Be Free For Me Blog

It’s tough enough to get kids to eat right, but if you add food allergies or celiac disease into the mix the challenge become even greater.

That is why I was more than peas (whoop, I mean pleased!) when I stumbled across the Peas of Mind booth at a local food show a few months ago.

Made by a mom, Peas of Mind Puffets offer a perfectly balanced nutritious meal for growing kids. Puffets are also super easy to prepare, delicious and perfect for lunchboxes and as a grab-and-go or hand-held meal. The Puffet’s come in six fabulous flavors; three of them are gluten-free (Eat Your Greens, Carrot Risotto and Black Bean Polenta) and two are dairy-free (Mamma’s Pasta & Dalai Lentil).

Although packed with nutrients that are fit for kids, Puffets are also a hit with adults looking for an organic & healthy snack or side dish. They are perfect accompanied with a cup of fresh homemade steaming soup or a crisp from the garden salad.

Peas of Mind also make Veggie Wedgies, which are baked crispy French fries made from real vegetables! Ingenious & delicious! The baked carrot fries, baked cauliflower fries, baked apple fries and the baked broccoli fries are a wonderfully sneaky way to get veggies into your little ones tummies. Containing all organic & vegan ingredients, these fries are packed with vitamins and nutrients – not oil and sodium like regular French fries. They are also gluten, dairy, egg, and soy free.

And at only 20- 25 calories and zero fat per serving, one taste of the Veggie Wedgies had this calorie conscious big girl asking, “Can I super-size that?”.  Again, here is another Peas of Mind product that’s made with kids in mind, but perfect for adults too. 

The convenience, organic and natural ingredients, and the way the vegetables have been snuck into these delicious gluten and allergen-free products makes me happy to have Peas of Mind as this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor. One lucky winner will be the recipient of a Peas of Mind FREE Coupon gift pack redeemable for various Peas of Mind products!

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you get your kids, yourself, and/or your family to eat or be healthier. (Me? I try to buy local produce and dairy as much as I can… it’s fresher, taste better, and it’s better for the environment & local economy too!)

All entries must be received by Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by 12 Midnight EST.

Good Luck, Be sneakily healthy, and as always…

Be Free!

On a day like today, when the snow is falling and the air is crisp, a big hot steaming bowl of soup can really warm your soul.

This is when I reach for Kettle Cuisine Soups. All natural and full of healthy and fresh ingredients, Kettle Cuisine soups are made just the way you or I would make them at home… with no shortcuts, no artificial ingredients. All ten varieties are also gluten-free, and several are also dairy-free, low-fat and vegetarian too. It’s no wonder Kettle Cuisine’s motto is “Eat Soup. Feel Good”.

I reach for a Kettle Cuisine soup when I don’t have the time (or energy!) to make my own big stock-pot of soup for dinner, or when I need a quick lunch at the office.  Plus, the convenient (no can opener required!), single serving bowls let me pick and choose what variety of soup or chili fits my fancy. My favorites though are the Grilled Chicken & Corn Chowder, and the Angus Beef Steak Chili with Beans. Found in the frozen food section of your favorite store (or even bought on-line), stocking up is easy too.

I’m a fan of Kettle Cuisine because of the homemade taste of all their soups and chilis.  Kettle Cuisine does not have that tin-canny mass-produced taste that many soups out there have. Kettle Cuisine is just good old fashioned soup – made the way we would ourselves.

Because of all these reasons, I am so excited that Kettle Cuisine Soups is this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor. They are offering two (Yes, 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a variety pack of Kettle Cuisine Soups!

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and let us know how you warm your soul when the weather is blustery, windy, rainy (or snow-filled!). Me? I keep reminding myself that shoveling snow IS also a work-out … then treat myself to hot chocolate with tons of mini marshmallows.

Remember, all replies must be received by 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, January 27th, 2010.

Good Luck, Keep Warm… and as always,

Be Free!

