dear mom raising a child gluten free

A little over three years ago I wrote a letter to myself about raising a little boy with Celiac Disease. (link) I wrote it because I was just coming to grips with my then little under two year old Samuel's diagnosis with Celiac Disease.

I remember those initial days.

I remember crying in Target over the fact that I couldn't buy Goldfish Crackers anymore. I remember feeling daunted walking down the aisles looking at what seemed to be a store packed with gluten full items. (That's my word, by the way, for anything not gluten free - gluten full - and it's simply stuck.) I remember watching the little kids run up to the bakery for their free cookie and thinking that my Samuel would never ever be able to have that moment of the free cookie in Target.

It would be easy for me to live a life seeing all the things that he cannot ever eat and do and miss out on all the amazing things he can eat. And the fact, that bottom line, for Samuel eating gluten free gives him life.

Let me repeat that.

Eating gluten free gives my four year old son with Celiac Disease life.

Is it easy, sweet mother, who is raising a child gluten free (or with other food restrictions) in a gluten full world? Well, often it is not. Many times it is this holding of breath, this watching to see what happens, this extra planning, this explaining, this justifying of his dietary needs.  Do you know what I've learned? I've learned to be patient. Understanding. And that using my voice to share Samuel's story is more powerful than sitting in all the things that don't seem fair.

Truth? Sometimes it doesn't feel fair to me. Sometimes it makes me sad to have to say no to him for stuff that he wants to eat. Sometimes it makes my momma's heart ache just a bit to hear him say is this gluten free mama? (My kids call me mama - it's so sweet to me.)

Then I remember.

I remember that in this world there are so many things that are really not fair and that when one looks at them for too long they can distort and rob us of joy. When Samuel was in the hospital all I wanted for him was to be well. And now, now here he is - thriving - in a gluten full world because he doesn't eat any of it. And that is a gift.

So mom raising a child this way, I know that there are many times where it feels overwhelming. You read labels like never before. You call food manufacturers and ask what in the world modified food starch or natural flavorings really means. You watch your child carefully and analyze what goes in their body. You make sure your home is safe and void of cross contamination issues.

You are giving life.

Remember that. Remember that when you throw in the box of gluten free Rice Krispies that costs double the normal Rice Krispies. Remember that when you bring the homemade cupcake to birthday parties. Remember that as you make homemade playdough and throw away the gluten full playdough in the kits. Remember that as you ask for the gluten free menu and ask if they have a dedicated fryer and all of that.

Even in the challenges, the ups the downs, the moments where it seems overwhelming, or when the gluten free cookies just flop, in the days when you just wish your little one could eat whatever, in the times when you crave those just out of the oven rolls, in the times when you spend $5 on a box of gluten free cereal, in all of that I want you to remember how eating this way gives health. When Samuel was so critically sick I wanted to know what to fight, what the problem was, and wanted a solution.

Look at him now.

My Samuel is amazing. He's full of energy. Life. Vitality. Joy.

And he doesn't eat gluten.

It doesn't need to taint his life or rob him of joy.

In fact, as I write this I see him, sitting in my living room healthy. And I am so grateful that by removing something from his life that it gives him life.

You can do this. I know it's hard sometimes.

But keep the perspective. Remember why you're doing this. And know that you are not alone.

From me, the mom to the now not so little boy with Celiac Disease, who is a perfectly normal four year old, to you.

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Today's photos? A mixture of real life live from the instagram feed. Find me there at finding_joy
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Raising a child gluten free? Here are ten facts you need to know.

(please note that this post contains affiliate links - read my full disclosure policy for more info)

It will be three years in January since Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Samuel has lived more than half of his life gluten free, and in fact, really has no memory of ever eating gluten. It really is a blessing that he was diagnosed so young as this isn't just a choice, but rather is simply a way of life for him.

That being said, living gluten free has been a new adventure for me. I haven't had gluten since he was diagnosed as well, and I've had to learn how to thrive gluten free in a gluten full world. And trust me, you will find normal.

Here are ten things I've learned about raising a child gluten free.

1. You mention the words gluten free every day. I'm writing this post at 7:30 in the morning. Besides typing the words gluten free I've also heard Samuel ask for his gluten free bread and his brother state not to put the knife in the peanut butter that is only for the gluten free bread. (You need to get separate containers or never ever double dip. Also, if your entire house isn't gluten free you'll need a separate gluten free toaster.) When one lives gluten free one talks about gluten. When Samuel was little he used to say me gwooten fwee! For him, that's a normal part of his life.

