Not Even A Crumb

Please Join our Evolution!

On National Peanut Butter Cookie Day – a Special Offer from Gluten-Free Prairie and Amazon

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Our Hunger Buster Cookie was our very first product here on the Gluten-Free Prairie.

This awesome Heart Healthy Treat features our Purity Protocol Oatmeal, peanut butter,chocolate chips chips and raisins. With 10 gms of protein and NO preservatives, it’s “Darn Near a Meal in a Cookie”

To Celebrate the Hunger Buster’s success and National Peanut Butter Cookie Day the Hunger Busters are 15% off on Amazon. Just use PROMO CODE: 15FBCOOKIDAY at checkout.

Where will your Cookie Take You?

Our friend Rob is a pilot for Jet Blue. He never takes off without a few Hunger Busters in his Cop Pit.Our favorite 3yr old enjoys his at the barn.

And sometimes he shares with his little brother.

Perfect on the trail; Mariah is always hoping for a bite.

For the last three years, the gift store at the “Going to the Sun Road” at Glacier National Park sells so many Hunger Busters that they have 4 trays open at once!

Fans at Big Sky enjoy Hunger Busters on the Chair lifts – or during a break on the trail

We’ve donated lots of Hunger Busters to our friends at Heroes and Horses to help them keep up their strength when they’re on the trail.

New Mexico: Photos from riding with Heroes & Horses

I hope your cookie will take you on a great adventure today. Please check out our new website: www.glutenfreeprairie.com for tons of recipes, and stories of life on the Gluten-Free Prairie in Southwest Montana.

Learn more about our GFP family and our products HERE on our Amazon Brand Store

Thanks for stopping by today.

Why I'm Reposting My Blog (from 2011) Today?

Why I'm Launching Reposting My Blog (from 2011) Today?

 

Back in January of 2011 I was inspired to start a blog to help raise awareness. Following is a repost of that blog including a little of my daughter's and my journey toward a healthy gluten-free lifestyle. In 2012 my family and I took our passion to bring healthy options to gluten-free consumers to another level when we bought a 100 year-old building and renovated it into our Gluten-Free Prairie Bakery. Today we are selling all of our products, including oats, oat flour, brownie mix, pancake mix, all purpose flour blend on Amazon, throughout the state of Montana and in the National Parks as well. You can follow our Gluten-Free Prairie Journey on my new BLOG "Little House on the Gluten-Free Prairie" HERE. We also have an awesome FREE Monthly online Newsletter that has some great recipes and monthly deals on our Purity Protocol Oat Products.*(20% off our entire line during the month of May).  Simply click SUBSCRIBE the Gluten-Free Prairie HOMEPAGE HERE

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I have to start somewhere and 01.11.11 just seems like a really great place to start my blog.

My passion and ultimate goal is to raise awareness about Celiac Disease.

Seems like everyone is talking about going Gluten-Free these days.  In fact, Gluten-Free is currently the #1 niche is the entire food industry…nationwide.  Why? Besides Celiac Disease, there are many reasons for the decision to go Gluten-Free, and the numbers grow every day. Among the reasons are a  serious weight loss program and a possible treatment for autism. But my focus is Celiac Disease.  And, as my family knows, 1111 has great significance for us. So today is the day to launch the NotEvenACrumb Blog.

In this first post, I am assuming that you never heard of Celiac Disease. That way we can start at the beginning.

What is Celiac Disease?

First, the bad news:

• Celiac Disease is the #1 autoimmune disease in the United States. It is a genetic disorder, requiring a life-time commitment to a strict gluten-free diet. Ingestion of even a crumb of wheat, rye and/or barley can cause a severe reaction. Though the reasons are not fully understood, research shows that the numbers of affected American’s doubles every 20 years.
• There is no cure.  No drug or pill. Ingestion of even a crumb of wheat, rye and/or barley can cause a severe reaction.
• Left untreated, related diseases include Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Thyroid Disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Symptoms may include: diarrhea, weight loss/gain, migraine headaches, anemia, and infertility.

  

The better news: The only “cure” is a lifelong commitment to a strict Gluten-Free diet.

The best news: Celiac is the only disease in the world COMPLETELY controlled by diet.

So, There has never been a better time to be Celiac!!

In 2011 it will only get better.

In 2009, 180 new GF products entered the marketplace. In 2010, General Mills alone certified over 300 products as Gluten-Free. In 2011 the Gluten-Free market is expected to be a 3 billion dollar industry.

The problem is that the average delay in diagnosis is 9 years, and is often misdiagnosed as IBS. The majority of Celiacs are diagnosed only after being told they have one of the secondary diseases. So awareness and early diagnosis are key.

And for the past 5 years I have been on a crusade to raise awareness and increase diagnosis, which will ultimately save lives.

Why the crusade?

