The Parmas!: October 2011

life, gluten-free

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease about a month ago. It's an autoimmune disorder, as is Type 1 Diabetes, and so they're inter-related and affect each other.

Life this past month has been a challenge, to say the least. Besides living a strict, gluten-free diet (and gluten is in SO many foods) it's had reaching effects on my blood sugars, hormones, mood & energy. Treating Celiac is so much more than just "not eating gluten;" it's a lifestyle change. Again. It's dealing with symptoms and listening to one's body.

I've been feeling extremely yucky for a while ... and it seems my list of "Emily-friendly" foods keeps getting shorter ... But I'm trying to see it as an opportunity to learn and try new things. I already know how to eat healthy, how to cook from scratch, how to invest thoughtful action & energy into my well-being. I'm trying not to let it get the best of me!

And I've celebrated several small successes, which give me joy.

Take these gluten-free banana muffins, for example. Made with gluten-free flours such as gf-certified oat flour, rice flour, tapioca starch and xanthan gum. Other baking successes include pumpkin spice pancakes with maple vanilla syrup, lemon zest cheesecake with sugar cookie crust, and flourless chocolate lava cakes with homemade brown sugar ice cream.

I want to prove to Celiac (and myself!) that I can still make and enjoy delicious foods that won't make me sick. Sure, I can't eat pizza or doughnuts, but with a bit of extra planning and effort I can still have a yummy life.

So if you see any gluten-free news or recipes, send them my way. Thanks for your love and support!

the Destroyer

Liam has officially entered the Destroyer Phase.

I remember when Cali hit it, too. Hard. Dumping, breaking, unrolling, clattering, foraging, slamming, and more dumping. All the while spreading their greasy chicken nugget fingers and nose drip all over freshly cleaned items.

But I have to admit, it's kind of cute. I still grimace when I reach for my Charmin and it's unraveled across the bathroom floor ... or when my house looks like a tornado wreck 24/7 ...

They're learning, they're exploring. And they're making more work for mommy, which, for them, is very gratifying.

{This pots and pans cupboard was Bria's favorite hideout, too.}