I’m giving away access to my Gluten-Free Vitality: 5 Weeks To Your Energy Breakthrough program to 5 people!

Whoooo Hooo!

It’s valued at $350, and what you’ll learn will serve you for a lifetime.

Here’s what one person had to say about our complimentary sample class The Truth Behind The Trend: Is Gluten-Free For Me?:

“Thank you for this short class. When I first started learning about the gluten-free diet I spent A LOT of time gathering information on the internet, and I still never got a really clear answer on some things. This class was really helpful!”  ~ Ursula Markgraf (www.ursulamarkgraf.com)

But this class isn’t just for gluten-free newbies. Why? Because what I’ve noticed, and even learned myself the hard way, is that a lot of people might be gluten-free, but they aren’t necessarily eating a healthy gluten-free diet. And this then can lead to weight gain, depression, lack of energy and then resentment. Here’s the sample class for those that are already gluten-free: Still Tired? Gluten-Free Foods That Steal Your Energy.

So, I thought this would be fun and another way to celebrate Celiac Disease Awareness month.

HOW TO ENTER

Riddle me this:

If I could help you to attain all the energy you’d need to do everything you want to do, describe how your life would be different?

Enter your answer in the comments below in order to be eligible to win. Be sure to include your email in the comment form, so I can contact you if you are chosen. No worries, your email won’t be public.

EXTRA CREDIT
1) Tweet this blog post using the hashtag #GFV and @CeliacChick so I can track and see who really, really wants this.

2) Post a link to this blog post on Facebook and tag my name: Kelly Courson

*For those of you that have already purchased the program, no worries, enter to win, spread the word and you too might be chosen. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday, May 13th midnight EST.

So, now tell me below: If I could help you to attain all the energy you’d need to do everything you want to do, describe how your life would be different?

Happy Celiac Disease Awareness Month!!!

We’ve come a long way, Baby!

But the road to full awareness stretches on ahead of us, and we must continue helping people with celiac disease to get properly diagnosed and get diagnosed earlier, so that other autoimmune diseases aren’t triggered and a host of other health problems don’t arise.

I’ve never felt more passionate about this cause than now, because a dear friend of mine has five different autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease, and she nearly died this last week.

As we were waiting for her to pull through, all I could keep thinking was, “What if her celiac disease had been diagnosed sooner? Maybe celiac disease is the umbrella disease that triggered all of the other autoimmune diseases.”

What if….what if…what if.

Of course, celiac disease awareness is important every month, but I’m going to try a little harder to spread the word about it this month. Will you join me?

(One easy thing to do would be to share this blog post I wrote about celiac disease symptoms.  Thank you in advance!)

I’m excited to have the opportunity to write several articles about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet for some major websites this month. Thousands will be reached with accurate information. I’ll let you know when they are published.

Now let’s “celebrate” awareness with an anti-inflammatory smoothie!

You may or may not be familiar with the term “anti-inflammatory”. In case you aren’t, here’s a good description from Dr. Andrew Weil’s website.

(BTW, Dr. Weil’s lectures were some of my favorite while I was going to school to learn about nutrition.)

As it turns out, we know that chronic inflammation is the root of disease. So, the more anti-inflammatory foods you can eat, the better. These are foods that are known to help combat inflammation in the body.

Like berries. And greens.

I have a strong hunch that a gluten-free diet high in anti-inflammatory foods must be very healing, soothing to tummies that have been inflamed for a long time.

I “cured” my seasonal hayfever allergies last year by drinking one of these anti-inflammatory smoothies every day. I used to be a serious Zyrtec junkie, so you can imagine how amazed I was the day I walked outside to find my car all yellow, dusted in pollen, and I wasn’t sneezing my head off.

Yup. All because of my new anti-inflammatory smoothie. Well, how do I know this? While at school, I listened to a 3 hour lecture by Dr. Douillard, where he explained how to combat seasonal allergies by eliminating inflammatory foods (refined sugars and flours, processed foods) and consuming more anti-inflammatory foods (berries, especially raspberry and blueberry, and green vegetables) in the Springtime.