5 years ago my daughter, Amy, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed shortly thereafter.  Connecting the dots backwards, we now know that my mother, grandmother and aunts also had the most serious symptoms of Celiac Disease.

After being sickly most of her young life, Amy, was finally diagnosed in her early 20’s. The delay in diagnosis for both of us was over 10 years, which is typical for most Celiacs.  This is a genetic disorder and although a simple blood or gene test is all that is needed, many Dr’s are reluctant to do the test.  Possibly because there is no pill to prescribe? My mother died at age 62 from a Celiac-related disease – without ever being diagnosed. I watched my daughter suffer with Celiac related issues for most of her youth. Now on a Gluten-Free diet, my daughter and I are each living a normal healthy life. We have our lives back! And how different all of our lives might have been, if we only had the knowledge. Thus, early diagnosis has become a personal passion for me. So my goal is simply to help raise awareness and increase diagnosis.  Get our kids ….and their grandmothers tested.

Currently my goal is to obtain a designation from the State of California declaring May as Celiac Awareness Month in California. Such a designation will help us shine a light on “the #1 disease that you’ve never heard of” , which will certainly result in more accurate diagnosis, ultimately saving lives and, of course, saving money on health care.

It is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans has Celiac Disease – shockingly almost 97% don’t even know it...yet. 

 And now you know why I call it: “the #1 disease you’ve never heard of”

If any of the symptoms sound familar for you or a family member, stay tuned. I'll share our jouney going Gluten-Free. My posts will also include lots of easy to digest solutions for living a Gluten-Free lifestyle:

1) How to get diagnosed. What to tell your doctor.

2) How to create a Gluten-Free kitchen - or create a safe space in a shared kitchen

3) Cooking Gluten-Free is easier than you think. I'll include links to some of the best GF cooking sites on the planet

4) Navigating the mine-field of your local supermaket aisles

5) Dining out:  how to talk to restaurant staff

There's so much information out there. Future posts will provide links to support groups and other sites that focus on the latest information on Celiac Disease. There is a world-wide Celiac Community available to you, and the only thing they love more than sharing the latest Gluten-Free brownie recipe is sharing the lastest advances in research and tips on how to live a Gluten-Free lifestyle.

We'd all love to help you THINK OUTSIDE THE CRUMB

Thank you for reading my first post.

Deb Wheaton

###################################################################################### 

Could you have Celiac Disease?

 

Are You The One? Is the title of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s newest awareness campaign. The following is from their website: www.celiac.org

Celiac Disease can appear at any time in a person’s life. In adults, the disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Symptoms vary and are not always gastrointestinal (GI). GI symptoms can often mimic other bowel disorders.

Infants, toddlers and young children with CD may often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen, behavioral changes and failure to thrive.

CLASSIC SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE

• Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
• Distention and bloating of the stomach
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
• Steatorrhea – fatty stools
• Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
• Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain

OTHER SYMPTOMS

• Dental enamel defects
• Osteopenia, osteoporosis
• Bone or joint pain
• Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
• Infertility – male/female
• Depression
• Mouth ulcers
• Delayed puberty
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Migraine headaches

SOME LONG-TERM CONDITIONS THAT CAN RESULT FROM UNTREATED CD

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
• Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Central and peripheral nervous system disorders - usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers (malignancies)
• Gall bladder malfunction
• Neurological manifestations

 

Back in January of 2011 I was inspired to start a blog to help raise awareness. Following is a repost of that blog including a little of my daughter's and my journey toward a healthy gluten-free lifestyle. In 2012 my family and I took our passion to bring healthy options to gluten-free consumers to another level when we bought a 100 year-old building and renovated it into our Gluten-Free Prairie Bakery. Today we are selling all of our products, including oats, oat flour, brownie mix, pancake mix, all purpose flour blend on Amazon, throughout the state of Montana and in the National Parks as well. You can follow our Gluten-Free Prairie Journey on my new BLOG "Little House on the Gluten-Free Prairie" HERE. We also have an awesome FREE Monthly online Newsletter that has some great recipes and monthly deals on our Purity Protocol Oat Products.*(20% off our entire line during the month of May).  Simply click SUBSCRIBE the Gluten-Free Prairie HOMEPAGE HERE

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I have to start somewhere and 01.11.11 just seems like a really great place to start my blog.

My passion and ultimate goal is to raise awareness about Celiac Disease.

Seems like everyone is talking about going Gluten-Free these days.  In fact, Gluten-Free is currently the #1 niche is the entire food industry…nationwide.  Why? Besides Celiac Disease, there are many reasons for the decision to go Gluten-Free, and the numbers grow every day. Among the reasons are a  serious weight loss program and a possible treatment for autism. But my focus is Celiac Disease.  And, as my family knows, 1111 has great significance for us. So today is the day to launch the NotEvenACrumb Blog.

In this first post, I am assuming that you never heard of Celiac Disease. That way we can start at the beginning.