I’m super excited about Attune Probiotic Chocolate Bars being this week’s sponsor of BeFreeForMe WIN-It-Wednesday.  I’m excited because these bars not only taste good… but they are good for you too!

After getting diagnosed with celiac disease I have become extra diligent about my overall health. The day after my diagnosis I decided to embrace the gluten-free diet and use it as a starting point of living a healthier and happier life. This is why I love finding products that are a healthier alternative to foods I enjoy the most…  and chocolate is at the top of this list!

The secret behind the rich, chocolaty Attune bars is that they are packed with probiotics. And in case you’re wondering, probiotics protects our bodies from harmful bacteria, strengthens our intestinal walls and helps digest fiber in our diets, so that we are able to absorb the nutrients in the foods that we eat. So, basically, these are chocolate bars that are good for you… Yes, a dream comes true!

The gluten-free Attune bars come in four different flavors: Dark Chocolate (which is my favorite), Milk Chocolate Crisp, Mint Chocolate and Blueberry Vanilla. 

Attune bars are a perfect snack to get your digestive tract on the right track – especially for those folks, like celiacs, that are concerned about overall digestive health. Plus, Attune Foods is a proud sponsor of The Celiac Disease Foundation and is committed to educating consumers & raising awareness about celiac disease and how it affects overall digestive health. Attune Bars are not only good for celiacs, but they are doing good for us too.

Just in time for New Year’s resolutions to get healthy and fit (did I mention these bars are only 80 to 90 calories each?), Attune Foods is offering FIVE (yes, 5!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a month’s supply of Attune gluten-free probiotic bars!

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what you are doing to keep healthy in this New Year (Me? I have made a commitment to do more strength-training exercises this year… and yes… my arms and legs are feeling it!) 

You must reply to this blog by Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by 12 midnight (EST) for a chance to win.

Good Luck, Stay Healthy… and as always,

Be Free!

P.S. For a limited time, Attune Foods is offering $2.00 OFF a box of the gluten-free probiotic bars too! You Can Download the Coupon Here!

Parties are a reason to celebrate; catch up with old friends, meet new ones; and chat about hot topics and things of common interest. Parties are also a chance to munch on and try new gluten and allergen free foods. Parties are a reason to have fun.

All of these reasons are why I can hardly wait for the Twitter Party sponsored by Glutino Foods coming up this Monday, January 11th from 8-9 PM (EST).

Glutino Foods is hosting this Twitter party, and will have as a special guest, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of “The View”, fellow celiac, and author of “The G-Free Diet”. As well as me and BeFreeForMe.com, other sponsors include the folks over at Ian’s Natural Foods, that make all natural, organic (plus allergen-free and gluten-free!) meals for kids; and Chad Hines, from GlutenFreeFaces, the gluten-free and celiac social network. (Sound interesting? To join the party RSVP here!)

One of my all-time favorite gluten-free brands, Glutino has delicious products and they make it all… cookies, breads, bagels, pancake mixes, muffin mixes, frozen pizzas and convenient pasta dishes. It’s great that I can find Glutino products in most traditional grocery stores too – which makes life so much easier! And, as most of you know, one of my favorite snacks are the gluten-free pretzels that I dip in tangy honey mustard!

And just in time for this Twitter party, Glutino is sponsoring this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com. They are offering two (yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a Party Pack full of munchies and products to make any party a reason to celebrate.

How Can You Win?

EASY!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you celebrate the little things in life. Also share with us your Twitter login, if you have one, and tell us if you plan on joining Glutino’s Twitter Party.  (Me? I SING Happy Birthday to all of my friends on their BIG Day, my Twitter username is @kreale, and yes, I will be at the Twitter party next Monday night!)

Good Luck, Happy Tweeting, and as always…

Be Free!

This weeks WIN-It-Wednesday is sweet for those concerned with multiple allergies, specifically dairy, egg, nuts and tree nuts.