I didn’t really think it would work, but I thought it would be easy to try. Plus, I had already eliminated inflammatory foods like gluten, refined sugars and flours, along with my additional food intolerances of dairy and corn. Maybe I just needed to up the berries and greens?

Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

I just decided to create a smoothie with both berries and frozen greens. I call this my “Sneaky Smoothie”.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 a banana
1 cup frozen blueberries or raspberries
1/3 cup frozen peas or spinach
water as needed

DIRECTIONS
Put all of the ingredients in the blender. Add enough water to meet your ideal smoothie thickness. Blend. If you need to sweeten it a bit, add a bit of honey.

You can play with the amounts…if you need to, ease into it by adding less greens at first.
And your end product might look a little darker than the photos here. I think I was running low on peas that day. Don’t let greener color scare you!

Be sure to come back and tell me how you liked it!

Cheers!

GF Savvy Gluten Free Expo

WHEN
Saturday, May 11th

TIME
10am to 5pm
WHERE
Holiday Inn at the Falls
100 Central Freeway
Wichita Falls, TX 76306

WHY?

• There will be tons of vendors with products for guests to try
• Goody bags for the first 1000 people in the door
• Dietitians there to answer any questions
• …And several door prizes!

More information can be found on our website at www.gfsavvyexpo.com.

VENDORS

We do still have some openings for vendors so if anyone is interested, they can email info@gfsavvyexpo.com.

We’re here for you! We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the gluten free diet over the years, and we’re opening up the phone lines for YOU!

This special Q&A call is perfect for you if you’re…

•  New to the gluten-free diet or want to try it
  
•  Gluten-free, but have questions about your current diet, health or lifestyle
•  Know you want to optimize your gluten-free diet and lifestyle
  
•  Or just curious about our upcoming virtual course Gluten-Free Vitality: 5 Weeks to Your Energy Breakthrough

So, get on the horn with us on April 24th and ask away! 

PS: If you haven’t seen them yet, here are our two sample classes for you to check out.

The Truth Behind The Trend

Gluten-Free Foods That Steal Your Energy

[cue applause]

Yes, I am a self-professed cosmetic junkie, makeup maven, lip gloss enthusiast, and I’m even known in some circles as “the beauty guru”. I suppose there are worse things to be called.

When I hear the phrase “new product launch” or “latest color collection”, I have an almost visceral reaction and dash to the nearest Sephora or department store before you can say “tinted moisturizer”.

In 2010 I combined this passion with my background in makeup artistry and product development to start my new company The Cosmetic Concierge, a full-service personal shopping and styling service located in New York City. My services take the guess work out of shopping for cosmetics and skin care and helps women to look and feel like their most fabulous selves.

For most of my adult life, ingredients were not something I paid any mind to. All I really cared about was finding the perfect mascara trifecta: lengthening, curling, and volumizing.

Well, as it turns out there was a very big reason for me to pay attention. Three years ago, after a lifetime of suffering with many seemingly “mysterious” ailments, gastrointestinal distress, and an autoimmune thyroid disorder, I finally learned that I had issues with gluten. I was immediately relieved, as there was now a way for me to take control of my health so that I could finally start to feel better.

Of course the relief was intermingled with the initial anxiety that accompanies any new diagnosis that requires a drastic lifestyle change. There was so much to learn, so many changes to make. After reading everything I could get my manicured fingertips on about celiac and gluten issues (definitely not as fun as reading about the latest makeup trends in Vogue), it became apparent that I had to start thinking about not only what I put in my body, but what I put on it.

While it seemed there was still little agreement in the medical community about the potentially damaging effects of gluten in makeup and skincare products, I decided it was best to err on the side of caution.

Then panic set in. How could I part with all of my beloved products!?!

Would switching to GF products mean I would have to sacrifice quality? Would I still be able to remain “on trend” if I used all GF makeup?

I immediately had visions of myself wearing bizarre and garish makeup trends from yesteryear and strange concoctions from the health food store. I mean, I could part with bagels, but blush? Not so sure. I was doomed. My fate was sealed, I was to give up all that was beautiful, all that was current, all that was FUN! I was never again to step foot into a Sephora! *gasp* Phrases like “New product launch” and “latest color collection” no longer pertained to me! *double gasp*

In short, my life was over.