What is Celiac Disease?

First, the bad news:

• Celiac Disease is the #1 autoimmune disease in the United States. It is a genetic disorder, requiring a life-time commitment to a strict gluten-free diet. Ingestion of even a crumb of wheat, rye and/or barley can cause a severe reaction. Though the reasons are not fully understood, research shows that the numbers of affected American’s doubles every 20 years.
• There is no cure.  No drug or pill. Ingestion of even a crumb of wheat, rye and/or barley can cause a severe reaction.
• Left untreated, related diseases include Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Thyroid Disease, and certain types of cancer.
• Symptoms may include: diarrhea, weight loss/gain, migraine headaches, anemia, and infertility.

  

The better news: The only “cure” is a lifelong commitment to a strict Gluten-Free diet.

The best news: Celiac is the only disease in the world COMPLETELY controlled by diet.

So, There has never been a better time to be Celiac!!

In 2011 it will only get better.

In 2009, 180 new GF products entered the marketplace. In 2010, General Mills alone certified over 300 products as Gluten-Free. In 2011 the Gluten-Free market is expected to be a 3 billion dollar industry.

The problem is that the average delay in diagnosis is 9 years, and is often misdiagnosed as IBS. The majority of Celiacs are diagnosed only after being told they have one of the secondary diseases. So awareness and early diagnosis are key.

And for the past 5 years I have been on a crusade to raise awareness and increase diagnosis, which will ultimately save lives.

Why the crusade?

5 years ago my daughter, Amy, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed shortly thereafter.  Connecting the dots backwards, we now know that my mother, grandmother and aunts also had the most serious symptoms of Celiac Disease.

After being sickly most of her young life, Amy, was finally diagnosed in her early 20’s. The delay in diagnosis for both of us was over 10 years, which is typical for most Celiacs.  This is a genetic disorder and although a simple blood or gene test is all that is needed, many Dr’s are reluctant to do the test.  Possibly because there is no pill to prescribe? My mother died at age 62 from a Celiac-related disease – without ever being diagnosed. I watched my daughter suffer with Celiac related issues for most of her youth. Now on a Gluten-Free diet, my daughter and I are each living a normal healthy life. We have our lives back! And how different all of our lives might have been, if we only had the knowledge. Thus, early diagnosis has become a personal passion for me. So my goal is simply to help raise awareness and increase diagnosis.  Get our kids ….and their grandmothers tested.

Currently my goal is to obtain a designation from the State of California declaring May as Celiac Awareness Month in California. Such a designation will help us shine a light on “the #1 disease that you’ve never heard of” , which will certainly result in more accurate diagnosis, ultimately saving lives and, of course, saving money on health care.

It is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans has Celiac Disease – shockingly almost 97% don’t even know it...yet. 

 And now you know why I call it: “the #1 disease you’ve never heard of”

If any of the symptoms sound familar for you or a family member, stay tuned. I'll share our jouney going Gluten-Free. My posts will also include lots of easy to digest solutions for living a Gluten-Free lifestyle:

1) How to get diagnosed. What to tell your doctor.

2) How to create a Gluten-Free kitchen - or create a safe space in a shared kitchen

3) Cooking Gluten-Free is easier than you think. I'll include links to some of the best GF cooking sites on the planet

4) Navigating the mine-field of your local supermaket aisles

5) Dining out:  how to talk to restaurant staff

There's so much information out there. Future posts will provide links to support groups and other sites that focus on the latest information on Celiac Disease. There is a world-wide Celiac Community available to you, and the only thing they love more than sharing the latest Gluten-Free brownie recipe is sharing the lastest advances in research and tips on how to live a Gluten-Free lifestyle.

We'd all love to help you THINK OUTSIDE THE CRUMB

Thank you for reading my first post.

Deb Wheaton

###################################################################################### 

Could you have Celiac Disease?

 

Are You The One? Is the title of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s newest awareness campaign. The following is from their website: www.celiac.org

Celiac Disease can appear at any time in a person’s life. In adults, the disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Symptoms vary and are not always gastrointestinal (GI). GI symptoms can often mimic other bowel disorders.

Infants, toddlers and young children with CD may often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen, behavioral changes and failure to thrive.

CLASSIC SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE

• Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
• Distention and bloating of the stomach
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
• Steatorrhea – fatty stools
• Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
• Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain

OTHER SYMPTOMS

• Dental enamel defects
• Osteopenia, osteoporosis
• Bone or joint pain
• Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
• Infertility – male/female
• Depression
• Mouth ulcers
• Delayed puberty
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Migraine headaches

SOME LONG-TERM CONDITIONS THAT CAN RESULT FROM UNTREATED CD

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
• Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Central and peripheral nervous system disorders - usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers (malignancies)
• Gall bladder malfunction
• Neurological manifestations

What Does It Take to Change our Gluten-Free World?

