Friday, February 11, 2011

The Gluten Obstacle

It’s Friday, everyone should be doing their happy dance. Dance on! But before we get groovin’, lets recap. Monday we talked Motivation (or rather your REASON), so why not end the week with encouragement, eh? I always need that when finishing up my week, and while reading my devotional this morning, I found just the right words to do so........encouraging words.

“The reason why we are so often sidetracked by difficulties, is that we expect to see barriers removed before we even try to pass through them.” (Source)

Hot dang, this hit home! I was thinking about all the small things that seemed like obstacles at the time, and how I was able to push through them by TRYING! I think everyone can relate. Whether it be a hard run workout, a race, an illness, a family situation, or even a FOOD issue. In some way, all the little obstacles can seem like mountains if you don’t have faith in God and yourself to push through them.

Remember my little HEALTH issue? At the time it seemed so daunting! I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to eat for that matter. But I kept trying to find what would work for me, what would heal me, etc. This was an obstacle that thankfully has moved down from a size of a mountain to a mole hill! I have to give a lot of credit to all those great gluten free companies out there. They have helped fuel me and feel normal again.

Like Udi’s. Udi’s is a gluten free company that makes wonderful products such as bagels, whole grain sandwich bread, granola, pizza crust, muffins, and more! When I found out that I was suppose to take gluten out of my diet, I started researching gluten free recipes, products, etc. I found that Udi’s was the go-to for all my gluten cravings. I didn’t feel like I had to eat cardboard anymore, hallelujah! haha. It was nice to find a healthy GF company that tasted like the real deal (gluten that is).

So, like I said. It was encouraging. And you know what’s even more encouraging? The recipes I can make from these products! Recipes that bring back childhood memories. Recipes that I can SAVOR again!

Thank you Udi’s for sending me some of your amazing breads! It’s nice to know that GLUTEN is no longer an obstacle.
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And thank you for letting me create a recipe that brought back my childhood…………

GLUTEN FREE Cinnamon Raisin PB Bread Puddin’

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Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3-1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup peanut flour (you could also use a protein powder or coconut flour)
  • vanilla extract
  • stevia (i actually used NuNaturals vanilla stevia instead of extract)
  • cinnamon and honey to top
  • 2 slices day old cinnamon raisin bread (I used Udi's cinnamon raisin bread)
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Directions:
  • Tear bread into pieces and set in a bowl
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Then add flour and sugar.
  • pour egg batter onto bread pieces and all them to coat thoroughly.
  • then spread batter into 9oz soufflé baking cup. The batter will fill only two 9oz baking cups. You can also pour into a small casserole dish instead. Just double the batter.
  • Bake at 375F for 15-18 minutes. Broil the last minute
  • Sprinkle with Cinnamon and drizzle with honey.
  • ENJOY!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         Disclaimer: Udi’s was kind enough to send me complimentary samples of their products. I was not reimbursed by the company to share my opinion. This review is solely based on my own thoughts and suggestions. Cheers!

I know this may seem like a little obstacle to some, and I agree, it is. But when it comes to fueling right, loving flavor, and feeling satisfied again, overcoming that obstacle means so much more!

So cheers to encouragement! What have you overcome in the past? How big was you’re obstacle?

Happy Friday Friends.
LC

p.s.
for those of you who want to leave their web URL on the comments, just click on options after you sign in.
:)

61 comments:

Diana Gerritsen said...

Wow - your quote seems to fit perfect for me right now. Thanks for the "food for though."

Gen said...

I'm overcoming my Eating Disorder obstacle right now!
That recipe looks amazing, by the way! You can never go wrong with cinnamon! =D

Heather (Where's the Beach) said...

I think overcoming something like that with food is a huge obstacle. Totally changes your relationship with food for starters. And for someone who is very active like you, it becomes even more important to get it right basically. This isn't a huge obstacle, but this week I've beat the dreadmill!!! By next obstacle to overcome is completing my upcoming half marathon (eek).

Jess said...

LOVE this! You're right, if you just get right down to it, most of those little obstacles aren't so hard to overcome as we think...just need to quit thinking about them as obstacles but as projects we must complete. Just like a to-do list, almost I found that I had this obstacle at work this week that seemed SO ANNOYING at the time, but now that I'm working through it, it's not the end of the world and it will get resolved. Perspective man, it's something else, huh? Happy Friday friend!

Holly said...

