Daily Digest

Author: admin

  • The Faces of Celiac Disease

    The Faces of Celiac Disease

    3 million Americans and millions more around the world suffer from celiac disease (a staggering 83% of them undiagnosed). This is a real disease affecting real people. Women and men. Young and old. All eating gluten-free to survive and to thrive. What better way to raise awareness than to show the actual faces behind the disease; to build a wall with our pictures and our stories.

    So that is what I did. Over 1,800 fellow celiacs shared their story and a what celiac means to them in one short sentence.

    VIEW THE FACES OF CELIAC DISEASE

  • Cheerios aren’t safe. But the CDF still takes money from them.

    Cheerios aren’t safe. But the CDF still takes money from them.

    A 3-part tragedy.

    Part 1: I, along with other supposed celiac advocates, are invited in 2015 to General Mills headquarters in Minnesota to see how they will theoretically make their Cheerios gluten-free and celiac safe.

    The CEO of the Celiac Disease Foundation posts a picture of herself with a giant box of Cheerios, asking ‘which flavor are you most excited about?’. At this point, we have no idea of their process and she is already promoting them. Odd.

    Part 2: The three days in Minnesota sucked and I had no idea whether they’d be safe or not. When they finally came out, the Celiac Disease Foundation logo is on every single box. Why? Because GM paid them, I assume, a shit ton of money.

    Soon after, people are getting sick on the new Cheerios, and there is a huge recall because….yep…there was gluten in the gluten-free Cheerios.

    Part 3: Eleven years later and the CDF is still on the Cheerios boxes, and GM and Cheerios are still two of their biggest sponsors.
    2024 revenue for the CDF is almost $5 million. CEO salary is almost 10% of that.

    This whole thing stinks. But it’s become par for the course for advocacy groups and influencers. Money first. F**k the community.

  • Taco Bell, the Nima Sensor and an Influencer: What a disaster!

    Taco Bell, the Nima Sensor and an Influencer: What a disaster!

    Not sure if you follow me on social media but it was an interesting week to say the least.

    A GF influencer who shall remain nameless did a promoted (i.e. paid) post for the Nima Sensor, where he tested a Taco Bell dish.

    The test, which only touches about 1% of the food and costs a fortune, said it was safe.

    Influencer then eats the meal.

    This is everything wrong with so much in today’s GF community.

    The influencer thing has gotten completely out of control.

    No one talks about celiac disease anymore. Unless they do a fake video of themselves in tears, crying about not feeling well (after promoting shit foods of course).

    Nothing is real anymore. Nothing is authentic.

    Taco Bell warns people with celiac disease not to eat their food.

    But when there’s money to be made, the hell with that.

    I got some pushback of course from a few “influencers” but on the bright side, tons of people agreed with me.

    They’re sick of the whole influencer bullshit.

    Perhaps this is the beginning of the end and we can go back to talking about the disease.

    Hey…a Dude can hope.

  • They’re getting paid. You’re getting played.

    They’re getting paid. You’re getting played.

    If you spend any time on celiac social media, you’ve probably seen influencers (ack!) pushing gluten enzymes and the NIMA sensor.

    They make them sound like must-haves.

    They’re not.

    Gluten enzymes like Gluten Ease and Gluten Cutter have zero scientific evidence that they protect you from cross-contamination.

    The NIMA sensor only tests a tiny sample of your meal and does not accurately test fermented or hydrolyzed foods, such as soy sauce, beer, malt vinegar, or food cooked with them.

    So why are influencers promoting them?

    Because they get paid to. That’s it.

    Oh…and they have no shame.

    Save your money. 

    The one thing that actually reduces your risk when eating out is knowing which restaurants can be trusted to keep you safe before you walk in.

    Not a pill. Not a gadget.

    Information.

    That’s what Gluten Dude does. Every restaurant is researched for cross-contamination practices.

  • Dear Dude: My 18-Year-Old Celiac Cheats. How Do I Help Him?

    Dear Dude: My 18-Year-Old Celiac Cheats. How Do I Help Him?

    Hi Gluten Dude…looking for advice.

    My son has celiac, which we found out about 4 yrs ago. Now he is 18 and is eating gluten (hiding it). He doesn’t look healthy and doesn’t complain about it.

    He says he’d rather die young eating good food than live a long life eating crappy food.