2. You quickly learn which boxed cereals are gluten free. And to not apologize for the 90% of the cereal aisle that is gluten full.  In the beginning I used to dread bringing Samuel down the large gluten full cereal aisle of colorful packaging and kid's characters. Now? Now we go down the aisle, he asks if it's gluten free and I simply tell him nope and we grab one of the five or so varieties of Chex Cereal. I've just learned to be matter-a-fact about what he can have and cannot. There are no options, no cheating allowed, so it is what it is. And, grin, it really does make shopping for cereal quick and easy.

3.  Kids still don't eat the crusts on the bread. Even on fabulous gluten free bread. Now, as I finish typing this, while Samuel is upstairs playing with legos, I am looking at a super cute plate with crusts left on the gluten free bread. What is it with crusts? 

4. You smart phone is a valuable resource. There are apps that will scan food that will tell you if it's gluten free. I have looked up websites so many times on my phone - I'm the gal in Costco that may look like she's texting, but in reality, I'm typing in the words gluten free + whatever company I'm searching. And don't overlook calling companies. However, oftentimes, they have the same resources as the website. In those times I look at it as an opportunity to exercise patience and to express thanks when a company goes above and beyond and labels their product gluten free. Remember food manufacturers are only required to label the top eight food allergens - and gluten isn't one of them. They'll list wheat, but there can be many hidden sources of gluten. Be careful.

5.  Leaving them in classes can be hard. Truth, it just is. He can't have any gluten full snacks, often times I have to bring him another snack that is different from everyone else's snack, and he can't ever play with playdough. That one is still challenging for me. I have to be very adamant that Samuel cannot have even a cheat day with regards to gluten. I've learned to bring a snack, to verify that there is no playdough - and going beyond that to ask that they do NOT play with playdough while he is in class unless they provide gluten free playdough. Not only is there tremendous cross-contamination risk, but I don't want him to be the one kid isolated and not able to participate in a project. It's all about grace and education. By the way, here is a gluten free dough we've used (you can make your own as well). Eco Dough Gluten Free Dough

6. They don't know what McDonalds is. Seriously. I remember going to a well child checkup and one of the questions was how many times a week does your child have fast food? And I checked none. I guess it's a cool benefit - he, by necessity, will rarely experience fast food. Now, that being said, more and more chains are recognizing the importance of providing gluten free options. But you have to be diligent, to make sure they use a dedicated fryer for their fries (if they're gluten free - McDonald's fries are not), and to weigh cross contamination concerns. But, in my house, it's strange because the powerful golden arches brand isn't recognized by my four year old. 

7. Baking feels like chemistry at times. Okay, okay, okay...truth...most of the time. Baking gluten free is so different than regular baking. Gluten is the binder that keeps items together and gives that awesome elasticity texture found in bread. In order to balance that one must use a variety of different flours and blends. Words like xanthum gum, tapioca starch, guar gum, and flour blends become normal talk while baking. And have patience. Yes, patience. And learn to be grateful for what works. Like these pumpkin bars of mine -> gluten free pumpkin bars I also love this cookbook that you use with Gluten Free Mama's flour. Gluten Free Mama's Best Baking Recipes

8. The words modified food starch and natural flavorings become your nemesis. Could those label words be any more vague? When in doubt - don't buy it. Unless you can research it and verify that it is for sure gluten free. I love the companies that go the extra mile to label their product gluten free. Call them, thank them, purchase their products. It used to take me double the amount of times to go grocery shopping thanks to poorly labeled products. Besides the apps, smart phone search, and phone calls I've found this book -> Cecilia's Gluten Free Guide to be a valued item in those initial sifting through the gluten full to find the gluten free shopping days.

9. You become an advocate. Yes, yes you do. For two years I talked with my Target about getting Udi's Gluten Free Bread on their shelves. They now have it. At my local grocery store the gal in the Natural Food Section will ask me what is good and what to order. I've been working to try to get Starbucks to carry gluten free food. I've talked with the pharmacist about the importance of labeling meds as gluten free (think about amoxicillian - what's the binder?). I network with companies when I travel. I write and talk about Celiac Disease Awareness. And, in just over a week I will be speaking in Florida at FPEA about Raising a Child Gluten Free in a Gluten Full World. Truth? You, too, can become a voice for gluten free living. For Samuel? It's not a trend. It's a matter of life. 

