As you can read on my “About Me” page, I decided to jump into the world of blogging over two years ago. I was at the beginning of my gluten free journey, and wanted to share all the new discoveries I was making along the way. Surely, other people would have some of the same questions I did, and would be able to benefit from my experiences! While I was at it, I figured that I could offer some insights in homeschooling, marriage, and life in Messiah as well. After all, these things are at the core of who I am.
Well, one of my first discoveries—which I’m sure others have experienced as well—is that a gluten free lifestyle is time consuming. This is especially true if you are also trying to eliminate chemicals, pesticides, preservatives, and non-organic meats from your diet—and even more so if you simply can’t afford to buy the pre-made GF versions of some basic items we most take for granted: flour, bread, cereals, crackers, etc. Add homeschooling into the mix, and that makes for some very full days, weeks… and apparently years. In the midst of all the demands of life, blogging just hasn’t seemed like much of a priority.
And yet, my dear husband keeps gently reminding me that I still have a lot to offer. At each new time-saving discovery, and each yummy recipe that has everyone raving, he says, “Wow, this would make a really great blog post!” As he so wisely observes, if I don’t pass on what I’m learning to others, it will only have been a benefit to me. That really does seem like a huge waste!
So, I’m going to try again. I’m not going to be so naive as to think I can document everything in my life that could possibly be helpful to another person. When I have an overwhelming goal like that in front of me, I get paralyzed and do nothing at all… but that’s material for another blog post. I’ve made a commitment to one blog post—or one hour working on a blog post—each week. That’s a more manageable goal for me, and will hopefully give me the opportunity to share some helpful things with you along my journey.
This makes post number one. Hopefully many more will follow!
Yay! 🙂
Hi – I just started a gluten free diet – I also am a one year survivor of invasive breast cancer which is estrogen dominant meaning I have to cut out dairy, sugar, gluten and it is a real struggle for me – even the potato bread has so many carbs which turns into sugar – I am interested in hearing about any recipes you have and how your journey is going – I have to eat totally organic food as well. Wishing you the best and thank you for your interest in passing all your valuable information on to people!!
Arlene – I’m so glad you stopped by, and I’m so sorry to hear about your struggle with cancer. As you fight back with so many difficult lifestyle changes, I pray that you will continue to win the battle! I don’t have a lot of experience with extreme reduction of carbs–in our case we are mainly focusing on the balance between carbs and protein that keeps my husband’s blood sugar levels in the normal range. If you haven’t yet discovered Elana’s Pantry, you may find some recipes there that will be helpful for you. She uses a great deal of almond and coconut flours, which are much lower in carbs than any grain-based flours. I believe she uses natural sweeteners as well. I haven’t tried her recipes personally, but I know there are many people who benefit from her experience. Many blessings to you!