Me, Myself and Celiac

"Hey Girl--what happened to your blog?"

I've heard that more than I've wanted to.  Well, I've been on a break...for a whole year. Crazy, right?!

I wish I could say I've been stockpiling blog entries full of wonderful yet ridiculous pictures and rants, but nope.  

And to say I was a little self deflated after 6 months from diagnosis of 'thinking' I was doing great, only to get my blood work back and it's flipping positive--is an understatement.

I thought I was doing well, my symptoms had subsided for the most part so what gives?  I visit my doctor and he says, "Are you using the same sponge on your dishes that you do on other dishes?"  Ughhh...are you kidding me right now!!  This is harder, and much more frustrating than I thought.  

So over the last year I have tried to figure this thing out. Playing private detector for hidden gluten is tiring and a huge pain the ass.  And besides my unpaid gluten detector job, I actually have a real 40 hr+/wk profession.  

I've been working, spending endless hours at my two daughters softball games, finally getting back into fitness, visiting family, traveling a bit, and just plain trying to find a moment of clarity.  

I've been to the Jersey Shore, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and San Francisco.  So who gets the award for being the most celiac-friendly?

Drum Roll...

Surprisingly, New Jersey!  And no, I'm not being biased because I was born there.  

I live in California.  My Dad always calls it the "land of the fruits and nuts."  Everyone is supposed to be so healthy here.  So why are there so many celiac uneducated people?? INCLUDING the Doctors!? (But that's a whole other blog entry).

New Jersey triumphed because not only did restaurants offer gluten free choices, and actually know what gluten and celiac is, but they meaningfully discussed cross contamination and what substitutes would safely be offered.  PLUS--to be able to go to the Jersey Shore with sugared, fried and baked gluten ~ pizza, fudge, funnel cakes and cheese steaks everywhere, AND still be accommodated? YUP------score!

Here are some places I ate safely with no issues and peace of mind :

Joes Fish Company, Morey's Pier Wildwood  (review coming soon)
Pure Tacos, Boardwalk Ocean City
Seasons 52, Cherry Hill
Cuba Libre, Tropicana Casino Atlantic City
Amish Market, Columbus Farmers Market (review coming soon)
The Salad Place, Deptford Mall

Life happens and things get shelved.  But hey-- I'm glad to be back on the blog!  Miss you New Jersey :)  XoXo