Be Free For Me Blog

When I was a little girl, my sisters and I would pile into the car with Mom and drive to the Southeastern shore of Massachusetts to go blueberry picking. The sun was always hot, the air was often steamy and the dragonflies were buzzing.

And while my sisters and I filled our buckets with plump and sweet berries, we sang show tunes at the top of our childlike voices while the heat bugs struggled to provide the perfect pitch and harmony, and the dropping of each dark blue berry into our buckets provided a constant tempo.

The day would be long, but the labor of filling up our buckets would be rewarded with kerchiefs full of sweet berries to share on the long ride home to Cape Cod.

In today’s world I don’t have as much time as I did in my youth to spend an afternoon picking blueberries. Ode to the simpler times. But the memories and the fondness described above encourage a childlike beam to appear on my face when I see native berries, all packed up in the flimsy wooden boxes at my local farm stand.

I also love blueberries because they are so versatile. A sprinkle can be a topping for cereal, yogurt, salads or ice cream; they can make a muffin come to life; they are a welcome addition to a breakfast smoothie and they are delicious snack that can easily be eaten by the handful, especially since one cup of blueberries has only about 80 calories.

Little did my Mom know back-in-the-day that we were out picking one of nature’s “super foods” during those summer days of my youth. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, and vitamin A, C and D. The compounds in blueberries have also been found to fight the bacteria that cause urinary track infections, cancer and aging.

This is the time of year when blueberries are at their peak. I love to take afternoon snack break on the outside front steps of my office and enjoy a handful of these sweet plump berries.

Blueberries are a comfort food to me.

I shut my eyes and let their sweetness take me away to the simpler days of steamy summer Cape Cod afternoons, dragonflies, and heat bugs, all the while humming away show tunes of yesteryear… in total and absolute perfect pitch and harmony.

Every Mother’s Day, I reflect upon my good fortune of having a Mother that is not only a parent, but also a friend, confident and mentor. And every year, as I get older, I develop a deeper appreciate for just how lucky I am to have a Mom that has nurtured a loving family, inspired values & principals in her family’s lives; and has unselfishly, throughout the years, put her family first – before everything and anything.

My Mom has made me and my sisters who we are today. No doubt. She is someone that my sisters and I can always, always count on. She helped us through bumps, bruises and broken hearts; has been the head cheerleader when I, and each of my sisters, started our own businesses; has listened to us graciously & patiently through many teary-eyed long distance phone conversations; and most importantly, has supported our spirits & souls, in her gentle and caring way, when the rest of the world has left us at her doorstep of encouragement.

My Mom has always been a good advice giver. Her quirky little sayings are often short and to the point, but they always make me stop and think. Throughout the years, the advise my Mom has given has stayed with me, and as I have grown older, I have remarkably discovered that there’s truths and lessons in each of these adages that can be applied to the many circumstances that life throws my way – including applying them to my life’s diagnosis of celiac disease several years ago.

Want some examples? Here are some of my favorites:

“Commitment pays off in the end.”
When I first got diagnosed with celiac disease, I had to remind myself that although this lifestyle was tough, a gluten-free diet would eventually make me a healthier, stronger, happier… and a better person. It’s a life-long commitment – but I knew with commitment and persistence it would get easier each day. And yes, Mom, you were right – the rewards on my health & attitude are enormous and it has paid off each and every day. Thanks for knowing that before I did, and plugging me along.

“Call me – so I know you’re okay.”
After eating at a restaurant, party, or event – I always call my Mom to tell her how fabulous the food was. I know that in some small way, she still worries that I may not “get enough” to eat, or have to “go without”… I guess Mom’s never change when it comes to stuff like that.

“Reflect on the past, but make the future better.”
My Mom has been the one to encourage me to change-up old recipes in order to make them gluten and allergen free. I’ve had some trials and errors, but for the most part, I’ve been able to take recipes from my past, and make them taste even better… at least that’s what Mom says.

“Your sisters ‘will always be your sisters’.”
Mom you were wrong on this one. My sisters are more than sisters. They have become two of my best friends. One of my sisters is also a celiac, and the other is not. Regardless, we have all jumped aboard this crazy lifetime of learning road trip that only sisters – that are so similar, yet so different – could embark on and still give each other hugs, support and laughs along the way.

“Carrots & celery are fit for the ‘best of lunches’ and are the ‘finest snacks out there’.” While other kids had Twinkies, Ho-Ho’s and Oreos in their lunch– we always had a bag of carrot sticks and celery. To this day carrots & celery are my go-to snacks. Quick, easy and low-cal; and the perfect tool to dip into hummus or gluten-free dips. Leave it to Mom to know that Crudités were a hip lunch snack even way back in the day!

