I do not have celiac disease but I am one of more than 30 million Americans who are sensitive or allergic to gluten (a protein in wheat, barley and rye). I danced and dated a gluten free diet several years ago and noticed I felt better and I lost a few lbs. easily. I got seriously committed to the relationship about six months ago and it’s been great. If I cheat I suffer the consequences almost immediately – almost like a hangover in the middle of the night. We Americans eat way too much wheat (read the labels, it’s everywhere) and American wheat is so hybridized that it has 3x the amount of gluten that European wheat has. It is not uncommon for Europeans moving here to develop digestive problems they never had before. Many experts on ADD and autism suggest getting off gluten immediately. The “glue” in gluten which makes your bread stick together and so yummy and chewy can make everything sticky and gummy inside you including your brain and your gut.
Being gluten free during the holidays isn’t easy but I survived Thanksgiving. I’m not sure I can skip my great grandmother Granny’s cookies and my cousin’s almond cream cheese danish this holiday season but I’m going to try. Check out Monica Corrado’s SimplyBeingWellwebsite at www.simplybeingwell.com for GF cooking classes in the DC area.
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