So much to talk about. Let’s do it self-interview style. Take it away Dude.
Dude…where ya been?? You’re not answering emails. You’ve got Faces of Celiac to post. Something you want to tell me?
Nope…just been busy. Like really, really busy. Like working 70 hours/week busy. Did I mention I’ve been busy??
Yeah, but it’s Celiac Awareness Month. Isn’t it a strange time to go MIA?
Well, between you and I (which then is really just between me), this year’s CAM has not sat well with me. People seem to forget that it’s “celiac” awareness month and not “crappy food promotion” month. For one month, I’d like to see the focus be on the disease and not the damn food.
Dude…you cranky?
I’m only on my first cup of coffee. Give me a break.
I heard you went into New York City this week. Do tell.
It was a great 24 hours. I was invited to the official product launch of Eclair Naturals body care line. All organic, gluten-free, and priced right. Good product. Good people. The event was Tuesday morning at Little Beet Table. So Mrs. Dude and I went in the day before. Had lunch at Little Beet Table (yes that means I went there twice!) and dinner at Senza Gluten. A good time had by all.
Didn’t you have a weak moment and eat dairy?
You mean this?
Yep..that’s the one.
I did. It was at Little Beet Table. I figured splitting it with Mrs. Dude wouldn’t kill me.
And?
It killed me. For three effing days it killed me. Never again. I need to read this more often.
Hillary or Trump?
318 million people in our country and this is the best we can do? No comment.
The Celiac Disease Center is offering $160 for people with celiac to take part in a test. Half of the participants will take a placebo and half will take a drug they are hoping can treat celiac. And yes…you must eat gluten to take part in the study. You game?
Let’s see…how can I put this gently? F**K NO!!
Why not?
I’m not knocking the folks at the CDC. Their goal is to find a cure for celiac and I know test studies are a part of that. But when a celiac eats gluten, they don’t simply get a tummy ache. Their body attacks itself, causing physical damage to the intestines, which can set off a plethora (yes…I said plethora) of symptoms that can last for months. I find asking a celiac to poison themselves a bit questionable, even if it does mean a possible cure in the long run. And $160? That wouldn’t even cover the toilet paper.
Did you hear the legal case against PF Changs charging an extra dollar was finally dropped?
Yay. Justice prevailed. Look…I know the celiac community can be a demanding bunch. When your treatment is constantly mocked, we go on the defensive. But this lawsuit was just idiotic. An extra dollar? To ensure my safety? Sign me up.
I thought you stopped going to PF Changs?
Wow…you’ve got a good memory. I did. I lost faith in them a bit and frankly, their food was pretty unhealthy and always made me feel like crap afterward. But they were one of the first to put a huge effort into keeping us safe and I give them kudos for that. The lawsuit was beyond trivial.
Did you hear Kourtney Kardashian went on a gluten-free diet to lose weight?
NEXT QUESTION!
What is going on at Jennifer’s Way Bakery and her old company?
Really…you got nothing to say?
Oh…I have lots to say. I can write a book about it. But I will just say this. Jennifer is not going anywhere. She is moving forward. She’s amazing. And you can still order from her bakery directly here.
You got some shit on your Facebook page for calling out Udi’s again. Isn’t it time to give it a rest?
You funny. I’ll give it a rest when they start respecting the celiac community.
Does it bother you that so many celiac advocates seem to be in bed with them and General Mills?
That is a post for another day my friend. I’m outta here. Like I said…busy boy.
Wait…I’ve got so much more to ask you!!
Honestly tho…I kinda like Udi’s. It feels a little bit like junk food but never makes me sick. Udi’s has never made me sick, or achy, or bloated…It’s not wholesome, hearty stuff, but it’ll do in a pinch. And you know what? I’ve never found one of those holes.
Know what I hate though? CANYON BAKEHOUSE. They use some thickener that never quite gets mixed in and halfway through each loaf there are these huge gelatinous globs of clear mucus. This has happened in SIX CONSECUTIVE LOAVES. I’ve started calling it snotbread.
At the end of the day it’s not the worst thing in the world, just kind of funny.
“And you know what? I’ve never found one of those holes.”
You should play the lottery 😉
I agree with the Dude about the holes in udi’s bread.
I still buy them occasionally because they are usually available and I love turkey sandwiches but half the time I’m tossing out half the loaf because it’s riddled with large holes.
Also a random stranger gave me their most sincere condolences upon learning about my cheeseless existense, no snark…I was genuinely touched.
I had an interesting conversation with my niece, who knows I have celiac. But I don’t think she really “got” what the food issue is like (because really, why would she?) until…yesterday. She recently learned that she has developed gestational diabetes. Has to eat really healthy for the next 10 weeks, including low carbs and sugars. She texted a pic from a wedding she attended, and the centerpiece at their table was a tier of cupcakes. She said how it sucked that she had to sit there and look at food she can’t eat…I replied, yeah I totally get it, I have been doing that pretty much every day for three years. And she was like…oh…yeah! 😉
Hi Dude,
Relax, we know you have a life. Enjoy it! We’re happy to hear from you when you have the inclination.
Saw the thing about the CDC offering $160 to participate in study…must be willing to eat bread. Are they really taking Celiac Disease seriously? Are they cold blooded sadists? Do they think we’re stupid and self destructive? F**k NO is the kindest response I can think of.
Yeah…it’s not the money. To me, it’s saying that getting glutened is ok if it’s for a good cause. My body tells me differently.
Thank you Dude- I needed a good laugh and a rebuke! (I’ll call it an admonition). My family is closely watching me go gluten. I thought I could handle getting glutened every now and then crapping my guts out! But the DH has returned full force. I told my family I have to get serious now and get the kitchen together. My daughter commented ,”Mom, that’s easy it’s your fault you haven’t done it before” Yes it is… Getting glutened is no worth this D H break out.
I really look forward to reading your site. Thank you thank you thank you for being here.
You are welcome (x3) 🙂
Hey Gluten Dude, is Eclair Naturals at all related to Hugo & Debra Naturals? The product offerings look really similar. Hugo & Debra Naturals was one of my favorite GF bath/body brands and I was disappointed to see it being phased out of local stores.
Not to my knowledge…