Answer: Someone like Shelley Case!

Thank you to Shelley and her colleagues on the Canadian Celiac Association Professional Advisory Board, as well as others in the gluten-free community in Canada, who have worked hard over the years to seek changes to the Canadian regulations so that pure, uncontaminated oats (like....shameless plug... our Gluten-Free Prairie Oats ) can make a gluten-free claim.

Since 1995, Canada has had a gluten-free regulation prohibiting the grains wheat, rye, barley and oats in food  making a gluten-free claim. Of course, we all know that oats are naturally gluten-free, but often cross-contaminated in the field, during harvest or processing . Progress to clarify the regulation was made in 2012 when Health Canada also revised the Food and Drug regulations to enhance the labeling of food allergens and gluten sources. Similar to the FDA, all food products (not those labeled “gluten-free”)  must declare the major allergens and gluten sources (but they still included oats as well as wheat, rye and barley) in the ingredient list or Contains statement at the end of the ingredient list. Also, gluten-free products would need to less than 20 ppm.

However, oats were left in the definition of gluten-containing grains in the revised food labeling regulations.  Last night I received the news from Shelley that Health Canada announced a Marketing Authorization for specially produced oats to  make a  “gluten-free” claim under specific conditions.  See the information from Health Canada at this link:
Gluten-free labeling claims for products containing specially produced "gluten-free oats"

The revised Canadian Celiac Association Professional Advisory Council position statement on consumption of oats by individuals with celiac disease is now available at this link: http://www.celiac.ca/?page_id=2831

Most of us know Shelley Case as a leading international expert on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. She is a member of the Medical Advisory Boards of the Celiac Disease Foundation, Gluten Intolerance Group, and Canadian Celiac Association, as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of the Grain Foods Foundation.

Recently I had the great pleasure to introduce Shelley at the Celiac Disease Foundation Expo in CA.

She is a frequent guest on television and radio, is often quoted in print and online media, and delivers numerous presentations at medical, dietetic, celiac, and food industry conferences throughout the USA and Canada.

Want to know more? Check out Shelley's  “Ask the Celiac Expert” column for Allergic Living Magazine and the nutrition column for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Her national best seller Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, is highly recommended by health professionals, celiac organizations, consumers, the food industry, and media.

You can find our entire line of Gluten-Free Prairie oat products on our website.  In many stores around the Country as well as:

1) CDF Marketplace: http://bit.ly/1AG1aGF

2) Amazon (free shipping with Prime):http://amzn.to/1Gpw6Nz

Thanks again to Shelley! Now....Canada.... Go Eat Some Gluten-Free Oats!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Deb

 

GFP includes First Ever Celiac-Friendly EcoSpoon in Montana Morning's Granola

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLUTEN FREE PRAIRIE “MONTANA MORNINGS” GRANOLA FEATURES

NEW CELIAC-SAFE ECOTENSIL SPOON

How many Celiac and gluten-free consumers carry their own disposable utensils with them to work or school, just to be sure they are safe when they grab a snack? Gluten Free Prairie has just made it easy to have a tasty celiac-safe snack – with a spoon that is just as safe.

June 1, 2015 Manhattan, Montana: Gluten Free Prairie is a Montana based family business with a national presence. Their pioneering work partnering with farmers growing certified gluten-free oats has led to a line of delicious and higher-protein oat ingredients, treats and cereals. Now they are pioneering again. Their new Montana Mornings Granola is the first in the nation to offer a celiac-safe and sustainable spoon in every package.

Partnering with EcoTensil Inc., maker of the award-winning and eco-friendly EcoTaster tasting utensil, Gluten Free Prairie has made their cereal truly grab & go by adding a convenient, sanitary celiac-safe EcoSpoon tucked safely inside their clamshells and pouches of Montana Mornings Granola. The revolutionary EcoSpoon :

• Is made from smooth and sustainable paperboard, similar to a coffee cup,
• In one fun fold becomes a sturdy and pleasing spoon.
• Is recyclable anywhere that accepts milk and juice cartons
• Has already helped keep over 105 million pieces of one-use plastic out of our seas and lands!

Today’s gluten-free consumers are no different than the rest of the busy eaters; they want convenience. They want healthy and gluten free and they want it to taste delicious. They want sustainability. Now they can have it all. You can find Gluten Free Prairie products at:

• Amazon.com
• CDF Gluten-Free Marketplace
• www.glutenfreeprairiestore.com
• And markets all over the country (see website here: http://glutenfreeprairie.com/)

Every day 28 million Americans eat a grab-and-go snack, according to the consumer market research firm The NPD Group. As 71% of consumers recently said healthfulness was a major factor in food choices, gluten-free needs to be an easy to-go choice, too. Look for the Montana Morning Granola in the handy 8-oz clamshell with a free EcoSpoon enclosed.

