Last week I was named Babble’s Top 100 Food Mom Blogs in 2013. I really don’t want to call myself this self-proclaimed “foodie” but I am.
I guess you can even say I am a “picky” eater too. This means I rarely touch foods that are bad for me. I am an “everything in moderation” kind of gal. I do eat some form of chocolate daily and my choice of fast food is my green smoothie that I whip in my Vitamix.
Guten free has becoming a new food “trend” but I’ve been eating this way for over seven years now. I suffered from weekly migraines, acid-reflux, fatigue, digestive issues, bloating, moodiness, and my libido was not there as it should have been. I was just tired of feeling tired and I wasn’t even 30 years old yet.
Someone suggested I go see this naturopathic medical doctor. I was approaching 30 and I wanted to get healthy before starting my family. After running her scan on me, she suggested a gluten, soy and dairy free diet. I followed her orders and began to feel better within a month. Migraines, gone. Acid-reflux meds, done. Energy levels up and yes even got my mojo back. She told me not to start trying for my family yet but when I went back 10 months later she said things were looking good and she gave me her blessing. Nine months later I had my daughter.
Being gluten-free seven years ago was not very exciting. I felt like I was starving when I first went on the “diet.” Bread was like cardboard and pastries were dry. There were a few good things out there, but I didn’t feel like eating cookies each time I wanted a sweet treat. So I atereal food all of the time and reinvented myself in the kitchen.
Five years ago, local mom Jen Cafferty felt the same way. She and her family were diagnosed with gluten allergies. She didn’t mind cooking differently, but it was finding treats for her kids that was challenging. As any food allergy mom knows all too well, it is to help your kids feel normal.
But what if there was an expo where you can sample all of the gluten free foods first before you bought them? I can’t tell you how many times I bought something only to throw it out.
Jen began the Gluten Free and Allergen Free Expo recognizing this need to bring gluten free and allergy free treats into the mouths of families. It also gives companies an opportunity to showcase their products. She has the largest gluten free expo in the nation, with almost 200 vendors, many of which will sell their products right on the spot. This year I am an official blogger for the expo, so be sure to follow me for the latest and greatest in gluten and allergy free foods.
I have sampled so much that I have my favorites and recommendations that I make to families I work with who are looking to make a transition for health reasons. Whether their child falls on the spectrum or someone is struggling with infertility it is great knowing which products are going to suit their needs, budgets and health program personally.
This year the expo is in Schaumburg on April 20-21. Please be warned if you decide to go, NO strollers are allowed on Saturday. The crowds are that big, yes they are!
Wondering if the expo is for you? Check out my 5 reasons you should attend the Gluten Free and Allergen Free Expo for more info. This is a must-attend if you or your loved ones suffers from food allergies or food sensitivities. My best advice, take one bite of the sample and toss it. If you can’t make up your mind in that first bite, then it is probably not worth it.
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