Gluten-free since: April 2010

Are you completely gluten-free?

"Completely!"

What made you decide to go gluten-free?
"I've got a gluten intolerance, so I didn't really have too much of a choice."

Take us through a typical day of meals for you on a gluten-free diet.
"It's almost like I'm on a permanent no-carb diet.  For breakfast, eggs or yogurt, lunch is usually a salad or quinoa, and dinner is something along the same lines. Because my intolerance is pretty serious, I have to pack my lunch most of the time; it takes a while to find restaurants you can trust."

What's the hardest thing about being gluten-free?
"Not being able to order a pint of Heffeweisse at the bar!"

What do you like about being gluten-free?
"Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels."

Have you noticed a difference in your health or the way you feel since going gluten-free? 
"Immediately.  I stopped feeling sick all the time.  Definitely worth the lifestyle changes."

Do you ever cheat?
"No cheating!  If I do, I will live to regret it."

What gluten food do you miss the most?
"As good as gluten-free foods have gotten, GF bagels are still bad news.  As a native New Yorker, I feel like a piece of me is missing. Sigh."

What kind of advice would you offer to anyone who is considering gluten-free?
"Try it!  But I will say, just because it is gluten-free, it doesn't mean it's actually any better for you."

What are some of your favorite gluten-free brands/foods?
"Glutino -- an Italian company that makes a full range of GF foods.  Their pizza crusts are delish!"

Where are some of your favorite places to eat gluten-free?
"La Pala on Allen and Houston.  Their GF brick oven pizza is so good that even my glutenous friends suggest it for dinner!"

Can you offer some advice about eating out at restaurants when you are gluten-free?
"Always ask about ingredients. Be sure to let your server know you are GF. Most restaurants understand the stipulations these days, and are happy to accommodate."

What are some of your tried-and-true gluten-free recipes?
"Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

-

 1 cup peanut butter
-
 1 cup sugar

- 1 egg

"

"Mix ingredients and place one-inch round balls on an un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes, depending on how chewy/crispy you like your cookies.  Cool and enjoy!
"

There's a lot of controversy around the idea that gluten-free is not a healthy lifestyle. What do you have to say about that?
"It's not that it's unhealthy, there are just no added dietary benefits. It won't help you lose weight. In fact, most gluten-free foods have more calories!  But as I always say, everything in moderation — even moderation!"