Today, September 13th is National Celiac Awareness Day.

I do not have Celiac Disease, but so many of you do and I want to help bring awareness on your behalf. A year ago, the left side of my body – starting with my arm, then spreading – went numb. I spent time in and out of the hospital for a month before being admitted for an extended period of time. I won’t get into the details, it was ugly. Based on the impact the virus had on my body, I’m unable to digest gluten properly. Due to my health challenges and gluten-free lifestyle, I 100%  support the celiac and gluten-free community.

The top right, you’ll see RECIPES and GLUTEN-FREE – lots of delicious recipes [tested & approved]

On the right hand side bar is a list of gluten-free bloggers. Follow, read, subscribe, whatever you prefer – they’re awesome!

I also offer meal planning and customized menus for events/parties that include healthy, gluten-free or allergy options. If interested, please email me at with.style.grace [at] gmail [dot] com

Gluten-free breakfast. Breakfast of champions.

1. Apricot with Greek Yogurt, Pistachios and drizzle of Honey, Gluten-free | 2. Cinnamon n’ Sugar Toast, Gluten-free | 3. DIY Yogurt Parfait, Gluten-free | 4. Breakfast Quinoa with Cinnamon, walnuts and fresh berries, Gluten-free

So what is Celiac Disease, you ask?

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms.

When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging or destroying villi—the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine. Villi normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food one eats.

Celiac disease is both a disease of malabsorption—meaning nutrients are not absorbed properly—and an abnormal immune reaction to gluten. Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Celiac disease is genetic, meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered—or becomes active for the first time—after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress.

Going gluten-free has gotten me into the kitchen and has opened my eyes to a whole new world of delicious dishes!

Gluten-free appetizer, side dish or a meal

1. Fig, Goat Cheese & Pistachios with Honey & Balsamic, Gluten-free | 2. Eggplant & Veggie Roll-ups, Gluten-free | 3. Mushroom & Walnut Quinoa with Fried Egg, Gluten-free

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It’s important to be aware, read labels, and ask questions. For a more extensive list of foods that contain gluten, visit HERE.

These days you can find alternatives for almost everything on this list, from pasta to bread to cereal. Many grocery store, specialty markets, online have designated sections for gluten-free. Again, read labels and don’t be afraid to ask.

Gluten-free desserts

1. Orange Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut bites, Gluten-free | 2. Peanut Butter Pie, Gluten-free | 3. 36-hour Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten-free

A gluten-free diet, for me, is all about fresh natural ingredients. Oh right, and the occasional homemade baked good. For the most part, my husband and I prepare dishes with fresh vegetables, herbs and proteins that are naturally gluten-free and are incredibly delicious. I do my best to capture the beauty in my photographs. I honestly don’t feel limited and I certainly don’t miss gluten.

Here’s a list, more of a cheat sheet of ingredients that are gluten-free. Feel free to print this list out [see below] or check out a more extensive list, here.

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Gluten-free Snacks

1. Truffled Popcorn, Gluten-free | 2. DIY Trail Mix, Gluten-free [coming to blog soon]

Planning a dinner event or hosting your kids birthday party and need help with the menu?

Good news. I can work with you to customize menus/recipes [some or all] that are gluten-free or allergy free, depending. As a host or hostess, it’s never a good feeling when your guests or your child’s friend leave hungry or feel left out.

If interested, please email me at with.style.grace [at] gmail [dot] com

Appetizer Plate with Sheep Cheese, Gluten-free

Gluten-free Resources:

Celiac Central

Shop glutenfree.com for products

Triumph Dining Cards – help make dining out easier

Celiac.com

Living Without Magazine

*All images photographed by Lisa Thiele | With Style and Grace

Source: Department of Health

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