I HAVE to find that bread. I have been really trying to eat as much gluten free things that I can- with all of my Crohn's disease issues. It seems to help the symptoms. I have never heard of that company though. I am going to check out their website now. Thanks for sharing it!
I'm so glad that things seem to be getting better for you with the gluten free diet :)
& happy Friday, my friend! I hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

Siobhan said...

mmmm! I love bread pudding! I'm gonna have to give this one a try!

My huge obstacle in the past year was dealing with skin cancer on my nose. I actually just reflected on it on my blog yesterday! You can read it here: http://www.siontherun.com/2011/02/thursdays-thoughts-sale-el-so.html

I am definitely doing my happy friday dance today! Wahooo!

Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen said...

Oh my GOLL, girl...that looks so amazing. I might not make it gluten-free, although I HAVE been wanting to try Udi's because I keep hearing great things about it, just as bread in general, regardless of the GF status. :)

Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) said...

OH man I LOVE bread pudding!! And cinnamon+raisin+PB is clearly an AWESOME combo!! That looks AMAZING girl!! :D

And I love that quote! Great posty :)

Allie said...

So sorry you had gluten issues!! AGH! I cannot even imagine, I would be AFRAID to eat anything! Soo glad you found companies out there that help you :) Thanks for the awesome post and I hope you have a really good weekend + stay warm :D

Sarah Lynton said...

I was talking to my mom on the phone on the way to work this morning and she was tell me about that exact devotional! Such a good encouragement and something that I've been thinking about this week as I've pushed through hard runs, stressful aspects of life, etc.

That bread pudding looks great!

Geek Turned Athlete said...

Hey!! I love Udi's, and I too, have discovered them since I found out I was gluten intolerant. I love that company. It really is the closest to gluten filled bread that I have tasted. Great recipe too. I can't wait to try it!!

Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

Lindsay, this is not a small obstacle. It is frustrating, overwhelming and debilitating. I am so glad you have found some comfort. I agree Udi's has some incredible products. It is so comforting knowing there are companies out there that care enough to make things for those of us who suffer with digestive issues. I hope you have an incredible day! Oh and that bread pudding looks amazing!

Kim K said...

Thanks for the recipe LC :) I have passed along your website to my coworker who is starting a GF diet on Monday. looking forward to trying out Udi.

Kim K said...

Oh, I have Ulcerative Colitis and I have had to deal with diet since I was diagnosed; making sure I satisfy my nutritional needs, but being careful about taking in too much fiber, etc. Still working on it!

Amy at TheSceneFromMe said...

Oh I love that picture of you taking in the aroma of your fresh baked bread pudding :)
I too love bread pudding. Even better when I add in a few butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips!

Stephanie said...

Divorce. Single greatest thing I've overcome. Although...in reality..the marriage was the obstacle and the divorce was the nasty vehicle that got me through it. I hate even talking about it because of the judgment that is associated with divorce. But I am still healing from it (four years later) so I'm just glad to have overcome the frustrations and put my smiling face back on for eternity. :) :)

April said...

Gosh that sounds SO good and I LOVE that it's high protein!! This would be wonderful for a Post workout meal!

Carrie said...

I have NEVER had bread pudding- like legit! its quite odd seeing as well, I LOVE BREAD
I'm so curious about gluten free diets.. i dont feel odd after eating gluten, so i dont think id have an issue, but so many ppl say they feel SO Much better cutting it out!

nicole said...

I LOVE Udies! I am gluten free and they have the best GF bread Ive tried!

Jess said...

That Udi's company sounds awesome-and yummy!!

hungryrunnergirl said...

Best quote EVER!!! Can I just tell you that your perspective on life is AMAZING!!! You always help me to remember what is important and how our obstacles strengthen us!! Girl, that bread pudding looks to die for!! I hope you have an amazing weekend! LOVE your enjoy face!

purplebirdblog said...

Niiiiiice recipe!! I love that you put peanut flour in there! Have you tried the bagels? I've heard they are fantastic but I haven't tried them for myself yet!

lauren@spiced plate said...

Being gluten free is an obstacle -- but once I learned how to adapt to it, my health no longer was an obstacle -- which is fantastic!
I gasped when I saw your bread pudding. It looks perfect for a weekend dessert!

Dorry said...

I can only imagine how a couple of years ago, you were probably lost with how to change your diet to feel healthy, fueled & energized. I know your blog is a great resource for others who have a gluten intolerance. I need to pick up some Udi's for Billy & me! Pizza crust sounds pretty good. :) My digestion improved significantly when I started eating a dairy-free diet, but I'm still always open to learning and trying new things to find out what works best for me. Great post, Linds!

