Ep 128 July 2020 Roundup – A Conversation with Ellen Bayens

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

It’s the end of June and the beginning of July – time for Ellen Bayens of thceliacscene.com to join me to discuss the current celiac and gluten free diet news.  With the Corona Virus stay at home gradually easing off in Canada, new studies and findings regarding celiac disease are few and far between.  As well, it’s not a good time for food companies to be introducing a new gluten free product into the marketplace.  Ellen does however, have a couple of timely articles which we discuss regarding recent changes in food service labelling regarding foods labelled for the US, and an article written by Mia Kennedy about getting back out into social groups for pot lucks, barbeques and picnics, from the point of view of a 20-something celiac.

Here are the links to the articles and the contest from Grimm’s –

Hidden Barley! Heath Canada Relaxes Ingredient Labeling for US Products

Musings by Mia – Summer Fun for Twenty-Something Celiacs

https://grimmscontest.com/ with inspiring meal ideas almost daily on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GrimmsFineFoods

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

I have two daughters in their late twenties, one who is celiac, so I thought I was in touch with many of the current social norms for that age group.  Whenever I read Mia’s articles, or speak with her, I realize how thoughtful and observant she is of her surroundings.  As a Mom, I was mostly in protective mode for my celiac daughter, but to see things from their perspective is quite eye-opening.

Much of the advice Mia gives is very adaptable and suitable for anyone with a food allergy.  I remember years ago, when invited to an eating event, it was always a decision we had to make – do we mention our celiac disease and gluten restriction, or do we just take lots of precautions and “wing it”?  Either of these scenarios was fraught with difficulty.  How much explaining do we want to do? How much monitoring of the food table is appropriate?  Should we eat first? Should we just bring everything we need and sequester somewhere off to the side?

It seems that nowadays, things are different.  Celiac and gluten free don’t require much explanation.  I always appreciate getting the question “Oh, are you celiac?” Once I answer yes, there is invariably a connection made with someone’s friend, or co-worker, or brother’s fiancé.  I like the recognition our celiac disease is afforded these days. As a celiac, I never identified as someone with an allergy, because it’s not, but on the other hand, I appreciate the “respect” an allergy commands, especially a food allergy.  I won’t identify as having an allergy, but there is some benefit to having others recognise it in the same way.  From reading Mia’s approach to social events, it just takes following a few simple rules to be able to enjoy an event and not get hung up on food restrictions.  I think I should try to approach life in such a positive manner, and think like a twenty-something.  Who knows, maybe I’ll start to feel younger as well.