Luckily, after conducting some research, I learned that this was not the terrible fate that was to befall me. As it turned out, some of my favorite products and brands were sans gluten!

Fortunately there are loads of makeup and skincare products out there that are just as high-performance, on trend, and effective as their gluten-laden counterparts.

Here are some of my favorites:

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I recommended this amazing tinted moisturizer to one of my clients when it first came out (she is an esthetician with very discerning taste) and she loved it so much that she decided to spread the love and buy it for all of her colleagues at the spa as Christmas gifts. I’m not surprised, as this is everything a tinted moisturizer should be, and then some. With lightweight, buildable coverage and a healthy dose of hydration, it banishes imperfections and leaves behind a beautiful veil of color. Pores are erased, fine lines and wrinkles are hidden, and discolorations disappear. Skin is left with a healthy, natural glow. As an added bonus, this product is loaded with skin-loving ingredients that promise to improve and brighten the complexion with continued use. SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection, the most valuable anti-aging tool in any beauty regimen.

NARS Cheek Palette in Foreplay

This luxe palette offers four gorgeous cheek colors inspired by the iconic NARS blush with the naughty moniker, Orgasm. Conveniently housed in this sleek compact are four high-intensity, yet wearable cheek hues. You can go bold, basic or anywhere in between by combining colors or using them individually create your own custom glow. I love using the gold as a highlighter for cheekbones (works well on medium to dark skin tones) and the matte pink adds a beautiful pop of color to the apples of the cheeks. The darker matte peach shade is a great contour color and can also work on the apples of the cheeks on darker complexions. The original Orgasm color is also included in this palette and is the ultimate universally flattering peachy pink.

*I contacted NARS and they said to reference the customer care page on their website. Basically, they state that their products are gluten free, but the facility where they are processed is not.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
SPF 15

Hourglass’s mineral-based, satin-finish primer stands out from the rest for its ability to neutralize redness in the skin while minimizing shine, erasing pores, softening imperfections and fine lines, and absorbing excess oil. Creates the perfect canvas for makeup, allowing it to stay put all day. (Even through my bikram yoga class! Its true, I tried it). While it is on the pricier side ($52), I would gladly forego groceries for a week in order to have this star product in my arsenal.

*Hourglass states on their website that their primer is gluten free.

Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss

Normally, “long lasting lipgloss” would seem like an oxymoron, as its usually a matter of sacrificing either shine or longevity. Thanks to Smashbox’s Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss, we can have both! This luxe gloss, which comes in an impressive range of shades, delivers color and shine that promises to stay put for up to six hours. As an added bonus, the wand is designed to hug the contours of the lips for a comfortable and mistake-proof application. I’m currently hooked on the color “Limitless”, a shimmering coral hue that
brightens even the tiredest of complexions.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner
This crease-resistant, waterproof gel liner offers the ease of a gel liner and the accuracy of a liquid eyeliner all in one. With the summer season upon us, this is one waterproof staple that will withstand those long days of sun, surf and sand. This wonder in a jar comes in a beautiful array of shades ranging from classic (black) to edgy (purple). I absolutely love the way the deep navy makes brown eyes pop. The pros at Smashbox recommend using the Arced Liner #21 brush for flawless application, but I have used it with multiple brushes.

*I contacted Smashbox corporate and spoke to a representative there. While not all of their products are gluten free, the ones in this article are.

I hope this has brought a sense of relief to my fellow beauty queens. Yes, we can still get our glam on while we take care of our personal health needs!

And I’d love to work with you directly, to select the perfect palettes for your sensitive skin. To book an appointment with me at The Cosmetic Concierge, please call (347) 687-6680 or submit an inquiry on my website, www.thecosmeticconcierge.com

Free Virtual Class Delivered to Your Inbox

If you are on a gluten-free diet and are feeling better but still feel tired or grumpy, you’re not alone.

• Do you have trouble getting up in the morning? Or have a midday slump?
• Is the thought of cooking a healthy meal too exhausting to consider?
• Do you get moody if you don’t eat?
• Can you imagine having the sustained energy to do all the things you want to do?

