Be Free For Me Blog

After getting diagnosed with celiac disease I had tons of questions. Some of the questions I “figured out” for myself by searching the internet and reading books, such as the Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, written by Shelley Case.

But another fantastic way to learn more about the gluten-free diet – from the basics of celiac disease, ways to manage a new diagnosis, ideas for new & fresh menu ideas, or to get the comradely support that we all need to get by on a day-to-day basis – is to share and have conversations with others that live the gluten-free lifestyle.

That’s why I was thrilled when I heard that GlutenFreeSnacksForMe.com and riceworks is sponsoring a teleseminar featuring a Q&A session with Shelley Case. (Note: A teleseminar is a discussion conducted via the telephone during which Shelley will answer questions emailed to her.)

Shelley’s book a “Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide” has been my bible since I was diagnosed with celiac disease years ago. Shelley’s knowledge on celiac disease, real-life solutions to the obstacles I’ve faced, and her no-nonsense approach to explaining the ins-and-outs of the gluten-free diet has made her book the go-to with all my gluten-free questions.

And to think now we can all have Shelley’s (who is also a registered dietician!) one-on-one’s attention to answer all of our questions “in person” is so very awesome!   

The teleseminar, “Gluten Free Diet: What Everyone Needs to Know!”  is scheduled for this coming Monday night, August 31st at 8:30 PM EST.

When I emailed Shelley to find out the details on this teleseminar, I also asked if she wanted to donate a couple of her best selling books, “Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide”  for this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday, since it was such a popular giveaway a few months back. So – the prize this week are TWO copies (one copy for two winners) of the newest edition of the “Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide”.

How can You WIN?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us if you could ask Shelley Case ANY question about the gluten-free diet what would your question be?

All entries must be received by Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 12:00 Midnight.

REMEMBER… replying to this blog DOES NOT register you to the teleseminar! You must click on the link below to register (and ask your question to Shelley).

Register Me For Shelley Case’s Teleseminar!

I look forward to “seeing you all” and hearing our questions answered by Shelley during the teleseminar this coming Monday night!

See you then!

Be Free!
Kathleen

Attending a Natural Food Expo last fall, I ran across Dogswell and Catswell pet jerky treats that are not only gluten-free, but also free of corn, soy and other allergens.  

Chatting with the down-to-earth, dog and cat loving representatives at the Dogswell / Catswell booth about our pets and their products, I also learned that they also offer dry food, canned food and biscuits that are all made from natural meat and poultry with absolutely no added hormones, processed gluten, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; and these products are free of wheat, corn, soy, and flour. 

When I was asked if I wanted to take a few gluten-free jerky samples home for Sadie Maie, my incredibly sweet Boxer, I happily took them. 

Before then I was “treating” Sadie with highly-glutenized, processed and junk-foodie type snacks that were no treat for me to even touch, since they were made, dusted and treated with gluten. I know, I know… I was a bad!

When I gave Sadie her first Dogswell jerky she loved it! I thought she may have become a junk-food-doggie and turn her nose up to the healthiness of these snacks, but not so! Since finding Dogswell jerkies, Sadie Maie and I both love treat time – gluten-free!

Dogswell jerky dog treats come in six varieties: Vitality, Happy Hips, Shape Up, Breathies, Mellow Mut and Happy Heart. The Catswell Jerky Treats come in four varieties: Vitakitty, and also the Happy Hips, Shape Up and Breathies.

Dogswell / Catswell is happy to be the sponsor of this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday! THREE (Yes… 3!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe dog &/or cat members (and their “lucky peoples”!) will win one of THREE (3) gift baskets full of Dogswell / Catswell jerky treats!

How can your pooch or kitty win?

EASY!

Tell me your dog or cats name, what breed (if any or if known) and one truly amazing thing they do that keeps you smiling, sane, happy, and all-around… healthy! (Me? My pups name is Sadie Maie, she is a Boxer and she twists her body into a tortellini shape, and runs sideways while wiggling her bottom, and I swear she smiles & laughs while doing it!)

All entries must be received by Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 12 midnight EST.

Good luck, and as always…

Be Free! (Woof-Meow!)

Kathleen (& Sadie Maie)

Being gluten or allergen free means that you always have to think ahead. Just like Shelley Case said in her “Ask Shelley Case” column yesterday, we must follow the Girl Scout’s motto and “Be Prepared”.

But as Shelley knows, it can often be tough.

On most days I can barely get myself out the door on time. I can’t think one step ahead, never mind two meals ahead.