For more information please contact : Contact @ GlutenFreePrairie.com , [email protected]

GLUTEN FREE PRAIRIE'S PLEA TO FEED THE ZOMBIES

 Today is the LAST DAY to VOTE in the Gluten-Free Awards. Please check out my campaign to dig for votes in this bloody battle! Don't miss the poem at the end!

Please VOTE for Gluten-Free Prairie!

It’s quick and simple you don’t have to be gluten-free.

• Last year our best-selling GFP Granola Bites were voted 1^st Runner Up in the “Best Gluten-Free Munchie” category in the Annual Gluten-Free Awards.  .
• That distinction really helped build our business. Please help spread the word today! This kind of recognition allows our little Montana family business to compete with the big guys.

 

I've even done the heavy lifting for you. Here are the details.

We are nominated in 5 categories this year!

#18. Best Comfort Food

#27. Best Gluten Free Cook Book (500 dishes)

#33. Best Gluten Free Flour

#35. New! Best Gluten-Free Cookies

#40. Best Gluten Free Munchies

Please VOTE for Gluten-Free Prairie!

It’s quick and simple you don’t have to be gluten-free.

 

PLEASE HELP US FEED THE ZOMBIES! 

 T’was the night before Halloween and all through my head;

Danced images of Zombies and lots of Walking Dead.

The Gluten-Free Awards voting was nearing termination

And Gluten-Free Prairie had 5 nominations!

When I in my apron, Rick and Jer in their hats;

Heard commotion in the Bakery that we hoped weren’t rats!

The Hunger Buster Cookies were all snug in their cases;

The Granola Bites boxed up and awaiting their places.

Then came the Zombies, first one then a dozen;

I did a double –take when one looked like my cousin.

As they reached through the windows and we offered our Whole Grains;

They turned down our gifts and demanded “MORE BRAAAINNNS”

With eyes popping out and hands dripping with blood;

We were just grateful it wasn’t another flood!

“How about Gluten-Free Prairie” we said, “Why not just give them a taste?”

Then we quickly realized that would be such a waste.

The undead lack appreciation for our Gluten-Free fare;

But today’s the LAST DAY TO VOTE, we sure hope that you care.

We love to make Cookies, and we love to sell Oats;

Feeding the Zombies will be much easier with your votes.

Love, The Wheaton Family

Please VOTE for Gluten-Free Prairie!

Hey World, There's a New Kid on the Gluten-Free Blog

Subtitle: Do We Really Need Another Gluten-Free Blog?

About a year ago I started thinking that it would be really fun to start a blog where I could share the experience of building a new business and a new life in Montana. But those afore mentioned activities have kept me hoppin' 24/7, so it just stayed a thought. Finally, last week "Little House on the Gluten-Free Prairie" launched to the world. This blog, Not Even A Crumb, will remain a clearing house for the latest research and other Celiac related stories. Two years ago I could never have imagined that my family and I would own a gluten-free bakery on Main Street in Manhattan, Montana. And like the pain of childbirth, the March flood that desvastated Main Street is now a distant memory. What a journey it has been. Today our products are in stores all over the country and we're about to be international too. Over at the Little House blog I can share the story as it unfolds. Recipes using our GF oats, oat flour and groats will be there too. Like this one for our Deep Dark Chocolate Brownies.I'm excited to share our story. Here's a link to the new blog.Little House on the Gluten Free Prairie

http://glutenfreeprairie.com/wpfiles/welcome-little-house-gluten-free-prairie/

I hope you'll take a look and, if you like it, please subscribe and you'll be notified everytime we post something new.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Deb

Gluten Free Prairie Bakery Celebrates Grand RE-Opening after Desvastating Flood

It’s finally here! Please see below. After several months and lots of set-backs, we are celebrating the Grand RE-Opening of our Gluten-Free Prairie Bakery here on Mainstreet, Manhattan, Montana.

As preparations were underway this past week, I contacted a Amy Levy, gluten-free friend of mine who just happens to own Amy Levy Public Relations in LA. I sent Amy over the little press release I was working on and she totally re-worked it. And she added photos too. Please see the press release below. Thank You Amy Levy!

As we prepare to launch the GFP Brand nationwide, we hope this little press release will help shine a light on our family and our Gluten-Free American Dream.

Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and supported us throughthe the ups and downs of the past few months.

Check out the release below. And, if you're in town, stop by and say "Hello".

Thanks,

Deb

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                                                                                                                    CONTACT: Deb Wheaton - 406-282-4280

 

 

Gluten Free Prairie to celebrate Its Grand RE-Opening During Manhattan’s 27^th Annual Potato Festival

 

After a Devastating Flood, THE LOCAL BAKERY IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

 

 

Manhattan, MT, August 12, 2014…Gluten Free Prairie, the local family-owned business that manufactures and packages delicious gluten-free food products at 116 East Main Street has announced that it will re-open on Saturday, August 16, 2014 during the community’s annual Potato Festival.

