True Athlete: The true athlete natural whey protein powder is not only gluten free, but free of artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners.

Body Tech: This line is gluten free and comes in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate.

Muscle Milk: Muscle Milk is gluten free. Just an FYI- it’s made in a facility with gluten, thus subject to cross-contamination.

Met-RX: Met-RX is gluten free.

Nectar: Nectar is a low carb gluten free protein powder that’s lactose free as well as gluten free.

Nutribiotic: This is a vegan, gluten free, soy free, rice based line of protein powder.

Rainbow Light: This gluten free protein powder is also free of soy, dairy and sugar.  It offeres 15 grams of rice protein and 5grams of fiber.

Navitas Naturals Organic Hemp Protein Powder: This powder is made with pure hemp seed, raw kosher, organic, vegan, and free of additives or fillers.

Life’s Basics Plant Protein: This powder is made us of pea, hemp, rice and chia seeds. Chocolate flavor looks yum.

Peaceful Planet- This protein powder is free of gluten, soy and dairy. Plus it’s organic and only 90 calories a scoop. Nice.

If you have a favorite powder that you’d recommend, please dish it! Thanks everyone for stopping by!

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

Thrilled to share an interview with Miss Teen New Jersey 2011!! Kayla Lafi has been living with Celiac Disease since she was a child. I’m inspired by her honesty, courage and determination. Love that she’s on a mission to let other kids know they aren’t alone.

For more about Kayla, you can follow her facebook page: Teens living with celiac Disease

Who else wishes they had a Celiac dietitian in their back pockets for this crazy gluten free journey?! Well, I can’t give you that, but something else pretty close. Schar now has a “Schar club” where you can join to ask their dietitian, Anne (who has Celiac Disease) anything you need! The Schar club is a community where you can find: gluten free recipes, FAQ about living gluten free, an “Ask Anne” section and more. If you’d like to join the Schar club, you are automatically entered in their “FREE bread for a YEAR” Sweepstakes- holla! *No purchase is necessary, the Schar sweepstakes end 1/20/2012 and you can find the official rules and entry information on THIS LINK.*

                                 Q & A from the “Ask Anne” Section of the Schar Club

“I find a lot of products that contain “modified food starch. What exactly is this and is it safe to eat?” – Melanie

Modified food starches can come from a variety of grain sources. In the United States, modified food starches are predominately corn based. According to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of the FDA, wheat must be declared on the ingredient label if it is present in the starch. Starches are used to thicken products such as soups, gravies, and puddings. The starches are modified because many starches in their natural state do not perform well when exposed to high heat or very cool temperatures.

 “Is there a certain amount of gluten that can be tolerated by celiacs?” -Amanda

The exact amount of gluten that is tolerated on a gluten-free diet is still a topic of much discussion. The usual recommendation is to follow a gluten-free diet that is based on naturally gluten-free foods and manufactured gluten-free products. The regulations for manufactured gluten-free products is also not universally uniform. The Internal CODEX recommends that products labeled gluten-free be under 20 ppm gluten per serving. There is an allowance for low gluten products that may contain between 20 to 100 ppm gluten. Historically, many gluten-free products contained 200 ppm. In the US, the FDA is in the process of formulating a gluten-free labeling law. The issue is that while we may not have a exact answer to how much gluten can be tolerated – we do know that for individuals with celiac even a minute amount of gluten will cause damage to the small intestine. So for that gluten based piece of cake – even once a month is too much gluten. Instead enjoy a slice of gluten-free cake in complete peace of mind.

“I was diagnosed with Celiac 10 years ago. That being said I still have problems after I eat gluten-free products. Any ideas why?” -John

There could be several reasons for reactions. The first is the potential for cross contamination. It is very important that the gluten-free products indeed be gluten-free. Look for a statement describing if the factory is a dedicated gluten-free factory, whether they test the products, or a certification seal. A dedicated facility that tests all ingredients prior to use and batch testing of the finished product is the safest method to ensure no cross contamination.

Another possibility is the ingredients themselves. Some individuals do not tolerate some of the gums used to create a soft texture in gluten-free products. Gums such as guar or xantham gum give breads a nice chewy texture, but they may be difficult to digest and may cause some indigestion. Some gluten-free baked products also contain a high amount of fat per serving. The extra fat may also be difficult to digest.

