Review: Honey Stinger New Gluten-Free Products

I have been a long-time fan of Honey Stinger Gels and Chews. I use them before or during my runs or long workouts. Many friends recommended the Honey Stinger Waffles as well, but they weren’t gluten-free at the time. Now Honey Stinger has introduced Gluten-Free Honey Stinger Waffles along with a new flavor of Gel and a brand new product: Honey Stinger Protein Chews

Honey Stinger Blog

There are three different varieties of Honey Stinger Gluten-Free Waffles (also dairy-free):

  • Organic Salted Caramel Waffle 
  • Organic Cinnamon Waffle 
  • Organic Maple Waffle

I immediately fell in love with these and don’t know that I can live without the Organic Salted Caramel Waffle. This may be my new go-to fuel for workouts. I can’t thank Honey Stinger enough for making these gluten-free! *It is important to note that not all flavors of the Honey Stinger Waffles are gluten-free. The gluten-free waffles are clearly labeled

Honey Stinger Blog

I have liked all of the previous Honey Stinger Gell varieties and this one is no different. The Mango Orange Gel is smooth and not overly sweet or too thick or thin. It is a nice addition to the line-up of gels. All of the Honey Stinger Gels are gluten and dairy-free. 

Honey Stinger Blog

The new Honey Stinger Raspberry Protein Chews are the first of their kind. The previous Honey Stinger Chews didn’t have added protein. These new chews are made with organic pea protein, so they are also free of dairy in addition to gluten. They contain 5 grams of protein per package. There are two more flavors debuting this month:

  • Cherry Lime Protein Chews
  • Juneberry Protein Chews

The protein chews are tasty, though I was able to detect a slight pea protein taste. This didn’t detract from the product for me, but wanted to mention in my review. I will definitely be buying these again in the future along with the GF Honey Stinger Waffles.You can purchase Honey Stinger products in select retailers across the US or online directly from their website

*The products mentioned in this post were sent to me free of charge for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions shared here are mine and have not been influenced by anyone or anything. 

Review: Daiya Cheezecake

I have tried quite a few new products lately, so I better get busy and blog about them! One of the foods I have missed tremendously since giving up dairy in addition to gluten is cheesecake. Cheesecake has always been one of my favorite desserts. I would choose cheesecake over pie or regular cake as a child. 

When I was at Portia’s Cafe in January and realized they had dairy-free, gluten-free cheezecake I began to realized that maybe I didn’t have to go without. Then I found Daiya Cheesecake at Raisin Rack, our local health food store, a day or two later. 

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In addition to being free of gluten and dairy, the Daiya Cheezecake is also free of soy. 

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I followed the instructions on the box, thawing the cheezecake in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 hours, but still needed to let it sit out on the counter for a short amount of time. If there is one thing I have learned over the past 10 years of being gluten-free, and now dairy-free for the last 8 months, it is to not go into tasting something “new” with any preconceived notions. I didn’t want to imagine this cheezecake was going to taste identical to the cheesecake I was used to eating before. I cleared my palate and my head and dug in. Wow! I am impressed with both the flavor and texture of this cheesecake. The texture is dense and creamy, just like that of a regular cheesecake. Definitely something I will be purchasing again!

In addition to the New York Cheezecake variety, Daiya also offers a Key Lime, Strawberry, and Chocolate variety. Check the store locator to see where to find Daiya products close to you. 

Have you tried the Daiya Cheezecake? If so, what did you think?

Review: The Whitney House

Last weekend I met some close girlfriends at The Whitney House for dinner. I have heard many good things about the place, but had never dined there myself. The gluten-free items are on the regular menu and marked with a small symbol indicating they are made gluten-free. 

I had a hard time deciding what to order, but settled on starting with the House Salad. The salad is made with local greens, seasonal pears, crispy prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, lemon vinaigrette. I had the chef leave off the goat cheese since I no longer can eat dairy. 

