Earlier this year, Pysch Central’s former blog editor Jessica Digiacinto told “Your Body, Your Mind” readers why she started eating a gluten-free diet and even shared the recipe for a gluten-free chia seed pudding and her own review of what she calls the best gluten-free bread.

Somewhere in the midst of all that, Jessica challenged me to a gluten-lite journey (because I have no apparent physical or mental need to abstain from gluten, I saw no need to adopt a completely GF diet), and after researching facts about gluten-free diets (see 5 Quick and Dirty Tips About Gluten-Free Diets), I spent the last half a year or so sharing with you reviews of the various gluten-free foods I’ve tried.

Happy Friday, readers!

The holiday season is in full swing, and with all the parties and family gatherings usually comes food.

Lots of food.

Vegetable and cheese trays are popular staples this time of year. They’re convenient, simple to prepare, and affordable to buy if you’re short on time!

So, I thought now would be a good time to review my favorite brand of gluten-free crackers for those of you who want or need to keep things gluten free for your physical and mental health this season.

So, during a regular appointment earlier this week, my doctor confirmed what I’ve suspected for the past couple of months: My hormones are completely out of whack.

Ever dealt with a hormonal imbalance? It’s pretty stressful. Not only can it cause weight problems and wreak havoc on your skin , but a hormonal imbalance sometimes brings mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, and disorientation.

Between my gluten-free food reviews and all the gluten-free activity going on over at Therapy Soup (check out The Gluten-Mood Connection to get started and then check out some gluten-free menus and download your copy of a gluten-free food and mood log), you probably already have a solid working knowledge of some common gluten-free foods.

Still, unless you’ve been eating a GF diet for a while and this ain’t your first rodeo, it’s not that easy to turn “fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and eggs, and most dairy products” into a Thanksgiving dinner menu.

(Especially when so many traditional Thanksgiving recipes involve wheat!)

So, I’ve combed the Internet for some appetizer, main dish, and dessert recipes to help you have a gluten-free Thanksgiving.

Please scan the list, bookmark anything you like, and feel free to share your own GF Thanksgiving recipes in the comments!

Continuing with my efforts to review gluten-free foods for folks who follow GF diets for various physical and mental health reasons (plus, GF foods I have to actually make – like the gluten-free brownies – and not just those I can warm in the microwave – like the gluten-free cinnamon rolls…even though they were delicious!), last week I tried gluten-free cornbread!

Now, I’ve tried a few different gluten-free breads before. I had luck with regular sliced bread (like the Schar Gluten-Free Classic White Bread), but not much luck with hot dog buns (specifically, Ener-G Tapioca Gluten-Free Hot Dog Buns).

Fortunately, my experience with this particular GF cornbread was more similar to that of the sliced bread than the hot dog buns!

I am absolutely loving my gluten-lite journey!

Sure, not everything I’ve reviewed has been delicious. There’ve definitely been some not-so-great products (like the gluten-free hot dog buns 9 yuck!).

But, there’ve been some great ones, too (like the gluten-free bread – I still buy this – gluten-free cinnamon rolls, and most recently, the gluten-free beer).

This week, I have a review of the first gluten-free baked good “recipe” (not exactly a recipe, per se, as it comes out of a box) I’ve tried: Arrowhead Mills Gluten-Free Brownie Mix.

I spent this past weekend in Asheville, North Carolina.

If you’ve never been, Asheville is an amazing city in North Carolina, part of a four-county metropolitan area and popular for its gorgeous mountains, live music, arts and crafts, locally grown and organic food, historical attractions like the Biltmore Estate and Thomas Wolfe House, and…

…beer.

Asheville is home to numerous breweries (such as Highland Brewing Company, French Broad Brewery, and Green Man Brewery – my favorite), and even more pubs.

So, when we arrived Friday night, having a drink or three was a given, as was having a delicious vegan meal, so the beau and I headed to Laughing Seed (conveniently located above my favorite pub, Jack of the Wood). We both (yes, both of us – I was so proud of him) ordered a vegan, gluten-free burger and a beer while we waited.

Imagine my delight when I saw Dogfish Head’s Tweason’ale Gluten-Free Beer on the menu.

When I first started my gluten-lite journey, it was easy to imagine some types of gluten-free foods.

For example, fruits and vegetables are gluten free, as are fresh eggs, meat, seeds and nuts, and most dairy products.

However, wrapping my brain around other gluten-free versions of certain foods, like breads and pastas, was a different story.

I’ve since discovered that I like some gluten-free bread, I’m not that fond of some kinds of gluten-free hot dog buns, and certain gluten-free pastries are delicious.

I’m just now getting around to gluten-free pasta with Road’s End Organics Gluten-Free Alfredo Mac & Chreese.

Mmm…

It’s a nice, lazy kind of afternoon for brunch, isn’t it?

(Well, it would be if you’re reading this at the time of publishing, ha!)

If you’re looking for a gluten-free food for breakfast or brunch – one that will fill you up as well as satisfy your sweet tooth – might I suggest Udi’s Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls?

That’s right! It’s time for another review in my ongoing gluten-lite journey!

Another gluten-free food review, hot off the press!

Unfortunately, this one isn’t as favorable as the others have been.

I say “unfortunately” because, well, not only is this one unfavorable, but also there’s just NOTHING good I can say about this product!

PRODUCT:

Ener-G Tapioca Hot Dog Buns. These hot dog buns are gluten free as well as free of dairy, soy, eggs, and nuts, so they’re suitable for a variety of dietary needs and choices.

USES:

I combined these gluten-free hot dog buns with Lightlife’s Smart Dogs veggie hot dogs because I’m vegetarian, but I imagine there’s no reason meat eaters can’t combine them with regular hot dogs.

Also, I used typical hot dog toppings (mustard, ketchup, etc.).