A Conversation with Jessica Danford

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

On this episode I speak with Jessica Danford, who you might know as Gfreewifey.  Jess has spent a great deal of her time and energy setting up the Gfreewifey Foodbank.  Jess is empowered by helping people help themselves.  She has become involved in fitness as a way to help herself get healthy, and during her journey has attracted a dedicated group of followers.  She has co-authored three books, the most recent of which, coming out in September is “She Moves Mountains”.

You can find Jess online –

Instragram – JessicaDanford

or her website at gfreewifey.com

Gluten-free Lifestyle, Recipes, and Wellness – Gfreewifey

Join me as I explore and embrace a gluten-free lifestyle, try new recipes and restaurants, health and beauty regimes, and explore holistic wellness and spirituality.

Facebook – Self Empowerment Studio with Coach Jessica Danford

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 –

Empowerment is one of those things you can work to have and yet it’s something slightly different when you give it away. 

Jessica Danford worked hard to change the person she was into someone who appreciated life and wanted to share her positive attitude with others.  Her focus has for a long time been on helping others with celiac disease to advocate for themselves.  More recently she has pivoted her focus to helping others to advocate for a healthier self.

Either way, Jess knows what she is talking about.  The first time we talked for the podcast, we chatted about food security issues and she told me in the past she depended on a foodbank.  Once Jess is on a better path, she wants to share what she has learned to help others. 

She is creative.  She doesn’t just ask people to give her money, she gives people the opportunity to sponsor a great effort that she is doing, whether it be a physical challenge, self-publishing a book, or driving hundreds of kilometers to deliver gluten free food to her “families”.

When I think of someone who practices what they preach, Jess comes to mind.  Recently, she has started a podcast called “S*** That Keeps Me Up at Night”.  Just when I think Jess is finding a new way to self-heal, she stumbles on a way to empower others to do just that.

I’ve known Jess for a few years, and although I wouldn’t even attempt one of her workouts, I admire her ability to bring people together for a common purpose.  We all have different talents and this seems to be one of hers.  From that sprouts lots of new ideas and compassion to allow others to feed off her energy and enthusiasm.  Thanks Jess, for all the work you’ve done, and I know there’s more to come (no pressure).

A Conversation with Julie Greene of the Canadian Celiac Association

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

On last week’s episode, #172 I spoke with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of the CCA about things that were happening at the national level for Celiac Awareness Month.  On this episode I’m speaking with Julie Greene about everything that’s happening across the country to mark this month, and in particular Sunday, May 16^th, Celiac Awareness Day.  Julie makes note of all the cities and towns across the country that are having buildings, monuments, bridges and signs lit up green for Celiac Awareness.  As well, many chapters and groups across the country are hosting a variety of virtual events for celiacs, children and the newly diagnosed.  You can follow many of the events on the CCA website at https://www.celiac.ca/news-events/events/

As well you can follow the social media around Celiac Awareness Month with the hashtags –

#ItsNotPretend

#ShineALightOnCeliac

#GFOreoMoments

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 –

Receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease can often be devastating.  So much has to change, and it’s not easy.  Many of us found help through community.  Sometimes that means a new friend who shares your diagnosis, or finding another parent who is working through the diagnosis of their child.  For many of us, connecting through others involved with the Canadian Celiac Association has given us the bond of community. 

This past year has tested that bond.  We haven’t been able to sit around a table at a meeting, or a meal with our celiac friends.  We haven’t been able to share any of our baking or recipes unless it was virtually.  We haven’t been able to hold the hand of a parent struggling to understand the diet for their child. 

In May we work hard to spread the word, welcome others into our community and celebrate.  Social media is often very active with questions, advice and support around celiac disease and the gluten free diet.  May is a time to ramp that up, to stretch out our virtual arms to welcome many more in and show them the support available in our community.

For me, May is a celebration.  In years past the CCA often had their national conferences and meetings during May.  It was a time to re-connect with friends, be hosted by groups in different parts of the country, and enjoy the variety of gluten free food.  Vendors would come to show off their new products and most of us knew enough to bring a spare suitcase to fill for the ride home.  Awareness is something that can be shouted from the rooftops.  This year is different, and I’m so pleased to hear of the creative ways that members, and volunteers from across Canada has pitched in to come up with new ways to connect.  Like everything, when the pandemic is over and we go back to our previous lives, they won’t be the same.  We’ve stepped up our game, we’ve innovated.  We are reaching more people in more ways.  Shine the light – the future is bright!

A Conversation with Melissa Secord of the CCA

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

On this episode I catch up with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of the Canadian Celiac Association.  Melissa, along with her small staff is handling the promotion of May, Celiac Awareness Month from a big picture, national perspective.  We chat about some of the initiatives that are being done to “Shine a Light” on celiac disease, by having iconic buildings and structures across the country lit up green during this month.  If you live near a “Shine the Light” event, please take a photo and post it with the hashtag #ShineALightOnCeliac.  We talk about the tag line, or slogan for this year – “It’s Not Pretend”, how it was arrived at and who the target audience is.  Melissa is also able to share with us the participation that large and small companies as well as private sponsors are having during this month.  I was asked to make three recipe videos using Promise Bread products as a thank you to them for being a lead sponsor of Celiac Awareness Month.  The videos will be airing on the CCA’s social media beginning on Sunday May 16^th, Celiac Awareness Day.  Please watch and share – I really enjoyed making them (and you get to see me in my kitchen).  If you want to share other information about your celiac journey online, please use the hashtag #ItsNotPretend, to be part of the conversation.  There’s lots going on at the national level to do with Celiac Awareness Month, as well, there are initiatives across the country on a smaller scale.  To get the information on those activities I will be talking with Julie Greene of the CCA for next week’s episode.