    He will eat gluten free when I cook for him it but between dinners, he eats gluten.

    He is way under weight and so pale he looks grey. I’ve tried really hard teaching him what the consequences are and how important it is to not eat it but all he does is hide it and lie to me about it.

    Wow…this is just a tough one. What 18 year old doesn’t think he’s invincible? When my kids were that age, lord knows I would get the eye rolls when I talk about eating healthy…and pretty much anything else I say 😉

    I’m not sure of the kind of relationship you have…though by reaching out for advice, it’s obvious you’re a pretty rocking mom. I just don’t know what kind of sway your words will have.

    Have you tried leaving educational materials around the house that he could read? Perhaps send him a link once in awhile that talks about the high risk of cancer, etc. The key is to getting your message across so it’s accepted as love and concern (and not parental nagging).

    He’s got to get out of the mindset that eating gluten-free is eating “crappy”. It just doesn’t need to be that way.

    But again, I’m not 18.

  • Company labels food with barley as GLUTEN FREE!

    Company labels food with barley as GLUTEN FREE!

    Here is a disturbing story in 3 videos.

    Part 1: I call out the company.

    @glutendude Buyer beware! There’s a product out there labeled gluten-free that is not even close to being gluten-free. I called the company. Here’s how the conversation went down. #celiac #nocurenochoice #glutenfree #celiacdisease ♬ original sound – Gluten Dude

    Part 2: The company responds and I (prematurely) give them credit.

    @glutendude A COOL UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY’S VIDEO. ##celiac##nocurenochoice##glutenfree##celiacdisease ♬ original sound – Gluten Dude

    Part 3: They have no idea what they are doing and are a danger to the celiac community!

    @glutendude Seriously important follow up regarding Davis & Davis Gourmet Foods. I gave them the benefit of the doubt since they said it was a packaging issue. Found at least 3 MORE ITEMS LABELED GLUTEN-FREE THAT CONTAIN BARLEY. These folks have no right to be in business. #celiac #nocurenochoice #glutenfree ♬ original sound – Gluten Dude

    Lesson?
    Trust no one.
    Read labels.
    F**k Davis & Davis

  • New Boyfriend. New Celiac Problems. Help!!

    New Boyfriend. New Celiac Problems. Help!!

    I’ve been happily married to the one and only Mrs. Dude for 32 years now. We were already 15 years in when I got the dreaded celiac diagnosis. While obviously the diagnosis itself pretty much sucked, at least Mrs. Dude and I were able to learn the ropes together. Well…let’s be honest…Mrs. Dude took command and I followed her lead.

    But I know that most aren’t that lucky. This call for help is for all you folks out there who have navigated the “new relationship” thing with celiac disease. Here’s the email:

    Hey Gluten Dude,Just when I thought I had this whole Celiac thing figured out, I got hit with another life event that throws a wrench in my routines and ‘safety procedures’; I got divorced.

    Now I’m still young, and childless, so this has simplified parts of this scenario (and it was for the best really). But time has passed and what I’m left with now is figuring out how to navigate the dating world as a Celiac. And I don’t mean going out for drinks with someone and playing mini-putt. I mean the stage of dating where you go over Friday, and then its Sunday, and you wonder how so much time passed… and then you wonder why you can’t concentrate, why your neuropathy is back, and why everything hurts. BAM. Glutened at new-potential-partner’s-house. No real surprise there; lets be honest.

    Now he’s an understanding guy, and has dated the fad-gluten-free-types before. In fact, he’s vegan, so he understands restrictions. But not exactly cross-contamination. It’s early days, but as I spend more and more time with him, I will be required to eat. And I can’t live with being in a constant state of cross-contamination. He would come to my place, but he’s deathly allergic to my cat (and I’m not about to evict the cat just yet…). And the real kicker; while he has his own place, he’s an expert Couchsurfing host, meaning new people are always cooking in his kitchen.

    Thoughts!? How do others navigate this part of dating? Do I pack lunches and dinners for myself? Do I eat processed foods? Do I eat foods that require less prep at his place? Do I get rid of my cat? Do I suffer in silence? Do I demand he stop hosting Couchsurfers (a hobby he loves)? I don’t want to be THAT girl!!

    HELP.

    I really never thought I ‘d have this problem.

    Signed,

    Smitten, but glutened.