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So simple, yet so flavorful! I really enjoyed this salad. For dinner I settled on the Faroe Island salmon with red quinoa, blistered tomatoes, butternut squash, arugula drizzled with a pomegranate glaze. I didn’t have to have this dish modified one bit! It was gluten-free, dairy-free and onion-free without my having to do anything! 

Faroe Island Salmon

Simply divine! I loved this dish so much that I have been trying to figure out when I can return to have it again! 

The Whitney House is located in the heart of Olde Worthington, right across the street from The Worthington Inn, another of my favorite places. While parking can be challenging in Olde Worthington, there are plenty of options close by, including a lot directly behind The Whitney House. If you live in or are visiting the area, I highly recommend The Whitney House. 

I can’t end this post without a photo of the girls, can I? We are all runners and met 4 or 5 years ago at various local running events. 

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Have a great day! 

Review: Portia’s Cafe

Columbus has a little known gem located on Indianola Avenue in the Clintonville area. This gem is called  Portia’s Cafe. I don’t often head to small, local places like this because there are so many foods that I can’t eat. However, I had heard from so many friends that Portia’s Cafe not only serves gluten-free food, but everything they serve is gluten-free. What?! Yes, a dream come true for those with celiac disease, a restaurant that is 100% gluten-free. Portia’s Cafe also serves a 100% vegan menu.

Portia's Blog

The options on the menu at Portia’s Cafe are plentiful. I had my lunch narrowed down to three or four different items, but checked in with our server to see which of those didn’t have any onions in them. Turns out that Portia’s Cafe also has a list of foods/menu items that don’t contain onions, too! I felt comfortable in this restaurant, which is the first time I have felt like that in a restaurant in a very long time. 

I finally decided on the burrito, which can be served in a bowl or in one of Portia’s house-made gluten-free wraps. Of course I chose the wrap since it has been over 10 years since I have had a wrap/burrito from a restaurant. 

Portia's Blog

My burrito was loaded with rice, black beans, Daiya cheeze, house-made vegan sour cream and lettuce. I can’t even begin to put into words how delicious this burrito was. I can tell you that I believe I have found a new favorite restaurant.

My friend ordered the Mediterranean Wrap served in a bowl as opposed to in a wrap. She loves this meal and orders it regularly.

Portia's Blog

Portia’s also has a number of vegan, gluten-free desserts that I am going to have to make a special trip to sample. Cheezecake, Mousse, and Macaroons? Yes, please! If you are missing gluten-free waffles, check out Portia’s on Sundays from 10AM to 3PM when they serve gluten-free waffles! Somebody please pinch me…I may be dreaming!

Weekly Hours:

  • Tuesday – Saturday: 11AM to 9PM
  • Sunday: 10AM to 3PM
  • Monday: Closed

Location:

4428 Indianola Avenue

(between Cooke Rd. and Morse Rd. with the burgundy awning)

Columbus, OH 43214

614-928-3252

The atmosphere in Portia’s Cafe is bright and cheery, which is exactly how I felt after this phenomenal experience. I highly recommend stopping in for bite to eat or ordering take-out if you live in the Columbus area or visiting from out of town. 

Katz Gluten Free Introduces New Donut Flavor

While eating donuts daily is not something I advise, I do like a treat every now and then. Katz Gluten Free makes a pretty spectacular Gluten-Free Glazed Donut, so I have no doubt this new variety is equally as tasty. The new donut variety is one I can’t wait to try… Sea Salt Caramel Glazed!

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Ingredients:Gluten Free Flour (white Rice, Corn Starch, Tapioca), Eggs, Water, Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Sugar, Baking Powder, Xanthan Gum, Baking Soda, Salt, Natural Caramel extract , Confection Sugar, Agar, Calcium Carbonate.

