Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:

Margaret Dron is the Founder of GF Events Ltd. which mounts annual gluten free expos.  Currently, plans are for one in Vancouver and one in Calgary on the following dates:

Calgary – October 21-22, 2018

Vancouver – January 12-13, 2019

Recently, Margaret has undertaken the publishing of a gluten free magazine called “Gluten-Free Canada”.  The magazine was published twice in 2017, and made available free of charge at health food stores throughout the country.  A third edition of the magazine is currently in the works.  Although you can no longer get a paper copy of the first two magazines, you can access both online.  The articles and photography are well worth the read.

You can find more information about the expos at www.glutenfreeexpo.ca

You can find the magazine at www.myglutenfreecanada.ca

You can follow Margaret on Instagram @glutenfreeexpo and on twitter @GlutenFreeExpo1.

You can reach her by email at info@glutenfreeexpo.ca

My Thoughts –

I have long been involved in gluten free vendor shows, as a consumer and as a vendor.  Attending these shows now, as a podcaster, with a keen eye to observe the trends and what’s new can be a challenge.  I often get excited to see vendors or attendees I have met before and want to “check in” with them.  As well, when I do see something new, I am compelled to quiz the vendor to get the full scoop.  It’s probably a good thing that I have an allergy to flax seed, as the tasting I can do becomes very restricted.  I remember leaving vendor shows so full, I didn’t want to eat for days* (reality check – *days was only hours).

One thing I have noticed is that both consumers and vendors are often not prepared with the right questions (or in the case of vendors, the correct answers) to determine if a product is worthy of attention and excitement.  Not all new products may be right for you.  As a consumer you should ask, and as a vendor you should be able to answer the following:

What makes this product (cookie, bread, protein bite) different from the one I’m currently using?

How is it packaged, and does that fit my needs (i.e. individual packaging, frozen, multipack)?

How does the nutrition in this product make it a better choice than what I am currently using? (If a vendor isn’t knowledgeable about the nutritional benefits, I would normally pass, unless it’s something that isn’t expected to be nutritious like a cupcake.)

Where can I get the product after the show? Is it available in my local retailers? Do I have to order online?

What is the price-point, and how does that compare to what I’m currently using?

Too often I see vendors promoting a product who have not thought about the answers to all of these basic questions, and I understand that.  In the world of gluten free food production, the priority is gluten free food safety, and everything else is secondary.  I also see consumers getting very excited about a new find, only to realize that buying and using it on a regular basis doesn’t fit their lifestyle (not suitably packaged for school lunches, must be warmed before eating etc.).

Like most of us, I love vendor shows, so much so that I must tone down my excitement to make the most of the situation.  Vendor shows are valuable tools to allow us to explore and taste new foods, some from new vendors, some from trusted ones.  Gluten free food is expensive, the experience of meeting the vendors and being able to ask them about their products or suggest things to them is of great value.  My best advice – Plan to walk the show twice, once scanning everything new, and the second time to speak with select vendors to see if their products really suit your needs.

Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:
While I attended the National Conference of the Canadian Celiac Association on June 9th, 2018 in Ottawa, I asked the conference and vendor show attendees to answer some questions for me. The purpose was to gather random tips on living with Celiac Disease and the gluten free diet from those living it every day. During the podcast, one of the attendees mentioned her website www.allergiesandme.ca. I made reference to my website where I have lots of recipes from my baking show, including banana muffins and my feel-good cheese muffins. I mentioned a baking mix called Pamela’s Pancake and Baking Mix – here’s the website for recipes for this mix – http://www.pamelasproducts.com/product/pamelas-baking-pancake-mix/

My Thoughts –
The reason I started my podcast was because I enjoyed interviewing people, asking questions and getting answers I don’t necessarily expect. The thought of setting up recording equipment at a celiac conference and recording a wide variety of tips and thoughts from my fellow celiacs was very inviting.