    Ok…I’ll give it my best shot, one question at a time.

    Do I pack lunches and dinners for myself? Until you can feel safe at his place…yes. Or you offer to cook, getting the point across how important it is that you know exactly what is in every morsel you eat. (Isn’t celiac fun??!!)

    Do I eat processed foods? Nooo.

    Do I eat foods that require less prep at his place? Now you’re talking. No need to go all elaborate. Keep it simple. Best advice for all celiacs.

    Do I get rid of my cat? Nope. Is there anything he can take on his end?

    Do I suffer in silence? Definitely NOT.

    Do I demand he stop hosting Couchsurfers (a hobby he loves)? Dang…so many things to consider. Demand? No. Discuss? Yes.

  • GF Jules Recipe: Easy Rum Balls

    GF Jules Recipe: Easy Rum Balls

    Rum is fun. Balls are fun. Put them together and you’ve got the perfect little treat.

    Rum Balls

    Prep Time: 1 hour
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 9-12

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 1/2 cups gluten free crispy rice cereal (Erewhon; Nature’s Path; One Degree)
    • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
    • 1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar (or Swerve confectioner’s sugar replacement)
    • 3 Tbs. baking cocoa Dutched OR gluten free chocolate protein powder OWYN dark chocolate protein powder
    • 1/4 cup spiced rum (or apple cider)
    • 3 Tbs. agave nectar coconut nectar OR honey (honey is not vegan)
    • 1 Tbs. water
    • confectioner’s sugar coconut, gluten free sprinkles … OR other dry ingredients for rolling the balls in

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a large food processor, process cereal until uniformly crumby. Transfer to a bowl and process the pecans in the food processor until finely chopped. Return the cereal to the processor bowl with the chopped pecans; add sugar and cocoa powder/chocolate protein powder. Pulse just to combine the dry ingredients.
    2. Add rum, agave and water and pulse just until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry to hold together easily in a ball, add another tablespoon or two of water until it holds together.
    3. Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough between your palms, then roll in more sifted confectioner’s sugar, gluten free chocolate jimmies or sprinkles, grated coconut, more crushed crispy rice cereal or more protein powder or cocoa.

    Link to full recipe on Jules’ site.

  • A look back at the Cheerios debacle

    A look back at the Cheerios debacle

    Not many people are talking about Cheerios anymore and whether they are really celiac safe. Which is a shame. Cause it’s really important to understand the history behind the launch of the gluten-free Cheerios and how f***ed up it was.

    So I thought I’d do a quick recap for you.

    • In March of 2015, I was invited to the General Mills corporate offices to discuss the new, upcoming Gluten-Free Cheerios. Hated the trip. Appreciated their passion. Came away so-so on the validity of their methods (using contaminated oats and mechanically sorting them to remove the wheat and the barley). You can read about it here.
    • Fast-forward to September of 2015 and many celiacs have complained about getting sick on the Gluten-Free Cheerios since they’ve been out. I questioned why some celiac bloggers were celebrating Cheerios when so many were getting sick. Take a gander here.
    • Let’s jump now to October of 2015 (yeah I know…time flies when you’re getting glutened). I had a back and forth with the management team at Cheerios regarding why my fellow celiacs were getting sick. They insisted, and I quote, “Cheerios are safe – and they are gluten free. But celiac disease is a complex condition, and dietary changes for people with celiac disease often require the assistance of a trained physician. Blah, blah, blah.” Got that? We were NOT getting sick from the Cheerios. Couldn’t be.
    • And what happened a few weeks later? Cheerios had to recall 1.8 million boxes of Gluten-Free Cheerios because…wait for it…they contained gluten due to an error in the production process. And guess when the error occurred? In July of 2015, when people were claiming they were getting ill. And why did they wait so long before announcing the recall? Because testing wasn’t done at that production facility at that time. No…really. You can read this staggering info here.
    • And lastly, we’ll move right along to August of 2016 (yes, we’ve all just aged a year) when the Canadian Celiac Association formally announced that they “recommend that people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity DO NOT consume the gluten-free labeled Cheerios products at this time because of concerns about the potential levels of gluten in boxes of these cereals.” Peruse the juicy details here.