10. You find normal. Yes, this. I always end with this when I'm talking about gluten free living. Normal can be found. It's a new normal, but it's normal. Samuel has Celiac Disease, but do you know what? I don't like to think of it as a disease - for him - eating gluten free is life, health, and vitality. In fact, My good friend Dan Morris has told me to not think about Celiac Disease as a disease, but to think of it as a way of life. We've chatted about the truth that if this world was sans gluten then Samuel wouldn't have Celiac Disease as it wouldn't exist. Truth? He's healthy. He just can't eat gluten. It's a normal that's full of gluten free awesomeness. Think about it that way.

Ten gluten free truths. Are any of you raising a child gluten free? What would you add?

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Today's photos? A mixture of real life live from the instagram feed. Find me there at finding_joy
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi's Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.

a gluten free normal life.

Normal.

Sometimes we go through our days and forget the beauty of normal. I don't think it's intentional, it's more as if we get stuck in the routine - the ins and outs and dishes and laundry and vacuuming and cooking and cleaning and the doing it agains - and the normal stuff seems to get forgotten. It's hard to celebrate that at times, especially when it feels, well, so boring and tedious at times.

Then there are the moments in our lives where normal is taken from us. We've all had them - those moments where that normal previously boring routine was stripped from us and we're left longing for the days when the biggest stress was a messy kitchen or laundry that never seems to end.

I remember.

I remember when (my now four year old) Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease walking through Target crying. Well, not the full-fledge cry with tears pouring down my face, but rather that type of cry where you fight to keep the tears tucked within your eyelids. It's the cry that if someone asked you are you okay in that very second you would no longer be okay and the tears would begin to pour.

I missed normal. I missed being able to push that large red cart through the store and to be able to throw in anything without having to scrutinize the label. Well, wait. I loved that I had a diagnosis for Samuel. I loved it. But, in those moments all I could see were the kids running up to the bakery section of Target waiting for their free cookie.

I knew Samuel would never get that free gluten full cookie.
          (click gluten free pumpkin bars to find our favorite treat instead)

And in those moments my heart ached. Of course, of course I was profoundly grateful for a diagnosis for my little boy who, in those days, was fading away in front of me. But, I also was learning to let go of a life that I thought would be his normal. No matter what the diagnosis or issue is that strips normal from you one must still go through a process of accepting a new normal.

But the cool thing about eating gluten free was that vitality and energy returned for Samuel and we found normal. In fact, now today, I can walk through Target and past all the bread, the cookies, the snacks, and all the gluten full stuff and not feel that ache that I felt those cold February days. Samuel has grown up knowing that gluten hurts his tummy and honestly never lets the fact that he can't have a cookie bother him. Now, as a family rule, no one gets the cookie if Samuel is around simply because we love and support him and his gluten free journey.

That's the cool thing about normal - even when it's gone it can return. The reality is that normal will look different, but the new normal doesn't have to be any less cool than the previous.

For Samuel eating gluten free saved his life. That's the thing with Celiac Disease - gluten literally destroys the lining of the gut making it impossible to absorb nutrients. You remove the gluten and the body heals and food can be absorbed and processed. So energy, vitality, and health return.

Living gluten free doesn't have to mean living without. Living gluten free, in fact, can be living alive and healthy.

For Samuel? And for those with Celiac Disease? Living gluten free is a gift. It's a way to live life and to eat so that one stays healthy.

That's normal.

And that normal is beautiful.

So today, today, I ask you to look at your own journey. Maybe you're in a time when all you want is normal to return. Sweet mother, it will return. Or maybe you're in a spot where the tediousness of the every day is making you want to run laps around your house (not here - it's too cold). Celebrate normal. That's the beauty of normal - it's to be celebrated. So take a second, look around your space, and find something beautiful.

Normal is beautiful.

#littlethingsmatter

*****

As a mother with a child with Celiac Disease I consider it a great honor to be a voice of awareness. I also love celebrating normal - and I know many of you today just needed a reminder to step back, to look at normal, and to be grateful. Because I am blessed to speak out about living gluten free and raising a child with Celiac Disease I consider it an honor to partner with Udi's Gluten Free as a brand ambassador. Their products truly helped normal return in our home. I've been blessed to not only partner with them but also to visit them at their home office in Denver, Colorado. They're as awesome as I talk about. For real.

Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi's Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

gluten free pumpkin bars

My son Samuel has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease for almost three years now. Many of you were reading my site those years ago - those years where everything was in disarray and where I simply craved normal for him. Well, as you all know, we found normal again.

It's a new normal, but it's normal.

When I speak or write about hard times I always share about how normal can be found again. I also talk about celebrating normal now - in the middle of life - because often we don't appreciate it until it's gone. Celebrating normal is like hitting the pause button on the craziness in life, even if just for a second, and just finding somethings to be grateful for. That's the finding joy posture in life.

One of the things that has helped our family find normal in Samuel's Celiac Disease diagnosis - which means a lifetime of not eating gluten - is cooking together. Instead of cooking two separate meals I've learned to adapt our recipes so that we all eat gluten free. In fact, the only exception to that family gluten free rule would be regular gluten full (as I call it) bread and the occasional pizza. Bread? Simply because gluten free bread is rather pricey for many children. We do, because of this, have two separate toasters to prevent cross contamination.

So as I've learned to cook and bake gluten free so have my children. All of them. Including Samuel.

We have flour blends that we love and we've learned the secrets of adapting recipes and using xanthum gum. We've also learned that there will be many, many, many flops. Cooking gluten free is like science for us - it's discovering ratios, proportions, and different blends of flours that makes our baked goods taste fabulous.

One of our favorite recipes in the fall is the infamous calorie rich and fabulously delicious pumpkin bar. Okay. I have no idea on calories or any of that. None. I'm not a food blogger - in case you didn't notice. I'm an encourager, a cheerleader, and a real life mom who's learned to adapt and find normal in a gluten free world. So when I realized I could make these pumpkin bars and serve them and no one know that they were gluten free it became even cooler.

It's the pumpkin, friends, that does the trick.  That pumpkin makes the not gluten part - the part in flour that gives bread it's elasticity and such - not noticeable. These bars are incredibly moist and incredibly fabulous and incredibly addictive.

So, today, since I'm not the cool food blogger with the pinnable recipes (don't you love them? they save me at dinner time) I'm just going to share pics and our adapted Betty Crocker Pumpkin Bar recipe.

Warning: they will be finished quickly. And children will tell you they are healthy because they have pumpkin in them. Hahah!

Here's the adapted recipe. And I really must thank my daughter Hannah - she put the recipe together a couple years ago and took the pictures. Now, that being said, I would have taken pictures of this whole thing as we had just made pumpkin bars yesterday in a giant jelly roll pan, but alas, they are already gone. Hahaha. They really are that incredibly good. Just add extra cream cheese frosting. Always.

Oh, and for what it's worth, I always use gluten free mama's flour. (and that's an affiliate link, but it's for a product that is the absolute favorite gluten free flour used in my house.)

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars
(known in our house as the fabulous Harvest Spice Pumpkin Bar)
By Rachel Martin


Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars adapted from a Betty Crocker Recipe
Ingredients - The Bars
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 cups flour (we use gluten free mama's flour blend plus one teaspoon xanthum gum)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

The Frosting
1 package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 cups powdered sugar (sweeten to taste)

Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a jelly roll pan. Beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves. Spread the batter in the pan and smooth. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until light brown. Let cool completely for one hour. While cooling, make the frosting by mixing the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Gradually beat the powdered sugar in until smooth. Frost the pumpkin bars, sprinkle with walnuts, and cut into 7x7 rows. Enjoy!

***********

This is a sponsored post as I am part of the Udi's Gluten Free Ambassador program. I've been blessed to be a partner/ambassador for Udi's Gluten Free for almost two years now. I love the company, love the products, and am so proud to be part of their family. In August I was blessed to visit their headquarters in Denver - amazing company - and I cannot wait to go back and bring Samuel. Their products have helped us find normal again. :)
to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
Today's photos? All real life live from the instagram feed. Find me there at finding_joy
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

Learn more about living gluten free! Visit http://udisglutenfree.com/

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi's Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.

how to travel gluten free by air

My daughter Grace and I are in Cancun, Mexico to take part in a fantastic Homeschool Excursion with Azul Hotels  (we're staying at the Azul Sensatori - I cannot wait to share with you all the awesome education and homeschool adventures. You can follow our journey on my instagram at finding_joy). I feel really blessed by the opportunity to be able to spend time with her, and the opportunity to travel and see the world in different ways. During this trip, I'm working hard to document what it is like to travel gluten free internationally and by air. Traveling internationally eating gluten free presents its own set of challenges, but it truly can be done - with planning. And patience. ~Rachel

Here are Five Things to Remember about Traveling Gluten Free by Air.

