We’ve all been there: afraid to ask if something was gluten-free in a restaurant, embarrassed that others had to make special accommodations when having us over for dinner, a little scared to be “different”. 

THAT STOPS TODAY!  My amazing support system has helped make me at ease with the gluten-free Glutenista® that I am.  No more will I look down in shame when I ask for gluten-free menus/products and neither should you! 

Don’t forget that as a Glutenista®:
you are FABULOUS
you are SPECIAL
you DESERVE to be able to eat, without being poisoned!

And yes… you are TRENDY, “COOL” and part of a growing population according to many recent news articles.

Hold your head-up and stand tall when asking for gluten-free!  Every time you ask (& maybe feel a little alone) know that you have the support of thousands on Glutenista.com® and millions across the U.S., helping you to have the courage to advocate for your health!

THANK YOU for your support!

HAPPY CELIAC & GLUTEN-FREE AWARENESS MONTH GLUTENISTAS!!!  This is YOUR month!  Keep that head held high & celebrate your fabulousness!!!   Glutenista is bringing you 30 days of tips & tricks for you to live a fabulous gluten-free life!

Living a gluten-free lifestyle is not easy.  There are opportunities to give-in and enjoy an amazing slice of pizza, a delicious cinnamon roll or an ice-cold beer full of gluten everywhere you turn. 

While you may decide that it is worth the stomach problems or exhaustion for the short-term, did you know that your decision to cheat is also having serious long-term effects on your health as well?

A Mayo Clinic Study on Celiac Disease found that there is a borderline significant association with those that did not follow a gluten-free diet & reduced mortality, due to mucosal damage.  Summary: http://bit.ly/cLhaUz  Translation: DON'T CHEAT & make a commitment to live fabulously gluten-free!

Gluten-Free Recipes featured in mainstream media - Glutenista says THANK YOU for helping to raise awareness!

“Sorghum: a good old-fashioned ingredient, especially in cookies” Lexington Herald-Leader
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/16/1568253/sorghum-a-good-old-fashioned-ingredient.html
Featuring: Gluten-Free White Chocolate Kissed Gingerbread Cookie Recipe, Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookie Recipe, Gluten-Free Allspice Gingerbread Recipe and a Gluten-Free Stack Cake Recipe: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/16/1568725/recipes.html

“Gluten-Free Cookies” Waterloo Cedar Rapids Journal
http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/stcharles/life/article_effd267b-d16b-5dc6-8ecb-38b5cdd04ed3.html  Featuring: Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Lava Drops Recipe, Gluten-Free Glazed Chai Shortbread Recipe

OTHER GLUTEN-FREE NEWS ARTICLES FROM 12/15 & 12/16:
“Food Allergies Take a Holiday” Seattle Weekly Features GF Holiday Gift Ideas
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/voracious/2010/12/food_allergies_take_a_holiday.php 

“Ga-Ga for Gluten-Free” Mansfield News Journal
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20101215/LIFESTYLE/12150317

GLUTENISTA’S 44-PAGE GUIDE TO A FABULOUS {GLUTEN-FREE} HOLIDAY!
See our FABULOUS Gluten-Free Holiday Guide – full of tips & tricks, recipes and gift ideas for everyone on your list!  It is Glutenista’s gift to you this season, we hope you enjoy! 
http://www.glutenista.com/glutenistas-guide-to-a-fabulous-gluten-free-holiday.html

Glutenista is honored to be participating in Silvana Nardone's Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Countdown - 31 days of fabulous gluten-free cookie recipes & giveaways.  

The Holiday Cookie Countdown features gluten-free heavyweights such as Carol Fenster, Shauna Ahern, Elana Amsterdam & little ol' Glutenista.  We're the first to admit - our strength lies more in picking out a killer outfit vs. finding the optimal gf flour blend so you can be sure that our recipe is 1. easy, 2. quick  3. can be made from items already in your pantry & 4. decadent

Check out the Cookie Calendar & the links below -your mouth will water!

follow YOUR instinct & carve your own path, be who you were meant to be

The holiday season can feel incredibly overwhelming - parties to attend, presents to buy, cards to send, strained family relations that need addressing.  Throw in trying to eat safely gluten-free at holiday parties & get-togethers and it's no surprise that Glutenistas may run around with a permanent furrowed brow!  Glutenistas - change your view on it all!

Just like one of Glutenista's favorite iPhone apps, Hipstomatic, you can change your view to improve your 'tude.  Remember a key phrase "Fake it Until You Make It" - you may not be feeling 100% positive , but eventually your fake positive attitude will turn into you naturally looking at things with a much rosier outlook! 

Suddenly the parties become a celebration of friendship, being gluten-free becomes a blessing that makes you feel amazing (& prevent over-eating!), and you realize you are blessed to have your family present in your life.  It's not the easiest choice to make, but this year be sure check the pity-party at the door this holiday season & celebrate the fabulous Glutenista that you are! 

xoxo, glutenista

Oh, and don't forget to check back at Glutenista.com for easy, delish gluten-free holiday treats that you can bring to parties to ensure you have something fabulous to eat!

celebrate the season & scatter kindness

live your gluten-free life for YOU, not others