“If it feels wrong it, probably is.”
If you aren’t sure if something has gluten or allergens in it, it probably does… so don’t eat it. Enough said?

“Hold your breath when you put your face underwater – and don’t cry!”
This saying comes from doing the Dead Man’s Float during Beginner’s swimming lessons in the frigid, low-tide sea waters off the beaches of Cape Cod. I hated to get my face and ears wet, and I cried like heck if I needed to. The lesson learned here? You can stay afloat in even the most dismal situations, by just changing your attitude, breathing deep and waiting for the tide to change.   

“Get ready! Tonight’s a special night… The Wizard of Oz is on TV!”
When I was growing up there was no DVD’s or taping of TV shows. That meant that watching the Wizard of Oz was a once a year event; an event that was hyped-up by Mom all day long. Closer to show time we celebrated by donning warm pajamas, making a big bowl of hot buttered popcorn and lining-up on the sofa… my two sisters and me… at least a half-hour before the show began. Even today, I take an every-so-often splurge and eat at a fancier than normal restaurant, making sure I top it off with a gluten-free dessert. Thanks Mom for letting me know that everyone deserves and needs to look forward to a “Wizard of Oz Night” every once in a while.

“How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tasted it?”
This old adage got me through trying many a thing I couldn’t even pronounce after switching over to a gluten-free diet… Quinoa? Amaranth? Both are now on my list of favorites.

“When all else fails: Head for home and curl up with some Chicken Soup & Rice Pudding.”
I find it funny how our favorite “comfort foods” growing up were naturally gluten –free! To this day, Chicken Soup and Rice Pudding warms the soul.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom – I love you! And Happy Mother’s Day to Mom’s everywhere… Cheers and thanks for all the words of wisdom!

P.S. Did your Mom give you advice that you still apply today? If so, please share!

The Boston Marathon has once again encompassed the town in which I live and work – Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Snuggled 26.2 miles away from the heart of Boston, this sleepy town comes alive each and every Spring.

I’ve called Hopkinton home for the last 17 years, and each year I have stood just mere feet from the start of the most prestigious marathons of all times cheering & encouraging every single runner that crosses that bright blue & yellow starting line. And year after year, without fail, it amazes me that all these people take one-step after another and make their way to a finish line that seems so far, far away. How do they train? How do they prepare? What do they think about during that 26.2 mile trek?

I asked a friend who has run the Boston Marathon numerous times what thoughts are passing through runner’s minds as they attempt the most challenging marathon in the world. She told me that for most runners, come race day, it is not a physical challenge, but a mental one. She quoted Mike Fanelli, a running coach, by saying most runners “Divide the race into thirds. Running the first part with their head, the middle part with their personality, and the last part with their heart”.

And after 17 years, I finally got it. 

I understood.

I realized that all of us with celiac disease and/or food allergies are just like those runners that I have been in awe and mystified with for years.

Like the runners, we all start our journey with “our head”, making sure we read and research, learn as much as we can, ask questions and most importantly act smart.

Once we get comfortable with the pace of our new dietary lifestyles, we add a bit of spice & our own personalities… we develop our own signature dishes, try new things, determine what we like and dislike; we get a skip in our step, and yes… we get a rhythm and a momentum that get us through even the Heartbreak Hills of life.

Then, comes the good part… action from the heart. This comes when you round that final corner and see the finish line and you know, just know, that yes, you have run the marathon of your life… that you’ve done it. Defeated it. You become aware that the support and cheering of others has illuminated your journey. And most important, it is at this time you are able to root for and encourage others that are on the same course you have just traveled.

Welcome to the marathon of your life. Lace up and take it one step at a time.

They’ll be plenty of us be cheering you on every step of the way.

Tara Taft’s daughter, Erica, was diagnosed with celiac disease several years ago. Over these years, Tara and her whole family has made Erica’s diagnosis a family-affair. The outcome? A healthy and happy Erica, and the whole Taft family learning the true meaning of community and giving.

There were a lot of experiences I could relate to after reading this article that appeared in Thrive, Children Hospital of Boston’s Health & Science Blog.

One of these experiences is the sense of community with those with celiac disease or food allergies share. I have a saying, “Once a Celiac, Never a Stranger”. Seeing someone in the grocery store with Van’s Waffles, Glutino Pretzels & Bob’s Red Mill GF Flour in their carts or a fellow restaurant patron beaming happily at a gluten-free menu just begs me to start-up a conversation!

I have discovered a healthier and happier me; complete strangers that have become lifelong friends; the true appreciation of food, family and friend and most importantly, the sheer joy in sharing simple basic things (even hugs!)… all because of my diagnosis of celiac disease.

