Tuesday, September 21, 2010

HELP! Comfort Food!

Ugh, So me and my boyfriend have been fighting all week and it has really been wearing on me. I need some comfort food ASAP! I've been eating Yoplait Light Strawberry Yogurt because I've been trying to lose weight, but that isn't even close to cutting it. To be truthful I snuck some Milk Duds today because I just needed the chocolate :(

What are some of your favorite Gluten-Free comfort foods?? I'm in serious need of some comment love and suggestions! Please help me out, we're in this together!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Cupcakes!

So, today is my friend Christina's birthday and I decided to make her some cupcakes. I made them Gluten-Free so I could join in the festivities of today. I used the Gluten Free Pantry yellow cake mix. They turned out AMAZING! I used some Pillsbury Confetti Icing on top and they look delicious! I also like the Betty Crocker mixes.

Have you guys found any good mixes?? Tell me about them!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

College

So, last year I started college at Purdue University. Me and my mom were very enthusiastic and prepared for me to eat on my dorm-budgeted meal plan. We were ultimately surprised when I lost 10 pounds between the end of August and the middle of October because I was not eating! I tried and tried to eat at the dining courts, in an effort not to waste money, but again and again I got continuous trouble. I would walk in for lunch or dinner and get rolled eyes and sighs to my requests. I felt like I wasn't a real person and that my requests were so outlandish that no one could possibly accommodate me. I wanted to curl up and never eat out again. And to top it all off, I didn't have a car. I couldn't just run out and go to Target or organic store to get some of the food I was craving. I, one day, want to write a book for college freshman and just college students in general to help those who are going through what I did. Tell me some of your experiences about college or just at restaurants that you've been given these reactions.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Hello out there!

Tonight I made my mom's famous buffalo chicken dip for dinner. It really hit the spot and its great for us Gluten-Free people. Its really easy to make:

2 Packets of Tyson's Chicken- its pre-cooked in a red pouch, not refrigerated
8oz of Ranch- Whatever kind you like, I like Hidden Valley
1-3oz of Frank's Red Hot- Put as much in as you like of this, the more you use the more spicy it will be
1 bar of Philly Cream Cheese- I use the 1/3 less fat, but you can use the regular for a richer taste
Fritos! To eat your dip with


Mix all the ingredients together, minus the chips. It helps to microwave the ingredients (philly especially) to mix together more cohesively. Then just put it all in a glass square pan at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

So quick and easy and delicious! Let me know some of your favorite Gluten-Free recipes!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Olive Garden

Yesterday, me and my boyfriend went out on a date to Olive Garden. I was a little skeptical about how that would go because as I have learned just because there is a Gluten-Free menu, doesn't mean I will get fully Gluten-Free meals. So, to prepare, I called the day before and confirmed the menu at the location I was going to and asked if all of the staff was aware of the procedures and whatnot. The girl on the phone assured me I would have an excellent dining experience and that I would be taken care of.

When we arrived at the restaurant I asked my server for the menu (after she told me this was her first week working, sigh, I knew there had to be a catch). She gave me the menu and I ordered, telling her to write down that it needed to be Gluten-Free and to inform the chef.

To my surprise I had some delicious pasta, with no throwing up or stomach cramps later! This has been one of the very few times I have had a successful dining experience at a place that seems impossible to get one.

Planning is the key!


What are some friendly restaurants you have been to? Every Friday I'll make a compilation as a fun guide for your weekend out!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Hello Everyone!

Hey Guys!

My name is Brooke and I have been living a Gluten-Free lifestyle for about four years now and I'm only 19. So that means I was diagnosed when I was 15. Being diagnosed in my Junior year of high school had to have been one of the hardest things I have gone through in my life. I finally thought I was starting to get into my niche in school. I was no longer awkward at school, I was an old timer! Then, BAM, I got stuck with something that set me apart again from my friends and family. I was the only person I knew who was going through something like this. I needed support from someone and I never got it. It was a rough time for me to adjust. Now that I have matured (a little), I've realized that I can help people by reaching out and giving out all the information that I have learned. How many times have I caught myself googling a restaurant to see how other people's experiences were? Too many times. I want to give good advice to help someone else. So, if you like what you see help me out. Comment with your stories, questions, anything! Help get this started and it could be a great resource in the future!