1. It is not easy. Plain and simple traveling gluten free takes work, research, and some planning ahead. In fact, even as I sit here on the plane high above the earth on my way to Atlanta I've realized that I've forgotten several of the gluten free snacks that I raced around yesterday to purchase. Bottom line - write a list and check the list because you will get busy before you leave. (Point Two will list the items on the list).

I think a good portion of the battle is simply understanding that it will take work.If you recognize that it will take work, except the fact that it will take work, and then move on, then it actually helps to diffuse a bit of the stress.

2. Make a list. Make the list otherwise you will forget. I learned this especially with international travel. Finding gluten free foods in other countries is not easy - especially if there is a language barrier. Often I would just tell chefs that I cannot eat wheat, but as you know, gluten free means not eating wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes oats. If I was traveling with my son Samuel, who has Celiac Disease, it would add another layer of complexity to the communication about gluten free foods issue. So make a list. Include on it these simple things: Bread (I always bring Udi's), crackers, trail mix, protein bars (I love Lara Bars), a treat item (gluten free Oreos anyone? You can actually get them at Trader Joe's - Gluten Free JoJo's).

Also, bring gluten free sunscreen (make sure to either check them or have them small enough to be in your carry on bag) and medicines as well. Labeling is different so it's best to bring as much as you can and to still pack light. In fact, I've discovered that I often come home with LESS stuff since I pack food to bring.

3. Most airlines do not have gluten free options. So pack accordingly. That being said most airports do not have gluten free options as well. I've been known to order just lettuce or hummus on lettuce and so forth. It's just the way that it is - and I'd rather order that then get sick. There are some apps that will help you find gluten free options, but I've found that unless you have a long layover it's most of the times not feasible time wise to race around the airport trying to find the gluten free venue. Delta has been very willing to help find gluten free options for me. And make sure to check the peanuts - on some airlines I've discovered that there is wheat starch coating the nuts. Bottom line? Read, read, read, and read the labels.

So this is where the snacks, which I forgot most of, come in. Pack well. And remember number two on the list. :)

4. Be prepared to talk often about gluten free. I make it a point to talk with the chefs at restaurants about their gluten free options. I will talk about how they prepare their food, if they have a dedicated fryer, and what the risks of cross contamination are as well. Talk about it. Most people want to learn about gluten free living and Celiac Disease and this is a great way to share.

But, have patience. We as a community need to share gluten free knowledge in a manner that is not entitled, but rather one of wanting to spread awareness. With each conversation we spread more awareness. So lets be a voice of kindness, teaching, and thankfulness for what is being learned and what will be learned.

5. Know that eating gluten free can still be enjoyable - it's perspective. I know that sometimes it feels really daunting to travel and eat gluten free especially when there is an abundance of culinary delights. I've had that happen. And in those times when I've been overwhelmed or longing for something different I think back to why I eat gluten free. I remember my son Samuel deathly ill and the battle for diagnosis and how grateful I was when he started thriving.  He started to thrive because he no longer eats gluten. That's the perspective I have and why when I get discouraged I push on. Remember why you're gluten free. And maybe it's really really hard - let yourself grieve a bit - and then look for things that you can eat and can enjoy.

Five simple things to remember when traveling gluten free - they work for both domestic and international. As  the week progresses I will be sharing more, but make sure to connect with me on the Udi's Gluten Free Community Boards as well. I'm over there asking and answering questions and really stating that you can find a new normal in the gluten free world.

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Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

the gift of raising a child gluten free

It must be so hard.

Those are often the first words I will hear after I tell someone how Samuel has Celiac Disease and that he can never ever not cheat even once eat gluten. These words are often said to me twinged with a bit of sadness for me, and for him, with regards to not eating gluten. They see every single thing that he will miss.

It's wonderful.

That's what I reply with almost every single time.

