Let's start with celiac's because the first comment I get from people when I demo is, "Is this for those people." I remember the first time I heard that statement. I know I had a blank look on my face because I could not figure out what they were referring to. I had very little contact with individuals with Celiac's Disease. I had a friend from the local college that had many health issues but was not told she had it until years later. I had no idea what it was, how it effected people, how you got, or anything else about it. Now I would say I may fit into the well-informed category not expert by any means. I am not sure there is an expert because everyone handles it differently, have different side effects, levels of illness and recovery times. What I do know is it is a pain in the pocket book, in the stomach, maybe in the head, or all over the body. I have met several people that don't have side effects that are noticable but in the long run has terrible damage to the digestive system. I have met people who break out, have severe aches and pain, can't gain weight - and others who have never had problems with gaining weight. The list goes on and on. I have met groups that try to keep others informed, dieticians who have tried to teach these individuals how to shop and cook. I have met doctors that feel they have not really figured anything out because there are just too many variables.ou do What I have discovered is if you are not a celiac DO NOT EAT AS ONE. We were told by researchers that if you are a non-celiac and decided to start eating that way you will become intolerant of gluten. We have discovered if you are having trouble conceiving it is possible this is the issue. We have met several women who had went years without being able to conceive - were tested and started eating the celiac diet and got pregnant. Certainly not the only problem but never thought your digestive system could be a cause. For me I started Bizzy Lizzy on the theory of OATMEAL. Love it!! It is a great carbohydrate, fills you up and lasts, doesn't mess with most peoples blood sugar. For a celiac, oats can be an enemy and for others they have no trouble. When celiac's disease was first noted in medical journals they felt all grains that were similar in size, processed in the same facilitiess and grown in the same field had to all have gluten issues for celiacs. I recently was told by a researcher that they think those that are very sensitive could have problems but those with milder case or are just gluten sensitive probably would not be bothered. They felt these individuals should also be tested for oat allergies. My take on this is be safe not sorry. Wheat products have gluten in them - that is a protein and it is found in Barley, Rye and Wheat. Which is the first family of grains. Oatmeal is in the second family but molecular chains are very similar in all. So how do these people cook without gluten. Cooking I do not see as an issue but eating out has to be a nightmare. I would not personally eat out. But I know many do and I don't blame them. I have heard the comment more than once I just want to feel normal.

The Night before the Mission Begins

I talked to my partners in our mission tonight. We are ready to go. The thought of avoiding all flour seems a little overwhelming. I have visited with so many Celiacs over the past 3-years. They have shared stories of frustration with labeling and finding foods that tastes good. I know how much food means to me. I love food that WOW's my mouth but don't get it from bleached white flour so I know I can give it all up.

Celiac's eat flour. They eat a variety of flours just not wheat based. I have to say I am not impressed with all their choices at the present time but some are great. I actually love to bake with gluten free flours I have a fondness for potato and tapioca.

But my mission is to prove that bakery can be great without flour. I started with the oats and flax because there is really no negative effects to either of these products. They are both great carbohydrates that clean out your digestive system as well as providing other heart health benefits. I already have breakfast thought out. I will of course eat a cookie or muffin. I will have to think about lunch.