 

The Wheaton family started this vibrant Montana business when co-owner Deb Wheaton and her daughter Amy discovered that they had Celiac disease.  Celiac is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the intestines and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Essentially the body is attacking itself every time a person with Celiac consumes gluten which is found in products containing wheat, rye or barley.

 

The grand re-opening is a long time coming in a journey of ups and downs.

 

 

 

In the spring of 2013, the family was developing their business producing their products in California and shipping them out of Montana.  They yearned to do everything locally.  So, they purchased a 100 year-old building on Main Street in Manhattan and started renovations to house Gluten Free Prairie’s headquarters. In November that year, the company received a $50,000 matching grant from Montana’s Growth through Agriculture Program to assist them in purchasing new processing equipment. In January 2014, GFP’s Granola Bites were voted 1^st Runner Up in GFreek’s 4^th Annual Gluten-Free Awards.  Business was booming and GFP continued to grow its fan base amongst both consumers with Celiac disease and others looking for gluten-free dietary options.

 

Deb Wheaton and her son Jeremy

 

Then, just two weeks prior to their scheduled opening on March 6, 2014, everything changed.  An early spring run-off caused waters to rise and completely flood Main Street in Manhattan, which devastated the Gluten-Free Prairie bakery.

With at least $50,000 in damages, no flood relief, FEMA or SBA funds available, the future looked grim for the start-up company. “They said there weren’t enough businesses affected for us to qualify for flood relief,” Deb explains. But always a fierce optimist, she searched for the silver lining.  Deb reminded the family that the flood didn’t ruin the $1,000 of gluten-free oats she had just purchased to make her treats or her industrial-sized mixer. GFP’s brand new $30,000 oven would have been in the bakery had it not been delayed due to bad weather on the East Coast. Finally some good news! The family vowed to re-open, while customers and community members rallied around the Wheatons, sending supportive texts and emails bringing food and water to the weary family. 

 

 

And so, with most of the hard work and tears behind them, the Gluten-Free Prairie will re-open their bakery and officially thank the supportive community of 1,549 this Saturday, August 16^th, during the Annual Potato Festival in Manhattan with plenty of samples. Their products will also be showcased in Booth #40 on the Festival Grounds.

 

About Manhattan’s Potato Festival:

One of the largest festivals in the state, the 27^th Annual Potato Festival will feature a Fireman’s Breakfast at 6:00 a.m., a Parade on Main Street at 11:00 am, a classic car show from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with live music throughout the day. Over 150 vendors from around the state will also exhibit.

 

About Manhattan, Montana:

Just 11 miles west of the Bozeman/Yellowstone International Airport and 90 miles north of West Yellowstone, Manhattan has Blue Ribbon Schools and one stop sign and residents proudly refer to it as, “The Little Apple.”

Media Inquiries: For additional information about Gluten Free Prairie, please contact Deb Wheaton at [email protected] or 406-282-4280.

 

GlutenFreePrairie.com

 

Amy Levy-Savage

AMY LEVY PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC.

11022 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 350

Los Angeles, CA 90025

(310) 444-5250

 

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New FDA Gluten-Free Labeling Ruling Takes Effect TODAY!

Today is the day. The press release is here: http://bit.ly/1ooKG8u
We want everyone to know that our family's Gluten Free Prairie bakery is fully compliant with the new FDA regulations.

If you’d like more information about the FDA's new ruling, I have done the heavy-lifting for you and tried to keep it as short as possible. You can see it here:

1)  What food products are covered by the FDA gluten-free labeling ruling?

Covered:

• All FDA-regulated foods
• Dietary Supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids)
• Imported food products that are subject to FDA regulations

 Not Covered:

• Meat, poultry and unshelled eggs (and any other products regulated by the USDA)
• Distilled spirits and wines that contain 7% or more alcohol by volume*
• Malted beverages made with malted barley or hops*

* The FDA is deferring to Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regarding malted beverages “modified” to deactivate the gluten molecule. Currently they cannot be labeled “gluten-free”.

 2) May oats be labeled gluten-free?

Oats that contain less than 20 ppm of gluten may be labeled "gluten-free."  Oats do not need to be certified gluten-free.

3) Will there be a symbol to identify foods that meet the FDA definition of gluten-free?

NO.  The FDA has determined that consumers favor the label "gluten-free" to communicate that a food is free of gluten. Manufacturers are allowed to include a symbol as long as it is truthful and not misleading. Currently, no gluten-free certification is required.

4) After August 5, 2014, what food products may be labeled gluten-free?

 A food product regulated by the FDA may be labeled gluten-free if:

1.  It does NOT contain wheat, rye, barley or their crossbred hybrids like triticale (a gluten-containing grain) OR

2. It contains a gluten-containing grain or an ingredient derived from a gluten-containing grain that has been processed to less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

5) May food products that are naturally gluten-free be labeled "gluten-free"?