    And of course, the million dollar question is why did the Celiac Disease Foundation put their logo on every single box? You know and I know what the an$wer i$. Becau$e it’$ alway$ the an$wer. Here are the top sponsors of the CDF:

    Yep…they are all General Mills companies. Now look, the CDF is non-profit and I know they need sponsorship. But I figured there must be something else there. It can’t just be about the money. So I reached out to them. Here’s the convo:

    GD: Hi folks. This is Gluten Dude. I am a celiac advocate and run a popular blog about living with celiac disease over at glutendude.com. I am respectfully requesting you remove your logo from all boxes of Cheerios since they have NOT proven to be safe for the celiac community. I understand GM is one of your biggest sponsors, but it really should be community first. Please let me know your thoughts. Many thanks.

    CDF: Thank you for your email. Cheerios has warranted that their products meet the FDA standards for gluten-free labeling. Since the voluntary recall of October of 2015, CDF has received no information from the FDA that Cheerios products pose a risk to people with celiac disease who can tolerate oats. If you have information that shows otherwise, we request that you forward this information to the FDA so action may be taken. The support of General Mills helps to underwrite the costs of celiac.org, a website used by more than 7 million people worldwide each year for diagnosis, treatment and support. Until such time that General Mills no longer wishes to support the celiac community, their gluten-free products will continue to bear the Celiac Disease Foundation logo.

    cdf sponsors GM

    A few point of interest here:

    • I just love how they note that the recall was “voluntary”. Like it was some kind of humanitarian effort on GM’s part. Please.
    • The FDA has indeed received complaints from the celiac community about the Gluten-Free Cheerios.
    • Instead of “Until such time that General Mills no longer wishes to support the celiac community, their gluten-free products will continue to bear the Celiac Disease Foundation logo.”…shouldn’t it be…“Until such time that General Mills can prove 100% that their gluten-free products are safe, we will remove the Celiac Disease Foundation logo.”

    Also note that the CDF was promoting the Gluten-Free Cheerios BEFORE the product even came out. Here is what they posted on their Facebook page on March 25, 2015, during the GM meeting that I was at when we didn’t even know what their protocols were:

    “CDF’s CEO is currently at the Gluten-Free Summit to learn about the new process to remove gluten from oats. This development was three years in the making! Which flavor of Cheerios are you most excited for?”

    You got that? Even though we all had NO IDEA whether they’d be safe, they were already telling their large audience, with no hesitation, to get excited.

    That. Makes. Me. Sad. Their top priority should be to protect the celiac community.

    That should be the priority of every celiac organization and influencer.

    So there you have it.

    Has anything changed in the past several years? Nope.

    Proceed with caution.

  • Dear World: Here is Why I Eat Gluten-Free

    Dear World: Here is Why I Eat Gluten-Free

    We don’t owe anybody any explanation of why we eat gluten-free. It’s our life. It’s our body. It’s our health.

    It’s what we do to thrive and survive.

    Yet with the fad diet in full force, I know some in our community feel the need to say “Hey, I’m not gluten-free cause I WANT to be. I’m gluten-free cause I NEED to be.”

    Whether it’s to be taken more seriously, to educate or simply to be heard, I totally get it.

    Here’s an email I received from a fellow celiac.

    —-

    Dear Gluten Dude:

    I love your site. After some frustrating discussions with my husband and a co-worker who said I better stop talking about gluten free foods or people will start talking about me (what????) I composed the following.

    Dear Friends, Family, and acquaintances:

    • I am not eating gluten free as part of a fad, or because the latest celebrity has decided to jump on the G-free bandwagon.
    • I am not eating gluten free to annoy you, inconvenience you or to make things difficult when we go out to eat.
    • I am not eating gluten free to be the center of attention or to put a damper on your party.
    • I am not eating gluten free to pay outrageous prices for a single cookie, cupcake, or a tiny little pizza.
    • I am not eating gluten free to pay a lot more for a little bag of gluten free flour.
    • I am not eating gluten free to worry about what I can eat when I go out to eat.
    • I am not eating gluten free because I love to analyze every ingredient on every item I pick up to purchase.
    • I am eating gluten free because that little protein that you cannot see in your muffin, cookie, cake, pie, beer, pizza, soup, and yes, even your soy sauce makes me ill.
    • I am eating gluten free because that little protein hurts my stomach, my joints, my muscles and yes, even my brain.
    • I am eating gluten free because I have a disease.

    Any questions?

    —-

    Nope.