Thanks so much to Anne Roland Lee and Schar for sharing this Q&A with us! To join the Schar club, be automatically entered in Schar’s “Free Bread for a Year” Sweepstakes and ask Anne your own questions, you can Click HERE. Hope you all have a great rest of the week. Thank you oodles for sharing your gluten free journey with me.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

I’m really pumped about Christmas this weekend. I live in Queens, NY. But this week, I’m in south Texas with my family and I love it!! And my sister-n-law suggested we have an “all gluten free” meal for Christmas. This kindness honestly made me tear up. On a daily basis, I don’t expect others to eat gluten free with me, just respect the fact that I do. Anyway, it’s really sweet and I’m thankful for it. I know how anxious a holiday can be. I know what it’s like to not want to be the “weird one” that eats gluten free or start to sweat as “normal” people stare at you, wondering “what in the world do you eat, honey?” lol. I know that many of you have incredibly supportive families, and many of you don’t. So, for those who don’t- please let me give you a cyber hug! You are not alone, hang in there and stay strong in your need to take care of your body, okay?

So, in light of this Sunday, mom and I made a gluten free artichoke dip to have with my favorite Crunchmaster crackers. This is dip SUPER easy, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, egg free and made with some zest! The pepper jack cheese gives it a great kick. I’m rocking it with Crunchmaster crackers because these crackers are not only really yummy, but they are PERFECT for dips. My precious gluten eating family won’t notice they are gluten free. Plus, my hubby, who is a tough critic, really digs these crackers too. So…it fabu-licious all the way around.

Ingredients:

1) Crunchmaster Original Crackers
2) 14 ounces of extra small Artichoke hearts
3) One packet, Good Seasons Italian mix
4) Earth Balance Mindful Mayo
5) Daiya Pepper Jack Cheese

Directions:

1) Drain the artichoke hearts, slice and put in bowl
2) Add 3/4 packet of Good Seasons Mix
3) Add 2 large spoon fulls of Earth Balance Mayo
4) Mix in 1 Cup of Daiya Pepper Jack Cheese
5) Chill in the fridge for 30-40 minutes and enjoy!

This dip is easy with a great flavor to it! Hope you all have an incredible weekend and one that isn’t filled with apprehension, but instead, pure joy. Merry Christmas to you and yours from your gluten free cheerleader.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

Here are a few highlights about Red Apple Lipstick:

*Red Apple Lipsticks test at 0PPM for the presence of gluten. Love that.

*All Red apple products are not only gluten free, but paraben free.

*They have a 100% money back guarantee.

*They offer free shipping and ship really quick.

*The glosses are $18.50 and the Lipsticks are $17.50

Here’s a run down of how the lipsticks and lip glosses look on me. Granted, I’m no lip model, lol, so bare with me.

This is the Ruby Slippers Lipstick and Ruby Glass Lipgloss. If you dig shimmer and color, but don’t want your lip to be too dark, this combo is all you. My mom tried on this combination, she has fair skin, and it looked really great on her.

Here I am rocking the “Wonderland” Lipgloss. It’s shiny, silky smooth, moisturizing and perfect by itself or on top of other colors. And oh yes, it will totally be living in my purse.

Here’s the Bridesmaid Lip gloss. I LOVE pink. So it’s really cool that you can get a pink shimmer with this bright gloss. Another combination I tried was the Crush On Me Lipstick with this gloss for even stronger “hot pink”  look. Awesome.

Here I am wearing the Crush on Me Lipstick I just mentioned. It’s a lovely pink color. I think I secretly hoped it was an even hotter pink.  But that being said, I do feel it was accurately represented via the pic on the website.  In fact, I felt the website did a great job of showing the colors.

WOW. My jaw dropped when I put the Red! Lipstick on. It’s AMAZING. It’s bright, strong, bold and just divine. I have finally found my perfect red lipstick and I could not be more thrilled. For a bold shimmer, I put on the Ruby Glass Gloss. I LOVE THIS COLOR!!! Love. Love. Love.