Yes.  Food products that are naturally gluten-free, like bottled spring water or tomatoes, may be labeled "gluten-free."

6) Are manufacturers required to test for gluten to label a product "gluten-free"?

NO. Manufacturers are not required to test for the presence of gluten in ingredients or in the finished "gluten-free" labeled food product. However, they are responsible for ensuring that the food product meets all labeling requirements. Individual manufacturers need to determine how they will ensure this.

7) How will the FDA enforce gluten-free labeling requirements after August 5, 2014?

The FDA may perform food label reviews, follow-up on consumer and industry complaints, and analyze food samples. Consumers and manufacturers may report a complaint to an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in the state where the food was purchased.  A list of FDA Coordinators is here: http://1.usa.gov/oE87y

Also, for those of you who may be following us and our progress on the re-opening of our Gluten-Free Prairie Bakery. As you may know, in March our Bakery was devastated by a 100 yr. flood. My son, Jeremy edited the story. It's pretty quick. You can watch it here here:GF Bakery Devasted by Flood

Almost 6 months later, we are preparing to celebrate our Grand Re-Opening. Thanks to everyone for your continued support of our Gluten-Free Prairie Family. You know who you are.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Deb

Gluten-Free Super Bowl Fans...Are You Ready For Some Meatballs?

Got to admit it, I'm just not a huge football fan. Still, every year I try to get more involved,  when....about this time....football takes over our household. But I'll also admit that, like most everyone, I really look forward to the Super Bowl Commercials - and Super Bowl Parties too.

Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday - and many of us will be attending Super Bowl Parties.  No matter where the Super Bowl party might be, if you're seriously gluten-free - Celiac or gluten-sensitive - cross-contamination is a huge issue on any buffet table.If the party is at my house I try to monitor everything that comes into my 100% gluten-free kitchen.
And I know that awareness is so much better now too . But, even as all of my friends know I'm gluten-free, somehow it all goes out the window on Super Bowl Sunday. Do they think that Super Bowl gives me a free pass? Is it just me? Super Bowl Sunday seems to bring out every heavily battered, deep-fried, gluten-infested treat...and they all find themselves sharing the same buffet table. Scary thought, right? You just never know what's going to show up. So, in the past couple of years I've taken the bull by the horns by filling up the buffet table with irresistible gluten-free fare. I created the following recipe from my mother's. She called it "porcupine meatballs". She would make them with white rice. Modified using our Gluten Free Prairie Oat Groats this recipe is hearty and surprisingly light, never mushy. Note: you can substitute any jam in place of the Huckleberry.

Click here for the recipe:  Turkey-Groat Meatballs with Huckleberry Sauce

 Now...what about the kids? All I can say is that these meatballs are "Shane approved" He ate them for 4 days straight (no sauce)

 And speaking of Super Bowl commercials - today I realized that I'm "one degree" from the phenomenon that is the Super Bowl Commercial. We've all seen the Budweiser Super Bowl Commercials, right? Always hearfelt and beautifully produced. The inspiration behind them is Joe Pytka. During my previous life as a commercial actress I had the privledge of working with Joe as he cast me in a McDonalds commercial. I was the mom along with my young son taking yellow lab puppies to the vet.

Then last year my actor son, Wil Wheaton did a Super Bowl Commercial for Lincoln Mercury.

But the icing on the cake came last week when my older brother, Rory told me that he is starring in a current Super Bowl Commercial with Carol Channing for Pepsi. You can see it here:Rory's Super Bowl Commercial.

I don't really have a horse in this race so I'm cheering on my big brother! Congratulation Bro. Hope your good luck continues.

And to all you Super Bowl Fans - enjoy the meatballs. I hope your team wins.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Deb

 

 

Update: Gluten-Free Rock Star goes Mainstream with "Gluten-Freedom"

Update / Correction to Friday's post: Apparently the cover image of Dr. Fasano's new book, "Gluten-Freedom" may not be the final image and should not have been circulated. So I'm removing the image from the post. The rest of the information is correct. You can still re-order it on Amazon.

 

For some reason, I had to laugh when I read the subtitle of this press release today.

"Why dropping the wheat might just save your life—and how to start today"

It just sounded kind of "Wheat Belly" hype-like.

Then I felt an odd shared sense of ownership,  a sense of pride that Dr. Alessio Fasano, our Reigning Rockstar of Celiac Research has gone mainstream.

