Odd ball out

Have you ever been different from everyone else? Whether you wear glasses, eat a different diet, or are handicapped, you know what it's like. Well, I have gluten intolerance and it's hard trying to find places where I can eat. Oh yeah! On top of that I can't have any dairy, non-fermented soy, eggs, commercially grown produce, corn, artificial dyes, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, pears, shrimp, citrus, cranberries, peppers and garlic. That's not all of it by the way, just what I can remember. I have a huge list of things that I have to keep in check or my health problems start mounting again.

So, who am I? I'm a married, mother of 3 who resides in Jacksonville, FL. I've spent half my life with unexplained health issues that were always blamed on my weight and the other half fighting to undue all the damage that processed foods did. I've worked for over six years with the Feingold Association, first as a volunteer contacting big companies and then finally on the board of directors. I assist families who are on the Feingold Program who have questions regarding the implementation of the diet. I give presentations to local organizations about the effects that additives can have on children mentally, physically and behaviorally.

My own personal difficulties with dieting has lead me to make it a goal of mine to help as many people as I can with changing their dietary habits. I've done S.A.D., weight watchers, raw vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar,  and was almost put on phen-phen before they pulled it for it's dangerous side effects. Now, I'm on a modified paleo diet, meaning that the bulk of my diet is vegetables, fruit, meat, nuts/seeds, healthy fats and water but I will partake in delicious gluten free non-paleo treats.

I've spent hundreds of dollars trying different gluten-free products only to have them taste as bad as the cardboard they are sold in. Hopefully, I'll save you money while introducing you to not only good tasting gluten-free products but some local delicacies as well.

(My daughter Shiloh enjoying her Edward & Sons Rice Snax, Amande Blueberry Yogurt and Native Sun Chicken Salad)