Hi. My name is Katie and I.....

have celiac disease. It's always fun to joke about support groups when someone starts a conversation like that...but are support groups bad?

Since the recent removal of gluten from my diet I have done some online research. The one thing I found most interesting is that there are celiac support groups. Now, when I first saw this I will admit that my initial reaction was less than positive. But I saw this as an opportunity to get a recommendation for a doctor who has experience in the field. So I call the president and hope he has a list of doctors ready and boom my work is done.....no such luck.

So one Saturday morning I jumped out of bed with enthusiasm was encouraged/told to drag myself out of my oh so comfy bed, and head to the meeting. As I headed out the door the fiance said to have fun. I wasn't sure at the time whether he should say have fun or good luck. Either way, I made my way to the meeting and slid into a seat at the back of the room. Thoughts of maintaining my cloak of invisibily were soon squashed when all the newbies were asked to share "their story...." hmmm sounds like a different type of support group to me.

After sharing my story and sitting through an informational hour I not only had 4 doctor recomendations but a slue of email addresses and plenty of people saying "oh yeah I've been there, but here's how to make it easier". These crazy symptoms I try to explain no longer seem so crazy when there's 10 other people who totally understand that feeling.

While I'm not sure I will attend every meeting, I do plan on returning when I need to feel less alone in this gluten free journey or need advice on cooking or eating. I suggest a similar group to anyone out there who's body is requiring a gluten free diet.

Have a great weekend!

Go Rays!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easy Crock Pot Beef and Veggies

A few weeks ago life was insane at my house. We were both busy with work and then over the weekend my best friend got married! I was in the wedding and had 2 guests staying at my place for the weekend as well. Thursday night was the bachelorette party, Friday the Rehearsal Dinner, and Saturday the wedding. Needless to say it was a crazy busy week and planning dinners ahead of time really paid off.

I knew I would need a hearty dinner before heading out for a night of fun with the girls on Thursday and wouldn't have a lot of time. This crockpot dinner was the perfect solution.

Line the bottom of the crockpot with red potatos (slices into quarters) onions, carrots (I used baby carrots), celery, and some garlic chunks. I placed a chunk (I have no clue how much it weighed) of chuck roast on top and added some vegetable broth that we had in the fridge.

Set the crock pot to 8 hours on low and off to work we went. When I got home I had about an hour to go on a run, get ready for the party and eat dinner. I came in from my run and the house smelled so good and I was able to eat and set the crockpot to warm (so the fiance could have some when he got home) and headed out for a night of fun.

The best part about the meal was that I had some food leftover for lunch the next day was I was sleepy and exhausted.

Hope everyone is having a great spring so far!

Wordless Wednesday

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