When first my 5 year old son and later my 6 year old daughter were both diagnosed with Celiac, a tsunami of emotions overtook me. Shock, worry, vulnerability; gratitude that with a strict life changing diet plan the pain from their intolerance can be managed and their health restored and acceptance that this is for the rest of their lives.

Having to go through the emotional turmoil and lifestyle changes that a Celiac diagnosis delivers I have taken this journey of ours to heart. For more detail about how this all began you can read more about the why I started DWG on my Facebook page or website, but for now, I am focused specifically on the kind of products I sell. I love to bake and have previously owned a kosher peanut free bakery, but now I make a career of developing gluten free recipes and bringing them to market under my Delicious Without Gluten label.

There is a growing health community that supports eating gluten free and I can understand why. A gluten-free diet can have such health benefits as improving cholesterol, promoting digestive health and increasing energy levels. This growing community of GF support helps the larger community, especially those with Celiac Disease who have NO choice but to eat 100% GF 100% of the time.

So why you may ask do I make cupcakes and soft white bread and promote things like what types of candies should you eat on Halloween? Well, believe it or not, those who are CELIAC don’t have a choice of going gluten free or not. They are people like you and me who woke up one day and were told never to eat this substance called “gluten”. Furthermore, to ensure 100% safety from cross contamination because even a single gluten crumb can have major consequences!

Celiacs are blessed because they can lead normal lives as long as they change their diet. But that means NEVER having a piece of birthday cake, a slice of pizza, a muffin or cookie. Never! Unless there is a gluten free option to satisfy the craving. And to make matters worse, finding gluten free products without nuts or peanuts – well, that’s a bit of a challenge! We should all be able to indulge in a fresh piece of bread or a sandwich for lunch, a piece or dessert once in a while. Moderation of course, especially when it comes to celebrations.

I have always wanted my kids to be able to enjoy the simple goodies in life without feeling like they are missing out. My kids are spoiled because they get to eat all the goodies they could ever imagine. They don’t eat cupcakes, muffins and bread all day. I give them HEALTHY FOOD that is nutritious. But they don’t feel deprived and they don’t feel left out. This is MY PURPOSE! I make eating gluten free easier on the moms who have daily lunches to pack because my pita, bread and challah make excellent sandwiches and the kids are happy because like yeah… they get to eat dessert.

I want my kids and other gluten suffers to stay safe and feel safe wherever they may be. I want them to know everything there is to know about Celiac Disease. I want to expand food possibilities so their safe choices are vast and delicious.

And now because it is MAY, a few words about Celiac Awareness Month…..

Celiac Awareness Month is an event held throughout the United States and Canada each May and is supported by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and other relevant organizations.

I will be attending the “COLLOQUE 2015” on May 23rd by the “Fondation Québécoise de la Maladie Coeliaque” from 8am to 5 pm.

This is a whole day event and geared mainly to those who have just been diagnosed. It’s definitely a French community, but a good one and one who is trying very hard to help out its community. Come by and see me as I will be handing out my goodies as usual and selling some too! May 31st I will be in Ottawa again for the Gluten-Free Utopia Event. All Gluten-free bakers in the area will be attending and so if you want to taste a BIG variety of goodies, come on by! Details are in the event section of this newsletter and on my website.

There are many organizations one can learn about celiac disease. I have listed a resource page on my website. (Bottom left side of page, click on the + to open up the list)

While some may mock that celebrities and fashion play a role in gluten sensitivity awareness, I am grateful. Just think about how much publicity “gluten” has gotten over the last 5 years. I hope those who have Celiac Disease know where to find help, that friends and family members of Celiacs learn and be supportive and for the world to ease up just a bit and let us eat a few goodies that are SAFE and YUMMY!

 

Miriam

Happy Owner and Baker of DWG