My long list of offenses include:
- Missing kindergarden graduation because I was in the hospital with asthma (at least the nuns came to visit)
- Forgoing the 1st grade field trip to the build a bear factory because my mom was concerned (at least they brought me back a little stuffed mouse)
- Waking up after a night on my best friend's couch to find that his cat slept on my face and left me with hives (at least it only lasted a day)
I also have a list of food allergies that can be difficult to keep straight sometimes. My oldest and dearest friend, Tiff Ho, can attest to this since she frequently tries to "accidentally kill me" by offering me items that contain a forbidden ingredient. Luckily, none of the allergies are so severe that I need an EpiPen, and most of the time I can pull off the sexy raspy voice and pouty lip thing if I eat something I'm not supposed to.
I've been allergic to most tree nuts for as long as I can remember. Walnuts are my death nut. Cashews and pecans are equal offenders. Macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pistachios make me somewhat uncomfortable, but I can't help myself. They're so delicious! Some of my other allergies include soy milk, raw bananas, and raw stone fruits. Yes, this includes avocados, the bacon of the fruit world. I am sad about this, but happy that I can still eat real bacon.
Millionaire's Bacon (best bacon ever!!!)
San Francisco, CA
Within the past year, I found out that I was gluten sensitive. So, what does that even mean? In recent years, "Gluten Free" has gained a lot of recognition from brands and consumers alike, and a lot of traction as a movement. Many have jumped on the bandwagon for several reasons: it's supposedly "healthier" for me, it helps me cut my carbs (in line with the atkins diet), etc. Some even embrace the supposed healthiness of Gluten Free options, without really understanding why it's important, or what benefit it provides. For example, my parents aren't the healthiest of people, but somehow gluten-free ice cream cones ended up in their pantry ;)
A common misconception is that Gluten Free only applies to people with Celiac disease. That's not my issue. My journey to becoming Gluten Free is actually tied to my eczema. I credit my sister for this discovery.
Frustrated by the severity of her eczema, my sister decided to go on a cleanse to see if her diet affected her condition. Turns out, it did, and for her, all things gluten, eggs and shellfish are now contraband. After my sister began seeing results, I decided to conduct the same experiment. Luckily for me, eggs and shellfish weren't an issue. Gluten, however, was a big issue. Gluten makes me feel all sorts of ugly, and eczema flare ups and bloating are just the tip of the iceberg.
While I've learned to live with my other food allergies, my gluten allergy is the one that has been most difficult to come to terms with. It's somewhat debilitating, especially for a foodie who LOVES fried things and waffles and sweet treats. I love chicken and waffles!!!
I'm used to disappointments, and making compromises to stay healthy, but committing to a gluten free lifestyle has been admittedly difficult because I have been forced to eliminate a lot of things from my diet that are both comforting and delicious in taste and texture. Like any sane person would, every now and then I cheat. But the truth is, after I cheat, I usually hate myself. This is not an exaggeration. Not only do I feel bloated and uncomfortable, but I also find that eating gluten often puts me in a bad mood.
Living in San Francisco is wonderful, because Gluten Free is an option on almost every menu. I'm not talking about a meat or a veggie option. I'm talking about a real, delicious carby alternative. My favorites include Locanda (pasta!), Ike's (sandwiches!) and Flour and Co (cookies!). I've also learned to adapt in the kitchen, and have even perfected a gluten-free waffle recipe…
Nutella Waffle!
Savory Sausage, Parmesan & Basil Waffle topped with gravy
But most of the time, I've found that it's often extremely difficult to find a good Gluten Free option, which makes it difficult to stay on the straight and narrow. Even though Gluten Free options are plentiful, it's not always easy to find something that measures up to the norm. Often gluten free foods aren't as flavorful or satisfying as their glutenous counterpart. Gluten free foods can be starchy, mealy or they can taste like cardboard. I won't name names, but I have had the unfortunate experience of running across several brands of packaged flours and products that fit within this category. That's why I'm super excited to attend the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo this weekend in San Mateo!!!
I was lucky to come across the Gluten & Allergen Free Expo while looking for events happening in the bay area. The Gluten &; Allergen Free Expo is a massive event, that will be spanning the course of two days this Saturday, the 25th through this Sunday, the 26th. While the event travels to different destinations across the country, the San Francisco event is the largest with over 150 vendors showcasing their foods, and offering samples and coupons to consumers.
My personal experience with becoming Gluten Free has been a roller coaster trying to find things that I can eat, and actually enjoy eating, and I can't think of a more perfect event for someone who is committed to this lifestyle. Through this event you can try different products and actually figure out what you like without wasting a ton of money, because let's face it, Gluten Free is also expensive. It's often trial and error trying to find your favorite products, and this event makes it easy. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new things the Gluten Free world has to offer, and findings new brands that can find a home in my pantry.
Besides stuffing my face, I'm also looking forward to attending some classes, particularly Nadine Grzeskowiak's presentation on "Guts, Brain and Skin Connection" at 1 pm on Saturday, because it pertains to my particular issue with gluten. I'll be attending the expo as both an official blogger and a scavenger for good food. Hope to see you there!
