Thursday, April 24, 2014

Gluten Free Shopping







When you are gluten free, it's not necessarily wise to go out and purchase every single product that says "gluten free" because those foods may have a higher carb/sugar content as well as a higher price tag.

The SCHAR products make a pretty good (but high WW points) gluten free bread.   For me, gluten free bread has been a challenge because any product I've tried before discovering SCHAR tasted awful. I will say that GLUTEN FREE BREAD is more of a treat rather than a regular item on my shopping list.  

I have friends who are interested in going gluten free but they are weary of the cost.   Heck, we were too!   We are on a super tight budget and going gluten free seemed expensive at first.   Until we discovered two things.
1.  ORGANIC AND GLUTEN FREE ARE NOT THE SAME THING
2.  GLUTEN FREE IS REALLY JUST CLEAN EATING!  

About.com shopping list

Martin's foods shopping list

Colorado State University - All about GF and a shopping list

I love this link!   FIVE DOLLAR GLUTEN FREE MENU!

Another shopping list...


I completely understand peoples frustrations when it comes to going gluten free.    The main frustration is understanding that it is not a diet, but a lifestyle change.     It's tough.   I definitely understand that.   For example, I absolutely loved Rye Bread.    And around this time of year nothing is more yummy than a hard boiled egg sandwich on Rye.    I miss it, not going to lie - I miss the Rye.    But the benefits have outweighed it all.    

Since going gluten free....

  • I no longer have my hands lock up on an almost daily basis
  • When I get my period, it's no longer staying for a week and I have a minimal to non-existent weight gain
  • Maintaining my weight is easier
  • I am no longer in need of using the birth control pill to regulate my cycles
  • My skin is healthier
  • I don't have uncomfortable stomach issues
  • Digestion is better
  • Acid reflux is gone
  • I have more energy
  • I feel like my concentration levels have improved
  • I have gone down three sizes

Here are some things you'd find in my pantry and fridge if you visited....
  • Vegetable oil
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh fruits (low GI)
  • Veggies
  • Almond Milk
  • Lactose Free Yogurt
  • Apple Sauce
  • Beans
  • Brown Rice
  • Tuna
  • Eggs
  • Turkey
  • Steak
  • Broiled/Boiled Chicken
  • Chili
  • Salad fixings (lettuce, mushrooms, spinach)
  • Gluten free pasta 
  • Sauces and marinades
  • Salad dressings

Things you won't find....
  • SODA
  • Processed foods
  • Anything I can't spell or pronounce
  • "Regular" (cows) milk










Wednesday, April 23, 2014








Everyone needs a night out from time to time!   I treated my mom (and myself) to the Melissa Etheridge concert.    What an amazing show!   She is so talented!   And gorgeous!      If she comes to the area again, I'm going!    Amazing woman, amazing talent, amazing show!!!!   

Friday, April 4, 2014

Don't just trust God for things; trust Him in things.

Too often, we fall into the trap of trusting God to give us more things—a new car, a bigger house, a better computer. We turn God into little more than a supernatural Santa Claus, who gives us what we want.

Although God does want his people to prosper and be blessed, it is much more important to him that you entrust him with your life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Trusting God is simply having faith in him—that he is who he says he is. In tough circumstances, trusting God means believing his promises, that he will work all things out for good. Trusting God does not mean trusting that he'll send Santa to give you what you want.

Especially during difficult times, putting your faith and trust in God brings rewards. Isaiah 26:3 says, You [God] will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Perfect peace is available if you're willing to trust God in the midst of challenging times.

A word of love can make a world of difference.

God calls us to love one another, which requires living in a way that is for one another because love puts others first. Throughout the Bible, we are called to put others first and live in a way that blesses other people.

For example, God calls us to be devoted to and honor one another (Romans 12:10); to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16); to love one another (Romans 13:8; 1 John 4:11; John 13:34-35); to accept one another (Romans 15:14); to care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25); to serve one another (Galatians 5:12); to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another (Ephesians 4:32); and to bear with one another (Colossians 3:13).

Putting one another before yourself—that is, loving other people—can transform them because an act of love has the power to change lives. Just like God spoke his word of love, Jesus, into the world, transforming it, your word of love can make a world of difference in someone's life. This week, go out of your way to love one another.

It's been a while...

Holy smokes! Life sure can get busy!   I can't believe I forgot about my blog!   Well... eh... I didn't forget... I just... didn'...