big changes

The last few weeks have been very stressful, anxiety-filled and exhausting. I have been feeling sick for the last few months....just felt "not right". I finally saw a specialist in the GI clinic at the U of M a few weeks ago. He recommended that I have a colonoscopy and endoscopy - based on my symptoms and family history.

I was not thrilled about these procedures, but was ready to find out what the problem was. The biopsies from my endoscopy illustrated that I have Celiac Disease. CD is an intolerance to gluten. My body doesn't process gluten, in fact gluten damages the villi in the small intestine and esophagus, making it harder for my body to absorb the nutrients in food, along with other unpleasant side effects. I have now begun a gluten-free diet. Pictured above is my new breakfast cereal, which tastes like Kix!

I am so happy to know what is wrong, and what I can do about it! I am so relieved to know that this is something I can live with and I can finally start to feel better. The gluten-free diet means big changes, though. Gluten is in so many products. I will really miss certain foods (Punch pizza, BEER, Bruegger's bagels, French bread and pastries, cookies, cupcakes, etc.). I have already found some great products at Trader Joe's and Super Target and I've found some great online resources as well.  I found a GF (gluten-free) bakery in Eagan that I'm anxious to visit, as I'm already craving all the things I shouldn't have!

Going forward, the recipes I post will be GF (or will have GF options). If you want to learn more about gluten, or about Celiac Disease, I urge you to check out this website, as it is very informative!

http://www.celiac.org/