REAL GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA

Do you love pizza but can only eat gluten-free?  Have you tried a gluten-free pizza?  Since pizza is one of my most favorite foods, I set out to try finding one that even resembles a real pizza.

First, I tried just buying a gluten-free pizza crust and making my own pizza with just cheese, sauce and pepperoni - not bad but could be better.

Second, I heard of a well known restaurant who advertises gluten-free pizza.  It was a disaster, as far as I was concerned.  It was dry, one of the pizza's came without any pepperoni and took forever to get it made right from the kitchen.  Sorry they said, because they were changing shifts.  Excuse me!

Third, I called a popular pizza establishment who advertised on TV gluten-free pizza.  I asked all the right questions - and you want to know the outcome of that?  Only the pizza crust was gluten-free but the other ingredients were not gluten-free.  Now tell me, how can you advertise that you have a gluten-free pizza when only the crust is gluten-free.  And how does this help the gluten-free person from becoming very, very sick with the toppings not being gluten-free.

My fourth try and an absolute winner was BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse at 9748 W. Northern Ave.  These are 10" pizzas and totally gluten-free (which means the dough and even all the ingredients toppings are gluten-free).  They also have gluten-free salads and dressing, as well as many other items.  Try their gluten-free chocolate chip cookie right from the oven.  Oh my, I was in 7th heaven.

Don't take the restaurants word for anything.  Get it in writing and check it two or three times to make sure you get the correct information.  Try to get their menu by going on line and printing out their menu with all the nutritional information so that you are absolutely sure they are for real and not giving you half truths.

BJ's you are the best!  All of you have a great day, Gloria.

GLUTEN-FREE SHOPPING LIST - 1

If you are new to gluten-free food, the list below will help you with your shopping list.  Names of some stores are listed.  If there is no store name listed you can find the item at most grocery stores.

This list was compiled by Lori Wieters for those who are gluten-intolerant as well as those on a nutritional weight loss program (monitoring protein, carbs, fats and sodium).  You can do both and be a happy camper.  Remember it is not what you can't have but what you can have.

1.  Egg whites, eggs, hard boiled eggs
2.  Elite Brand Protein-Vanilla or French Vanilla (Vitamin Shoppe)
3.  Vega Protein Drink - Vanilla, Chocolate, Berry (Sprouts, Amazon)
4.  Frozen Strawberries, berries, mixed fruit (Costco, large bags))
5.  Apples, Pineapple, small bananas
6.  V8-low sodium
7.  Canned Pumpkin (plain pumpkin puree)
8.  Stevia Plant Sugar (liquid or packet)
9.  Pamela's Flour (gluten alternative) - Gluten free pancakes, bread
10.  Rice Bran Oil or Olive Oil
11.  Brown rice pasta (most any store) or brow rice (freezer section at Frys)
12.  Arrabiata Sauce (Trader Joes) - spicy marinara or other    marinara with only 5-6 ingredients.
13.  Ground turkey or Chicken
14.  Salsa
15.  Corn Tortillas (Arizona Brand - Frys) - 30 calories per tortilla
16.  Beans - Refried Beans - get a brand with no lard or make your own (Rosarita or Old El Paso)
17.  Green Sauce - be sure to get one without what or MSG-Hatch Green Chili
18.  Almond Milk
19.  White cheeses-cheese sticks, provolone, Parmesans, mozzarella, Havarti
20.  White fish- colder, white or tuna
21.  Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, pecans
22.  Meal replacement food bars - Think Thin or Lara Bars (Lara Bars need balance with liquid protein.
23.  Yogurt - Carbmaster (Frys) - 4 carbs/8 proteins
24.  Green, Red, Yellow, orange, Purple veggies (including onions).
25.  Walden Farms Brand of Salad Dressings, Fudge Chocolate, Barbecue sauce, etc. (Sprouts/Frys).
26.  Nellie and Joes Lime Juice
27.  Butter Spray - Great Value - Walmart brand - Yellow lid
28.  Whip Cream-Land O Lakes Whipped Heavy Cream - Sugar
Free (Walmart-83rd/Union Hills)
29.  Dried Apples
30.  PB2-Dried Peanut Butter w/Chocolate of just Peanut butter - online-Linda's Diet Delights or Amazon.

Check this out - 1. Sprouts has recently added many, many Gluten-free foods in the last month.  2.  Amazon.com has a very large list of gluten-free foods.

I will continue to add to the gluten-free list of foods as we go along on our nutrition program.    Have a wonderful day.   Gloria