Sarah said...

That bread looks so yum and so does your recipe! congrats on being gluten free, I can't even imagine!

bamarunner11 said...

I LOVE me some Udi's granola ;)

marathonmaiden said...

that quote is genius. it summed up succinctly what i already knew but couldn't put into words. i've had to overcome HUGE obstacles in my life and everytime i've wanted to quit and give up / in i've had great friends who are able to ENCOURAGE me to go on.

that bread pudding is mighty encouraging to get my butt off the couch and into the kitchen...just sayin' :)

kissmybroccoli said...

So glad you posted this recipe! I love how simple it is! Can't wait to make it!

klh said...

i've read for a long time but never comment! the bread pudding looks amazing! i love your passion for health and fitness and the simple fact that you are a Texas girl : )

kate@ahealthypassion said...

ooo that looks soo good, Udi's is sending me some of their granolas soon I cannot wait! Love the inspirational quote.

Courtney L. said...

Mmm - bread pudding!

By the way, I love those red ramekins...darling!

Bre said...

You know I'm absolutely in love with that quote right? love love love this post. I hear you on the food- it's such a treat to be able to buy GF food at a grocery store, I got to try Udi's granola last year when I was in South Carolina for training camp- can't wait to go back and get more! Oh I like your questions and I can't wait to try out bread pudding for the first time!

Madeline said...

FINALLY! For some reason my work laptop (all I had with me traveling this week) doesn't let me comment on your blog! I love love love bread pudding. My dad used to make it for a treat every Friday!

Susan - Nurse on the Run said...

Gluten free living is always an interesting thing for me since I grew up with my mom having celiac disease. She was diagnosed when I was four, so I pretty much only remember her as never eating gluten! She was diagnosed back before gluten ever became a craze and I always had to explain what it was to people, and restaurants certainly never had gluten free menus. The options have increased greatly...my mom used to mail order rice bread from Seattle! (We lived in Chicago.) That was a step up from when she ate rice cake sandwiches...crazy, right? People used to laugh at her when she went to McDonald's and order a cheeseburger without the bun...then the low-carb craze hit and everyone thought she was on that diet.

Anyway, long post! They now make gluten free Bisquick and basically anything you could ever want!

Averie said...

Omg the GLUTEN FREE Cinnamon Raisin PB Bread Puddin’ seriously looks off the chain delish!!!!!

I have never had any Udi's products...I think i need to try them, asap!

Happy Vday weekend sweetie! :)

Lizzy said...

wow I am droooling!! hehe!
I have struggled with gluten intolerance for a long time now...it took me a year to feel strong and athletic again!
Thank you so much for sharing your struggle, it's realllllyyyy inspiring to me!!
I hope you and your wonderful family have a great weekend!
xoxo!

Katy said...

Two of my friends were diagnosed celiac about a year and half ago, and I saw their struggles with finding gluten-free food, and I love that so many companies are making GF food.
PS, that pudding looks delicious!

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

There's that recipe!! :) YUM.

I'm so glad that you found out what works for You, and can continue to enjoy what you love to eat!

An obstacle I overcame: the Marathon, and learning to love it, accept its challenges and meet MY goals. Also, passing what I thought was my "limit" in flexibility and becoming a total Yogi. ;)

Housewifeintheraw said...

Love that quote and love this post! Gluten isn't an obstacle for me, but I am so glad there are all the gluten free options for those who have gluten issues. My biggest obstacle tends to be lack of faith in both my God and myself. Lately I keep singing (in my head) a song that my 2 year old sings from Sunday School - My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there is nothing my God cannot do..... love that I'm learning from a toddler. :)

kristina said...

Love the quote:)

That recipe looks a-mazing...and I love eating things out of a cup, i'm a weirdo!

I'm getting over being told I can't run anymore (for the past 10 yrs and 5 half marathons later.)

mamarunsbarefoot said...

Another amazing recipe from the Creative Cotter!! What have I over come in the past.. wow lots! I still feel like I have WAYS to go though.

kalli said...

oh yum that bread pudding looks so good. i am so glad you have worked out your intestinal issues and can enjoy yummy bread. hope you have a great weekend!

Lisakthrives said...