After checking out all these colors, I will totally be rocking Red Apple Lipsticks.  This company covers a lot a awesome shades. The only thing I’d put on my wish list is a really hot pink lipstick color. But that’s because I’m crazy and like everything bright…like Christmas lights bright, lol. But truly, this company has lovely colors, great shimmer, great customer service and great pricing. I can tell from my interaction with them that they are passionate about their company and being gluten/ paraben free- I’m digging that. Hope you all enjoy snagging some fab colors for the holidays! Special thanks to Red Apple for sending me all these colors. It was really fun to play dress up…guess I’ll just have to do it all over again tomorrow. PS- You can connect with Red Apple Via: Red Apple’s Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

Every time we spray down our luscious locks, we inevitably inhale a little hairspray and whatever ingredients it’s made of. Ready for my dramatic analogy? None of us would spray a product with rat poison in it. Why? We wouldn’t want to accidentally ingest it and we know that could easily happen. For me, the same concept applies to gluten. It’s poison to us, so I steer clear (Oh…Whom I kidding? I’d run across jungles, leap tall building and swim oceans to flee from the nasty stuff . Every opportunity I have to eliminate the possibility of ingesting gluten, I snag it. For me, this is one more way to insure that I’m headed towards the healthiest version of myself. Plus, there are tons of gluten free hairsprays….Inhale away! (Just teasing)

Gluten Free Hairsprays:

Paul Mitchell: The following Paul Mitchell hairsprays are gluten free: Worked Up, Hold Me Tight, Freeze and Shine, 80% & 55% voc, Soft Spray, 80% & 55% voc  and the Modern Elixirs Illuminating Shine Spray. They were quick about getting their gluten free list to me, I dig that.

Chi: According to the rep, all Chi hairsprays are gluten free, yay. Please be advised the whole line is not gluten free, but the hairsprays are.

Sebastian: This entire line of hair products are gluten free! ….this is making me so happy.  Now all I need is a piece of chocolate and we’re good to go.

Bed Head: The Maxed out and Head Rush Hairspray are gluten free.

Loreal Studio Hairspray: The Elnett Satin Hairspray: Mega Hairspray, the Vivepro Glossy Style, non- aerosol lines of L’Oreal are all gluten free.

Tresemme: The Extra Firm Control, the  non aerosol Extra firm control, Mega Firm Control, ( so #3,4,5), Natural Finishing non-aerosol spray and the Smooth Frizz Shield are all gluten free. The company representative shared that if any gluten derivative is in a Tresemme product, it will be clearly labeled.

Dove: According to the Dove representative, all the Dove hairsprays are gluten free. If for any reason, gluten is present or the ingredients change, gluten will be clearly labeled. Fab.

Rave: All Rave hairsprays are gluten free. The company generously disclosed that if gluten is present, it will be clearly labeled. Also, please keep an eye out for an ingredient called cetyl alcohol, which if present, could be derived from gluten.

Suave: According to the rep, all Suave hairsprays are gluten free. However, the company maintains that if gluten is present, which is possible, it will be clearly labeled. So just double check your label. Also, they ask us keep an eye out for an ingredient called cetyl alcohol, which if present, could be derived from gluten.

This is the statement from Vo5:  Our VO5 hairsprays do not contain gluten. Many of our personal care products do not directly contain wheat, rye, barley, oat or spelt.  However, we cannot guarantee that they do not contain trace amounts of these ingredients from other products or other production lines within the same manufacturing facility.

Garneir Fructis: All the Garneir Fructis hairsprays are gluten free. I use this brand for my hairspray and I love it. Well, love may be a strong word, let’s say I’m a big fan.

Aubrey Organics: The Hairsprays are not only gluten free, but organic as well. I dig that.

Head Organics: This hairspray is gluten free, paraben free, sulfate free and certified organic. (I use this line for shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner).

Finesse: The Finesse representative said the entire Finesse line is gluten free. Loving that!

The following Product lines either contain gluten, or say it may be present in their fragrances of their hairspray: Nexxus: (Most of their products contain wheat. The representative was very helpful though. She said if there is any derivative of gluten, it will be clearly listed on the bottle), Big Sexy, Aussie (Aussie can’t guarantee their hairsprays are gluten free due to the fragrances),Fat Hair and Herbal Essence (gluten is not directly added to Herbal Essence, , but could be present in the fragrances).

Thanks so much for stopping by! If you have a gluten free hairspray you love, please dish it!  And of course, I must add that ingredients are subject to change or I could have made a mistake, so please double check the ingredients. If you’d like to get  an e-mail when new show/posts go up, you can sign up for the Diva Email Here.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva.

Gluten Free Lotions List:

Dove: Dove’s Cream Oil Shea Butter, Pro-age, Cream oil body lotion and Shea butter are all gluten free. If for any reason, there is wheat, barley, rye, oats or any derivative of gluten in any of the Dove lotions, it will be clearly labeled. yay.