The donuts are free of dairy, soy, and nuts in addition to gluten. If you aren’t familiar with Katz Gluten Free, take the time to browse their website and consider ordering a free sample pack. I also happen to be a huge fan of their bagels, English muffins, and pies (blueberry is my favorite!).

Do you have a favorite Katz Gluten Free product? If so, what is it?

Workout Tracking – Garmin vs. Apple Watch vs. FitBit Charge HR

Since I began exercising consistently in 2008, I have used some sort of gadget to track my workouts. I started with a Polar watch (heart rate monitoring) to track my workouts, but then switched to a Garmin once I began running on a regular basis and wanted GPS to track my mileage.

Earlier this summer I purchased a FitBit Charge HR. I wore the FitBit Charge HR 24/7. I also wore my Garmin Forerunner 620 along with the FitBit Charge HR when I was running. I found the FitBit Charge HR to be somewhat accurate for tracking distance (without GPS) and within a beat or 2 for the average heart rate when compared to the Garmin. The FitBit Charge HR does have the capability to use the GPS via the FitBit app on my phone for more accurate distance tracking, but I never used it for that.

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On Black Friday I ended up getting an Apple Watch and knew that there was no way I would wear all 3 devices at once, but wanted to figure out which was the best for the information I wanted to track. I knew I would continue to wear my Garmin for coaching MIT and speed work, but I didn’t figure I would continue to wear the FitBit Charge HR. I committed to wearing all 3 for one week to compare data and then I would make my choice.

As far as distance is considered, the Garmin and the Apple Watch were pretty much spot on. The downfall is you have to be carrying your iPhone in order for the GPS to work with the Apple Watch, just like GPS for the FitBit Charge HR. For me that isn’t a big issue, as I always run with my phone. As far as heart rate data is concerned, all 3 devices were within a beat or 2 of each other when comparing averages. The big deal here is the method of monitoring the heart rate…both the FitBit Charge HR and Apple Watch have wrist heart rate monitors and don’t require the chest strap the Garmin 620 does. It is important to note that the device must be tight on your wrist in order for the heart rate to be accurate. 

The device you choose is dependent upon what your preferences are. For my daily runs, I have been wearing only my Apple Watch and have been completely satisfied with the data it tracks and records. As I stated above, for coaching MIT and speed work, I use my Garmin. I no longer wear my FitBit Charge HR. My daily activity tracker of choice is the Apple Watch. It has more capabilities that I use than the FitBit Charge HR. The only missing piece is the sleep tracker, which you can do using an App on the iPhone if it is important to you.

  • FitBit Charge HR – Monitors steps, heart rate, sleep, and has caller ID. Recently received some bad press regarding a lawsuit about inaccurate heart rates. MSRP = $149.99
  • Apple Watch – This is the only one of the 3 that measures how much you stand throughout the day. It encourages you to stand for 1 minute out of an hour 12 times per day. You can also use Siri, the alarm clock, your calendar, maps, instant heart rate, weather, texts, emails, and a number of apps. MSRP – $349 (38 mm – women’s version); $399 (42 mm – men’s version)
  • Garmin Forerunner 620 – Lots of bells & whistles, including GPS, heart rate, recovery time, and VO2 Max predictor. Does not monitor other daily activity or sleep. MSRP – $399 w/ heart rate strap

So there you have it. If you have any questions regarding any of the devices I shared above, please leave a comment below.

Review: Arbonne Protein Shake Mix

A couple of months ago I shared a list of all of the foods that I cannot eat. The list is lengthy, and while it is frustrating, I am trying to focus on the foods that I can eat. Since I run 4-5 days a week and lift weights 2-3 times a week, it is imperative that I am fueling properly before, during and after my workouts. It is also important that what I am using to fuel my body is not upsetting my stomach or gastrointestinal system. After a lot of trial and error, I have finally found a product that agrees with my body: Arbonne Protein Shake Mix

Arbonne Protein Shake Mix comes in two different flavors:

More about the Protein Shake Mix:

Provides 20 grams of vegan protein, plus more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals per serving, delivering a 100% amino acid score. Clinically tested and certified to have a low glycemic index, which has little effect on blood sugar levels and does not cause a spike in blood sugar.