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’ve been involved with the CCA for many years.  Usually there is something special that I do to help with awareness during May.  Coming from this perspective, I am concerned about a post I saw on Instagram about Celiac Awareness Month.  This post was from another country, it was someone who I follow, but don’t know.  But it made me think. 

The post was a rant.  We all have the right to rant.  Goodness knows, a difficult restaurant experience, a debate with a family member, a lost opportunity to spend time with family and friends, all because of celiac disease, is cause for any of us to rant.  The subject of the rant was that this woman had been to three stores to get a variety of gluten free foods (she made it clear she doesn’t go out often because of covid), and found most of the shelves bare, and furthermore there were no specials, or signs mentioning Celiac Awareness Month.  She compared the effort of the stores and food suppliers to other promotions for vegan foods, or healthful diets.  She was very upset that she had been to three stores, couldn’t get what she wanted, and felt the large food companies were all take and no give.

The comments were very supportive of her and her thoughts.  Again, we all feel left out at times. 

I have a different take on the situation.  Yes, it’s upsetting and frustrating, but who is supposed to be making the companies aware of May as a special month?  In Canada, the CCA sends out press releases and has a very good working relationship with many large gluten free companies whom they don’t hesitate to ask for sponsorship for May.  Obviously, things are different in other countries.

How could this situation be different next year for this woman?  Get involved –

ask the celiac association why no awareness with food companies;

write to the food companies yourself;

inform the store managers about Celiac Awareness Month and ask them for the contact to speak to at their head office;

plan a local event to get the smaller, local gluten free companies involved; and

just do something to promote awareness with companies who have disappointed you.

The last thing I want is for us to feel like victims, and sometimes a rant does that.  On purpose, I didn’t respond to the woman, she didn’t need to be challenged when her frustrations are real.  I’m hoping though, that she will realize that awareness comes from all of us, and if the large food companies who supply her grocery stores aren’t with the program this year, something is going to have to happen to change things.  What’s the old saying – “be the change!”

A Conversation with Ellen Bayens

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

Happy Celiac Awareness Month!  This is the first episode of the month and that means I get to discuss a variety of different topics about celiac disease and the gluten free diet with Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com.  Ellen and I chat about a Canadian study on the expense and social challenges of the gluten free diet.  The study looks at the myth of the diet for weight loss as well as some positive trends with those of us eating gluten free.  Ellen introduces me to Gnu Sante, a company making “lunchbox friendly” smoothies for kids that are gluten free and actually good for them.  Ellen and I talk very briefly about the suitability of a plant-based diet for those of us eating gluten free.  I acknowledged that this is a big subject, and deserves its own podcast episode – something Ellen and I will arrange in the near future.  Two very resourceful ladies came into focus on this episode – Selena Devries RD and Cinde Little.  Both have large followings on social media – Selena for her professional help with the gluten free diet and Cinde for her new “Healthy Me” course as well as her recipes and videos.  Since May is Celiac Awareness Month, I tease Ellen with some of the activities I’m involved with, including recipe videos and a curbside gluten free food drive.

NEWS FROM THE CELIAC SCENE
Study Confirms Gluten-Free Diet is Expensive & Socially Challenging

Introducing Gnu Santé gnubees Nutritional Beverage Snacks!

SELENA’S CORNER

• May 4th Celiac Disease Webinar for Registered Dietitians & Dietetics Students
• Join the ‘Celiac Symptom Relief’ Facebook Group
• Q & A Instagram Tuesdays
• Book an Appointment with Selena

GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES

Inspiration from Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet’s Kitchen

• Hundreds of Free Gluten-Free Recipes – Appetizers to Desserts!
• Healthy Me Course – Newly diagnosed? Confused by labels? Feeling overwhelmed? Help is here!
• Free Cooking Videos – Watch & learn at your leisure
• Blogs & Podcasts – be inspired!
• Online Class Calendar – Join one! Design one for yourself, your friends & family or a group!
• Sign up for Your Free e-Book

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 –

The pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Some cleaver few have turned it into an opportunity to connect with people virtually in ways we hadn’t imagined before last spring. 

Both Selena Devries and Cinde Little have worked had in their communities to help those with celiac disease and on the gluten free diet.  Both were expanding their work in their virtual communities prior to covid, and were well placed to meet new needs from their followers.

Selena’s Tuesday Q&A on Instagram is now a must check in every week.  It is fascinating for me to read the questions and then Selena’s straight to the point answers – some a couple of words, and some more in depth.  If you’re on Instagram she is a must follow.  You can find her at celiac_dietitian.

Cinde is so creative in her both her cooking and baking, but it’s her depth of knowledge about the gluten free lifestyle and her background as an educator that makes her a go-to resource both for the newly diagnosed as well as those of us who have been around a while.  Cinde has worked closely with her local celiac community to help educate the newly diagnosed, and is now using that knowledge in her new course offering.

I have had both Selena and Cinde on the podcast numerous times.  To me, they are virtual friends.  Once we can travel again, and events can be planned within our celiac communities, I’m hoping to meet in person with both of them.  Oh yes, and a special get together with Ellen Bayens as well.