Sometimes the Feeling of Gratitude Can be Overwhelming!

I had the opportunity to do a talk for a support group called Mom's in Charge. The talk required a power point. I prepared by first doing an outline and then building the power point. I spent several days creating it.
Part of the talk was about my  family and my journey to health.

I started writing about how my family had to go gluten-free over 4 years ago then I started reflecting on the past. I realized that this journey to health spans over 22 years and started when my daughter was 2 years old. The steps happened a little at a time. Each step included an education and then a transition to adapt to a new way of eating or a new supplement or alternative medicine.  Many times it was subtle and was barely noticed and other times it took on a more obvious face.

What I didn't notice was the big picture this journey was painting, until now.

Even more powerful then writing about this journey and rediscovering the steps, was actually sharing it out loud. It has had a profound impact on me. I am just now letting the impact settle in.

I am very grateful for every step I have taken!
I am grateful that we are now gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free because we are healing!
I am extremely grateful for Dr. Cynthia Costa!
I am most grateful for God and the guidance I have received over the years. 

Holiday Temptations

During the holiday's people are often tempted to justify eating foods they are not supposed to eat. This includes people who are supposed to be gluten-free for health reasons, Celiacs included. Do not let the temptations of the holiday derail your health. 

I know how difficult it is to walk into someplace that is filled with the fragrance of wonderful foods and know that I cannot eat them. I have gotten past the temptations because I have suffered too much in the past, from eating gluten or dairy. Now I enjoy the aromas and sights. I love looking at a beautifully made meal or a gorgeous chocolate mouse pie. 

Try to find the joy in the experience. For me, the holiday has always been about the people and the food is a delightful addition. Now those foods have changed, but I am so thankful to still have so many people I love with me on the holidays.

I just read a 6 part article on the Living Without site called, "Why Celiacs Cheat?" by Erica Dermer. Though the article addresses Celiacs, it could easily be titled, "Why People Cheat When They are on a Restricted Diet?" It is worth reading and may help you stay on course through this holiday season.

Are You Thankful to be Living a Gluten-Free Life!

The holiday's can be a warm, loving time or it can be a challenging time, especially for people with food  restrictions. I remember my 1st gluten-free Thanksgiving. I was going to a family friend's home, who was kind enough to allow me to bring gluten-free (GF) and dairy-free (DF)dishes. 

My family had only been GF for 6 months and I was very new at cooking GF. I made a stuffing, gravy, a vegetable dish and 2 pies and then transported it over to my friends house. They had cooked a complete Thanksgiving meal, so we set the buffet area up by dividing the GF and non- GF foods. The GF & DF food was okay but not great and it was obvious by the leftovers. 

By Christmas I was in full "Poor Me" mode. I am Italian and for me, like many  people, part of what makes the holiday's special are the traditional foods we eat. I had not mastered GF & DF cookies yet, I had to recreate a GF & DF lasagna and everything was feeling a bit overwhelming. And then I received an amazing gift. One of Gratitude!

During Christmas dinner, someone asked me if living GF had improved my health. I started to rattle off all the symptoms that were now gone or at least much better.  I spoke about the brain fog lifting and how clear life seemed now. At that moment, I realized even with all the challenges of living GF, I was THANKFUL. Very, very thankful that my body and mind were healing. I have not allowed "Poor Me" back in again. (Well, that may not be totally truthful)

How about you? Do you find the Holiday's challenging?  Is your food restrictions stopping you from fully enjoying this season?

If you are struggling to find the gratitude in living GF, I suggest you check out, The Gratitude Habit's blog and Pinterest. They are filled with wonderful "gratitude" craft ideas, for the whole family. 



Happy Holiday's !