And then, often, often my eyes will well with tears as I explain why it's so wonderful. You see, Samuel was terribly ill with Celiac Disease and gluten was slowly killing him, my baby, right in front of me. We don't really talk about that much - we talk about how eating gluten free is trendy or is great for weight loss or can help with allergies - but in someone with Celiac Disease gluten is an actual poison to the body.

Gluten destroys the lining of the intestinal tract. 

And I mean literally destroys it - ripping, blunting, ruining the tiny villi that line the insides. And those villi, those tiny hairs? They're the very item needed to take food and transport it into the body so that it can be used. In an individual with Celiac Disease they do not work. Think of it like a normal intestinal tract is like a shag carpet absorbing nutrients and someone who has Celiac Disease has an intestinal tract mimicking a tile floor.

They may eat. But they are starving.

My son Samuel was starving.

He was starving right in front of me. His eyes were hollow, his legs could barely walk, and he couldn't stay awake. And it was all from gluten.

So when I'm asked about raising a child gluten free or am told how hard it must be I often will tell others that it is wonderful. Is it hard? Absolutely. There, especially in the beginning, was a gigantic learning curve. I couldn't walk into Target without crying - didn't know what to buy - didn't think life would be the same. It's hard because for him life won't ever be so called "normal" but, and here's the big but, having his non normal life actually gives him life.

I consider it a gift to raise Samuel gluten free.

I haven't ate gluten in 2.5 years now. Wait, let me take that back. When I was in South Carolina I had two bites of a biscuit at a restaurant in Charleston. (I just had to try it) But, since that? None. I don't have Celiac Disease (or at least I don't think I do - I've never had the lab work), but have continued eating gluten free because of Samuel. I am more focused, more determined, and definitely more aware about gluten free living.

It is hard.

It's hard to travel, hard to go to events, hard to always have to explain it, but I wouldn't trade the hard part away. It has made me a fighter, a passionate advocate for Celiac Disease awareness, and it has taught me that life can be good in the midst of things that are often hard.

Being Samuel's mother? A gift.

Raising a child gluten free?

It's life for him.

And that is a wonderful gift.

*****

Make sure to join me on the Udi's Gluten Free Community Board for more discussion about living gluten free. I've been truly blessed to be a community leader over there for over a year now. Beyond encouragement for the gluten free journey there are also fabulous recipes shared, links to information regarding gluten free living, and a general sense of fellowship and support for those living gluten free in a very gluten full world. I can truly say that site and Udi's Gluten Free are both blessings in my life. :)

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Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

why speaking about celiac disease matters

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. And, as you know, I am passionate about Celiac Disease Awareness and being a voice in this world for those with this disease. For those people, including my three year old son, Samuel, eating gluten free is not a trend.

Eating gluten free is a matter of life.

And so today, because I am passionate about bringing awareness I will share with you just a bit of his story. And I ask that you share with others his story because that would bless not only me, but many other moms and dads out there with little ones who are suffering from this often underdiagnosed disease. My dream? To speak in front of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, companies, and researchers and to show these pictures and to share Samuel's story. Because in sharing, there is hope, there is health, and there is life again.

This was Samuel.



And as I've written so many times before - I absolutely hate this picture. This picture makes me cry, makes me wonder how I didn't see how sick he was, it makes me mad that he was dismissed, but this picture must not be forgotten. This is the picture that reminds me of the power of being a voice for these children. This is the picture two days before Samuel was admitted to Children's Hospital when my friend Amy and I boldly walked into the ER and told them that this boy was critically ill. This is the picture of a toddler with Celiac Disease.

He was starving.

You see, for an individual with Celiac Disease their body is unable to absorb nutrients well. Why? Because gluten - which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats - literally destroys the teeny villi that line the intestinal tract. Those villi, those hairs, are what absorbs nutrients from food and converts it to what the body needs. Without those working, the person starves. And this is another photo that I hate, but won't get rid of. That was him. In pain. Weak.  Needing answers.



That was Samuel. Starving even though he was eating. In fact, in the weeks prior to his admission to the hospital he could barely stay awake, he fell over when walking, had the worst diaper rash imaginable (when we were in the hospital wound care had to tend it), was bleeding, and basically was fading away. And we were told he was sick because he was number seven in a big family. Let me repeat that. I was constantly told that the reason he was sick, constipated, bleeding, not staying awake, and more because he was in a big family and exposed to more germs. He was sick for nine months prior to diagnosis. I went to the ER with a two page 10pt typed record of every single time he was sick with every single symptom.

