Be Free For Me Blog

Eating gluten & allergen free can sometimes make lunchtime at home ho-hum. That’s why I turn to condiments to help make my sandwiches as good as any sub shop!

Kraft Sandwich Shop Reduced-Fat Chipotle Mayonnaise is one of my new must-haves, and this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com. What’s my favorite way to enjoy this new gluten-free find? I love to spread this on my brown rice wraps and then pile on the roast beef, and low-fat Cabot Creamery cheddar.

Watch out Subway!

And with only half the fat and calories of regular mayonnaise I can spread the chipotle-love every day of the week.

It adds a kick that I love and a taste that reminds me of a typical sub shop sandwich spread, like the Chipotle Southwest topping at Subway, but with far less fat & calories. Plus making lunch at home saves tons of money!

I wonder if Jared has tried it yet?!

Note: This item is so new it’s not even listed on the Kraft website. However, if you want to find out more information about the Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo Reduced-Fat Chipotle Mayonnaise, call Kraft at: 1-800-323-0768 to find out where to buy or to answer any other questions about the product.

Note: To see the gluten-free labeling statement from Kraft Foods, click here.

This week’s Friday Favorite goes to an item that can be eaten at breakfast, or as a quick and easy snack. It is also an item that can be found in any supermarket – Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy yogurt.

At only 100 calories, this super-rich and super-creamy yogurt must be tried. Plus it is fat free, packed with Vitamin D … and marked right on the label as gluten-free too.

My favorite flavor is Cinnamon Bun. O-kay, o-kay… I know that the name is what first drew me in, but after one taste I was in love. The flavor is spicy, and sweet, and this yogurt is just delicious when mixed in gluten-free granola.

Convenience, taste and only 100 calories give Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy yogurt a thumbs up and recognition of this week’s BeFreeForMe’s Friday Favorite.

P.S. Check out the Yoplait website for coupons too!

This week’s Friday Favorite goes to Gillian’s Foods – the makers of some mighty fine bread crumbs!

Quick, easy and convenient these breadcrumbs are a “go-to” on those days that I just don’t have the time (or enough gluten-free bread heels!) to make my own.

I use Gillian’s Plain Bread Crumbs on chicken and baked fish. I also use these crumbs in my meatloaf, and as a crispy topping on baked macaroni and cheese. The plain bread crumbs are great because you can spice them up any which way you fancy (sage and thyme enhance the crumbs for my chicken, when dill and a touch of parsley work wonders on my baked haddock). There are also some great recipes on the Gillian’s website too.

Gillian Foods also has some other fabulous items, including brownies (these are deliciously dangerous!), pasta, garlic bread and hamburger rolls that taste like the real deal. Plus, all of Gillian’s Foods are gluten AND dairy free.

Making my dinner time prep speedy and easy is why this week’s Friday Favorite is awarded to Gillian’s Foods!

When I’m “good” and have a tossed salad for lunch, I sometimes need a little extra “something” on the side.

And I found a new product that fits the bill perfectly… Garden Lites Frozen Souffles. Gluten, lactose and nut free these soufflés are  pockets of scrumptious veggies puffed to perfection.

Packed with tons of vegetables, egg whites and just the right amount of spices, these soufflés have only all natural ingredients and microwave in just minutes. They come in 6 flavors (Broccoli, Roasted Vegetable, Zucchini, Spinach, Cauliflower and Butternut Squash).

Best yet… most of the Garden Lites soufflés are only 140 calories and 15 grams of fat (the Butternut Squash soufflé is the only one that has 180 calories and 0 grams of fat).

My favorite is the gluten-free Roasted Vegetable Souffle; and complemented with a tossed salad the combo is like a garden party right on my lunch table.

And with only 2 Weight Watchers point per serving, my new motto is “A soufflé a day, and the weight won’t stay”!

All these healthy, delicious, low-calorie and low-fat reasons are why this week’s Friday Favorite goes to Garden Lites Souffles. Enjoy!

Easter time is candy time… and thankfully two all-time favorite Easter candies are also gluten free (as well as free of other allergens too).

Peeps, the best selling non-chocolate Easter candy for the last decade; and Jelly Bellies, the jelly bean with intense and authentic flavors made for the sophisticated palate, share the honor of this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe.com.

