Well, let me start this post off by stating the obvious - I failed miserably at keeping up a daily blog through December, and didn't even try in January. Now that I'm back, I'm going to use the next 30 days to document my, and my family's, transition into a gluten-free lifestyle.
First thing you might be asking is: why are they deciding to try gluten-free now? And my answer to that revolves around my 3 year old. Maddie is about as fair as they come, and with that fairness comes a bigger probability that she will have allergies and other sensitivities (gluten, for example). I've read a little bit about gluten sensitivity, as has my husband, and it seems that it can effect moods/emotions, as well as have a physical manifestation in the gluten sensitive individual. Maddie has noticeably dry and bumpy skin on the backs of her arms (a possible symptom), which I have noticed before, but brushed off as nothing. The mood/emotional manifestation got us thinking, however. My daughter is a very sweet, very intelligent girl (I know you think I'm just saying this because I'm her mom, but she really is). However, when she has a tantrum, she completely (and I mean completely) loses it. We're talking trying to hit/bite/scratch/kick me and my husband (and herself!), throwing and breaking toys, and recently, peeing on the floor. My daughter has been potty-trained since she was 21 months old, so this new development is just too much. While I do realize that I am dealing with a 3 year old and tantrums come with the territory, we have decided to give this gluten-free diet a try to see if it will help her mood stabilize to make everyone in the family a happier person.
So today I did some more research and this weekend I will do some shopping based on what I have found. This website has been very helpful for those of you thinking of taking this journey. I will check in daily to let you know how the transition is going and to share any yummy recipes I stumble upon.