The Sweet Alexis brand of cookies, breads, cakes and muffins is inspired and managed by an enthusiastic Mom that has two children with numerous allergies. Set out on a mission to provide sweets that were safe for her children, these Mom-inspired products are all produced in a dedicated commercial kitchen, on dedicated equipment, where no eggs, dairy or nuts are allowed. The Sweet Alexis products are also free of preservatives and fillers. 

Some of the egg, dairy and nut-free products that Sweet Alexis makes are: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Blueberry Muffins, super-moist Banana Bread, and decadent Chocolate Cake… to name just a few.

I had the chance to chat with Michele, the Mom that founded Sweet Alexis, in great lengths on the telephone. We chatted from everything from our entrepreneurial endeavors, labeling on food products, obstacle those with allergies need to overcome while on vacation and at restaurants, to the kindness and support those in the food allergy / celiac communities offer to each other. What struck me most however, was her positive attitude and optimistic approach for her mission to help others with food allergies.

This woman is truly inspiring.

After our phone call I checked out the Sweet Alexis website and read about how Sweet Alexis came to be. The story that Michele tells is so similar to the stories I hear daily from so many BeFreeForMe members.  Stories that touch your heart and let you know that you are not alone.

One sentence that Michele writes on her website exemplifies her positive energy and spirit:

“Day by day, I am turning something devastating into a positive and that in itself feels really sweet.”

With that encouraging and inspiring thought in mind, two (yes 2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe Members, will win a Gift Pack of the Sweet Alexis products, full of a variety of egg-free, dairy-free and nut-free cookies, muffins, breads and cake (A $50 value!) Remember the Sweet Alexis products ALL contain gluten… so these products are NOT for you, if you or your child are on a gluten-free diet!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you, like Michele, make your days sweeter, even while living with food allergies or intolerances (Me? I remember and remain grateful for the foods that I can eat, rather than focus and grieve over the foods that I can not).

All entries must be received by Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 by 12:00 midnight (We’re extending the deadline this week by a few days due the Holiday Week.)

Good Luck, remember that life is indeed very, very sweet, and as always…

Be Free!

If snack-time is turning into nap-time due to the same old boring gluten and allergen-free snacks that you eat day-in and day-out, you need to try Yumpeez.

Yumpeez are made from certified-organic yellow split peas, cleverly disguised as crunchy flavorful snacks.

Besides the unexpected yummy flavor, I was also astonished when I saw the nutritional info and health benefits of these crunchy gluten-free, nut-free, lactose-free and soy-free snacks. High in fiber, protein and iron, they are also a fantastic source of calcium.  Better yet they are trans-fat free, low in fat, and certified vegan.

I also can count on Yumpeez to “hold me over until dinner time” since they are low on the glycemic index, which means they are a complex carbohydrate that also provides energy that sustains.

Yup… now I know why Yumpeez tagline is “Snack To Win!” and “Yumpeez Takes You Into Overtime!”.

My favorite flavor is the Dill, but the Barbeque flavor is a winner too. At only 120 calories per pack, I feel good about reaching for Yumpeez for snacking, especially around the hectic holidays when a portable, healthy snack is welcomed.  I also like to toss a handful over my lunchtime salad, to give myself a crunchy salad topping, with an added protein energy boost. 

All these healthy and flavorful reasons is why I am so glad that Yumpeez is this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor. Yumpeez will provide two (Yes….2!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a 12-pack combo of the Barbeque and the Dill flavored Yumpeez (6 of each flavor)!

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you take yourself into overtime during this hectic holiday season (Me? I shovel my walkways… no snow blower for me…  to get a dose of unexpected exercise). All entries must be received by Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 12 midnight EST.

Good Luck, slow down to enjoy the spirit of the season and, as always…

Be Free!

Please note:  Next week (12/23) we will not be having our normally scheduled WIN-It-Wednesday contest due to the Christmas Holiday.

The holiday season brings about many traditions. One of the most memorable childhood memories for me is enjoying the sweet sticky treat of a candy cane.

