Gluten-Free at Costco!

Bob's Red Mill Quinoa is now at Costco!  One of the downfalls of  eating GF is it can be a bit more expensive.  Shopping at Costco can be very helpful - especially when they have great things like Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WA).  Quinoa is high in protein (12-14%) unlike so many other GF grains and it is also high in fiber!

If you are not shopping at Costco you should consider it.  I have noticed more GF products on their shelves including Rice Works chips, Mission Corn Chips, Sun-Maid Raisins, Kirkland Almonds,  Craisins,  Cashew Clusters, and much more!  Costco is also a great place to stock up on fruits and veggies!

Is Oatmeal Gluten Free?

There has been a long debate about whether or not oats are safe for Celiacs, however, the latest studies show that most Celiacs can eat oats without any negative ramifications.  It is important to note that not all oats are gluten-free - in fact most are not! I like Bob's Redmill Gluten-Free oats;  the oats are processed in a GF facility so there is no risk of contamination.  Keep in mind that some Celiacs still report discomfort when they eat GF Oats so you may want to consult your physician before adding oats to your diet.  I have included the "Grain Family Tree" which was shared with everyone at the Celiac Disease Foundation Conference by one of the speakers.  As you can see oats are part of a different branch of the tree and in a different "family."  The problem is therefore believed to be due to cross contamination not because oats contain gluten.

If you react poorly to GF oats, try substituting Quinoa for oatmeal.  My favorite Quinoa-for-breakfast topping is a spoonful of jam (my mom makes fresh plum jam and since being GF my jam-topping options are limited...although that has changed too).  Try quinoa with jam or raisins and let me know what you think!
 

Disneyland Gluten-Free

Disneyland is a great place to be gluten-free! There are numerous restaurants that have gluten-free options from GF waffles to pizza.  They even have GF buns for their burgers.  When you get there stop at "City Hall" on Main Street and they will give you a 4 page long list of the restaurants (updated monthly).  The list also contains the GF options at each restaurant as well as snack options throughout the park.  There are also fresh fruit stands for a healthy snack.

We ate dinner at Rancho del Zocal (as you can see I enjoyed it!) which is a La Victoria restaurant.  It was delicious and there were several options.

California Adventure Park and Disney Hotels also have GF Restaurants.  If you have a GF child or you like riding roller coasters get to Disneyland soon...gluten-free will be the last thing on your mind!

New Trader Joe's Favorite

I don't know what I would do without Trader Joe's - they make eating gluten free so easy! Between their GF list and the little "g" they put on most their GF products is great.  If you have not tried their "Cashews & Hibiscus" I highly recommend them!