Tara’s article should remind us all that a positive outlook and attitude is contagious.

Yup… life is good.

Awhile back USA Today ran an article that discusses real-life stories of folks living with food allergies, celiac disease and food intolerances.

The article is great.  Why? It was definitely an article that I could relate too. I “got” what almost every person had experienced or felt when eating out in restaurants, going to an event or party, or traveling.

I especially connected with hurting the feelings of well-meaning friends and relatives that have made food-preparation mistakes, the statement that a food allergy or celiac can be “socially isolating” and the difficulty in managing a normal social life in food-centric world.

Every time I pick up a newspaper or magazine there are more and more articles about food allergies and celiac disease, which is enormous for all of us. The more that every member of our society reads, hears and, most importantly, understands food allergies & celiac disease, the better and safer all of our lives will be.

Since starting BeFreeForMe just a little more than a year ago, I have been amazed by the outpouring of warmth, sharing and compassion of the BeFreeForMe members. There have been members who have been diagnosed with celiac disease for over 15 years that have contacted me to offer their mentoring and support to the newly diagnosed. I’ve been contacted by a grandmother that has children, and grandchildren, with numerous food allergies, as well as years and years’ worth of tried-and-true recipes that she offered to share with a young, scared Mom whose toddler had been recently diagnosed with numerous food allergies. I’ve had teachers contact me asking where they could find the best resources to educate themselves about food allergies and celiac disease, since they had children in their classroom with these diagnoses and they wanted to educate themselves in order to make these children feel as welcomed and involved as possible.

One of the things I hear over and over from people that have food allergies and celiac disease is their amazement over the sense of community and goodness that has come from others that share in the same diagnosis.

I am amazed myself.

This positive energy from the celiac & food allergy community, often through the support groups, has provided me with a positive and more manageable diagnosis, and I will always be grateful.

That is why I want to share with all of the BeFreeForMe members, Show Us Your Goodness, a program sponsored by riceworks® brown rice crisps that will donate $20,000 to an inspiring nonprofit organization or charitable cause.

During this holiday season, I encourage all of you to check out the Show Us Your Goodness website and nominate one of your favorite nonprofit organizations or charitable causes. Your charity can be local or national. Grassroots or established. Recognized or not.

Also, once the three finalists are picked, I encourage you to vote for one of the nominated groups (the voting between the three finalists will take place between March 16th to April 30th . I will also blog about the three finalists once they are picked!).

If you nominate your favorite charity, or you support one of the previously nominated groups, make sure you comment on this blog post and tell us what charitable group you support. Six (Yes…6!) BeFreeForMe members that post a comment will win a FREE CASE of riceworks® brown rice crisps!  The winners will be picked on February 16th, 2010.

Some of the charitable non-profit groups which I have volunteered for and supported are listed at the bottom of this email. All of these charities have in some way helped my health and touched my soul.  I look forward to hearing about your favorite charities too!

Happy Holiday… Be Charitable… Enjoy the Spirit of the Season… and, as always…

Be Free!
———-
Some of My Favorite Charities:

* Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center
* Food Allergy Initiative
* National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
* Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
* Canadian Celiac Association
* Celiac Disease Foundation
* Celiac Sprue Association
* Healthy Villi
* Project Just Because

BeFreeForMe has been nominated to the Shine A Light Initiative!

Shine A Light is a program that rewards everyday small businesses that inspires to help others, while keeping an entrepreneurial spirit.

The Shine A Light initiative is sponsored by American Express, in partnership with NBC Universal. They are inviting folks to nominate and vote for an inspiring small business that strives to assist others and give back to their community.

This is a perfect opportunity for those in the celiac and allergen free communities to make a difference and have others take notice! The three finalist judges are talk show host and entrepreneur Ellen DeGeneres, fashion designer and entrepreneur Diane von Furstenberg, and MSNBC’s small business expert and host JJ Ramberg.

To support BeFreeForMe’s nomination, click here, and read our profile. If you would like to support us, and further the awareness of food allergies and celiac disease, click on the “Support this Story” button in the left column. Please note that in order to submit your endorsement, you will have to register (it is quick and easy though and they promise not to spam!). 

BeFreeForMe would use the award grant money to further the awareness of celiac disease and food allergies, as well as provide medic alert bracelets / identifications to anyone financially in need.

Thanks ahead of time for your vote! Please note that you need to vote by September 13th (Sunday)!

My mouth dropped when I read the advice Dear Abby gave to a woman wanting to know the etiquette on inviting a guest over her house for dinner who has food allergies.

Abby’s advice: Invite the person over less often!