I'm sure the book will be on store shelves nationwide, but may take awhile to find its' way to Montana. So I immediatly went to Amazon to order my copy, but apparently the book has not yet been released anywhere yet. I reserved my copy here: http://amzn.to/1eLd1TS

For those of us lucky enough to hear him speak, I'm sure you'll agree. In a room with 500+ people, you feel like he's talking just to you. In a blog post from 2011, I documented that experience here: http://bit.ly/KR81EF

But it was a lecture at the Billings Clinic  and a subsequent trip to Red Lodge that proved to be the icing on my gluten-free cake. I documented it in another blog post here: http://bit.ly/1aoJjVj

Like many of us, I am eternally grateful for Dr. Fasano's research. I believe he is responsible for the increase in diagnosis nationwide. And I recently learned that he's going to be the keynote speaker at Celiac Disease Foundation's Educational Conference this year. Save the date: June 7, 2014. More info is here: http://celiac.org/get-involved/conference-expo/

I'll be there too. Sharing a booth with my Gluten Free Prairie Family.

And I"ll be sure to bring my copy of Gluten Freedom. Maybe he'll sign it for me.

Here is an edit of today's press release.

 World-renowned gluten disorder expert Dr. Alessio Fasano presents the groundbreaking roadmap to a gluten-free lifestyle, and how anyone can live better by going gluten-free.

For centuries, wheat has been known as the “staff of life.” But for millions of Americans affected by gluten-related disorders, consuming gluten, the complex protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, can be hazardous to their health. In a recent poll presented by Scientific American, over 30% of Americans reported wanting to cut down or eliminate gluten from their diets; the gluten-free market is a $6.3 billion industry and continues to expand.

Now, in Gluten Freedom, Alessio Fasano, MD, world-renowned expert and founder of Boston’s Center for Celiac Research, reveals the latest developments in scientific research and treatment, and the answers they provide for this rapidly expanding audience. This groundbreaking, authoritative guide is an invaluable roadmap for the newly diagnosed, for those already dealing with gluten-related issues, and for anyone who thinks they may have an issue with gluten.

Distinguishing scientific fact from myth, Gluten Freedom explains the latest research, diagnostic procedures, and treatment/diet recommendations, helping consumers make the best choices for themselves and their families. Gluten Freedom also discusses important nutritional implications for behavior-related diagnoses such as autism and conditions such as depression, anxiety, and “foggy mind.” Other highlights include:

• The differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy
• Current best practices for gluten-related disorders at any age
• Practical information on setting up a gluten-free kitchen, reading labels, and staying safe and healthy in a world filled with hidden sources of gluten
• The psychological impact of a diagnosis and its effect on a family
• Groundbreaking research for prevention and therapy
• Reliable and accurate resources for patients, parents, and physicians
• And even recipes for an authentic gluten-free Italian dinner from Dr. Fasano’s home kitchen!

 

Gluten Free Trivia - Question of the Day and Answer too

Yesterday, I posted this on the Gluten-Free Prairie FaceBook Page: 

"We have 1964 likes today. Another great year in music history and the reason for today’s Gluten-Free Trivia Question: What do 1964...the Beatles... and Gluten-Free Prairie have in common? Please share with the trivia buffs out there. I’ll post the answer."

 

So, before I post the answer, here's a little back story.  We, (the Gluten-Free Prairie Family) are preparing to  attend National Products Expo East in Baltimore next week. This is the 2nd largest wholesale buying show in the country and we've been told that the first thing buyers will look at (after they meet us) is our Facebook Page. Taking that to heart we set a goal to have 2,000 likes by the show - September 26-28th. Yesterday we had 1964 which was also an amazing year in my life. My free-styling mind immediately insisted that we take a walk down memory lane, which gave me the idea for the Gluten-Free Trivia Question.

Whew, I hope you're still with me, because...

Now...the answer:

Both Gluten-Free Prairie and the Beatles are one degree from  ME...GFP's co-founder, Deb Wheaton. In 1964 Stanley Gortikov was President of Capitol Records. Stanley’s daughter, Jane was my best friend. Jane and I were the only young females at the Beatles first press conference at Capitol Records. While Stanley's office was on the top floor, with a view of the world, somehow the press conference was held a small,windowless linoleum lined room in a basement area of the building and all the male reporters were wearing dark suits.It was cold and impersonal but the Beatles lit up the room. We stood just feet away from the Fabulous Four. I'll never forget the moment I locked eyes with a young John Lennon. After the press conference we drove in the Capitol Records limo – in the motorcade - right behind the Beatles limo for the short drive to the Hollywood Bowl where we sat in the Capitol Records box for the Beatles first performance. (Seriously - did I just remember that?) The old footage is legendary. And to think that we were in the splash zone of the pool in front of the stage when a crazed fan jumped in...well, back then, it was pretty spectacular and it's even more surreal today. And knowing that there are the only two females on the planet who can claim this distinction is totally mind-blowing. In a 1964 kind of way.

Is this sort of trivia "Like Worthy" on Facebook? Who knows. If we make 2000 by September 26th, I'll be the first to share it.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Deb