For many children however, the simple pleasure of enjoying a candy cane can be missed due to food allergies, diabetes, or an intolerance to artificial sweeteners, synthetic colors or preservatives.

This is why I am so pleased to announce that Really Healthy Stuff, the makers of Caring Candies candy canes and other hard sweet treats is this week’s BeFreeForMe WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor!

Rejoice candy lovers everywhere!

These healthy candies are sugar-free, fat-free, and kosher. Plus they are 100% free from Gluten, Wheat, Soy, Sugar, Yeast, Dairy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Potato, Eggs, Corn, Rice, Sesame, Artificial Sweeteners, Synthetic Colors, and Preservatives. These candies also have a low-glycemic index, and are tooth-friendly since they contain no sugar, aspartame nor saccharine. (Do I see dentist’s everywhere smiling?)

This company does it all… they make the traditional cane canes, candy drops (or bonbons) and lollipops, as well as spiral lollipops & sour lollipops. All are handcrafted the old-fashioned way.

And tasty they are. The come in tons of fun flavors, all naturally flavored with either herbs or fruit essences. These flavors are sophisticated enough for an adult’s sweet-tooth, yet reminiscent of childhood favorites too. Some of the flavors include: Passion Fruit, Black Currant, Apple, Grape, Pineapple-Orange & Lemon… along with the traditional Holiday favorite… Peppermint. My favorite though, is the Raspberry flavored Rainbow Spiralz Lollipops.

These candies are perfect for those on a gluten-free diet, with food allergies or intolerances, diabetics, hyperactive children, dieters and for the all-around health conscious candy lover!

Really Healthy Stuff is offering two (Yes 2!) BeFreeForMe members a gift box jammed packed with tons of these sweets!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what brings “sweetness” into your life. (Me? My Mom and Grandmother’s recipe box that is stuffed full of handwritten family favorites that I share in the recipe section of BeFreeForMe, and holiday visits with family & friends). All entries must be received by Sunday, December 13, by 12:00 midnight EST.

Good luck, remember how sweet life really, really is and as always…

Be Free!

One of BeFreeForMe’s most popular WIN-It-Wednesday blogs was the Go Picnic “on-the-go” gluten and allergen free meal kits. I think it was probably a favorite since anyone that is on a gluten-free diet or has food allergies knows how hard it can be to have food that you can take on the run.

Being gluten or allergen free means that you always have to think ahead. And as we all know that sometimes can be tough.

When life gets a tad bit crazy, planning meals-on-the-go becomes no picnic. That’s why I was so excited when I found GoPicnic, quick and easy meals on-the-go, as a healthy and nutritious snack or meal options.
I love these products. They don’t need any refrigeration, and there are lots of flavors and options in every “meal kit”. My favorite is the ZestyBreak kit that contains turkey pepperoni slices, asiago cheese spread, Mary’s Gone Crackers whole grain crackers, a yummy zesty snack mix called Sheffa, dried apricots, a Lara bar and a piece of dark chocolate! Perfect for an airplane, road trip, or a between meeting or afterschool snack.

They have something for (almost) everyone. They offer gluten-free, kosher, nut-free, vegetarian, halal, soy-free, egg-free, fish & shellfish-free products that appeal to the kids (think Lunchables for the gluten and allergy free set) and for the adults (Think stashing in your glove compartment or briefcase for those times you need a quick & easy meal in a jiff).

For this weeks WIN-It-Wednesday prize, GoPicnic is offering a lucky BeFreeForMe member a Family Gluten-Free Variety Pack ! This pack consist of the following ready-to-eat meals:
• AnywhereBreak: Contains 16g of protein! Gluten-Free, No Fish & Shellfish ingredients.
• ZestyBreak: Contains 13g of dietary fiber & 32g of protein! Gluten Free & No Fish & Shellfish ingredients.
• ExploreMunch: Gluten Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free, No Refined Sugars, Packaged in peanut-free facilities.
• SportsMunch: Gluten-Free, Soy-free, Egg-free, Fish & Shellfish-Free
• SafariMunch: Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Fish & Shellfish-Free

How Can You Win?!
Easy!

