One Year Gluten Free

I may or may not have tears in my eyes as I write this…

Today, June 20, 2011, I am exactly 1 year gluten free.

I will forever never be the same!

The night before I went gluten free, I documented it with 2 pictures my husband took (I’ve never shown these to anyone!):

Bloated Misery

Inflammation at its Finest

I will never forget the day I decided to go 100% gluten free, to make the life commitment. It was shortly after my 2nd endoscopy when it was determined that although I did not have Celiac, I was highly inflamed and a gluten-free diet would only help my digestive system progression.

The exact day I decided to put “gluten” to death, June 20, 2010, just so happened to be the day of the Eric Church concert. Crazy?! Yes! But I knew that if I could start on a day like that with so much temptation for food and drinks around, I could do it on any day! I think Eric was proud, or so I’d like to think!

Eric Church: June 20, 2010

This past year has been amazing, with what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown and mostly –> the number of days I’ve had symptom free, compared to prior years! I will not sit here and write that I am 100% because the honest truth is that I still have days when I am forced to wonder, “Okay, I’m not eating gluten so why am I feeling miserable today?” I still have days when I don’t understand why it is that my body can’t process an over abundance of vegetables and various other fruits and sugars. Those are usually the days when I’m not religious to my natural supplements (more on this coming up in a Giddy Up Gluten Free shortly). But as a whole, from where I was then to where I am now, I am doing amazing. And I thank God for that each and every single day!

I don’t have HUGE goals for year 2 because to be honest, year 1 is probably the biggest hurdle to overcome. That being said, here is my #1 Goal for Year 2:

To keep creating more, new and interesting (gluten-free) things. And to share them, along with the knowledge acquired over the years via this site and the Giddy Up Gluten Free to benefit the lives of anyone and everyone who finds themselves now or will find themselves tomorrow in this very place.

And with that, it’s not about ME. It’s about YOU! But just for a second….here is what I want for my 1-Year Gluten-Free Anniversary:

“Taco-Salad Inspired” on the Gluten Free

Ingredients

• Black Beans (You don’t have to use Organics, but I do because they don’t put additives or extra salt in. I am not a huge fan of canned goods, but to save time I use them from time-to-time and go the best route possible.)
• Avocado (My KitchenAid = heaven! I placed 4 avocados in and whipped them up, adding only a hint of sea salt to it.)
• The Laughing Cow® Light Creamy Swiss
• Mixed Vegetables
• Ghee Butter (I have used this for a couple of years now. I melted about 1 tsp with my mixed vegetables for extra flavor. To learn more about Ghee Butter, read this great article found in Whole Living: Put Down the Margarine and Have Some Ghee!)
• RW Garcia – Flaxseed Chips – Thai Sweet & Spicy (First time I have tried these. Highly recommended! I crunch just a few on top.)
• Pace Picante Salsa – Medium (I used this as my dressing. It might just be a plain salsa, but it’s clearly labeled gluten free and I like it for the times I don’t feel like making my own!)
• Grilled Chicken
• Lettuce

Safeway Organics Black Beans

Whipping up Avocado in my KitchenAid

Whipped Avocado

The Laughing Cow Light Creamy Swiss

Mixed Vegetables

Ghee Butter

RW Garcia Thai Sweet & Spicy Flaxseed Chips

Pace Picante Salsa

And in the end, once you mix it altogether in the appropriate portions for your appetite, you get an amazing “Taco-Salad Inspired” on the Gluten Free!

"Taco-Salad Inspired" on the Gluten Free

Today is a day of Celebration! I don’t need anything fancy to celebrate. But I will soak up the accomplishment, dedication and milestone with some awesome gluten-free food, an intense workout and a big ‘ole smile through it all! Catch you on the flip side of Gluten Free: Year 2!