When life gets a tad bit crazy, planning meals-on-the-go becomes no picnic. That’s why I was so excited when Shelley directed us to GoPicnic, quick and easy meals on-the-go, as a healthy and nutritious snack or meal options.

I am doubly-thrilled that GoPicnic offered to be this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor! Check out the GoPicnic website, and you will see why I am loving these products. More of a meal than an energy-bar, plus not needing refrigeration, these ready-to-eat GoPicnic tapas-type meals are the Go-To for the Super Mom, Super Kid, Super Jetsetter or Super Executive!

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 THREE lucky BeFreeForMe members a Family Gluten-Free Variety Pack ! These packs 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 could really use one tomorrow during my Jury Duty! What if I get chosen? WHAT will I eat for lunch?!)

All entries must be received by Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 12:00 midnight EST.

BONUS:  GoPicnic is offering BeFreeForMe members 20% OFF all orders by entering the coupon code: BEFREE at checkout through Sunday, 8/16/09! Check out their mailing list for future offers too!

Good Luck, and as always…
Be Free!

To date, all of BeFreeForMe’s WIN-it-Wednesday blogs have featured items that have to do with gluten & allergen free FOOD.

That is why I am more than thrilled to have Arbonne Skin Care & Nutrition be the sponsor of this week’s WIN-It-Wednesday!

Being on a gluten-free diet, I have become more aware of the ingredients in the foods, as well as all other products, that I use.

Although the world around me can be complicated and crazy, it seems ironic that my gluten-free lifestyle has made what I eat and use become more simple. Products that are pure, safe and beneficial to me and my well-being.

Which ironically is Arbonnes’s tagline: pure. safe. beneficial.

For those of you that want to stay away from gluten in cosmetics and creams that could be ingested, this product is for you. Almost all of the Arbonne products (except for the women’s vitamins and the natural hormone cream) contain no gluten. They also have a weight loss and nutrition program including shakes, chews and supplements that are also free of gluten, are high in vegetable protein and are also perfect for vegetarians.

An Arbonne representative and manager, Kristina, who is also a celiac and lives the gluten-free lifestyle with her family, has offered TWO LUCKY BeFreeForMe members a gift pack containing the Arbonne SeaSource Detox Spa line of Foaming Sea Salt Scrub and Renewing Body Gelee (Over an $80 value per gift pack!). I’ve tried this Arbonne line of products (as well as other Arbonne products too!) and I love them… and I think you will as well!

How can you win?

EASY! Reply to this post and tell us how you relax and unwind after a long hectic day. (Me? I take a long walk with Sadie Maie, my super-sweet boxer, or hang out on my front porch with a good book.)

Kristina has also generously offered all BeFreeForMe members 20% OFF all Arbonne products until 8/15/09! There is something for everyone from infants to those concerned with anti-aging. To redeem your 20% OFF offer send her an email at: arbonneforceliacs@gmail.com.

As an added bonus, Kristina is living the gluten-free lifestyle, and can answer any questions that you may have.

All entries to win must be posted by Sunday, August 9th at 12 midnight EST.

Good Luck and… as always…

Be Free!

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your snacking habits give Laurel Hill Tortilla Chips a try.

With flavors like Olive & Caper, Multigrain, Sea Salt & Lime, and Pepita & Spice, Laurel Hill Tortillas jumped out at me while strolling down my local grocers snack aisle. The crisp & clean look, as well as the prominent Gluten Free wording right on the front of the packaging had me stopping my shopping cart right in my tracks. 

These tortilla chips are so good I just had to share.

So far I have tried the Olive & Caper and the Sea Salt & Lime varieties. Both are excellent, with tangy and unique flavors. Next up is the Pepita & Spice, which I can’t wait to try. 

Laurel Hill Tortilla Chips are not only gluten-free, but nut-free and all natural. The Laurel Hill company is also a family business that spans 3 generations that has been around since 1965.

The Laurel Hill logo is, “Share the pleasure of good food”. So, in the spirit of their mantra they are sharing with one LUCKY BeFreeForMe member a mixed case of their tortilla chips.

How do you win?

Easy! Just reply to this blog and tell us how you “share the pleasure of good food” (Me? I get to taste test and monitor BeFreeForMe’s recipe section – tough job, I know!).

One random winner will be chosen. All entries must be submitted by Sunday, 08/02/09, by 12:00 midnight EST.

Good Luck… and as always…

Be Free!

Featured this week on BeFreeForMe’s WIN-It-Wednesday is a nutrition bar that I recently discovered – Omega Smart Original Nutrition Bars.

Not only do these bars have some yummy flavors (Pomegranate Strawberry Colada, Banana Chocolate Chip, and Carrot Cake – which are my favorites) they are also a smart choice for breakfast, snack or mini-meal since they are so very good for you!

