Reflections of being gluten free 2 years later

Yes, I know... 8 months later, I'm back. I really wish I had some super cool excuse like ... a new baby ... or I won the lottery ! But I don't. This thing called life just seemed to get in the way.

Since I've been gone for quite a while... I don't want us to to feel awkward so I'll give you the top 3 reasons *wink*. You ready? Here we go.

1. I finished my education requirements for Insurance Board requirements. I am now your go to girl for such exciting things like Property and Casualty insurance, Life, Health and Variable Annuities. This my friends, are what Lifetime TV movies are made from.

(Aaaand I just heard the sound of snoring as dozens of heads fell on the keyboards... Moving right along.)

2. I chased my poor sweet newlywed husband's medical problem for 3 straight months. I wish I was kidding about this but I am not. The first quarter of the 2013 was not a very good one. I literally spent the first day of 2013 in the Emergency Room.

3. I got a full time job in the whacky world of Insurance. I had this job for 3 months before being laid off. Oh the irony of 3.

So now you are caught up.  Are we good?

Now back to the subject matter at hand.  Gluten Free.  My question for you today is... how sick are you of hearing about Gluten Free?  All the cool kids are doin' it, ya know ;-)  I'm kidding.  I find it very intriguing that it's the hippest and latest dietary trend of this country.  Very reminiscent of this country's obsession with the Atkin's diet back in the early 2000s.

I have been Gluten Free by choice for nearly two year's now.  I did not choose this lifestyle for dietary reasons.  Let me rephrase that.  I did not choose this lifestyle for weight loss reasons.  I initially chose this lifestyle to support my husband and to see if it would reduce any autoimmune symptoms that I had within 30 days.  The reduction of these systems (migraines, lethargy, chronic headaches, eczema to name a few) is what has kept me gluten free. The weight loss is just a side benefit :-)

What has been the hardest part of being gluten free you might be wondering?  The convenience... or should I say the lack of convenience.  Gone are the days where I can just stop "anywhere" to grab a quick bite while I'm shopping, doing errands or even being on vacation.  Don't get me wrong, there are restaurant chains that are gluten friendly but I have to literally plan my day around my meal plans.  With this being said, it's easier to eat healthier meals at home and may be a key factor why I've lost the weight that  I have.

Being a Foodie and Gluten Free can be a challenge for sure ... but not impossible.  More on that subject later.

Today I leave you with one of my favorite Gluten Free meals.. Fettuccine Alfredo.  Serve it over corn based noodles.  Your guests will never know the difference.  I've been told that my Fettuccine Alfredo is as good or better than Olive Garden and/or Carrabas.  You be the judge.

Fettuccine Alfredo

 8 oz uncooked fettuccine

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 3/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black or white pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

In large sauce pot, cook fettuccine as directed on package.
While fettuccine is cooking, in 2-quart saucepan, heat butter and whipping cream over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper.  Drain fettuccine; return to sauce pot. Pour sauce over warm fettuccine; stir until fettuccine is well coated. Sprinkle with parsley.