Scary Costumes? Sure. But Scary Candy? No way.

Every Halloween, we spend weeks prepping costumes, porch decor, and party plans... but what about the actual stuff we give our kids to eat?  🎃  Let’s Be Honest With Each Other. 🍬  Start rethinking everything you were told about a very dirty little holiday in America. 

• Most American Halloween candy is ultra-processed, artificially colored, and loaded with bad sugar and cheap, empty ingredients.
• Many of these brands use high-fructose corn syrup, petroleum-based dyes, and inflammatory oils.
• And yet most of Americans hand it out like tradition gives it a free pass.

Parents—It’s Time to Reflect:

• Why do you keep buying the same candy brands when we know they’re made from low quality ingredients? If you didn't know, this is a wake up call to learn about food, ingredients and make better choices for yourself and others. 

• What makes it okay “just because it’s Halloween” or “a special occasion”? No such thing as a cheat day. You make conscious decisions to consumer anything so take responsibility and own it. Don't tell others to do what you do. 

• If we wouldn’t let our kids eat this stuff on a random Tuesday, why is it fine on October 31st—in mass amounts? Common sense applies all year round. Plus, if you are not in tune with your stomach, GI and bowel movements then it's time to grow up and become a real adult who is smarter tomorrow than yesterday. 

• Are we afraid of disappointing our kids, or other parents? Or are we just stuck in an outdated tradition? Sounds like a weak person response. It's not enough to have a great job, educated and a nice car, home or clothes. Your body is a temple and you should never spoil it with junk, and toxicities but if you do willingly reconsider more of your choices. 

11 Power-Packed Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes To Rock Your World`

Let’s be honest—gluten-free mornings can feel rushed, repetitive, or worse… a blood-sugar crash waiting to happen. Whether you’re navigating school drop-offs, Zoom calls, or simply trying to keep your gut calm and your energy up, breakfast should fuel your day, not spike and crash it. Let’s upgrade your AM routine! 

High in Protein. Clean on Ingredients. Simple to Make. Safe for Celiacs. Can anything be more beautiful?

I’ve rounded up 11 nutrient-dense, family-friendly gluten-free breakfast ideas that are:

• Celiac-safe (zero gluten, zero cross-contact, get the risk out-of-here)

• High in protein and fiber to keep you full and avoid cravings later

• Low in added sugars (sorry-not-sorry, no artificial junk or syrupy crap in here)

• Fast to prep for busy weekday mornings

With me, you’re not just avoiding gluten—you’re building stronger bodies, steadier energy, and healthier habits for the whole family, that special someone you spoil or keeping yourself ready to take on the world! Now write these down or print them out. Let's go:

1. Veggie & Turkey Bacon Egg Muffin Cups

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Pasture-raised eggs, spinach, mushrooms, Applegate turkey bacon, almond milk

• Why It Works: High in protein, rich in iron and choline, portable

• Fiber Boost Tip: Add diced bell peppers and pre-roasted sweet potatoes

2. Greek Yogurt Chia Parfait (Granola-Free)

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Full-fat Greek yogurt, chia seeds, walnuts, blueberries, tspn raw honey

• Why It Works: ~20g protein per serving, omega-3s, no added sugar

• Fiber Boost Tip: Top with ground flaxseed and psyllium husk for extra gut love

3. Gluten-Free Breakfast Tacos with Black Beans

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Cassava, almond or corn tortillas, eggs, black beans, avocado, cilantro

• Why It Works: Fiber from beans + healthy fats from avocado = longer fullness

• Protein Tip: Add shredded chicken, beef, or organic sausage (this may add more time)

4. Cottage Cheese Savory Power Bowl

• Prep Time: 3 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Ideally organic cottage cheese, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped dates

• Why It Works: ~25g protein, calcium-rich, very low sugar

• Fiber Boost Tip: Add chickpeas or use flax crackers for crunch

5. Almond Flour Pancakes with Nut Butter

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Almond flour, pasture-raised eggs, organic unsweetened almond milk

• Why It Works: Naturally grain-free, high fat & protein, satiating

• Fiber Tip: Serve with chia raspberry mash instead of syrup

6. Turkey Sausage Sweet Potato Hash

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Nitrate-free turkey sausage, diced sweet potatoes, kale, red onion

• Why It Works: One-pan meal loaded with Vitamin A, protein & fiber

• Fiber Boost Tip: Toss in black beans or serve over lentil sprouts

7. Superfood Smoothie with Matcha Green Tea, Collagen & Greens

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Organic matcha powder, Unflavored collagen peptides, frozen cauliflower rice, spinach, almond butter, wild blueberries

• Why It Works: Sneaky veggies, no sugar, ~25g protein

• Fiber Tip: Add chia + avocado + acacia fiber powder

8. Quinoa Egg Veggie Bowls

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (or 5 min. with pre-cooked quinoa)

• Main Ingredients: Tri-color quinoa, scrambled eggs, arugula, roasted peppers

• Why It Works: High in fiber and complete protein from quinoa and eggs

• Prep Tip: Batch cook quinoa and keep in fridge for the week

9. Scrambled Tofu & Kale Skillet

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Organic firm tofu, kale, turmeric, onion, nutritional yeast