NOW Shea Butter: Now Shea Butter is paraben free and gluten free

Green Beaver: Green Beaver’s lotion are not only gluten free, but organic too. I dig that. I usually see this brand at health foods stores.

Dessert Essence Dessert Essence has some gluten free lotions and they are always clearly labeled on the back. I always find this brand at all natural food stores.

Mineral Fusion: The Mineral Fusion lotion line is gluten free , 100% vegetarian and free of parabens, artificial fragrances and colors. I’ve found them at Whole Foods and Natural Food Stores.

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip: Mountain Ocean skin trip is gluten free. It is made on a line with one shampoo that has wheat in it, but the representative says they clean the equipment thoroughly and have never had any complaints.

JR Watkins: All of the JR Watkins products are gluten free except the Aloe & Green Tea Shampoo and Conditioner

Savoneire: Savonneire has gluten free lotions that are also free of casein, soy, corn, colorants and fragrances.

Kiss My Face:  The Kiss My Face Vitamin A &E  Moisturizer, Honey & Calendula Moisturizer & Peaches & Crème Moisturizer are all gluten free. When I talked this company, I was impressed that they had a ready available list and were so prompt about getting it to me.

Burt’s Bee’s: Although they cannot guarantee that cross-contamination won’t happen during the manufacturing process, all of the Burt’s Bees lotions and Burt’s Bees Body Butter’s are gluten free.

California Baby lotions: All California Baby Lotions are gluten free, soy free, dairy free, paraben free and synthetic fragrance free. You can find them at Whole Foods, Target and Babies R Us.

If you have a gluten free lotion that you love, please dish it! Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing your journey with me.

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA- The Celiac Diva

Okay-On to business: As a part of The Celiac Diva show, blog and the craziness I do around here, healing and hope are always on the front of my radar when it comes to what I feature. I want you all to feel the best you can and feel as hopeful as you can about your gluten free life. So this 2nd Q&A with the brilliant Dr. Shikhman is a perfect fit (If you missed his first Q&A with us…please click here to view it). Dr. Shikhman has been gluten free 8 years, is a board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology, founder of the Institute for Specialized Medicine in San Diego, CA and Gluten Free Remedies. Gluten Free Remedies is an incredible line of gluten free vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy!

Q&A With Dr. Shikhman:

1) Many people who live with Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance suffer from depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For those who have already done GF and are still dealing with this, what vitamin or mineral deficiency should they be tested for, in the event that a malabsorption issue is causing this pain?

There are no tests available that can assess the connection between malabsorption and mental status. However, patients who are dealing with depression and anxiety may benefit from testing the neurotransmitter metabolites in their urine. Several of our supplements can help with anxiety and depression. These included magnolia bark extract, rhodiola, eleutherococcus, DMAE and acetyl-L-carnitine.

2) Recently, you sent me your magnesium malate supplement (thank you so much, love it!). Why have you chosen to use this form of magnesium (malate) in your line of Gluten Free Remedies? Is magnesium malate the most absorbable kind of magnesium?

Most of the magnesium salts with the exception of magnesium oxide are absorbed well. Gluten-Free Remedies prefers magnesium malate because the malate portion supplies energy pathways to the muscles.

3) What symptoms would suggest a magnesium deficiency?

Muscle cramps, calcium deposits in the joints, tremors and hypertension

4) Many Celiacs, like yours truly, are working hard to reverse osteoperosis and osteopenia due to a malabsoprtion of Calcium before we were diagnosed. Is one type of calcium more absorbable than others?

Even if you do not have celiac disease, you can absorb only so much calcium from your gut. Gluten-Free Remedies prefers calcium lactate because this is the only calcium salt which was shown to slow down bone resorption (where bone is broken down faster than it can be renewed). In addition, the lactate portion stimulates growth of healthy gut bacteria. If you are dealing with osteoporosis, you need to take enough vitamin D, magnesium as well as strontium.

5) {Getting to know you} What’s your favorite gluten free breakfast?

Gluten-free certified oatmeal.

6) For your patients that have gone gluten free, what’s the one mistake you don’t want to see them make?

Do not be paranoid that a gluten free diet/life style will make you socially unacceptable.

Thanks so much to Dr. Shikhman for taking the time to share these with us!  To learn more about Dr. Shikhman and his line of Gluten Free Remedies, please click here. Have a rocking week everyone. Be kind to yourself.

Hugs,

Lauren-Lucille Vasser

AKA-The Celiac Diva