts in a few short weeks and it is time to get back on track so I am prepared for anything that will come my way! Here are three goals that I have for myself and everyone else that is trying to live a healthy life!

1. Plan Ahead - I always find that I eat better if I take the time to plan my meals a few days ahead, find out their weight watchers points, and prepare everything I can in advance. This ensures that I know what I am eating and how many points I have left everyday. Cooking in advance prevents me from eating an unhealthy meal when I am in a rush. It also ensures that I know exactly what is in my food, so there is no chance of eating gluten.

2. Routine - While its nice to have days off, I find that I sleep in, lay around, miss meals, and generally do not do anything productive. To be successful at reaching my goals I need to have a routine. This involves getting up at the same time, eating breakfast, having healthy snacks, and making the time to go to the gym, yoga, or for a walk around the neighbourhood. I am a creature of habit. I like having my days schedule so I know exactly where I will be when. This way I can plan my workout and meals or snacks for when I have school or work. I included the name balance in my blog title because I believe that having a balance between school work, working out, spending time with friends, and making time for yourself is the most important part of living a happy and rewarding life. This is one thing that I need to focus on.

3. Change things up - Eating the same things everyday gets boring. I am going to try to make enough food that I do not need to cook everyday, but something that I can change up everyday and make it good. This is the same thing with working out. If I do the same thing daily I eventually get bored and quit all together. I will make a plan to alternate workouts and make sure I have extra time for some juicy hot yoga.

These are three key things that I need to do in order to stay motivated and reach my goals. I also need to make sure that I make time for the things I enjoy doing. Taking time for myself is one of the most rewarding parts of my day. I love to cook, I need to take the time to make dishes that I enjoy. Figuring out how to make them gluten free and healthy can be a challenge. But if it tastes good then it is incredibly rewarding!

The fruit and vegetable stands are full of delicious and fresh foods right now! Every time I go I find myself inspired with new idea and overwhelmed with all the possibilities! Last week I bought some eggplant and wasn't really sure what to do with it. After much research I tried something simple, and it turned out to be very satisfying! Later this week I'm going to try more experimenting and see what deliciousness I can come up with.

Tomorrow is jam and salsa day! I have never canned before, but I am so excited to try! I got some wonderful looking fresh peaches at the fruit stand today and they will be perfect for jam. There are so many possibilities with all of the fresh foods available. Check out my Rhubarb Muffins, and Cheeky Cherry Bread for some ideas!

Tonight is Sunday, and tomorrow is the start of a new week. A new week full of promise and possibilities. I am going to spend the evening enjoying a cup of tea and planning my meals for the week. I find writing on balance and elegance to be very rewarding, I am still very new to it and would love any feedback from readers (good and bad) so I can grow into a better blogger! My main goal is to blog more frequently. I do post yummy food ideas on my instagram between posts - feel free to follow me for more ideas @_kacimarie

Have a great week! and remember to plan ahead!
K.

Gluten Free Cheeky Cherry Banana Loaf

Full of fresh local cherries and packed with many healthy benefits! Cherries are a summer favourite and the texture and flavour of this cherry loaf will make you forget that it is gluten free!

The last month has been jam packed with visiting, travelling, and endless fun back home in Saskatchewan! The trip home was long overdue, I have not been back to Saskatoon for over two years. It was great to catch up with family and friends, and to visit all the places that I found comforting and that offered me a piece of silence when I lived there. It was busy, but I managed to eat healthy while away. I did not gain any weight. However, I did not lose any either. Now that I am back I can get back onto weight watchers and continue on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.


Before leaving for Saskatchewan my mom decided that we should take something to eat for breakfasts and snacks in the hotel. This was the perfect opportunity to create a healthy and filling loaf that was gluten free. I was so excited to use all the fresh fruits available to me in the Okanagan! My fruit of choice was cherries. Cherry season lasts from June to mid-July, but you can still find some in the grocery stores and at the fruit stands. If you get a chance, this is a great loaf and I definitely recommend trying it out!

Cherries are full of healthy benefits! They are a great antioxidant and will help keep you looking young and prevent against cancer and disease.  Cherries are jam packed with fibre and can help with weight loss, improve the quality of your diet, and boost the immune system to keep you healthy! Cherries naturally contain melatonin and help regulate sleep patterns, they are also a great source of potassium and many other vitamins! If this isn't enough of a reason to eat cherries I will remind you that they are low in calories and taste amazing! The best part of living in British Columbia is that cherry season comes fast and it lasts long enough to ensure that you indulge in enough cherries (guilt-free) until the next season!

Gluten Free Cheeky Cherry Banana Loaf

Loaf
2 Cups Gluten Free Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Guar Gum
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Nutmeg
2 Tsp Vanilla
3/4 Cup Soured Almond Milk
1/2 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Coconut Milk Yogurt
1 Cup Banana
1 Cup Cherries

Mix all dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately. Place all wet ingredients in the blender (excluding the cherries) until smooth. Combine both mixtures and fold in the cherries. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. While loaf is baking make the glaze.

Glaze

1 Tbs Butter

2 Tbs Corn Syrup

1 Cup Chopped Cherries

1/2 Cup Chopped Almonds

Boil down slowly and add water as needed to help the glaze boil down. I added rum at the end to add some moisture and flavour. 

I learned a lot about myself while I was gone. Going home made me realize that Saskatoon is not my home anymore. I made a good decision when I moved to Kamloops and I would not change a thing about my life today! I was a different person and believe that I have grown up since leaving. I truly believe that moving away is what helped me grow and change into the person I am today. For that I am grateful. People change and people move on, they leave their comfort zone and the challenge helps them become something great. People grow apart from the ones that they know, and the places that they call home. There is nothing wrong with growing and changing, but it is a easier process when you are surrounded by the ones who love you for who you are and not what you can do for them. I am deeply and truly grateful for my friends and family that give me support everyday to be the best person I can be. Thank you.

Saskatchewan's Provincial Flower

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!
k.