My Gluten Free Story

My name is Brenda and I have Celiac's Disease. Like many people, I spent years trying to figure out why I was sick all the time and was told repeatedly that there was nothing wrong. After a million tests and no answers I started looking for the answers myself. After some changes in my diet, which were not aimed at removing wheat, I thought that I might have an allergy to yeast. I went back to the doctor, asked to be tested, and she included a Celiac panel which came back positive. I have never gone on to have the biopsy done, which I should just to be 100% certain, but I think that the outcome of the diet says enough. **(As a note, I have also found that I have a vitamin B deficiency and take a monthly shot. Not all of my issues have been resolved with my diagnosis and I am still seeing doctors in an attempt to find the answers.)**


Right after my diagnosis, which was almost 2 years ago, I was actually set to go on my first vacation in about ten years, so the diet had to wait for a few weeks!! But once I got going it made a huge difference. No more stomach issues, no more rashes, and my mental clarity improved. However, like I assume many people struggle with, the diet can be hard to keep on track. My biggest issue has been dealing with my fiance ordering pizza or bringing home a burger that I am not suppose to eat. Unfortunately, I do not have the greatest willpower in the world and have gone through some pretty bad binges from time to time. Of course I pay the price for it and always feel guilty, but that is just one of the downsides of living with this. 


My reason for starting this blog lies in some of the stories that I have heard on a local Celiac support group's Facebook page. While many of them are well seasoned in the ins and outs of being gluten free, there are always the newcomers who are lost and feel like their world has been turned upside down. Many ask for gluten free recipes while others say that they don't have time to spend making special meals. The reality is that you can still eat and cook the same meals that you love and are familiar with, it just takes minor modifications. That is why I named this blog "Real Life Gluten Free". I am not a fabulous cook and I struggle with time management just like everyone else. But, over time, I have figured out that eating gluten free does not have to mean spending ridiculous amounts of money on specialty products or missing out on delicious dinners that I have eaten all of my life. 


My plan for this blog is to share my recipes as well as the products that I have found to be the best. Many of my recipes are naturally gluten free, and many are very basic meals that people just don't think about. And although I have been trying to eat healthier, I am from the South, so there will be plenty of those homestyle favorites as well!! 


I hope that at least one person will find one thing in this blog helpful and I would love to hear about your experiences with my recipes and product suggestions, good or bad! Thanks for reading and the best of luck to you on your gluten free journey.