Be Free For Me Blog

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!

When I was growing up fish and chips on Fridays, especially during the Lenten season, was a weekly staple. But since being on a gluten-free diet most anything that is labeled as “crispy” and “battered” have been off limits. That is why I was more than thrilled when I found the battered Starfish haddock.

This all-natural gluten-free, soy-free, milk-free and egg-free “ready-for-your-oven” fish is delicious. And coming from a gal that grew-up on Cape Cod I have discriminating tastes when it comes to my seafood!

I was surprised at just how crispy the batter was and the flakiness of the fish.

Fish and Chips on Friday’s are again on my gluten-free menu! Rejoice!

When I am on the go & traveling to and fro, I like to grab a handful of Gin-Gin’s Ginger Candies and throw them in my bag.

I love the spicy & fresh taste of the ginger. My favorites are the hard candies or the soft chews since they are wrapped in their own individual wrapper and so easy to transport. But I am also a huge fan of the sweet, yet spicy, crystallized ginger too.

I like the fact that they have a whole gluten-free section on their website, and also offer tons of products like spreads, syrups and sauces… all made with, you guessed it, ginger!

They say that ginger has medicinal purposes. Fondly called the “potion of motion” ginger has been known as a soothing remedy for any type of motion sickness. Ginger has also been linked to helping with nausea, nixing pain and also promoting digestion.

But beware Gin-Gin candies are addictive. Once you try them you’ll be a fan for life.

One of my favorite ready-to-eat desserts is Kozy Shack Tapioca. I loved this stuff even before being diagnosed as a celiac.

Rich and creamy, with just enough sweetness – I’ll even grab a cup as a morning snack, while checking my emails or planning my day.

And the best part is that all of Kozy Shacks puddings, flans, and gels are gluten-free; as well as manufactured in facilities that are free of peanuts and tree nuts. (However, according to the company website Most Kozy Shack products contain milk, eggs, or other milk derivatives. So they recommend that you read each ingredient statement that clearly states any known allergens.)

My favorite is the 70 calorie No Sugar Added Tapioca… any dessert good for my middle is good for me!

With Kozy Shack, you can have your dessert and diet too!

I love to have a little sweet snack here and there. But sometimes, I don’t have the time to bake or go shopping for gluten-free desserts. This is when Jell-O puddings jump into my day!

The convenience of the pudding cups (my favorites are the fat-free 100 calorie packs) make anytime be dessert-time. I like that I can throw a gluten-free pudding cup in my lunch cooler and enjoy a little sweetness in my day, almost effortlessly.

The convenience of a sweet and tasty dessert-on-the-run (almost guilt-free too with only 100 calories!) is why this weeks Friday Favorite honors go to Jell-O Pudding cups.

Note: To see the gluten-free labeling statement from Kraft Foods (the manufacturer of Jell-O) click here.

This week’s Friday Favorite is one of the most versatile items in my pantry: Mission White Corn Tortillas.

These gluten, egg, dairy, soy and nut free tortillas can do it all.

These tortillas can wrap up any meal right before your eyes – especially when bread is sometimes scarce or nowhere to be found.

I love these tortillas as a Breakfast Burrito; as a Corn Quesadilla snack; in  main course Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas or Baked Chimichangas recipes; and even as an ingredient in a dessert when making Chocolate Raspberry Burritos with Raspberry Glaze or N’more Graham Cracker S’mores.

Another reason why these allergen-free tortillas receive BeFreeForMe’s Friday Favorite honors is that they are just 110 calories for 2 tortillas, and only about .13¢ per tortillas (the retail price I paid was $1.50 for 12 tortillas); just two more reasons why these should be a staple in any allergen or gluten-free kitchen.

With Mission White Corn tortillas… meals are simply a wrap!

Starting off the New Year eating healthy and keeping to resolutions can be tough. Sometimes it’s challenging to know exactly what to reach for that will keep your hunger at bay and your stomach from rumbling away.

This is when I reach for a bottle of V-8 100% Vegetable Juice. A 12-ounce bottle has only 70 calories, no fat, 3 grams of dietary fiber, plus 3 servings of dietary fiber. I often will buy the Low Sodium version too, which has 70% less sodium than regular V-8.

The Regular and Low Sodium V-8 Juices are marked “Gluten Free”. Regarding other allergens, their website says to check the label for allergens since they periodically may change.

I like to have to have a V-8 in the morning, after my breakfast, as a mid-morning snack.

Next time you reach for a snack that doesn’t really hit the spot… remember you “coulda had a V-8!”

Are the holiday’s quickly approaching and you are starting to feel a little glum thinking about all of the sweet and yummy desserts that you will miss due to your gluten-free or allergen-free diet?

Well, fear no more, my sweet tooth friends! Shabtai Gourmet has come to our rescue!

Shabtai Gourmet has earned a spot in this week’s Favorite Friday sine they have such a wide variety of cookies, cakes, danish, brownies, cupcakes and rolls to make any celiac or allergen-free squeal with joy!

These products are too yummy to be true – plus they are Gluten Free, Casein Free, Lactose Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free & Peanut Free!

A few of my favorites are the Ring-Ting Cupcakes (Yes- these are like Ring-Dings for the gluten and allergen-free), the Swiss Chocolate Roll (these are like Ho-Ho’s!), the Raspberry Roll (a favorite with a tea or coffee break) and, my all time favorite, the Lady Fingers, that I use to make a phenomenal Tiramisu – make sure you check out the recipe in the BeFreeForMe website!

I have recently been making my own coffee each day to save money …and time, since I don’t need to stop at the coffee shop.

Plus, there’s something nice about brewing your own pot of coffee and leisurely enjoying your morning, while sipping a cup of fresh joe.

But I have to admit I am no coffee-shop barista. Nor do I have the time each morning to even attempt to whip up my flavored, mocha, cappuccino, fancied-up brews that are effortlessly presented to me at my local coffee-shop.

That is why I reach for Coffee-mate liquid creamer.

Coffee-mate has come a long way. It’s almost as if the Coffee-mate of my past has undergone a glamorous make-over.

Not just a powdery mixture anymore, my favorite is the Coffee-mate Hazelnut liquid reduced-fat creamer. On the back of the bottle it is clearly marked gluten-free and lactose-free.

Plus, if you visit the Coffee-mate website, you can sign-up to get some great coupons.

Relaxing, easy, delicious, time-saving and money-saving. Ode to good cup of coffee!