Hi All,
Had a nice meeting in the back room at Jason's Deli this past week, with a couple of new faces joining us! Since I went when they first opened, it seems they've expanded their GF offerings. Folks ate soup, sandwiches, salads, chips, salsa, and soft serve ice cream. The room has plenty of tables as well as some comfy-looking sofas.
They seem to want to be accommodating, but it did seem necessary to inform them that gluten-free was a health issue, and then we saw them with fresh gloves, covered work surfaces, etc. They were eager to please, but not that knowledgeable. Just another example of where assertiveness is a terrific skill for someone gluten free to develop!
We usually take the summer off, but we'll try a meeting there again on July 18 (Thurs) at 6:30. They don't charge us for the room; they just ask that we buy food! For anyone who does not wish to pay for food, we'll supply some chips and salsa (or better yet, I'll ask them if THEY will).
Having it at a location with plenty of space allows me to promote this in the paper as well, so we can better get the word out. The only thing it doesn't do is allow us to have potlucks where we bring our own food, but we'll figure that one out. When we get a hankering for our own food, we'll find another location or plan a party! I am quite sure we could bring our own dessert without bothering Jason's Deli too much, since they don't really sell much in that regard. Anyone got a good dessert recipe?
I'll be in touch before then to our members via email. Hope to see you July 18! Feel free to email me at GIGgainesville@gmail.com.
Happy GF Eating,
Janet
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
April 18 Gluten Free Shopping summary
Hi Folks,
Our # 1 topic by survey feedback was gluten free shopping, so I'll do my best here to summarize what we kicked around. Please note we'll meet again for dinner at Jason's Deli on Thurs. May 16 at 6:30 PM so we can continue this discussion if desired. I do need to know if you're coming, as they've asked for a headcount.
Here goes, in no particular order or organization! :-)
Super WalMart off 441 has a gluten free section with prices cheaper than most.
Rice pasta is often cheaper at Asian markets (which are interesting in and of themselves)
Green Polka Dot Box is a membership based club... but we aren't clear on details
Vitacost is mentioned a lot, but no one is sure what it is.
Some feel that online prices are cheaper but that shipping cancels the savings. Others said that Amazon.com has free shipping if you're a Prime Member (about $75 a year?). There are some other non-food bennies with this. May have to order in bulk. They will do auto-ship. It will tell you what's free shipping or not so you can make informed purchases.
Pasta.... every single one of us had a different favorite, so there's really some subjectivity here and it's trial and error. Fresh market has carried Jovial. Publix has carried Ancient Harvest quinoa/corn blend. Lots of varieties, and consensus was just work your way thru them and take notes so you find your favorites. Someone liked Sam Mills Pasta D'oro but had only found it in High Springs. Dellalo brown rice pasta noted as good, but also only seen at Winn Dixie in High Springs. I just saw an ad in Paleo magazine for pasta made from almond flour so it's less high-carb. I'm blanking on the co. name but if you Google "almond flour pasta," I bet you'll find it.
GF wraps do exist. Publix on 39th has sold Don Pancho brand.Food for Life brown rice tortillas noted as OK. Schar breadsticks were voted very good. Hokam ? rice sticks noted as good.
Highly recommended to subscribe to all the gluten free magazines. Aside from recipes and the latest research/news, the ads are also very informative, as these companies are all working to perfect their formulas, out-perform the others, and DO advertise. Try Delight Gluten Free, Living Without, and Gluten Free Living.
Chex and Rice Krispies noted as good gluten free cereals. Be sure you're getting the ones that are gluten free, though. Betty Crocker got good reviews for good GF baking mixes, as did GF Bisquick and stuff from Gluten Free Pantry. Unfortunately, stores are so inconsistent that it really takes shopping around and trying out new stuff.
Breads...also a variety of opinions. Udi's seems to be getting better. Canyon Bakehouse got good reviews, can definitely be bought online, but someone found at Earth Origins. We did agree you can ask store managers to carry your favorite brands. Apparently Jason's Deli will sell a large, fluffy loaf of Udi's, not the small sizes that we buy in the store!
