Coeliacs can get ill too

Well I returned from Germany last Friday with the most horrendous gastric flu. Oh man I don't want to be that ill again for a long time throwing up is one of my most hated things. A week later and a fair few pounds lighter I am still recovering but at least I can eat again now. If I had £1 for every time someone asked me if I'd eaten anything I shouldn't, I'd have a nice amount for some festive drinkies! 'No' I'd say 'I am actually ill from all them germies flying about!' I really don't get ill with flu that much any more since being diagnosed with Coeliac disease which is why I got asked this question so many times.

They looked after me very well in Germany the country I name the Land of Gluten! They bought me gluten free biscuits so I would not feel left out when they ate cakes, my cousin brought me 3 loafs of GF bread so I could have breakfast (not that I needed that many but thank you lol!) and when making dinner my Aunty separated my food from theirs to ensure cross contamination would not happen and I even came home with some gluten free versions of my favourite festive treats. A very happy me. Family I applaud you xxx

Merry Christmas all, eat safe!

The Miracle Noodle!

Originally Shirataki Noodles were marketed towards people who are wanting lose weight but the Noodles are suitable for Vegetarians, vegans and people with diabetes, as well as people with wheat intolerance or allergies to gluten or soy. As well as helping with weight loss, the Noodles also have many other health benefits and so can improve over all health when incorporated into the diet.
 
Although Shirataki Noodles are predominantly used as a pasta alternative in the UK, they are actually not a carbohydrate at all. They are classed as a vegetable (bonus) and are made up of only water and fibre but have a similar, but slightly more gelatinous, consistency to pasta. Being relatively flavour free, they take up the flavour of whatever sauce they are combined with when cooked.
 Shirataki Noodles originate from Japan and are made from a root plant called the Konjac plant. They are largely composed of the soluble fibre Glucomannan along with water, it is this fibre that adds to the vast health benefits of the food.


I've tried a tested these and I just love them. Noodles is something I really miss and I was ecstatic when I discovered these through a fellow blogger (Thanks Cassie from http://www.blogilates.com). I've had them in soups and with sauces and was pleasantly surprised by how well they hold the flavour of the soup or sauce. And knowing they are naturally gluten free and classed and a veg pleases both my brain and my tum! 


Noodle away my fellow  Gluten freeions!  

They can be purchased in the UK from: Zero Noodles Miracle Noodle Amazon and probably most Chinese and Japanese supermarkets on the high streets and online.

If you try some let me know what you think.

Banana Bread

My first recipe post woo hoo! This is a favourite in our household :o)

Excuse the slightly darker bits in the top of the loaf I used all the manky bananas I had in the house for this particular loaf and it took longer than usual to cook but it was still nomtastic!


3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar (or for the sweeter toothed 3/4 of a cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups of gluten free flour


(You can also add additional ingredients to suit your taste. I like to add chopped Almonds and a couple of tea spoons of cinnamon. Walnuts and Pecans also go great.)


Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl.
Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla.
Sprinkle the baking soda over the mixture and mix in.
Add the flour last, mix.
Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour.
Cool on a rack.
Remove from pan and slice to serve


Try and enjoy. Let me know how it goes if you decide to make it.

To Prescribe or not to prescribe!

An update about Gluten Free food on prescription. You may find interesting :o) 


http://www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-lifestyle/food-on-prescription/gluten-free-prescriptions-%E2%80%93-what-we%E2%80%99re-doing-to-help

Apology of the non direct kind!

http://www.coeliac.org.uk/node/190132


The NHS Wales have commented on yesterdays article in the Dailymail that unjustifiably gave Coeliacs that received food on prescription  a bad name. They have confirmed today that the figures were indeed incorrect and Gluten free prescribing to Diagnosed Coeliacs was essential to helping maintain their health . Ah ha in your face Dailymail!!!  It's not exactly an apology but I'll accept it!!!