Do I Really Need to Go Gluten Free????

There are so many reasons to choose a gluten free lifestyle ranging from medical necessity to wanting to lose weight.   Regardless of your reasons, your body will reap several benefits.

My T1D (Type 1 Diabetic) is likely celiac.  Before you say I'm the worst Mom in the world for not knowing for sure, some facts...  To get an accurate blood test, the person needs to be eating a lot of gluten for three months.  One day of heavy gluten sent my precious nine year old curled up on the couch crying that his tummy hurt.  A few times of this and our family made the choice.  There was no way I was going to cause pain to my baby for three months for a blood test.  (Hopefully, I've redeemed my mommy status.)

Around the same time, a sweet friend (Shout out to Nicole TFF) lent me Wheat Belly.  The scariest book I have ever read.  Stephen King doesn't even come close.  Each chapter there was another health ailment someone in my family suffers from that wheat makes worse.  Basically, wheat is now frankenfood that everyone should avoid.

Digestive issues and obesity are main reasons for letting go of our love affair for bread.  Wheat is also linked to cataracts, wrinkles, acne, dementia, seizures, and more.  This beast also alters your body's pH to acid which is never good.

First, everyone was on board.  In the next breath, my boys (hubby included) were scared.  With so much we could no longer eat, what would we eat?  After calming the masses, we looked at what we already eat that is gluten free.  It was a welcoming surprise that we already embrace many gluten free recipes.  One of our favorites:  Chicken Celery Casserole.

 Dice up celery. 1, 2, or 3 bunches.  The more you want to eat, the more you should dice.

When I don't have cooked chicken on hand, I cook it on the stove; covered.  Season with the flavors that you are feeling in the moment.

Add some yummies:  mayo, sour cream, and cheese.

Mix together and put in a 9X13 pan.

Bake to how brown you want it.  After all, the chicken is already cooked. I can usually only wait this long.

BAM!! Complete meal totally guilt free.

1 pound chicken diced and cooked
1-2 stalks of celery diced
1 cup our cream (skip the fat-free versions)
1/2 cup may
handful sliced almonds
3/4 cup cheese
garlic, salt, pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients.  Pour into a greased 9 x 13 glass dish.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Fun add in options to kick up the veggie content:  sauteed onions and mushrooms.