I'll Take it Dairy and Gluten Free Please

A while back I was told by my MD that I was allergic to milk after having blood work done.  This was silly to me since I had been drinking milk for the first 28 years of my life. But, after doing research, I put two and two together and it made sense. I had some gastrointestinal problems for most of my life and it was most likely linked to dairy.  I stopped eating dairy and the gastrointestinal problems stopped too!

I work the overnight shift at a hospital (7p.m-7a.m) and I have done this for 7 years! Crazy I know.  It definitely takes a toll on the body.  I didn't like how my mind and body were feeling so I eventually went part-time and changed my diet habits.   I researched gluten and decided to try a diet without it.  With the combination of the two, I began to feel better and better!

"Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten may also be used in products such as vitamin and nutrient supplements, lip balms, and some medicines.  Celiac disease is an immune disease in which people can’t eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine."  Some symptoms of this disease are, "stomach pain, extreme tiredness, change in mood, wight loss, a very itchy skin rash with blisters".  Read this article to find more information.

Before you make any drastic changes to your diet please speak with your doctor and discuss how you have been feeling.  Ask your doctor to test you for allergies and Celiac disease.  You can also ask them to refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian.  Be your own advocate.  

Saying goodbye to dairy and then gluten has not been an easy transition.  Living with a husband who wants no part of a dairy and gluten free diet leaves many temptations in the house with the biggest culprit being sweets.  I am a baked goods enthusiast.  I love all things sweet!  So, when I said goodbye to dairy and gluten, I thought I had to say goodbye to cupcakes and donuts (my fav) too.  Boy was I wrong!!! 

I had the pleasure of being introduced to a little bakery called Babycakes NYC.  A very good friend of mine brought me there and it was love at first smell :)  It smelled like what I've imagine heaven to be!  It was hard to believe it is a refined sugar- free, gluten-free, wheat- free, soy-free, dairy- free, egg free, vegan, and kosher, bakery. We ordered a pumpkin cupcake, with icing to die for, and I picked up some donuts to bring home.  All were amazing!  My husband would never know they were healthier for him.  The best part is they have a recipe book! You can get it at the Babycakes NYC Shop.

Even though I'm in love with baked goods, I am not much of a baker.  I just like to eat them!  I found this banana bread recipe on the Babycakes blog and it seemed easy enough to try.  It looks perfect for a cold, holidays in the air, kind of morning.  You can go here for all the ingredients and instructions.

Let The Baking Begin! 

Being that baking is not my specialty, I found reinforcements!  I went to my sister's house and she helped.  It was the best time I've ever had baking.  The laughs just kept coming!  I suggest always baking with friends.

Who wants to bake with me :)