The best thing about Arbonne products is they are gluten-free, vegan and kosher certified. I have had issues with so many different similar products on the market, but have had zero issues with this product. The taste is great, the texture is smooth, and the powder mixes well with water or almond milk in a protein shaker. I have also used the Protein Shake Mix in a smoothies and have fallen in love with this Pumpkin Smoothie. The Protein Shake Mix is sold in a 2 lb 15.6 oz package for $69.00. While that does sound like a lot, it is comparable to similar products on the market, but is sold in a larger, re-sealable bag. 

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The Arbonne Protein Shake Mix is also sold in individual packets and Ready-to-Drink Shakes

In the spirit of full disclosure, while I do purchase the Arbonne products I reviewed in this post, I am now a consultant for Arbonne. I became a consultant just a little over two weeks ago because I believe strongly in their products. You will begin to see some posts in the future about different Arbonne products that I now use and why I use them. I am happy to answer any questions you many have. If you would like to order the Protein Shake Mix, or any other Arbonne product, you can do so by contacting me through the “Get in Touch” button on this page or by ordering through the links posted throughout this post. 

===> Order Arbonne Protein Shake Mix Vanilla

===> Order Arbonne Protein Shake Mix Chocolate

A Letter to Restaurants Offering a Gluten-Free Menu

When I first started the gluten-free diet almost ten years ago, there were only a handful of restaurants offering a gluten-free menu. I dreamed of the day when it would be easier to eat out and when people wouldn’t look at me like I had two heads. However, that day has come and it isn’t anything like I imagined. The masses of people following the gluten-free diet because it is the latest “fad” has increased the number of restaurants offering a gluten-free menu, but hasn’t done much to teach these establishments the serious risks of cross-contamination. There are more people being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance thanks to raised awareness, and that is great!  However, I don’t feel that those are the people many restaurants have in mind when they begin to offer a gluten-free menu. Unfortunately, those are the people that may suffer the consequences of so many establishments jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon and not taking the necessary steps to educate their staff and minimize the risks of cross-contamination. 

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After another not-so-great experience this past weekend, I decided to write the letter below to all restaurants offering a gluten-free menu. 

To Whom it May Concern,

Thank you for including a gluten-free menu in your offerings. I appreciate you taking any and all precautions in your establishment to keep me and my family safe. However, if you overlook some of the following basic, common-knowledge facts concerning serving gluten-free food and how to avoid cross-contamination, please don’t bother to insult me. Educate yourself and your staff. This is not a fad diet for most people, this is our life. We don’t choose to eat like this. 

  • If you use a common fryer, your fries are not gluten-free, and neither are your tortilla, potato chips, or anything else you fry in your fryer. 
  • This also goes for common toasters, ovens, utensils, etc 
  • Picking the croutons or bread off of the salad is not acceptable
  • Change your gloves before touching any food that should be gluten-free
  • If you are using condiments with a utensil that has touched gluten, you must use new, uncontaminated condiments and clean utensils
  • If you cook gluten-free pasta in the same water as non-gluten-free pasta, it isn’t gluten-free
  • If you steam vegetables with pasta water used to cook non-gluten-free pasta, those vegetables are not gluten-free
  • If you dust the cake pan with regular flour, your cake is no longer gluten-free (I’m looking at you Cheesecake Factory)
  • If you thicken your omelettes or eggs with pancake batter, they are no longer gluten-free
  • Most soy sauce is not gluten-free, so dressings, sauces, and marinades made with soy sauce are not gluten-free
  • Gluten-free pizza cooked on the same surface as non-gluten-free pizza (many establishments do this)
  • Beer is not gluten-free, so if it is used in any dish, dessert, etc, said dish is not gluten-free

Of course accidents do happen, but an accidental cross-contamination is much different than one that results from blatantly ignoring the items listed above. I choose to accept the risks of accidental cross-contamination and do so willingly so that I can have a social life. 

