THE GLUTEN-FREE CHALLENGE

I had never heard of Celiac Disease until I met best friend/heart throb, Stephen. Unlike what you may have heard, eating gluten-free is not a weight-loss plan or a dietary fad; neither is Celiac Disease an allergy to gluten. It's an autoimmune disease. Most people who have CD have no idea.

If you know me in real life, you know all about my whacky stomach acid craziness. As my CD test results were "inconclusive," I've been meaning to give the GF lifestyle a go and see if it helps at all. Of course, with everything going on in life, it keeps getting pushed back.

Enter the Gluten-Free Challenge. The information below is taken from Stephen's blog, The Gluten Freeway.

WHAT: To raise awareness for Celiac Disease (a digestive disease that can lead to malnutrition if not treated) as well as more expansive gluten intolerance, the public is invited to participate in a Gluten-free Challenge--to eat one gluten-free thing a day for a month and on the final weekend, eat completely gluten-free for one weekend.

Celiac Disease affects 1 in 100 Americans. The only cure is to adhere to a gluten-free diet. The goal of the Gluten-free Challenge is to bring family and friends to the dinner table to see that you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal as a family--whether it be a regular meal or a holiday event. The Challenge will also empower people to learn more about this easily treatable disease and help bring awareness to the choices faced by those who adhere to a Gluten-free diet face.

WHEN:

April 1: Registration begins for the Challenge
April 21-May 21: Registrants will receive a daily 'Tip of the Day' and 'Recipe of the Day' email to encourage daily experimenting and to prepare for the Gluten-free Challenge Weekend
May 22-23: Gluten-free Challenge Weekend
May 29-30 (bonus): Visit a participating restaurant in the gluten-free "Chef to Plate" program

WHERE: Nationally

WHO: Everyone

REGISTER HERE.

As the challenge approaches, I'll talk more about the GF vegan lifestyle.

Thanks, Stephen. We love you!