Gluten Free Me

So, it seems that life has thrown me another little curve ball. I had Gastro a couple of weeks ago and headed off the the Doc to see if I could head back to work after two days of getting to know my toilet bowl on a whole new level. I explained that I had had enough. I knew I had a bug, but for years my tummy has been giving me grief. I explained my symptoms- having never been the same since returning from India. Anyway the Doctor actually listened to me- took me seriously and did some tests. Yes I did have a bug, but I also had a positive Coeliac Disease - Diagnosed with a simple blood test. So there goes all those yummy croissants and pastries that I love so much. Turns out I am also have a Fructose Malabsorption which just adds the icing to the cake (the Gluten Free cake). The last two weeks have been spent having Fructose and Lactose intolerance testing, and now today a Gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

It's ok though- I figure you have to the look at the positives- no more being bloated, running to the bathroom and reflux. I keep telling myself that there are so many more products on the market now compared with 10 years ago. There's many gluten free alternatives to bake with.

So now comes the challenging part- changing my entire eating habits. Gone are Croissants, and pastries, cakes, crepes, breakfast cereals, porridge, tim tams, mint slice biscuits, chips, and anything containing Wheat, barley, Gluten and Oats. Gone are my favourite lollies Allens Retro Party Mix. So I have been enjoying these things for the last two weeks in preparation for never having them again.

Ava, one of my best friends also has Coeliac Disease so it's a blessing that my friendship group already cater for gluten free parties. Who said however that you can't eat well being Gluten Free. Check out these Cupcake Pavalovas filled with passionfruit cream curd and raspberries- all Gluten and Fructose Free.
Recipe was slightly adjusted version from the latest Donna Hay Magazine.