oats

August 2015: Cheerios

Hello, it’s me.

Attempting to channel my inner Adele… anyways, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I do apologize for my rather lengthy hiatus. Fall of senior years is never what you expect; you never know exactly what you’re in for uni you’re in it. But I’m back and I’m back for good. I’m going to try to make up for lost time over these next few weeks… and before we know it, it’ll be the New Year!

Moving on, I don’t know if this resonates with any of you, but before I was diagnosed with Celiac, Cheerios was one of my childhood favorites. It’s a classic cereal. I can’t quite articulate why I chose that adjective but it just feels right. Originally made from whole grain oats that were contaminated by wheat, rye, and barley grains (remember, oat in and of itself is gluten-free, however is often times contaminated in production by gluten-containing ingredients), Cheerios has now officially GLUTEN-FREE having removed these contaminants. I was almost leaping with joy when I heard this news! For those of you who have been eating gluten-free Cheerios for a little awhile like me, you know why I’m raving about this. For those of you who are just learning about this, this warrants a trip to the grocery store.

My brother attests to the fact that the taste has not changed– its the same old, great Cheerios just gluten-free so we, gluten-free foodies, can enjoy too! I personally enjoy the taste of original Cheerios– it certainly beats Glutino’s Apple Cinnamon Rings and all other wannabe Cheerios. However, I do like to jazz up my Cherrios: topped with Craisins in vanilla almond milk is a delicious way to start the day. You can also top with  bananas, blueberries, strawberries, chopped pecans, walnuts, and brown sugar. Or add your Cheerios to your favorite yogurt. Or even make a trail mix with Cheerios, raisins, cashews, and chocolate pieces. Pick up a box in the local grocery store and share in the comments how you are eating your (gluten-free) Cheerios! Welcome back to your childhood!

Cheers,

Anika

March 2015: Luna Bars

Whether it has passed or is yet to come, I wish you all a very happy spring break! Hopefully you’re one of the smarter ones who migrated to a warmer climate and currently are lying on a beach in Miami with a strawberry daiquiri in hand. If not, I wish you the best of luck as you brace yourselves against the cold front in the north– I suggest a ski mask.

This month’s product is one of my favorite go-t0-any-time-of-the-day-snacks and is a much overdue product of the month: Luna Bars. There aren’t enough words to express the rush of emotions I felt when I saw the little pink stamp on Luna Bars officially certifying them as “gluten-free”. It’s a wonder how impactful the small things in life can be.

Twitter GF Luna Bars

Luna Bars are now a staple part of my diet. Previously, I bought Luna Protein Bars on occasion, as they were already declared as being gluten-free, however with newly-granted access to all Luna flavors, there is simply no reason to resist. With the oats being gluten-free certified, Luna Bars are something I insist everyone with celiac, eating gluten-free, and anyone who likes a delicious AND healthy snack try. And yes, even men. I promise this whole nutrition bar for women is not just for women. From white chocolate macadamia to honey salted peanut to carrot cake, there is a flavor (or two, or three, or nine) for everyone. For first timers, the lemon zest bar is a Luna classic- a great first Luna Bar. From there, the world is your oyster. Explore you local grocery store and check out a Wegmans, Whole Foods, etc. to find even great variety in flavors. I’m still trying to get my hands on all 13 original Luna flavors and the 6 protein bars!

Cheers,

Anika