The results are in....

I have been really bad in letting you know the situation at the moment, sorry guys!
I had my blood test a couple of weeks ago- a complete drama as per usual, but got enough blood in the end- and found out I am not coeliac. However, I have worked out from the 6 weeks of gluten that I believe I have IBS, with certain foods setting it off. I have been experimenting with food a lot more to see what would upset me, and how it physically affects my body.
I am starting to get a better understanding of my body and what affects it.
It has been quite hard to get back in to the swing of things, with getting used to eating gluten free again, and being quite stressed out at the moment. Combined with Sarah and I's zumba class not being on over the summer, and now zumba not being on for two weeks (understandably, we all need a break) I have lost some of my motivation at the moment.
This morning though, I decided to treat myself to new workout trainers, and some new sports bras, ready for September.
I also went to see Katie again today. I stayed the same weight, which I was very pleased about, and booked another appointment a month from now; to give me a chance to get back into the swing of things again.
Time to get the motivation back and move on up! x

Rawsome goodies!

This week I had my weigh in, and stayed the same. Considering I have been away on holiday and it has been my birthday, I think it is an achievement to not gain.
It has given me great motivation ready for my upcoming holiday to be good, as my next goal is to feel comfortable in a tankini.
I did decide to pop in to the Southsea Coffee Co though as Katie has recommended me to go in and try some of their gluten free goodies. I have been desperate to try some of their food, and had high expectations.

I had a hot chocolate and their carrot cake, which is gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, refined sugar free and soya free. Basically the premise is that you can enjoy delicious food but as nature intended, rather than any processed foods.
It did feel slightly strange at first, because it doesn't have the consistency of a normal cake, but you had all the same flavours as you would a conventional carrot cake. It is nice to know that if I want a sweet treat that I can go here and not feel so bad about it.
Once I got past the fact it isn't like a normal cake, I really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend trying it.
Let me know what you think!

Adventures of this week

Well this week I went to Riga with my bestie, and it was my birthday yesterday! 

I would definitely recommend a visit to Riga, with its beautiful buildings, great museums, and fab restaurants. The people were absolutely wonderful, always helping us out when we needed it. Felt a bit sorry for this poor woman in the orthodox church, me trying to ask if I could buy incense, with the weirdest hand gestures, at least she saw the funny side!

We were lucky enough to be there during Riga Restaurant week, being able to have fab three course dinners for 15-20 euros!

I also let the hotel know in advance that I was gluten free. I got given rice cakes to replace the bread, which helped a lot.

Have to say on the most part ate pretty healthy out there, as salad and soup is big on the menus. I haven't eaten as well this week as I could have, but I know I will work extra hard next week. I am just grateful I did zumba at least once ;)

My birthday was yesterday, and was lovely to have a nice relaxed day, seeing all my family at some point in the day. I decided this year being my first gluten free year, I would make my own birthday cake. My poor poor friend having to deal with me asking constant questions, as I was determined to get this right. 

I used a spin off recipe from a new blog I found called hungry hinny- Recipe here. I decided to change the recipe slightly, as I am not a fan of coffee, and wanted to use up some cranberries. I also didn't have a food processor to hand, so had to improvise. All good fun!

I also make the rookie mistake of trying to whisk the icing sugar straight away. The mess I made...

I think the end result was fab if I say so myself, and was proud it was light and fluffy- something I found difficult with gluten free flour.

I have some improvements to make in the future, but right now I am happy I had a cake I could eat and everyone else enjoy as well!

I am sure I will get better at it in the future, mainly so I don't have to bug people with inane questions. Obviously I won't be doing much practicing, as I'm trying to be good. At least I know I have this cake in the repertoire, which will definitely come out in the future.

Would love to hear about more gluten free recipes, and try some out if you have any :D

New Gluten Free Surprises!

I have had a few fabulous finds gluten free wise, and must share it with you ;)
As you might know it was Good Friday yesterday, and hot cross buns are a must in my family! I found a great 4 pack of hot cross buns from Asda's gluten free section, and they are quite big as well!
They are very sticky, which was the only downside, but otherwise a fab alternative to the regular hot cross buns.
My other find was after work today. I came out of work originally looking for an easter present for my Grampa, and came across a gluten free farmer's market stall, selling homemade pies, cakes, breads, and other treats!
I resisted the cakes and treats, but got myself a pork, leek and apple pie, granola and a loaf of bread. I would say that they were very reasonable prices considering you are paying for gluten free.
I had the pie for my lunch, just the right size and fills you up nicely. I have been trying different gluten free products, and this would have to be the nearest to 'normal' pastry I have tasted. I haven't tried the bread or granola yet, but the lady that served me was very knowledgeable about the products, being able to advise me on how to keep them fresh. Knowing it is homemade puts me at ease, knowing that I don't need to worry about cross contamination, and the people selling knowing exactly what is in there is such a bonus.
I will be buying from them again, and look forward to trying new things! They have a fab website where you can order their foods from the internet, or see when they are next in the area http://hampshireglutenfreecompany.co.uk/ .
Let me know what you think, and Happy Easter to you all! x

Pancake Party!

So this Tuesday just gone was shrove Tuesday, better known as pancake day.

I was invited to a pancake party, and am very lucky that my friends understand my gluten issues. I brought my own flour and frying pan, but I felt like I was included like everyone else. Sometimes it isn't always a nightmare to be gluten free, all you have to do is swap something round. 

I used self raising flour from the Sainsbury's free from range, which worked nicely with smaller pancakes. All I would say is that you do need to use a little bit more water/milk than usual, and I left my mix to sit for a while (a great tip I learnt from a lady I know who uses the flour regularly).

TADA! lovely gluten free pancakes (if I do say so myself :p)

Catching up and a new year

So I went to Berlin for the Christmas markets, and had a fabulous time with good friends.
Was pleasantly surprised that they had gluten free bread at my hotel, and felt fine, so will be trying gluten free and see how I get on.
My main worry was that dreaded seatbelt. I ended up easily putting it on, with room to tighten it as well, which really was a great boost.
Over Christmas and new year, I have definitely relaxed my eating, and felt much better for it within myself. I have tried to up my water intake, hopefully that will counteract some of the rich foods Christmas brings with it.
My first appointment with Katie this new year is tomorrow. I am expecting a gain after Christmas, so won't beat myself up about it, as I know that I can lose it just as easily again.
I will be able to get back to Zumba this week as well, which will be tough to start with. I am definitely looking forward to the challenge though.
Haven't made any new years resolutions this year, but hope that I can carry on my progress throughout this year.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year, and hope this year brings you joy and happiness.