Skip to main content

Introducing....Cara! Plus a Giveaway Winner!

As you know, Cara from Eat. Pray. Run! and I are both doing this Gluten-Free trial together. She has been creating some amazing meals and you should definitely head on over there for a look! I asked her a few questions to find out how she was doing so far this week.

Cara reading up on more Gluten-Free goodies!



1) Why did you decide to try a Gluten-free diet?

I have such a passion for health and fitness, especially seeing the diversity of what works and what doesn't for individuals.  We are all SO different and figuring out what works best for ME is what feels like a lifelong journey.  I have mentioned on my blog that I have food sensitivity that I have had a hard time figuring out. I think I've narrowed down the culprits to fiber-overdose (since I eat tons of plant based foods), dairy or gluten sensitivity.  I generally don't eat any processed gluten but I wanted to kick it to the curb for a week just to see how my body would react.  I was totally up for the challenge and to see what it feels like to walk in someones shoes with Celiacs Disease.  And of course having an awesome blogging friend for support makes it that much better ;)

2) Are there any foods you would like to eat, but can't for this week?
I am lucky to have access to some really great health food markets in Southern California so I have actually been able to replace everything I would normally eat with a gluten-free version.  The chocolate chip granola in my pantry has starred me down a few times this week though!

3) Which GF products do you recommend so far? Favorites?
I eat some type of wrap almost everyday for lunch so I was hesistant to replace my usual Ezekial sprouted grain tortilla's with GF ones.  I bought Ezekial's GF brown rice wraps and really enjoy them!  I've also been loving buckwheat - it makes great 'groatmeal' in the mornings and keeps me full longer than oats, which is a feat!  Oh and baked lentil chips are bomb.com!

Lucky Number 81!
 Congratulations to Sandy from  Sassy Runner Girl!  You won my giveaway for the book 7 Weeks to 100 Push-Ups! Congrats! Email me your mailing address and it will be sent to you! If you haven't read Sandy's blog yet, you're really missing out. 

Sandy at the Nike Women's Marathon!


Would anyone be interested in doing a week similar to this one with me in the future? Let me know if you have a suggestion for a style of eating and if you would be happy to answer questions like this! I'm excited to learn more and doing these week long challenges is really fantastic. 

Have you held a giveaway on your blog before? How do you pick a winner?
This is my first, so thanks for everyone who entered! I used Random.org to pick Sandy.

Do you follow Cara or Sandy?
But of course! And you should too, go now!!

Comments

  1. JenniferMay 19, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    I'm really looking forward to seeing how your GF week goes. My mom is trying very hard to be GF and it's been difficult for her to make the switch. I'm hoping I can pick up some tips from your journey :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Euniece SantiagoMay 19, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    wow 7 weeks to 100 push ups!!!! idk if that could ever be possible for me one day!!!! so excited to see what your next weekly challenge is :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElleMay 19, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    hey, congrats to Sandy!

    I have done a week of gluten free and a week of just wheat free... which is so much easier.

    I also did a week with no commercially prepared processed foods... breads, flours, milks, yogurts, etc. Only produce, fresh meats and fish. It was REALLY hard! But I did make my own peanut butter so that was good.

    Experimenting with different styles is good I think. It will be so much easier for you once you get into your new home with a full kitchen. I think you are doing so well with no stove.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    I can't wait to hear the recap on the GF week - I have wanted to try one myself for a little while now, but afraid I don't have the discipline.

    Great Q& A portion with Cara!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ChristineMay 19, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Wow, gluten free now too. I'm interested to see how this goes. I've never done a give away because I'm afraid no one will enter. LAME. I hang out with insecure high school kids too much (I'm a teacher... not a creep).

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownMay 19, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    I've used random.org for giveaway winners too. I also have divided comments into groups and rolled dice with my kids. Way more fun, and way more work!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 19, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    Thanks for sharing - she is amazing and I love hearing about new diets. I never have had a giveaway cause my follower pool is so low...one day...LOL one day! I just suck at commenting on other people's blogs even though I stalk hundreds! LOl

    ReplyDelete
  8. JuliaMay 19, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    I am loving reading your all's journey on this GF week! thanks for sharing everything! Congrats to Sandy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    I love getting other people's perspectives on trying different diets or ways of eating... thanks for posting this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Monika @ Monika's MilesMay 20, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    It's interesting to try out new ways of eating/living. I'm too plain and boring to ever stray away from my typical chicken and rice type meals and WAYYY too cheap to buy anything extra. I'm excited to hear how it goes for you though!