Hey pretty lady :)
I love this quote---and I think it's so important for people to have that perspective rather than just stopping when obstacles come up.
I haven't had any one thing really get in my way, not to the extent that some people have. But, I have so many dietary sensitivities that don't qualify as allergies, that I can often ignore them (and just deal with frustrating symptoms). Reading blogs and getting motivated to be trigger-free is helpful for me to not ignore my symptoms just for instant pleasure.
I have this whole topic about punishments and rewards....and how we are trained to deal with them (that is ineffective). Maybe I should write about that as a reminder to myself!

Eden said...

I never love all the gluten free breads I've tried (tear) but I havent tried Udi's. I make my own bread which I somehow manage to make gluten free and delicious! I don't think living gluten free is a taste bud death sentence! I mean, with recipes like yours,how could they!? have a wonderful weekend!

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

I haven't tried gluten free bread so for, but yesterday I've found GF buckwheat noodles at the health store, so I'm looking forward to have a bowl of paste again ... after an infite amount of time, as it appears to me. I've also got some GF flour so I can finally bake something now! (Looking forward to that.) I'm happy there are some companies that offer good alternatives to all the wheat etc stuff!

Lauren said...

I LOVE bread pudding, and this one looks fantastic! I haven't tried Udi's gluten free bread, but I hear good things :). I have some peanut flour from Trader Joe's waiting to be incorporated into something yummy, and this recipe is the perfect use for it!

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Can't wait to try them! Baking turned out great (yay!), I'm going to post pictures and a recipe.

Lauren said...

I love that quote! Sometimes runs don't go the way I planned due to difficulties, but it's working through the discomfort that is so rewarding. The beginning of runs are sometimes hard for me, but once I make it past mile 2 or 3, I feel so in the groove.

natalie hopkins said...

Gah. Just realized I didn't post yesterday. That bread pudding looks delicious; I always want to reach through my screen and eat your food!!! Faith is so important. Losing faith in yourself/other people is easy to do, but knowing that God's on your side, makes it a bit easier to re-build that. Seriously though, the pudding...

(what runs) Lori said...

Yum to that recipe! I have some gluten free bread I could use to make this... although I need to try Udi's. Not sure why I haven't yet. Either way that bread pudding looks really good!
Great encouragement quote. :)

Kristina @ spabettie said...

oh, Lindsay, you have NO idea how much I needed this reminder... I am (still) going through a difficult and sad time with my family, and some days it's still so hard to just "Do Normal"... I need to remember that while trying to be supportive and strong I also need to take care of myself, find the positives and know that these are normal life things. It's how you show up to a challenge that matters, right? :) Even if I feel like I'm "phoning it in" with the blog and other parts of life, *This Too Shall Pass* :)

I have never tried Udi's... I will pick it up next time, especially the bagels! That is one of the things I really miss, and used to make them myself... I actually had a dream the other night where I was perfecting a gf bagel recipe to start a bagel shop. wee!

Missy said...

You know...I'm beginning to really believe in my heart that --no matter if you are "intolerant" or not -- is just not cool. I curently only eat sprouted wheat products as is...Once I clear out my pantry I doubt I will buy gluten again. Why bother? I am so glad more and more people like you are spreading the news.

Lauren said...

I would definitely struggle if I was told I was gluten intolerant or severely lactose intolerant. But I am sure, like you, I'd get through it and realize it wasnt so hard after all. A very positive message :)
Im digging this recipe. Easy, delicious, and nutritious.

La. said...

Oh would I struggle if I suddenly had to go gluten free. Lately I feel discouraged about my diet. This is my first visit to your blog and I am most excited to read about your journey!

chuck feerick said...

All very true! Plus the recipe looks great. We often look for excuses to put barriers in our own way- at least I do. It makes me stop and wonder, ok, If for some reason I am trying to create this barrier, what is the real reason behind why I am think this?

Sophie said...

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM,...what more can I say??? The dessert looks fabulous!!

Kisses from Brussels, Belgium to you!

Pure2raw Twins said...

Great quote and perfect timing. I have a few obstacles I am facing, so thank you for reminding to try. And do not sweat the small stuff, right?

Eleanor@eatinglikeahorse said...

I've so got to make this - and I've got some GF banana bread that could just be the way to go, thanks!

HEAB said...

Holy Cow - yum! I hear Udi's is the best gluten free bread out there, but I have to try it. Hmm, I think this recipe is an excellent excuse for buying some, no?

nevernotdreaming said...

Looks good Lindsay.

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

Can't wait to try them! Baking turned out great (yay!), I'm going to post pictures and a recipe.