He didn't match the adult symptoms. He was a child.

The Celiac Disease test is a simple lab draw initially. Do you realize that it takes eight visits on average for a child with Celiac Disease to be diagnosed? Now, keep in mind that this is eight visits with a sick child. With a mother wondering what is wrong with her little one. Undiagnosed Celiac Disease can lead to type 1 Diabetes, lymphomas and other cancers, other autoimmune diseases, and even death. While that is rare in our society, bear in mind that one hundred years ago or so before there was the Celiac Disease diagnosis parents would see their children unable to absorb nutrients and starve.  And that is because the child literally faded away in front of your eyes.

My Samuel was fading.

I know it. And that picture? That is within the week of his diagnosis. That picture was the first picture I have of him where I knew the battle that I was to fight. That picture brings me hope because it was the beginning of life being returned to my little boy. This is the picture on my Celiac Disease bracelet because it is the start of life.

And that is why I fight so hard to bring awareness about this disease. We test for numerous other diseases in our children, and yet this disease is often missed. It shouldn't be that way - it should be on the radar of doctors and be included in the thought process when a child presents with chronic gi issues. For my Samuel it got so bad that his entire immune system became compromised. He was sick often and simply could not fight off infection well anymore. Even now, even after eating gluten free, his immune system is still weaker. However, despite that, he is now thriving like a three year old should. Here's the truth - someone with Celiac Disease can never eat gluten as it destroys those villi. But, despite that, you can live a full, joyful, and great food tasting life.

Celiac Disease is not an allergy. It is an autoimmune disease. And it needs to be taken seriously.

So please, remember that picture of Samuel from before and now look above at the picture of him now. Full of life. Full of never eating gluten but absorbing food and thriving life.

A lab draw. That's the screening.

If this post helps one more child then I am thankful. Be a voice with me. Please.

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To read more of my posts on Celiac Disease please click the tab about Celiac Disease above. Please also know that I am not a doctor and this is my story with Samuel and it cannot be substituted for medical advice. If you are wondering if you have Celiac Disease - see your doctor. Do not eliminate gluten prior as the lab test is dependent upon gluten being in your system.

Also, consider joining me on the Udi's Gluten Free Community Boards where I help to facilitate discussion about gluten free living. I am so honored to be a voice for them, and consider this time spent there a great gift. Also join me this Friday, May 3 1pm ET for a live chat on the Udi's Boards discussing Celiac Disease.

To read more facts please read Celiac Awareness Month by the National Foundation for Celiac Disease, Celiac Disease Info via Wikipedia, FAQ's at Celiac Center, and the University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center.

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Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

Gluten Free Favorites {a list of resources}

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite resources for gluten free living. And note, many of these resources include affiliate links {please read my disclosure policy for full details} - but also know that they are all for products I love and totally recommend.

Gluten free. Sounds impossible, at least it did to me when Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease 2.5 years ago. And sometimes it still does feel impossible - there's work, label reading, and giving up on some previous favorite things. But, despite the work, living gluten free doesn't mean living with less - living gluten free can mean living life fully, embracing the everyday, and eating amazing foods. Here are some resources and favorite things that makes living gluten free fabulous.

Udi's Gluten Free
You all know how much I love them. I mean, again, I cried introducing them at the Beech Retreat. But, they have really blessed our family and I am beyond honored to work with them. Some of our favorite products of theirs are any of the muffins - including the awesome new vanilla ones, the tortillas (yes, you heard me right  gluten free tortillas), and of course, their bread. My words of wisdom regarding bread? If the bread can hold a door open - don't buy it. Thank you Udi's for making awesome, non door holding open bread. Make sure to join me on the Udi's Gluten Free Community Boards for more discussion. And next week sometime I will be hosting a one hour gluten free chat talking about raising a child gluten free.

Here's the link to a case of their bread (otherwise find it at Whole Foods)-> Udi's Gluten Free Whole Grain Bread (1 Case)
Here's the link to the community board -> Udi's Gluten Free Community 

Gluten Free Mama's Flour
This flour is hands down my favorite flour for baking with and making those much needed late night 5 minute chocolate cakes (ever made those? You simply must) or lemon bars. I always order it via Amazon as I haven't found it locally. She's also got a great cookbook with fabulous recipes (including those lemon bars). The only extra ingredient you will need is xanthum gum. Chemistry anyone?