These nutrient dense bars are made of whole foods. So when I grab a Carrot Cake, Cinnamon Apple or Raisin Spice bar for a breakfast-on-the-go, I know I’ve made a smart choice since I stay satisfied and full right until lunchtime.

Some other great features of the Omega Smart Original Nutrition Bars are:

– Gluten free (made in a designated GF facility and all ingredients are certified GF)
– Egg free
– Dairy free
– Casein free
– Cholesterol free
– Rich in antioxidants
– Low glycemic (Good for those diabetics following a low glycemic diet)
– No refined sugars
– No trans fats
– Bars contain 2,000 grams of Omega 3’s

Note: The Banana Chocolate Chip & Pomegranate Strawberry Colada Nutrition bars are also soy & nut free. The Pumpkin Spice is also soy free.

Two (2) LUCKY BeFreeForMe MEMBERS will win a box (12 bars) of Omega Smart Bars of their choice! (Note: The winners can pick any combo of the Omega Smart Original bars!)

How can you win?

Easy! Just reply to this blog and tell us what flavor Omega Smart Bars sound the yummiest to you and/or your smart tip for eating or living gluten / allergen free! (Mine? Use your gluten free diet or allergy to explore & try new foods you’ve never tried before!)

You must enter to win before Sunday, 07/26/09 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Good Luck, Be Smart and, as always…

Be Free!

This weeks WIN-It-Wednesday’s sponsor is Shabtai Gourmet. If you haven’t tried these bakery items yet – you MUST! Shabtai Gourmet bakery makes being gluten and allergen free so much easier!

These products are D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. When I first tried the Shabtai items at a Trade show last October, I had to ask them (O.K. – I admit it, I asked several times) if they were absolutely positively certain the item I was eating was gluten free. They are just THAT good! 

Plus… All of the ingredients that pass through their doors are gluten, casein, lactose, soy and dairy free. Pretty sweet, huh?

Shabtai Gourmet’s bakery is also a designated peanut-free and gluten-free zone. They are also certified Kosher for Passover and Kosher Parve – otherwise known as Dairy Free – by the OK Kosher Supervision.

BeFreeForMe also featured a great Tiramasu recipe a while back, made with Shabtai Lady Fingers.

The sweet WIN-It-Wednesday prize that Shabtai is offering to THREE (3) randomly selected LUCKY BeFreeForMe MEMBERS is a free box of sweets, which includes all of the following yummy items:

One (1) Devil Foods Seven Layer Cake: The description says this chocolate cake smothered with dark chocolate and sandwiched in crème, is fancy enough for company. (So why can’t I stop picturing myself standing solo at the counter, fork-in-hand, digging right in?)

One (1) box of Italian Tricolor Rainbow Squares: Light spongy layers, separated by raspberry jam, and covered in rich dark chocolate. My Italian grandparents would have loved these!

One (1) box of Black & White Cookies: The famous double-dipped Black & Whites are a classic New York treat (And who said doubling-dipping was bad?)

How can you Win?

Reply to this blog and tell us what makes your world so much sweeter since being gluten or allergen free. (Me? Sharing recipes and meals (which equates to spending time!) with my celiac-sister; and really appreciating a big piece of juicy, sweet, super-ripe fruit on a summer day).

The contest ends on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 12:00 midnight EST.

Another SWEET DEAL? FREE SHIPPING!

Even if you don’t win, there is FREE SHIPPING on ALL Shabtai Gourmet products until Labor Day (09-07-09). Make sure you mention you saw this deal on BeFreeForMe when ordering! Stock up now for back to school lunch boxes!

Win-It-Wednesday is back after a hiatus for the Fourth of July holiday week. As mentioned in earlier posts, I hope to host the Win-It-Wednesday feature as many weeks as possible. So keep checking back each Wednesday for your chance to WIN!

This weeks WIN-It-Wednesday sponsor is Indigo Rabbit Cookies. These cookies are like garanimals for those with food allergies. Need a cookie that is gluten, lactose and soy free? No problem… check out the Indigo Rabbit allergen chart and discover that the Seriously Cinnamon Almond or Perfectly Peanut Butter cookies are the right fit for you! Need a peanut, egg and soy free cookie that will knock your socks off? Consult the Indigo Rabbit chart and you’ll find the Luscious Lemon Chewies are just your style. 

Let’s face it. Reading labels when you have food allergies can be a challenge. But Indigo Rabbit makes it easy. 

Every package has a straightforward and uncomplicated symbol that denotes allergen ingredients. It’s simple. Easy. Carefree. Just the way cookies are meant to be.