• Why It Works: Soy plant protein + B vitamins

• Fiber Boost Tip: Add lentils or pre-cooked black rice for a hearty bowl

10. Egg Crepe Wraps with Hummus & Veggies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Spread thin egg crepes (just eggs!), roasted red pepper hummus, arugula, shredded carrots

• Why It Works: No grains, high protein, fast to eat on the go

• Fiber Tip: Toss in leftover roasted broccoli or lentils for crunch

11. Chicken-Avocado Mini Bites

• Prep Time: 12 minutes

• Main Ingredients: Shredded chicken breast, avocado mash, hard-boiled eggs

• Why It Works: Zero prep in the morning, and kid-friendly

• Fiber Boost Tip: Serve as a cucumber crunchwich, lettuce wrap or with rice paper wraps

Although I am not a doctor or a Registered Dietitian, these are reasonably accurate recommendations. Please use your judgement and as necessary, seek medical professional for advice before consuming.  And always do your own research ahead of time to shop for certified gluten-free safe nutrient dense food. 

Ghost Gluten: Why Gluten-Free Restaurant Menus Put You at Risk

Gluten-free has gone mainstream. You can now walk into nearly every restaurant and find a menu marked with symbols for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, keto—even “paleo-flex” in most metropolitan areas.   From airport food courts to trendy ghost kitchens, there’s never been more choice for people who eat gluten-free. But if you live with Celiac Disease or severe gluten intolerance, that “choice to trust everywhere” can come at a cost: your health.

We’re not just talking about hidden ingredients. We’re talking about ghost gluten—microscopic cross-contact that hides behind shared prep spaces, careless training, and a dangerous overconfidence in vague menu claims. And if you have Celiac Disease, you already know: it only takes one crumb.

The Rise of "Convenient Gluten Friendly"—But Not "Celiac Safe Gluten-Free"

You’ve seen it: a restaurant slaps a “GF” next to a pasta dish, pho, or adds a cauliflower crust and suddenly markets itself as gluten-free friendly. But here's the harsh truth:

A gluten-free menu item is not the same as a gluten-free kitchen.

• Ghost kitchens (shared facilities preparing food for multiple brands)

• Third-party delivery (UberEats, Grubhub, DoorDash drivers with no allergy training)

• Food halls and quick-serve spots using common fryers and cutting boards

This convenience-focused system makes it nearly impossible to guarantee a product hasn’t come into contact with gluten—even if the ingredients themselves are GF. And for Celiacs, cross-contact is contamination, period.

"Gluten-Friendly" ≠ Gluten-Free

Why Gluten-Free and Seed Oil-Free Should Go Hand in Hand: A New Standard for Clean Eating

Over the past three decades, we've seen an absolute boom in gluten-free products—a welcome shift for those of us with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But there’s a critical piece missing from the conversation: the quality of ingredients in our gluten-free food, especially when it comes to inflammatory seed oils.

As a +25 year diagnosed Celiac, I advocate deeply embedded in the clean eating movement despite the challenges from the community. I’m here to say it’s time for the food and beverage industry to evolve. “Gluten-free” alone isn’t enough anymore. Consumers—especially those managing chronic inflammation—are demanding gluten-free and seed oil-free foods, and brands that fail to get ahead of this trend will fall behind.

Exploring the Vital Role of Food Trade Shows: A Gluten-Free Perspective

It's almost time for sampling and meeting brands!  As a gluten-free lifestylist, attending food trade shows isn't just an opportunity—it's a thrilling experience that offers deep insights into how brands within the gluten-free and health-conscious sectors market themselves. These events are more than showcases; they are vibrant hubs of innovation, networking, and education that shape the future of our dietary landscape. This weekend is The Specialty Foods Association's Fancy Food Show on June 23-25 2024. 

Spotlight on Innovation, Trends and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

For those of us committed to transparent gluten-free living, diagnosed with Celiac Disease, food trade shows are treasure troves of innovation but also risk. Here, we witness first-hand the latest advancements in gluten-free baking techniques, discover innovative plant-based ingredients, explosion of sodas, water, snacking, along with international specialty foods like meats, cheeses, oils, olives, and explore cutting-edge technologies that redefine how we approach dietary restrictions. These shows inspire creativity and drive the development of products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers like us. How will AI affect the supply chain, operations, data analysis, marketing and sales?

Building Connections 

Connecting at food trade shows is a highlight for me.

Navigate Your Gut Health By Understanding Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods

Hey, "Did you eat enough good bacteria today," said a few Influeners on Instagram this week.

What do the terms 'prebiotic' and 'probiotic' actually mean? They both play a unique role in supporting our digestive system, but for those of us on a gluten-free journey, deciphering the distinction between these two categories is crucial to our ongoing education and absorption of nutrient-dense food. Let's explore the difference between gluten-free prebiotic, such as bananas, and probiotic foods, such as yogurts, shedding light on their individual benefits, and provide a list of examples readily available at your local store.