Respectfully,

Kim Bouldin

Diagnosed with Celiac Disease in January 2006

Please help make gluten-free dining out safer for those with Celiac Disease or gluten-intolerance and share this letter. Feel free to copy and remove my name and sign yours…maybe if enough of us call these restaurants out, they will make the necessary changes or stop offering their gluten-free menus. I would much rather a restaurant not offer a gluten-free menu and know that upfront, so I can choose someplace that has my best interests in mind. 

Must Read: Cheerios Recall

So it begins. General Mills has issued a recall on certain Cheerios (yellow box) and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal. The cereals that are included in this recall were produced at the Lodi, California location on specific dates. Yellow Box Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios produced on different dates or in different facilities are not affected. So what happened? It seems that wheat flour was added into the gluten-free oat flour system

Facepalm Girl

Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios produced on these dates at the company’s Lodi, California facility are being recalled because an isolated incident resulted in wheat flour being inadvertently introduced into the gluten free oat flour system at its Lodi facility. As a result, the products may contain an undeclared allergen – wheat – in products labeled as gluten-free.

Perhaps this explains why some people have reported getting sick from “gluten-free” Cheerios. The recall issued by General Mills is a voluntary Class 1 recall. What does that mean?

Class I recall: a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Check your pantries for the following “gluten-free” products:

Honey Nut Cheerios

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Yellow Box Cheerios

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If you have one of the aforementioned boxes of “gluten-free” Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios, please contact General Mills at 1-800-775-8370. 

Do you eat Gluten-Free Cheerios? Do you have one of the affected boxes? Will you continue to eat Gluten-Free Cheerios if you have been?

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Warning: Whining Ahead

I apologize in advance for the whining, but I need to get this out. Today I am bitching about my stomach and the foods that seem to bother it. Unfortunately, the number of food that make me feel bad seems to be increasing. Or – maybe it is the same number, but I am just at a higher frustration level? Whatever it is, I’m becoming less willing to deal with my diet limitations. 

 

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These days I truly feel like I am just eating to live. While I love food, I don’t like how a lot of it makes me feel.  I am left with minimal choices that get boring despite trying new combinations of foods that play nice with my body. It isn’t even a matter of finding foods that I like…there aren’t many foods I won’t eat (aside from papaya and oysters), but there are many that don’t agree with me:

  • Gluten – Celiac Disease
  • Dairy 
  • Eggs – ok in baked goods, upset stomach/GI with scrambled/fried/boiled
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Peppers
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Tomatoes – recent…really flare up reflux
  • Carbonated beverages

 

There are times that I wonder what the hell is wrong with me? How I would love to not have to think about how to safely feed myself! I try to remind myself that at least none of my food issues result in anaphylaxis, but that doesn’t make me feel better or solve my problem. However, it does make me thankful that I haven’t been cursed with a life-threatening food allergy. 

 

So how do I pull myself out of this funk? In the past I would just focus on eating my meals and snacks and not allow myself to skip a meal. Having a history of an eating disorder makes me very aware of what my body needs to not only survive, but thrive. Perhaps eliminating dining out for the time being would be a good place to start. We don’t eat out very often, but enough to know that even while I may not be ingesting gluten or dairy, I am possibly getting some of other things I listed above in some way. Considering how restaurants prepare food, the seasonings and marinades they use, and how some of the foods come prepackaged, the odds are good that I am eating something that will bother me. Making all of my food in my own kitchen is the safest way I can think of to feed myself. I think I am going to go back and re-read my own post on Mix & Match Meal Bowls for some inspiration. 

 

Do you have to avoid any other foods in addition to gluten? If so, please share your experiences and how you cope. 

 

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