Posts: 1,219
2/13/13 6:45 A

I really wanted to go to the one coming to Chicago but I'll be at a college visit with my dd's Girl Scout troop. Maybe I can send my husband?

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Posts: 38
2/11/13 11:19 P

That makes sense, a chance to taste stuff before ordering. There are some kale chips I'd love to order, but I'm too afraid to risk it. Lol!

What a fun way to have a treat day, testing stuff that is definitely GF.

Your reply helped immensely, thanks.

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SparkPoints: (7,096)
Fitness Minutes: (111)
Posts: 170
2/11/13 11:02 A

This event was in Burlingame, near San Francisco. It was a lot of fun, MANY vendors, about 98% food vendors of course, and a large focus on gluten free. It's a good way to try products before buying them, and there were some vendors there that were new to me. I didn't attend any of the lectures.

One thing I learned it that there are a LOT of GF foods out there that I have absolutely no interest in. Many of them are highly processed. However, there are also those that are more whole food focused, as well. Some of the vendors were small local businesses, so I'm sure the array will be different in Chicago, in that respect.

Udi's, Rudi's, Bob's Red Mill, Pamela's, Schar's (I think that's their name?) all the big companies were there, and were generous in their giveaways. I came home with flour mixes to try out, cereals to try, and knowing that the Schar's brand is worth a try.

It was definitely a high carb, high sugar day, but I tried to plan for it, and just didn't log food that day. There was no way to figure the counts, but I wanted to try all those samples.

And now I'm back to my normal eating habits, and have a new appreciation of keeping food simple.

The expo was worth attending, I think, although I don't know if I will go again. Once is enough.

Hope that helps?

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Posts: 38
2/11/13 1:56 A

Where was this expo? I think there's one coming in late April to the Chicago area. I was wondering if it was worth attending.

Pounds lost: 18.2

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SparkPoints: (7,096)
Fitness Minutes: (111)
Posts: 170
2/9/13 8:04 P

I attended the Gluten Free Allergy Free expo today. Such an astonishing array of vendors offering their gluten free foods. Whew. I made sure to have a high protein, low carb, low calorie breakfast, and allowed myself to sample whatever I wanted. Whew again. Most of the vendors offered cookies, cakes, other baked goods... It's good to know all that is available, but certainly only as an occasional treat, at least for me. All that tasting constituted lunch, and dinner will be protein and vegetables, so all will not be too disastrous for me today, food-wise.

One item that really stood out for me was the Schar foccacia roll. It was lovely, tasted just like a wheat flour roll. I've never bought their products, but I will give them a try now.

I also sampled, then bought, "TeeChia High Performance Super Seeds Cereal". Essentially, they are cereal made of organically grown gluten free rolled oats, and a plethora of organically grown seeds with some fruits added in. Calorically a bit dense, but the nutrient value is very high. 1/3 cup has 200 calories (I know!), 7 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 30 grams carbs (all complex), and only 9 grams of sugar. Somehow I want to work this into my daily food plan. (TeeChia.com)

There is a huge assortment of gluten free foods out there. Gotta be careful, though, about ingredients and empty calories. Just because it's gluten free does not necessarily a healthy choice make. A cookie now and then is ok, but today was a bit over the top. I'm back to sensible eating now, and happy to be doing so.

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