NO SAMI's bread, due to cross-contamination issues. Deland Bakery now has a dedicated gluten free facility but not sure how to get it, as last I heard a personal order had to be in bulk.
We all agree don't buy a bunch of specialty gluten free flour unless you're a baker, having all made that mistake and then given it away or tossed it. One good bag of gluten free baking flour mix will usually do it, and if you prefer, a bag of coconut and/or almond flour for something a little less in the high-carb range.
Amy's frozen stuff noted as pretty good.
TJ Maxx and BigLots actually carry some GF stuff. Sweet Bay on 441 is noted to be catching on. Wards, Earth Origins ,and the downtown coop great places, of course.
Ladies and gentlemen, that was all we covered. Much more to share, I'm sure, so please join us for our Summer kick-off dinner at Jason's Deli on May 16.
Til then,
Janet
Our # 1 topic by survey feedback was gluten free shopping, so I'll do my best here to summarize what we kicked around. Please note we'll meet again for dinner at Jason's Deli on Thurs. May 16 at 6:30 PM so we can continue this discussion if desired. I do need to know if you're coming, as they've asked for a headcount.
Here goes, in no particular order or organization! :-)
Super WalMart off 441 has a gluten free section with prices cheaper than most.
Rice pasta is often cheaper at Asian markets (which are interesting in and of themselves)
Green Polka Dot Box is a membership based club... but we aren't clear on details
Vitacost is mentioned a lot, but no one is sure what it is.
Some feel that online prices are cheaper but that shipping cancels the savings. Others said that Amazon.com has free shipping if you're a Prime Member (about $75 a year?). There are some other non-food bennies with this. May have to order in bulk. They will do auto-ship. It will tell you what's free shipping or not so you can make informed purchases.
Pasta.... every single one of us had a different favorite, so there's really some subjectivity here and it's trial and error. Fresh market has carried Jovial. Publix has carried Ancient Harvest quinoa/corn blend. Lots of varieties, and consensus was just work your way thru them and take notes so you find your favorites. Someone liked Sam Mills Pasta D'oro but had only found it in High Springs. Dellalo brown rice pasta noted as good, but also only seen at Winn Dixie in High Springs. I just saw an ad in Paleo magazine for pasta made from almond flour so it's less high-carb. I'm blanking on the co. name but if you Google "almond flour pasta," I bet you'll find it.
GF wraps do exist. Publix on 39th has sold Don Pancho brand.Food for Life brown rice tortillas noted as OK. Schar breadsticks were voted very good. Hokam ? rice sticks noted as good.
Highly recommended to subscribe to all the gluten free magazines. Aside from recipes and the latest research/news, the ads are also very informative, as these companies are all working to perfect their formulas, out-perform the others, and DO advertise. Try Delight Gluten Free, Living Without, and Gluten Free Living.
Chex and Rice Krispies noted as good gluten free cereals. Be sure you're getting the ones that are gluten free, though. Betty Crocker got good reviews for good GF baking mixes, as did GF Bisquick and stuff from Gluten Free Pantry. Unfortunately, stores are so inconsistent that it really takes shopping around and trying out new stuff.
Breads...also a variety of opinions. Udi's seems to be getting better. Canyon Bakehouse got good reviews, can definitely be bought online, but someone found at Earth Origins. We did agree you can ask store managers to carry your favorite brands. Apparently Jason's Deli will sell a large, fluffy loaf of Udi's, not the small sizes that we buy in the store!
NO SAMI's bread, due to cross-contamination issues. Deland Bakery now has a dedicated gluten free facility but not sure how to get it, as last I heard a personal order had to be in bulk.
We all agree don't buy a bunch of specialty gluten free flour unless you're a baker, having all made that mistake and then given it away or tossed it. One good bag of gluten free baking flour mix will usually do it, and if you prefer, a bag of coconut and/or almond flour for something a little less in the high-carb range.