It took some thought to come up with the series of questions that I would ask the willing participants to choose from. Actually, the first question came to me very easily. I always wonder how others keep their kitchen gluten free. I have been GF for more than 20 years, and I do allow gluten in my kitchen, but it is always handled very much separately, with lots of washing of hands. When I operated my GF bakery, it was such a pleasure to not have any gluten in the building – nothing to take special precautions for – but still lots of washing of hands.
The other questions I asked attendees were:
The best tip for eating in a restaurant.
The best tip for travelling gluten free.
Favourite gluten free food you make or bake.
The best way to cope with a GF diet or with Celiac Disease/gluten intolerance.

I gathered a good collection of answers. These are real solutions that my fellow celiacs use day to day and that work for them. I have counselled many newly diagnosed celiacs and those on a gluten free diet. It’s hard at first, and can be discouraging. None of my respondents seemed discouraged. Many commented on the value of asking and sharing when it comes to the diet in the hope that more people will become educated. We have all seen that happen over the past few years.
I hope you find the tips in this episode helpful and encouraging and, in some small way, they make your gluten free life just a little bit easier.

Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:
The National Conference of the Canadian Celiac Association was held on June 9th, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario. Dr. Duerksen is the Chair of the CCA’s Professional Advisory Council. Dr. Duerksen has a Gastroenterologist practice for adults in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The website for the Canadian Celiac Association was mentioned numerous time and can be found at www.celiac.ca.

My Thoughts –
If you listen to the podcast, you are likely familiar with a referral to a Gastroenterologist to investigate issues of the digestive tract. I saw many gastro specialists over the years prior to my diagnosis. Like many, my diagnosis, more than 20 years ago, happened as a bit of a fluke, after being missed by countless health professionals for years.

Being referred to a specialist usually means that your family practice doctor does not know enough about your condition to properly diagnose or treat you. Going to a specialist of any kind can be very scary. Sometimes you are annoyed waiting for an appointment, other times you feel like you are being rushed through tests and treatment with big words and uncommon terms.

When the opportunity was presented to me to interview Dr. Duerksen, I knew exactly what questions I wanted to ask. I had heard so many stories from so many people about unanswered questions and what to expect from an unfamiliar doctor brought on board when your trusted physician was not able to pursue testing or diagnosis. I wanted to be clear about the process – learning what to expect makes for realistic expectations. I had all my questions answered in an unrushed calm, polite, knowledgeable manner.

After having my interview, and hopefully for you, after listening to the podcast, most of the mystery is gone. If celiac disease is the problem, the gastro specialist has the tools, tests and knowledge to find it. The follow up may be done with the specialist or with your family doctor. Although celiac disease may be a mystery to many, you can be assured that nowadays gastro specialists are looking for it. Consider a referral to a gastroenterologist as a step in a positive direction.

Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:

This episode featured the voices and opinions of different people who attended the Gluten Free Garage Food Show in Toronto on May 27, 2018.  I have attached a list of the sponsors, for your information.  Many of those I interviewed mentioned specific companies and products, that you can follow up with.  The link to vendors on the Gluten Free Garage site is https://glutenfreegarage.ca/exhibitors/

My Thoughts –

Again, I shared lots of my comments between the interviews, but I would like to highlight some of the thoughts about those I interviewed.

There are lots of individuals who blog about gluten free and celiac disease.  Many of them have quality content.  What can make a difference is when these bloggers and influencers leave their computers to attend community events.  Attending events is the best way to really know your audience, including their joys and challenges.  There are usually two things I look for when I begin to follow influencers – Do they attend events that involve their community AND do they belong to organizations that support their community.  The Canadian Celiac Association is THE organization in Canada, along with the FQMC in Quebec, that speaks for those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten intolerance.

I very much enjoyed interviewing the younger attendees at The Gluten Free Garage.  Their parents have taught them well about gluten free, and they seem comfortable with their diet.  What makes a difference for children eating gluten free, is to see other people, many other people, of all ages following the diet too.  Feeling part of a welcoming community is quite special.

Thanks again Gluten Free Garage for arranging an event to bring our community together.