This is the actual copy of the question and answer in the Dear Abby column on Friday, July 17, 2009:

DEAR ABBY: Our daughter’s landlady — I’ll call her Martha — has become very close to our family. Martha and her husband are included in most of our family’s social events.

My problem is Martha is allergic to garlic and cannot eat anything cooked with it.

Abby, we are Italian. We grew up eating garlic and cook just about everything with it. My husband and I are locking horns over the fact that I feel it’s an imposition to be expected to accommodate one person by omitting a key ingredient in a dish. When you’re cooking for a lot of people who are accustomed to the way certain foods are prepared, I feel it is inconsiderate for someone to expect me to leave an ingredient out. What do you think? — MAMA “MIA” IN N.Y.

And Abby’s answer…

DEAR MAMA “MIA”: I think you should prepare a garlic-free extra dish for Martha — something not too difficult to make, like a salad — or invite Martha over less often.

What?!

Here is the most widely syndicated newspaper columnist in the world, whose column is published in about 1,400 newspapers worldwide, and has a daily readership of more than 110 million people – telling someone to invite a close family friend with food allergies over less often! I actually had to go back and read this over and over again, very slowly, to make sure I didn’t miss something and I read it correctly.

Even Abby’s advice to make something “not too difficult” for the close family friend, “… like a salad” is also an insult! To invite someone as a dinner guest and then offer just a “simple” salad, while everyone else is feasting on a huge Italian meal is just wrong! Shame on you Abby. I think you need to start reading Miss Manners column regularly.

What advice should Abby have given to MAMA “MIA” in N.Y.? Here are a few tidbits I think she should have passed along:

– While making your Italian pasta sauce make a small sauce pan of your delicious sauce san the garlic. You don’t need to make a second garlic-free version of every single dish you are making, but since you invited Martha for dinner, but make sure you offer Martha something more than just a salad. Martha is your guest (and your friend) and will surely appreciate the extra efforts.

– When you invite Martha for dinner, ask her to bring one of her favorite dishes that she can enjoy and everyone else can share with her too. Who knows… maybe everyone will enjoy her garlic-free dishes as well!

And lastly MAMA “MIA”, chances are that you, or someone in your large family, will someday become aware that they also have some type of food allergy or celiac disease. So you may want to start thinking now about how you can make some changes to those accustomed to recipes!  (P.S. And don’t worry gluten-free pasta isn’t all that bad!)

What do you think Abby should have given for advice?

Note: I gave Abby my two-cent worth and you should too! Email her today! Note: In the body of your message refer to the 07/17/09 column and the advice she gave to MAMA “MIA” in NY.

What’s more American than a cheeseburger from McDonalds? For me and the million of other Americans suffering from celiac disease or gluten intolerance we would say a cheeseburger on a gluten free roll from McDonalds.

Impossible you may say. McDonald’s could never get the recipe right or the training perfected to correctly offer a gluten-free roll on their menu.

Wrong.

McDonalds is already offering a gluten-free hamburger bun and many, many other gluten-free options in Sweden.

Anna, a gluten-free blogger from Germany, has experienced firsthand the convenience of walking into a McDonald’s in Stockholm while on business and grabbing a cheeseburger on a gluten-free roll. Ahhhh – The luxury.

McDonald’s USA website describes “New Burgers” that offer, “Fresh toppings that are new for McDonald’s, like sautéed mushrooms, red onion slices, crinkle cut pickles and thick tomato slices all served between a perfectly toasted bakery-style sesame seed roll”.

This Fourth of July holiday week, I say we should all practice our right to speak our opinion. Let’s contact McDonald’s and ask them to carry the gluten-free rolls in the states.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the description of McDonald’s new products changed to, “… bakery-style traditional or gluten-free perfectly toasted roll”? 

I’m Lovin’ It!

Let’s face it – getting dressed up makes everything just a little extra special. Today, being a glorious spring day, I decided to wear a sundress that I bought at the end of last season. Although, the dress is not at all fancy or formal, I’ve gotten three compliments about looking nice and asking what the occasion was. All because I kicked the way I dress up a notch or two. 

This got me thinking that “dressing up” can make an ordinary day extraordinary. Just as a fancy vinaigrette dressing with fresh herbs, fine vinegars and oils can make a regular old tossed salad, well… something special too.

In honor of springtime, loving salads, fitting into last year’s sundress and sometimes getting bored with my ordinary stand-by dressings, we decided to feature recipes next week for salad dressings and vinaigrettes. All low-cost alternatives to the store bought stuff.

We look forward to having you visit us daily and enjoy the recipes too. Oh and don’t worry, casual dress is okay.