Amy's frozen stuff noted as pretty good.
TJ Maxx and BigLots actually carry some GF stuff. Sweet Bay on 441 is noted to be catching on. Wards, Earth Origins ,and the downtown coop great places, of course.
Ladies and gentlemen, that was all we covered. Much more to share, I'm sure, so please join us for our Summer kick-off dinner at Jason's Deli on May 16.
Til then,
Janet
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Blue Gill dinner, and April 18 next meeting
Hi Everyone,
Highly recommend Blue Gill restaurant by Shands on the ground floor under the parking garage on 13th. Everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner our group shared last week, and there's a pretty big variety of beef, fish, pork, duck, chicken options. Plenty of veggies, and they were quite patient and accommodating with regard to our questions, as there were quite a few of them. :-)
Our next meeting will be Thurs. April 18 in the Medical Arts Building behind the pond at North Florida Regional. We do have a limited amount of space where we meet, so if you would like to come, I really need to know by about April 10 or so, b/c if we need to book an alternate location, I'll need some time! Our topic, by popular vote, will be gluten free shopping-- local vs internet, favorite products, etc. We're now seeking each other's input about the specifics of what this meeting should entail... taste tests? Samples to take home? etc....
More to follow! Please rsvp at GIGgainesville@gmail.com so I can keep at least an approximate head count.
Thanks all!
Janet
Highly recommend Blue Gill restaurant by Shands on the ground floor under the parking garage on 13th. Everyone seemed to enjoy the dinner our group shared last week, and there's a pretty big variety of beef, fish, pork, duck, chicken options. Plenty of veggies, and they were quite patient and accommodating with regard to our questions, as there were quite a few of them. :-)
Our next meeting will be Thurs. April 18 in the Medical Arts Building behind the pond at North Florida Regional. We do have a limited amount of space where we meet, so if you would like to come, I really need to know by about April 10 or so, b/c if we need to book an alternate location, I'll need some time! Our topic, by popular vote, will be gluten free shopping-- local vs internet, favorite products, etc. We're now seeking each other's input about the specifics of what this meeting should entail... taste tests? Samples to take home? etc....
More to follow! Please rsvp at GIGgainesville@gmail.com so I can keep at least an approximate head count.
Thanks all!
Janet
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Next meeting April 18 at 6:30
Hi Folks,
Had a lovely meeting tonite where we shared some bunless burgers from Blue Gill, some home meade brownies, and homemade soup. We talked a bit about Dr. William Davis and how he's an outspoken figure in the world of those who are wheat-free, and we swapped ideas about our own ongoing health issues related to gluten. We are all working on surveys to tally up the most popular ideas for future meetings, and next meeting is scheduled for April 18 at 6:30, again in the Medical Arts Building. Agenda to be determined. We'll plan for a social dinner somewhere in between, probably at Blue Gill, which is getting high marks for taste and awareness of our issues! Stay tuned. If you've got a particular topic you'd like to see covered at a meeting, please let me know at GIGgainesville@gmail.com.
Many thanks again to Linda for staying late and hosting us, setting up video which turns out we didn't use, and for all of our attendees who lugged stuff in for all to share.
More soon!
Janet
Had a lovely meeting tonite where we shared some bunless burgers from Blue Gill, some home meade brownies, and homemade soup. We talked a bit about Dr. William Davis and how he's an outspoken figure in the world of those who are wheat-free, and we swapped ideas about our own ongoing health issues related to gluten. We are all working on surveys to tally up the most popular ideas for future meetings, and next meeting is scheduled for April 18 at 6:30, again in the Medical Arts Building. Agenda to be determined. We'll plan for a social dinner somewhere in between, probably at Blue Gill, which is getting high marks for taste and awareness of our issues! Stay tuned. If you've got a particular topic you'd like to see covered at a meeting, please let me know at GIGgainesville@gmail.com.