Here's the flour link -> Gluten Free Mama - Mama's Almond Blend Flour

Here's the cookbook link -> Gluten Free Mama's Best Baking Recipes

Trader Joe's. {Anything there almost. At least with the GF on it.}
If you don't have a Trader Joe's then you must write a letter to Trader Joe's letting them know that you need one immediately. I've loved the convenience of shopping there, I love that they "get" gluten free. I love their labeling process and abundance of good gluten free options. Their mac and cheese? Fabulous. And the price $1.99, while more expensive than the old gluten full stand by, is still amazing in the gluten free world. :) Just for fun, and because I love that place so much, I'm sharing the pic from my post Let them Push the Cart (read it if you haven't yet) because it's from Trader Joe's.

Episencial Skincare
These are my go-to skin care line for Samuel. The skin is our largest organ - watch what you put on it! Samuel's skin is much more sensitive than any of my other kids and I've had to make sure to only purchase gluten free products for him. I've loved using both of these and love the organic ingredients. :) We use the sunscreen every summer - and Samuel loves it because it uses the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle on the container.

Here is the link -> Episencial Welcome Baby Collection

This cookbook.
This was sent to me by my dear friend Carissa at lowercase letters right after Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. There are some favorites in there - chicken fingers, ahem and curry chicken - that we go love to make in our home. I like the cookbook because while it is all gluten free it is not a chemistry lesson while cooking. Which, if you cook gluten free or bake gluten free you know is so true. Worth getting.

Here's the link -> The Everything Gluten-Free Cookbook

Tinkyada Noodles
Especially the lasagna noodles. I think I've established that I like to cook and bake. At our house the Food Network might be the go-to channel for us late night. Eating gluten free doesn't have to mean eating boring, bland food. No! Eating gluten free can taste amazing - even if it is a bit more intensive. These are one of our favorite brands of noodles to use for all of those pasta craving times. For summer pasta salads with cooled noodles I prefer to use one that is a corn/rice blend as it keeps the consistency that we're used to in a gluten full noodle. Anyways, you must love Tinkyada, since it has joy in the title. :)

Here is the link for the Tinkyada noodles -> Tinkyada Brown Rice Lasagne with Rice Bran, 10-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)

This recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken
Easy. Delicious. And a family favorite. There's a bit of prep work time, but once it's done, it's totally worth it. My Hannah found it about six months ago and begged to make it. And since that moment? Total favorite.  Last night Elijah came running into the kitchen and said what's that great smell? is it that good chicken again? My kids know this dish. In fact, I have to count out pieces so that everyone gets their fair share.

Here's the link -> Mel's Kitchen Cafe: Sweet and Sour Kitchen

Patience, Friends, and Perspective
When I'm having those days where it feels hard I often call a friend and she quickly reminds me of how healthy Samuel is now. And, in fact, if I really need a reminder I'll just read some of the posts that I've written about Celiac Disease and how seriously ill Samuel was years ago. His battle has become my passion - I love to speak about raising a child gluten free in a gluten full can be done well. And I also consider it an honor to raise awareness for Celiac Disease. Here's a stat to ponder - it typically takes 8 visits for a child with celiac disease to finally be diagnosed. That's eight visits with a sick child - not a healthy child. That's why I fight. My boy was so sick, and yet I consider myself one of the fortunate ones to get a diagnosis as soon as we did.

Look at him now. Healthy. Full of life. Totally gluten free. And that's a wonderful favorite thing.

To read more of our journey with Celiac Disease please click the Celiac Disease Resource tab. Also, consider visiting the University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Research Foundation. This fall I'm hoping to attend a conference there and learn more about Celiac Disease, share Samuel's story, and continue being a voice of hope. If you've got some favorite resources please feel free to add them in the comment. Thanks!

Other items that I love.
2012/2013 Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide by Cecelia's Marketplace this is a must have grocery shopping guide - it even contains listings for many generic/store brands
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies I used this cookbook last Christmas and was very pleased with the results. The cookies were easy to make and the kids loved them.

Other posts I've written about Celiac Disease
5 Facts About Raising a Child With Celiac Disease
"I not eat gooten." Life Lessons from a Child with Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease - 10 Things I've Learned

Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

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These are this week's friday favorite things #fridayfaves - if you're a blogger and would love to list your favorite things add to the link up below. This is week 109. Thanks!