Reply to this blog post and tell us when you would need the GoPicnic meals the most (Me? I keep one stashed in my office drawer, for when I need a pick-me-up snack!)

All entries must be received by Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good Luck, remember that life is a picnic, and as always…

Be Free!

For all of you who read my review of the “Gluten Free Everyday Cookbook”, by Robert Landolphi, and put it on your Holiday Wish List, you are thankfully in luck!

This must-have cookbook will be the sponsor of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday for the next TWO Wednesday’s (this week, 11/18 and next week, 11/25). Each week TWO (For a total of FOUR) BeFreeForMe.com members will win a copy of this fantastically easy and delicious gluten-free cookbook. All recipes I have tried so far have been phenominal… recipes such as Tri-Spiced Onion Rings with Horseradish Dipping Sauce, and Cayenne Dusted Chicken Nuggets.

How can you WIN? Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what you are thankful for in your gluten-free and/or allergen-free life (Me? A 100% gluten-free Thanksgiving, hosted by Mom & Dad, that I will enjoy with my whole family, even my sister from the West Coast… I can’t wait!).

All entries for the first week’s contest must be received by: Tuesday, November 24 at 12:00 Midnight EST.

All entries for the second week’s contest must be received by: Tuesday, December 1 at 12:00 Midnight EST.

And, Yes! You can share and enter twice – one entry for each week’s contest.

Good luck, be thankful, and, as always…

Be Free!

This week’s WIN-It-Wednesday’s sponsor is Dragonfly Organix, a product that I discovered about a month ago at the Natural Product Expo in Boston. After sampling, munching and tasting my way through the numerous aisles of gluten-free food products, I decided to roll-on over to the non-food aisles of the show to explore and discover any interesting & new products.

After trying the Dragonfly Organiz hand sanitizer, I was hooked. The hand sanitizer has no alcohol, is fast-drying, non-sticky, and leaves my hands feels soft – not dried out – which is very important since I have been washing and sanitizing my hands like crazy over the past few weeks in hopes of keeping any flu or cold at bay!

Along with the hand sanitizer, Dragonfly Organix also makes other personal cleaning items like eye glass cleaner and jewelry cleaner. They also make tons of home cleaning products; like glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaners and stain removers. All their items are all natural and contain no ammonia, phosphates, glycol ether or phthalate.

Better still, Dragonfly Organix plant-derived formulations provide no harmful residue, unpleasant odors or vapors. Likewise, these non-toxic & biodegradable products are a safe way to get some powerful cleaning action that is safe around kids or pets.

Dragonfly Organix is “free of stuff” that none of us needs!

That’s why I am most happy to announce that Dragonfly Organix is the sponsor of this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday! One lucky BeFreeForMe member is going to win the Dragonfly Organix, “Green your Home” gift basket (a $39.95 value!); which includes:

• Dragonfly Organix Hand Sanitizer – 1.7oz
• Dragonfly Organix Odor Eliminator – 2 oz
• Dragonfly Organix Eyeglass Cleaner -2 oz
• Glitz Jewelry Shiner – 2 oz. (for all that holiday jewelry!)
• Dragonfly Organix Stain Remover – 24 oz
• Dragonfly Organix Glass and Shiny Cleaner – 24 oz
• Dragonfly Organix No-Rinse Floor Cleaner – 24 oz
• Dragonfly Organix All- Purpose Cleaner – 24 oz

How can you WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us how you make the world a better place to live by keeping it greener, cleaner or by recycling. (Me? I always use my reusable shopping bags, and collect rainwater to water my garden).

I am so excited to see all the entries so I can pick-up some more green living tips! All winners will be chosen at random and be a BeFreeForMe.com member. All entries must be received by Sunday, 11/15/09 at midnight EST.

Be grateful of the earth, Be Green… and as always…

Be Free!