To go along with yesterday’s video interview with Danna Korn, I have a copy of Living Gluten-Free for Dummies, 2nd edition, by Danna Korn to giveaway!
This book was sent to me by the PR firm in charge of the video interviews, and came a bit too late for me to include it with that post (in other words, I totally forgot it was coming until I saw UPS parked in front of my house).
You’ve all seen the Dummies series, with their bright yellow covers. This one is no exception.
I have the first edition, and read it when it came out (I had also read Danna’s earlier books, Wheat-Free Worry-Free and Kids with Celiac Disease). Danna’s books are well-written and provide a lot of helpful information, especially for those recently getting started living gluten-free.
From the back cover:
- Go gluten-free — get a handle on the whos, whats, whys, and hows of going gluten-free (and the many medical benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle)
- Connect the dots — discover the fascinating connections between gluten, autism, and behavioral disorders
- Speak Glutenese — learn how to decipher label lingo and know what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for food
- Make it nutritious (and delicious) — follow recipes for making family-pleasing gluten-free meals, from enticing entrees to sensational sides and everything in between
- Get out and about — get practical tips and guidance on keeping a gluten-free diet whether you’re eating out or on the go
If you would like this book for you, a friend, a loved one, or someone who really needs some good information, leave a comment about the best tip you learned when going gluten-free (or ask a question if you don’t know anything yet!).
You have until 9pm central on Wednesday, June 1st, 2011.
The best advice I have about going gluten free is to focus on what you can have instead of what you can’t. Going gluten free opens up a world of grains most people never hear of. Also the best gluten free replacements are combos of all these flours!
Try to shop during the weekday during business hours and make sure to bring a cell phone so that you can call companies and verify gluten free status from the store before you buy. That was 10 years ago. Now, with data plans on phones, you can look at mfg web sites from the store as well.
Don’t be afraid to question your doctor about medications. The pharmacist at my local drug store was very little help to me, but my doctor has been a great resource!
When dining at somebody else’s house – bring something you can count on to eat!
In week two of my gluten-free diet, I went to a potluck dinner, and was pleasantly surprised when the hostess’ invitation included an invitation to let her know if you have any food allergies. I replied back that I was gluten free. Imagine my surprise when the dinner menu consisted of chicken noodle soup, two lasagnas, a stuffing, and a couscous-based salad. I survived off the GF salad I’d brought, and a lovely cheese course. Thank goodness I’d brought something!
We’re just getting ready to dive into the gluten free world. So with that being said, I’m listen with very open ears, eyes, & mind to what others say is good, and not so good products. I’m reading as much as I can, asking questions, and feel confident that we can make this change without a huge hassle. Since my daughter one day would have to do this on her own, I can’t think of a better book then a copy of “Living Gluten-Free for Dummies”
The best advice I got was to try Mary’s Gone Crackers. I’m totally addicted now!
It was very hard getting started on the GF diet. At first, I was afraid to eat anything. I still have a hard time with lunch, my staple is always a salad. I could use some new ideas.
When my family went gluten free, my husband moaned that his life was over and he’d never eat anything tasty again! I assured him that after we were completely switched over from gluten, we’d have good food again and that turned out to be true. No one gave me advice on what to do, but my advice is: don’t expect to have the gluten free lifestyle perfected in a week, it takes time to learn about what you can and can’t have. Allow for learning, don’t be afraid to experiment with new things, sometimes they’ll be great and other times- they’ll be great for a laugh later. Read, read, read the labels on everything and if you aren’t sure contact the company for clarification. Many companies already have the information about gluten in their products on their websites. Also, search the web! I have found many of my new favorite recipes simply by typing in what I want to make and adding the words gluten-free…there is a whole world of gluten free resources just waiting to be found on the internet. Check your local library, too. It’s a great place to test drive a gluten free cookbook to see if it fits your style and your needs.
The doctor that diagnosed me was wonderful. He then told me the only “cure” was a strict gluten free diet. To this day he is amazed I am strictly gf. He said has has many patients that cheat or do not follow the diet very well. I don’t understand why anyone would purposely feel bad.
The best tip I can give is to take it one day at a time. Don’t focus on a “life of restrictions.” It does get easier!