Peeps, which come in 6 fun colors, are gluten-free. They also clearly mark on their labels any of the eight major allergens that may be in the candy (read more here). The peep website is fun and interactive. It has a page of fun peep facts, and more… it is a great website for the kids.

Missing Strawberry Cheesecake, Pina Coladas or Caramel Corn? Or just want a small taste of something sweet without breaking you diet? Than give Jelly Bellies a try! These gluten, peanut and dairy free jelly beans come in over 50 flavors. But beware they are additive!

Enjoy and have a sweet Easter!

Good Gravy!

I couldn’t believe it when I was told by the Customer Service Rep at Butterball that the gravy packet included in my Boneless Breast of Turkey Roast was gluten free! What a treat for me! (I called Butterball at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or 800-288-8372).

Besides the bonus gluten-free gravy pack (which is included in a separate pouch) the boneless turkey breast is also delicious…. Moist, flavorful and juicy…. without the hassle of preparing, prepping and cooking a whole turkey.

In fact, the Butterball Boneless Turkey Breast was a snap to prepare. Just pop it in the oven and it is done. No mess. No fuss.

This turkey breast is a welcoming change to weeknight dinners, and will make a fantastic addition to my Easter buffet.

The convenience, taste, and of course that awesome, out of-this world gluten-free gravy packet makes Butterball’s Boneless Breast of Turkey Roast this week’s Friday Favorite on BeFreeForMe!

Gobble Gobble!

O Boy! Many newly diagnosed celiacs find themselves craving the “standard” breakfast cereals. That is why Nature’s Path Organic Whole O’s are a must-have for any gluten-free cupboard.

Made by Nature’s Path, the Whole O’s cereal taste just like Cherrios… only they are gluten free and good for you too. Made with organic corn and whole grain rice, Whole O’s are crunchy & delicious.  

This all-time favorite breakfast cereal (or right-out-of-the-box by-the-handful snack) is healthy and gluten-free, which is why Nature’s Path Organic Whole O’s gets this week’s BeFreeForMe Friday Favorite nomination… and a standing O-vation!

Cheers!

This week’s Friday Favorite goes to a super-convenient, healthy and simple snack: Bare Fruit 100% Organic Fruit Snacks.

Bare Fruit snacks are “baked-dried” organic fruits that are so simple, yet so delicious. What I love the most about these snacks is the ingredient list. The only ingredient is the organic fruit itself (and natural organic cinnamon for the Cinnamon Apple Chips) and nothing more.

Full of flavor and fiber, yet no gluten, allergens, fat or preservatives these snacks are the perfect “go-to-snack” for work, traveling, school or after-school activities.

My favorites are the Cinnamon Apple Chips and the Pear Chips. I also like to mix these in with my yogurt, or as a topping on my gluten-free oatmeal.

Bare Fruit Snacks are a snack you can feel good about eating!

When I am looking for a low-cal and satisfying snack, that is also good for me, I un-wrap a Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge. Spread on celery sticks, or gluten-free crackers it is one of my favorites. 

According to the Laughing Cow website, all of the Laughing Cow products are gluten-free.

And although it is suggested to keep the wedges refrigerated for the “best taste & texture”, the Laughing Cow website says that “they can be safely stored in cool, dry conditions for a limited length of time…”. Making the Laughing Cow Wedges a perfect choice for lunch boxes and snacks on the go.

And at only 35 calories a wedge, I can laugh my way all the way to the gym knowing that I only need to work-out half as hard… =) Isn’t that the way it works?

I love peanut butter. But when I need to watch the calories and fat in my diet, I really do have to limit myself on how much peanut butter I can enjoy. 

That is why I was thrilled when I found Better n Peanut Butter, a natural peanut butter spread that is gluten and dairy free. With only 2.5 grams of fat (85% less fat then regular peanut butter) and 100 calories (40% less than regular peanut butter) per serving, I can enjoy peanut butter more often, even when watching my calories! 

I love this peanut butter spread on sliced pears or smeared on gluten-free toast. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or snack time.

Also, check out the recipes that are on the Better n Peanut Butter website and enjoy!