Many thanks again to Linda for staying late and hosting us, setting up video which turns out we didn't use, and for all of our attendees who lugged stuff in for all to share.
More soon!
Janet
Monday, February 4, 2013
Meeting reminder/New Favorite Websites
So, please remember our Feb. 21 meeting. We'll be watching an interview of Dr. William Davis, but even if you've seen it, please come, as we can also chat about his Wheat Belly book. Also, I've got some other items on the agenda, having found some new energy for 2013 to help get the word out for our group! But I need your help and attendance.
My new favorite websites: Mark's Daily Apple and NomNom Paleo. These are not entirely for you if you're a vegetarian, but there are recipe banks GALORE and you'll not find a single one with gluten. For about the last month or so, I've been eating paleo-- no grains, no sugar, no beans, and no dairy. I must say, with a little bit of research and exploration, this is NOT limiting, and I've been eating like a queen-- some really flavorful foods!
Someone suggested that we have a group (or two) to talk about our favorite healthy living book or gluten free book, and why we like it. I'll talk paleo! I'm not sure I'm ever going back. I just feel great, and did I mention I gave away half my pants b/c I've lost 7-8 lbs? :-) And I am NEVER hungry.
But, since this is a blog for the Gluten Intolerance Group, I'll encourage everyone to check out the websites b/c the recipes are all gluten free and there's a huge section on each for vegetarian recipes as well.
Hope to see you soon!
Janet
My new favorite websites: Mark's Daily Apple and NomNom Paleo. These are not entirely for you if you're a vegetarian, but there are recipe banks GALORE and you'll not find a single one with gluten. For about the last month or so, I've been eating paleo-- no grains, no sugar, no beans, and no dairy. I must say, with a little bit of research and exploration, this is NOT limiting, and I've been eating like a queen-- some really flavorful foods!
Someone suggested that we have a group (or two) to talk about our favorite healthy living book or gluten free book, and why we like it. I'll talk paleo! I'm not sure I'm ever going back. I just feel great, and did I mention I gave away half my pants b/c I've lost 7-8 lbs? :-) And I am NEVER hungry.
But, since this is a blog for the Gluten Intolerance Group, I'll encourage everyone to check out the websites b/c the recipes are all gluten free and there's a huge section on each for vegetarian recipes as well.
Hope to see you soon!
Janet
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Feb. 21 meeting at 6:30
Happy New Year Everyone! Am pasting below the email I just sent to our group (with a few edits), so you're up to date.
Hi All,
Happy New Year! I am about to chat with Cynthia Kupper to get a few questions answered to be sure we are in compliance with what GIG National needs to maintain its 501(c)(3) status. I've been assured that as a smaller group, we should be OK!
Very excited to announce our Feb. 21 meeting, Thurs., at 6:30 PM. We will again be meeting at Linda Armada's office in the Medical Arts Building behind the pond at N Florida Regional. Park in the garage behind the building, and we're on the first floor. Plenty of signs to guide you. We will be watching (listening) to a youtube interview of Dr. William Davis, who wrote Wheat Belly, which I finally got around to finishing. Wow. Good stuff! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING by Feb. 14. Our space is limited so need to be sure we can accommodate. Many thanks to Linda, who is not only extending her work day to accommodate us, but also doing a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure we've got the technology we need.
We agreed a while ago that making our meetings a potluck was a lot of work, unless we've specifically planned it to be an eat-fest. If you can, please bring a small something to share. I'll be bringing something a little more healthy (not sure what yet), so we don't have all cookies, but bring what inspires you. Or just bring yourself. No worries. If it's something you've prepared yourself, please bring a list of ingredients, or if it's pre-packaged food, please bring the label. We've been kind of lax about this, but it's good policy!