Please join us for our free virtual class…

Why You’re Still Tired: Gluten-Free foods That Steal Your Energy

We’ve teamed up to show you how your gluten-free diet could make you tired, and we’ll share a few simple changes to increase your energy and improve the quality of your life.
SIGN UP BELOW

Kelly Courson gluten-free lifestyle expert: CeliacChicks.com
Dr. Samantha Brody Naturopathic Physician: DrSamantha.com

Enter your information below to join us! You’ll receive the virtual class in your inbox within the week.

P.S. You’ll also be invited to a live Q&A call, where we’ll answer anything else that you might be wondering about your gluten-free diet and lifestyle.

WHERE:
Local 25 / IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)
370 Motor Parkway
Hauppauge, NY. 11788

The IBEW Hall (which is air conditioned) has space for approximately 55 vendors.

DIRECTIONS:

The Local 25 Hall is conveniently located right off the LI Expressway.

TIME:

The Fair will run from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday with set up from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, with tear down from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

In 2012, our Fair/Expo brought in approximately 1,700 attendees and we are anticipating an even bigger turnout in 2013.

PUBLICITY:

The event will be publicized on three local radio stations in the weeks leading up to and including the days of the event and we will notify all of the celiac groups in the tri-state area. We will also be in the local papers announcing the Fair/Expo Dates.

DETAILS

More details: www.GIGofLI.org

Have fun!

The world has definitely changed since I went gluten-free in 2006! I only could have dreamed about big gluten-free expos back then.

Now expos like the Gluten & Allergy Free Expo are popping up all over the place in 2013.

Here are the latest dates:

Chicago  April 20-21
Over 150 vendors and free classes
Adults:  $20 for entry at 10am and $35 for entry at 9am (avoid the crowds!)
Kids:  $5 for ages 3-12

Have fun stuffing your face with gluten-free goodies!

Does any of this sound familiar?

• I’m curious about whether going gluten-free will make me feel better.
• I keep reading that gluten-free is healthy, then I read it’s not. How do I know?
• My friend has lost a bunch of weight going gluten-free. Maybe I should try it.
• I’m pretty much gluten-free, but not always. It’s too hard.
• Would being gluten-free help me have more energy?

Please join us for our free virtual class delivered to your inbox:

Gluten-Free Vitality
The truth behind the trend:
Is gluten-free for me?

I’ve teamed up with Dr. Samantha Brody and we’ve created a short presentation to answer the questions you have about why a gluten-free diet may or may not be the right choice for you.

There are many health conditions that improve from being on a gluten-free diet. And many people who simply feel better going off of gluten. But that’s not everyone. And it can take time and energy to avoid gluten. You’ll walk away from this presentation with an understanding of what a gluten-free diet can do for different health conditions, weight, energy and state of mind. You’ll be able to sort the wheat from the chaff and make an informed decision of whether or not this is right for you.

Here’s to your health!

Well, sort of.

Watch as author Kristine Kidd dishes with me about her gorgeous new gluten-free cookbook for Williams-Sonoma.

She’s so down-to-earth, considering all of her accomplishments. And if you are wondering, “Who is Kristine Kidd?” You must watch this!

Plus….in the video I share some big news!

CLICK HERE to pre-order Weeknight Gluten-Free: Simple, healthy meals for every night of the week

CLICK HERE to sign up for details about my announcement in the video!

Hope you enjoyed the interview!

CRISPY SOCCA RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chickpea flour
olive oil
1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary minced
kosher salt
pepper, freshly ground
1 cup water

In a bowl, combine the 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 cup room temperature water, 2 Tbsp olive oil, rosemary, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Whisk until smooth. Use right away or cover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight.

Arrange the rack in the top part of the oven and preheat to 500 degrees. After the oven is fully heated, turn on the broiler, place two 9 inch cake pans in the oven, and heat for 2 minutes. (I used cast iron pans.) Carefully remove the hot pans from the oven, pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into each, and swirl to coat the bottoms. Return the pans to the oven until the oil is just smoking, about 2 minutes longer. Carefully remove the pans from the oven and divide the batter between the pans, swirling to cover. Broil until the socca are firm and deeply browned in spots, watching carefully, 7-12 minutes. Serve right away. Makes 2 crisp socca.

Yum!