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| The GF Lifestyle - Introduction |
Good day my friends.
In the coming weeks I will write on making the transition to a Gluten-free (GF) lifestyle. Why
“lifestyle?” Because that’s exactly what it is for those whose LIVES depend on eating gluten-
free, and making that lifestyle transition is everything but easy for the uninformed or newly
diagnosed patients with Celiac Disease, Autism as well as other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, most in our society use the term “diet” to reflect some relatively temporary
change in an eating pattern to lose weight or “feel healthier” – more on that later. I try to
avoid the term diet when referring to aspects of life not directly related to the preparation
and consumption of food, hence the integration of the term “lifestyle.” While I do not claim to
be a gluten-free expert, I do understand the challenges of going gluten-free because I have
made the journey myself as a supportive spouse and a chef who had to learn fast in order to
bless his wife. I eat gluten-free at home because it does not make sense to me to make two
meals for two people in the same house, as my time is very limited. I have consulted for
restaurant chefs and trained personal chefs how to market to and meet the needs of the
gluten-free communities of Celiac Disease and Autism.
Information is power. When I teach my students, and my students learn from me, we both
benefit in the process. The more we learn, the more options, skills and opportunities we
have for a better quality of life. These all translate to creative decision-making opportunities
to bless ourselves, or those we care about. This, my friends, is real power.
In the coming weeks I will share lots of information with you, as well as some humorous and
not so humorous experiences my wife (Debbie) and I have experienced. Some will make you
smile, while others will make your eyes roll and chest drop from the heavy sigh in disgust.
For those of you newly diagnosed, hopefully this will be a series of encouragement and
empowerment, and may help you “dodge some bullets,” but more importantly, live life with
greater confidence. For those of you who are veterans reading these articles, hopefully the
series may be useful in gaining a greater appreciation for your contribution to bringing
greater sensitivity to others’ needs as well as helping bring new products to market because
of your persistent voice in the community. Lastly, for those of you tired of hearing about
gluten-free but don't really understand much about it, don't care or think it is just another
fad, please come back and follow us on this short journeys of articles, and see what it is all
about. Either way, please feel free to email me your comments DIRECTLY, as I covet your
experiences, wisdom and stories.
If you have an interesting GF story, know how to write well and willing to provide a
submission, please email it to me. If applicable and appropriate I will consider including in
this series, respecting your privacy of course. Send them to lifestyle@thymeforachef.com
and be sure to use "LIFESTYLE" as the first word in the Subject line so it won't be missed.
Until next week, make it a great day and wear a big smile. It will keep others guessing.
Blessings,
Chef David Hall, CGC
www.thymeforachef.com
In the coming weeks I will write on making the transition to a Gluten-free (GF) lifestyle. Why
“lifestyle?” Because that’s exactly what it is for those whose LIVES depend on eating gluten-
free, and making that lifestyle transition is everything but easy for the uninformed or newly
diagnosed patients with Celiac Disease, Autism as well as other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, most in our society use the term “diet” to reflect some relatively temporary
change in an eating pattern to lose weight or “feel healthier” – more on that later. I try to
avoid the term diet when referring to aspects of life not directly related to the preparation
and consumption of food, hence the integration of the term “lifestyle.” While I do not claim to
be a gluten-free expert, I do understand the challenges of going gluten-free because I have
made the journey myself as a supportive spouse and a chef who had to learn fast in order to
bless his wife. I eat gluten-free at home because it does not make sense to me to make two
meals for two people in the same house, as my time is very limited. I have consulted for
restaurant chefs and trained personal chefs how to market to and meet the needs of the
gluten-free communities of Celiac Disease and Autism.
Information is power. When I teach my students, and my students learn from me, we both
benefit in the process. The more we learn, the more options, skills and opportunities we
have for a better quality of life. These all translate to creative decision-making opportunities
to bless ourselves, or those we care about. This, my friends, is real power.
In the coming weeks I will share lots of information with you, as well as some humorous and
not so humorous experiences my wife (Debbie) and I have experienced. Some will make you
smile, while others will make your eyes roll and chest drop from the heavy sigh in disgust.
For those of you newly diagnosed, hopefully this will be a series of encouragement and
empowerment, and may help you “dodge some bullets,” but more importantly, live life with
greater confidence. For those of you who are veterans reading these articles, hopefully the
series may be useful in gaining a greater appreciation for your contribution to bringing
greater sensitivity to others’ needs as well as helping bring new products to market because
of your persistent voice in the community. Lastly, for those of you tired of hearing about
gluten-free but don't really understand much about it, don't care or think it is just another
fad, please come back and follow us on this short journeys of articles, and see what it is all
about. Either way, please feel free to email me your comments DIRECTLY, as I covet your
experiences, wisdom and stories.
If you have an interesting GF story, know how to write well and willing to provide a
submission, please email it to me. If applicable and appropriate I will consider including in
this series, respecting your privacy of course. Send them to lifestyle@thymeforachef.com
and be sure to use "LIFESTYLE" as the first word in the Subject line so it won't be missed.
Until next week, make it a great day and wear a big smile. It will keep others guessing.
Blessings,
Chef David Hall, CGC
www.thymeforachef.com
Copyright 2011, Thyme for a Chef, LLC. All rights reserved.
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