    ReplyDelete
  11. EricaMay 20, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    Great thoughts! I'm always up for a good food challenge! I use to be full vegetarian (before getting pregnant), but would love to do a week of vegan as a challenge after I have the baby. I use random.org to pick my winners too. Have a great Friday

    ReplyDelete
  12. SandyMay 20, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Thanks Vanessa!!! I am so very excited to receive the book and start the 100 push-up challenge myself!

    ReplyDelete
  13. ImTheMarigoldMay 20, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    I'd be up for doing a week challenge with you! I don't have any ideas though, lol. Maybe the all cookie diet?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Healthy RunnerMay 20, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    I'd definitely be up for trying something new for week, just let me know!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN.May 20, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    First giveaway, complete! You are an official blogger now! I need to get on that wagon myself! GF day 5...and I REALLY want some toast right now!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I plan to do a giveaway when I get 50 followers, I do follow Cara, she's pretty awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  17. JoannaMay 20, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Great job on your first giveaway. I would like to do one for my 100th post. We'll see. I really enjoy reading about these different styles of eating. I think it makes me more aware of the things I'm putting in my body and may even change my habits as well.

    I LOVE Cara! She's so sweet and I definitely read her sweet blog. You two are so great!

    p.s Hanuta can be found at WorldMart. They have them everywhere I think. You should google it. If you dont...maybe I can do a giveaway with those! lol

    ReplyDelete
  18. PamMay 20, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I'm scared of doing too much eliminating. I think I would go NUTS on whatever food I was avoiding once I decide it's "ok" again. I guess that's irrational...I usually have more self-control than that. So I am interested to hear how you feel at the end of this, and whether it's something I should try. Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Running GirlMay 20, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    I just did a giveaway last week, & thought it was really fun. I used random.org also to pick numbers.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Rachelle WardleMay 20, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Congrats to Sandy! Thank for all of the GF information I think it is incredibly interesting.

    Do you think you could do a post about the benefits of GF? I know a lot of people are forced to go GF because of dietary restrictions but am wondering why it has gained so much popularity.

    Good luck at your half tomorrow!!! I'll be thinking about you while running my full. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. CaitlinMay 20, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    Can't wait to read all about your GF thoughts. I'm impressed with your self-discipline and ability to stay away from those foods. I'd love to participate in a week long challenge sometime. I'll start thinking about some options.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Race the Bar 5k Recap (AKA: A Personal Worst!)

Do you remember a few weeks back, when I was all braggy about running in Florida in February/March? Sunny mornings around a lake with a light breeze off the water have turned, cruelly, into humid stretches of time where I am humbly reminded of my own limitations. You guys, I see these gazelle-like creatures, men and women alike, who prance on my running route with compression socks, a soft glow of perspiration at their brow. It's beautiful. It's also a harsh reminder that I am not them. I am currently running in the thinnest, smallest items of clothing I can without offending anyone (shirt stays on, people). I dare not step outside without some awful visor or wide-brimmed hat. When I hop in the shower after a run, my face is a deep crimson that causes my husband to voice his concern for my general well-being. Have I mentioned this is what happens after my easy runs, with a few walk breaks thrown in? Yeah. It's humbling. Now, I'm not complaining. It's beautiful
60 comments
Read more

Brace Yourselves: Cuteness is Coming

One of the hardest things about moving, for me, was wondering how the cats would adjust each time. Although our cats are super travelers at this stage, I feel really guilty every time we have to pack them up and force them onto a plane. I remember my grandma telling me years ago that when she moved with a cat, they put butter on their paws. That way, the cats spent the first day in a new house licking their paws to get them clean, and that was enough time to lose the "smell" of the old house. I love that story, and I wish the same principle applied to longer moves. Anyway, that's a super long intro to say that for the fellow cat ladies out there, our three fur babies are insanely happy in this jungle gym of a home here in Florida. It's warm, there are plenty of sunny spots to curl up a take a nap, and they have lots of room to spread out. Despite the space, of course, they still usually want to take a nap on my head at night. Obviously. They also love climbing on ou
6 comments
Read more

Running Jewelry Giveaway from The Run Home!

Running has a tendency at times to make me feel just a little less feminine that I might like. The curves might disappear just a little (well...the top ones at least. Bottom ones are still out in full force) and I spend more time fiddling with my Garmin than I do putting on make-up. So I love when I can show my interest in running with a beautiful, feminine piece of jewelry. I recently received two necklaces from the great people at The Run Home.   They have an Etsy store full of inspirational necklaces, bracelets and more for athletes. I received this beautiful necklace in the mail from them: A cute running shoe, heart, and a hand-stamped 26.2 charm. In all honesty, I don't think I'll wear this until I have finished the marathon in November. Kind of like wearing a race shirt before you completed the race! But it will make the perfect reward and I can't wait to wear it with pride. The Run Home sent everything to me perfectly packaged--like it was a gift. I loved that:
187 comments
Read more