Have some interesting topics we're kicking around, and are probably looking at another meeting in April, then we'll skip the summer, and shoot for Sept. and early Nov. again. But we'll try to have some dinners in between, like we have been. I am also thinking of some ways you can all help promote our group. We don't want to become too huge, but on the other hand, we need to get the word out that we're here as a resource. The GIG has sent out some notes on how best to promote the group. This may be something I can delegate to you all who are able to help. I am working very hard to reclaim some of my life so that I can do a better job as our leader... so far with a decent amount of success (though it's been 3 weeks, ha!) but I remain passionate about support for those who need or want it, and maintaining a sense of community among those who have to eat gluten free.
So, hope to see you all on Feb. 21. PLEASE let me know if you're coming.
Lastly, hope this link works. I saw Sara Vollmer present informally at the GIG National Conference year before last. She's hilarious, but these slides were OUTSTANDING:
Hi All,
Happy New Year! I am about to chat with Cynthia Kupper to get a few questions answered to be sure we are in compliance with what GIG National needs to maintain its 501(c)(3) status. I've been assured that as a smaller group, we should be OK!
Very excited to announce our Feb. 21 meeting, Thurs., at 6:30 PM. We will again be meeting at Linda Armada's office in the Medical Arts Building behind the pond at N Florida Regional. Park in the garage behind the building, and we're on the first floor. Plenty of signs to guide you. We will be watching (listening) to a youtube interview of Dr. William Davis, who wrote Wheat Belly, which I finally got around to finishing. Wow. Good stuff! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING by Feb. 14. Our space is limited so need to be sure we can accommodate. Many thanks to Linda, who is not only extending her work day to accommodate us, but also doing a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure we've got the technology we need.
We agreed a while ago that making our meetings a potluck was a lot of work, unless we've specifically planned it to be an eat-fest. If you can, please bring a small something to share. I'll be bringing something a little more healthy (not sure what yet), so we don't have all cookies, but bring what inspires you. Or just bring yourself. No worries. If it's something you've prepared yourself, please bring a list of ingredients, or if it's pre-packaged food, please bring the label. We've been kind of lax about this, but it's good policy!
Have some interesting topics we're kicking around, and are probably looking at another meeting in April, then we'll skip the summer, and shoot for Sept. and early Nov. again. But we'll try to have some dinners in between, like we have been. I am also thinking of some ways you can all help promote our group. We don't want to become too huge, but on the other hand, we need to get the word out that we're here as a resource. The GIG has sent out some notes on how best to promote the group. This may be something I can delegate to you all who are able to help. I am working very hard to reclaim some of my life so that I can do a better job as our leader... so far with a decent amount of success (though it's been 3 weeks, ha!) but I remain passionate about support for those who need or want it, and maintaining a sense of community among those who have to eat gluten free.
So, hope to see you all on Feb. 21. PLEASE let me know if you're coming.
Lastly, hope this link works. I saw Sara Vollmer present informally at the GIG National Conference year before last. She's hilarious, but these slides were OUTSTANDING:
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Hi All,
Just had a lovely meal at Yume Ume in Gainesville! Consensus among the gluten free community is that it's safe for celiacs, and more knowledgeable than many about gluten as well as other sensitivities. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or interest in joining our group. Best way to reach me is at GIGgainesville@gmail.com, but please check out www.gluten.net. I'm busier than I prefer to be with less time available for this than I'd like, but our group is a wonderful, supportive bunch, and we are here for you should you need support in your gluten-free journey! Happy Holidays to all, and we'll probably be getting together in Feb. to watch a you tube video by Dr. Davis, the author of Wheat Belly. Stay tuned!
Janet
Just had a lovely meal at Yume Ume in Gainesville! Consensus among the gluten free community is that it's safe for celiacs, and more knowledgeable than many about gluten as well as other sensitivities. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or interest in joining our group. Best way to reach me is at GIGgainesville@gmail.com, but please check out www.gluten.net. I'm busier than I prefer to be with less time available for this than I'd like, but our group is a wonderful, supportive bunch, and we are here for you should you need support in your gluten-free journey! Happy Holidays to all, and we'll probably be getting together in Feb. to watch a you tube video by Dr. Davis, the author of Wheat Belly. Stay tuned!
Janet
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