Another plus is that these delicious, soft and chewy cookies are… dare I say it, good for you! Made with ingredients such as yellow squash, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and not with any additives or preservatives, and definitely no trans fats or hydrogenated oils – you can feel doubly confident bundling up a Grab n’ Go Indigo Rabbit pack in your child’s camp lunchbox or even having one (or two!) yourself! (Note: They’re so good for you, there is no sneaking involved – so have two!)

Indigo Rabbit wants to give away a FREE box of cookies (of the winners choice) to 3 (Yes – three!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe MEMBERS!

How can you win?

Easy!

Indigo Rabbits Tagline is “Secretly Healthy, Uncommonly Good”.
Reply back to this post and tell us what type of cookie you would like to win (Make sure you check out the allergen chart since not all cookies are free of gluten or other allergens!)
Also, if you would like,  let us know what you do to be secretly healthy (Me? I make sure I eat veggies at each & every meal) or uncommonly good (Me? I make it a point to smile and say a big “Good Morning” to at least one person during my morning walk).

Good Luck and, as always…
Be Free!
Kathleen

NOTE: This contest ends Sunday, July 12 at 12:00 midnight EST

We’re on a (gluten free) roll! This is the fifth week of BeFreeForMe’s ever popular WIN-It-Wednesday feature!

This week’s WIN-It-Wednesday is sponsored by Shelley Case, a registered dietician and leading international expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. You may know Shelley from BeFreeForMe’s monthly segment, Ask Shelley Case.

When I first got diagnosed with celiac disease several years ago, Shelley’s book, “Gluten-Free Diet: Comprehensive Resource Guide” became my gluten-free map. Now, the newest edition of the book is triple the size of my original edition and jam-packed with tidbits of gluten-free information. The map that helped me navigate through the gluten-free lifestyle in 2003 is now the GPS of 2009.

This book is a must-have for those new to the gluten-free journey, as well as the seasoned gluten-free traveler.

I’m not the only one who thinks this book is a must-have. Every customer’s review on Amazon.com gave it 5 out of 5 stars, and Tiffany James, the Atlantic Gluten Free Examiner, recently gave this book a phenomenal review too.

I am happy to announce that Two LUCKY BeFreeForMe members will win the newest edition of “Gluten-Free Diet: Comprehensive Resource Guide”.

How can you win?

Easy!

If you are an old pro of the gluten free diet, give us a word of wisdom (Mine: always plan ahead), piece of advise (Mine: never apologize for your gluten free requests) or a random thought (Mine: beware of red licorice!); or if you are new to the gluten free diet, let us know what is on your mind, wish was on your plate or really want to know but have been afraid to ask!

After all, the gluten free road of life is a lot easier with friends that help you navigate the way!

The contest ends on Sunday, June 28 at 12 midnight EST.

Good Luck and… as always…

Be Free!

As most of you know, I am a “bar junkie” and I can’t go anywhere without my bars stashed in my purse, briefcase or glove compartment. Goodness forbid, if I get stuck somewhere and need a quick, easy and nutritious snack.

All of you gluten, soy and dairy free folks… Feel Free To Snack! NuGo Free makes gluten free, soy free and dairy free eating a real treat!

NuGo Free’s certified Gluten Free bars are one of my favorites. Full of crisp rice, fiber (5 grams per bar), protein (10 grams per bar) and healthy ingredients, NuGo Free bars are delicious & nourishing.

The three gluten-free flavors are perfect too: Carrot Cake is perfect for a breakfast on the run; Dark Chocolate Trail Mix, is a perfect afternoon snack; and Dark Chocolate Crunch, is as good as any dessert.

BONUS: Each bar is between 150 and 160 calories and only “3 points” for those watching their weight – or for those that don’t want to feel bad about eating two in a row!

I also love that NuGO Free bars are 100% natural, vegan OU Pareve plus layered with luscious, REAL dark chocolate (think YUM!) or drizzled with a touch of sweet icing. 

NuGo Free wants to give away a mixed box (12 bars) of their gluten-free bars (4 bars per flavor) to 3 (Yes – three!) LUCKY BeFreeForMe MEMBERS!

How can you win?

Easy!

Let me know what flavor bar sounds the most scrumptious to you and, if you’d like, what makes you feel FREE!

(What makes ME feel free, you ask? My morning jog, a super extensive gluten-free restaurant menu, and my vegetable garden… to name a couple of things!)

Good Luck and, as always…

Be Free!

Kathleen

NOTE: This contest ends Sunday, June 21 at 12:00 midnight EST