Gluten Free-dom with Diana Brandmeyer

 

Today I'm welcoming the awesome Diana Brandmeyer to the blog. She's a writer and blogger, and also keeps a strict gluten-free lifestyle. Since I've been trying to keep to a no-grains regimen myself, I was curious about how she does it. We had a bit of a chat about dinner....


DB: Thank you for having me on your blog today. I thought it might be fun to do a little role playing. Why don't
you ask me for dinner, Liv?

LR: I think I can do that, as long as I don't have to cook. You can see on the sidebar here it says "behind every great blog is an unfed husband".

DB: We're role playing, remember? Think of a meal you love to serve to people and then ask me over.

LR: Okay, yeah. I think I'll serve barbeque chicken, roasted califlower and ice cream sundaes for desert.

DB: That sounds amazing. I haven't had that in awhile. You know I'm gluten free right? That if you aren't careful I will be sick for at least three days?

LR: Bummer! How sick?

DB: What's the worst flu you've ever had? You know the one where you run for the bathroom, your entire body aches, the headache is a killer?

LR: Oh yeah. That really sucks.

DB: Now you're beginning to understand.

LR: Beginning?

DB: Yep, there's more. Not only do I get that reaction I also get 'brain fog' making it hard to focus on anything. Typing is impossible because my brain doesn't connect to the right fingers--that's not scientific, just what happens to me. And then there is the irritaiton at everyone and every thing that comes near me--think PMS on steriods. When I've been glutened my husband tends to find other things to do that don't involve me.

LR: Well, we sure don't want that happening. How do we keep your sunny personality in place?  ;)

DB: Do you have something to write all this down with?

LR: Writer, remember? Give to me.

DB: The chicken can't have anything added to it. Check the package and see if there is a percentage of broth injected. They use a broth with wheat. I can't have that. Next, make sure the barbque sauce doesn't contain, wheat, rye, or barley. There are only a few kinds that are safe. Jack Daniels Original is a good one.

LR: I can do that.

DB: There's more.  The califlower will be fine but the ice cream sundaes might not be. Some ice creams have wheat so please check before you buy it, and the toppings sometimes are coated in wheat to keep them from sticking.

LR: Seriously?  That's crazy. Anything else?

DB: Do you have a dishwasher?

LR: Yes, but I don't make guests help with the dishes, unless they offer...

DB: I always offer, Liv. My mother taught me that. If you hand washed all your dishes I'd ask you to use paper plates.

LR: Paper plates? Why?

DB: Because you don't eat gluten free so your sink gets used to wash dishes with gluten on them. I usually get sick when I eat at my mom's and I think that's why. Oh, and please don't use a wooden spoon and make sure your pans are really clean. Even better, can you line them with aluminim foil?"

LR: How 'bout we just order Chinese?

DB: That would be yummy but they use soy sauce with wheat. I have an idea. Why don't you come to my house for dinner instead?

LR: Much better plan, but I'll need to bring something so I don't feel all guilty. Maybe I can find something at the grocery with a Gluten Free lable on it?

DB: Perfect! Pamela's Cookies for dessert would be good.
;)

Thanks for playing along with me, Liv. Being gluten free isn't a choice for a lot of people. Eating even a tiny crumb of bread can make those with celiac or gluten intolerance sick. The hardest part is getting friends and family to understand we don't want to be treated special, but it's necessary. Family gatherings, parties with friends, holidays and eating at a restaurant are always a challange.

If you need to make a meal for a gluten free person ask what they can have. Check the labels. Don't be afraid to ask them to bring something they can eat. It isn't rude. I consider it a sign of caring.

Eating gluten free is expensive so we don't expect a holiday dinner to be made gluten free just for one person. It's nice to feel comfortable knowing that by bringing your own meal your hostess won't be offended.

Thanks for having me as your guest today, Liv.

No problem, Diana. Thanks so much for the post! And for those of you reading along, leave a comment because Diana is offering a giveaway. You can choose either her wonderful non-fiction book about combining families, We're Not Blended We're Pureed, or her romantic novel, A Bride's Dilemma. They both look like great reads!
Peace,
Liv