I was contacted by a research coordinator at the University of British Columbia at Okanagan named Alissa Smith who is helping run a study looking at the experience of living with celiac disease among diagnosed North American YOUTH. They are looking for participants between the ages of 12-25, diagnosed with Celiac Disease (they do not have to follow a strict GF diet to participate) to complete two online questionnaires that will take less than 30 min to complete (as a bonus, those who participate will get entered into a drawing to win 1 of 8 $50 iTunes cards).

Data collected is for research purposes only and will remain confidential. The study is being funded by the Kelowna Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. If you know someone who would be willing to participate, PLEASE have them contact Alissa at [email protected].

THANKS!!!

About a month ago, I was contacted by Dr. Jen Marone, a chiropractor and health professional located right here in Las Vegas, who also happens to be gluten intolerant, asking if I would be interested in sampling her new ULTIMATE PROTEIN BARS. Not only are they gluten-free, they are also vegan, soy-free, corn-free, high in fiber, non-GMO, and low in sugar, with no artificial flavors OR preservatives!!! On top of all that, they are packed full of a bunch of healthy superfoods, like quinoa, kale, spinach, and pea protein. Sounds too good to be true, right?!?! That's what I thought. But, shockingly, they actually TASTE GREAT too!!!!! 

And because of all that whole food goodness, they keep you feeling full and satisfied for a long time. The bars are super smooth and creamy; and, best of all, there is none of that weird after-taste, like you get with so many other "healthy" protein bars out there. Even my husband, who does NOT have to be gluten-free, LOVES these bars!!

Right now, there are 2 flavors available via their website: "Double Chocolate Almond" and "Double Chocolate Peanut Butter," ​and Dr Jen mentioned that they are in the process of prototyping even more flavors that will hopefully be available soon!

Be sure to check them out and let me know what you think! :-)

Hey everyone! Wanted to let you know about a fantastic new option for GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA here in Las Vegas that just opened! It’s called My Pie, and it’s located in the Centennial Shopping Center at 7930 W Tropical Pkwy #130, 89149. Went for the first time last night, and it was AWESOME!

Got to meet the owner, Robert Lee, and spent a lot of time talking with the general manager, Buddy Wagner, who was a former sous chef on the Strip and is very knowledgeable regarding gluten-free and the concern for possible cross-contamination. We went over their process when you ask for a GF pizza (AND you let them know it’s because you have Celiac or an allergy, and not just because of a preference), and I was really impressed with the procedures they’ve put in place. They changed their gloves, had separate screens for the GF pizza dough (the gluten-free dough is kept SEALED until it’s used), had special wooden paddles used only for GF pizza, had one pizza sauce bin that is ONLY used for GF pizza, got made-to-order toppings from under the counter (instead of the ones on the line) just to be safe, cooked the GF pizza a bit longer than the regular pizza (5-min as opposed to 2-min at 800 degrees, knowing, as we all do, that sometimes GF crust can be soggy and chewy in the middle if not cooked enough), etc, etc!! I was super impressed with everything, and the pizza was REALLY good! They even carry a gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free brownie you can get for dessert (it’s definitely not sugar-free though, which is probably why it tasted so dang AMAZING)!!! LOL And all the prices were really reasonable...even with the $2.25 up-charge for GF crust, my pizza was just over $10. That’s it!!! All sauces (except for Alfredo) are gluten-free, as well as all their toppings (except for the obvious meatballs).

As usual, we will plan to go a few more times before we can add them to our recommended RESTAURANT LISTINGS page of our website, but I feel super comfortable saying I was really impressed and I encourage you to check them out!! Please remember, however, that it is not a 100% gluten-free facility, and they obviously have regular pizza and regular flour on site as well. So use your own best judgment knowing your particular issues and concerns. But personally, I thought they took a ton of precautions, and I did not get sick at all (those who know me, know I am quite sensitive to ANY cross-contamination).

Thank you, My Pie Pizza (Las Vegas, NV), and welcome to Vegas!! 😁👏🏻🍕

I received an email this weekend from someone named Tanesia Cross from AB Clinical Trials here in Las Vegas, asking if I could let people know about a new clinical trial they are starting for those 18 and older with Celiac Disease. Please note, I do not have any more information on the actual company or their trial, other than what is listed below, so I cannot specifically endorse your participation one way or another. But, the contact info is below if anyone wants to check into it!

​Ron and I visited an absolutely INCREDIBLE, brand new 100% gluten-free restaurant & cafe yesterday called Adi’s (Adi's Active Nutrition), and I cannot even begin to say enough wonderful things about the place itself, the deliciously healthy food, and the owners!!! “Do yourself a favor and go check this place out!!!” 

HERE'S ALL THE IMPORTANT INFO:
​3900 Las Vegas Blvd S. (located on the Mezzanine Level, entrance to Mandalay Place)
Las Vegas, NV, 89109
(702) 262-4774
Mon - Thu, & Sun  5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri - Sat 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

https://www.luxor.com/en/restaurants/rice-and-company.html

CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE...

The North Las Vegas location of NATURAL GROCERS (6305 Simmons Street) will be having a wonderful and FREE event on Saturday, May 6th, from 12pm - 7pm. There will be classes, guest presenters, as well as many gluten-free products to sample!!

Here are some links where you can find out more information:

Sample fabulous gluten-free products—foods, vitamins, body care and so much more:

2:00-3:00PM
​Stacey Hall - Easy Tips For Going Gluten-Free Getting Out Of Your Own Way To Wellness

4:00-5:00PM
​Cheri Petroni - Exploring Gluten-Free Skincare Myths, Tips and the Truth

6:00-7:00PM
​Ina Mohan and Chef Myra - Cooking Demo,"Food that cures - RX Smoothie" to ease heartburn and digestion issues related to gluten intolerance

Call 702-395-0642 for more information. We'll definitely be there that day...hope to see you there too! :-)

For ANYONE struggling with celiac disease, particularly those who might be newly diagnosed, a University of Calgary researcher, and diagnosed Celiac, is offering a free evidence-based online program designed to help you cope with the disease. Anyone with Celiac (diagnosed by biopsy OR blood test) who is at least 18 years of age, and lives in North America, is eligible. For more information or to sign up – please email [email protected] and indicate that you are interested in the POWER-C study. 

Here is a link to the researcher's info page on the University of Calgary website:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/healthandwellnesslab/dr-justine-dowd

And here is a link to the actual PDF I took the attached screenshot from:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/healthandwellnesslab/files/healthandwellnesslab/power-c_recruitment-poster_revised.pdf

The online program is entirely free...they just want to get feedback as part of their research study. Participants will also be entered into a drawing to win one of eight $25 Amazon gift cards.​

Again, if you re interested or want more info, please send an email to [email protected]

Lisa

Hi everyone! This NEXT SUNDAY, January 8th, 2017 @ 11:30am will be our New Year's Gluten-Free Potluck! For those who have never been to one of our get-togethers, this will be a GREAT chance to meet & connect with others in our Las Vegas Celiac Support Group!! We'll also be planning some activities for the coming year, so be thinking about some of the things you'd like to do as a group! Bring along your favorite homemade GF dish to share, or even something store-bought...as long as it's gluten-free, anything goes! ;-) Please email your RSVP to [email protected] to get the address (FYI, centrally located, near Rancho & Oakey).