About SS&GF

42 Responses to “About SS&GF”

1. Laura
   July 24th, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

   Amy- This is my first visit, so you may have addressed this. I will look in your archives, but what is an example of a day’s food plan for you?

   Thanks

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   Amy Reply:
   July 26th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

   Laura – I’m starting a series on July 30th that will address that – please check back and read all about it. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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2. Jay
   July 25th, 2009 @ 9:45 am

   Amy- I found you on Twitter, I really like the layout of your website and look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!
   -Jay

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   Amy Reply:
   July 26th, 2009 at 8:10 pm

   Hi Jay – Thanks so much for poking around my blog and saying hello. The compliment is much appreciated as well. So glad you’re planning to return.

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3. Debbie
   July 31st, 2009 @ 4:05 pm

   Amy, I have enjoyed reading a bit of your site today and I look forward to reading more in the future.

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4. jodie
   August 15th, 2009 @ 9:25 pm

   Amy,

   This is my first time to your blog. Enjoyed reading about your journey. Looking forward to reading more and trying some of your recipes.

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   Amy Reply:
   August 15th, 2009 at 9:49 pm

   Hi Jodie & Welcome! So glad that you found me and found my journey interesting.

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5. Alison
   August 29th, 2009 @ 9:27 am

   Amy – found your site and it’s great.

   Thank you for sharing. I look forward to trying your recipes and reading more from you.

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   Amy Reply:
   August 29th, 2009 at 9:42 am

   Alison – I’m so glad you found me and that you’ve enjoyed your time here. Let me know if there are any recipes you’d like to see here and I’ll see what I can come up with. Thank you for stopping by!

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6. Beth McHugh
   September 9th, 2009 @ 6:28 pm

   my food coach suggested reading your blog.
   I’m struggling to go gluten and sugar free.
   you are an inspiration.

   I am soooooooo appreciative of your work. thank you!
   talk about perfect timing.
   I’m so glad to have found this web site.

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   Amy Reply:
   September 10th, 2009 at 8:31 am

   Beth – Welcome and thank you. It is humbling to know that my experience helps others. If I could give you any advice at all it would be to take it one day at a time and practice gratitude. Let me know if I can ever help. Big hugs.

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7. Chelsey Beda
   October 8th, 2009 @ 12:17 am

   Hi! I just stumbled on your site and absolutely love it! I’m happy to find someone with the guns to stick to her values. I myself am not celiac. But,I am sensitive to gluten, and sugar… I eat it anyway (Kinda sick, I know). I am very curious to try your recipes. I have a Q for you, if you don’t mind.

   In social parties etc. how do you participate without getting razzed. Or more directly, what do you say when people question your choices?

   Thank-you for your nice site lay out. It is easy to navigate, and of course delicious looking recipes. You definitely don’t look like your suffering!

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   Amy Reply:
   October 8th, 2009 at 9:39 am

   Chelsey,

   I could write an entire book about this subject. For some reason as a thin person, people feel compelled to pick at what I eat. They think they are entitled to tell me what to eat, why I’m eating the wrong thing, how I should do it differently, and – my favorite – I should at least show the hostess respect and eat what she has cooked. Ha! When I was fat no one dared to say anything about what I put in my mouth except for my mom, who God love her, finally after 5 years of me eating this way has stopped talking about what I eat either way. In fact she called me the other day for advice.

   Here is my tried-and-true diversion tactic that stops meddlers dead in their tracks – I smile, pause, and then say, “Oh, thank you. Tell me about how you would eat this,” or “Tell me about your diet.” I keep smiling, watch them get really nervous because now all eyes are on them, then watch them stumble around themselves, get really embarrassed, come up with something lame to say, and then walk away, tail tucked and all.

   I have learned that it has never been about me, it’s about them. My best guess is that it makes them uncomfortable that I’m willing to take care of myself no matter what. And, it’s usually the people with food problems that interject the most – you know, the ones always on the next, newest diet and can’t seem to loose a pound?

   I might have to write a post – or a series – about this!

   Thanks for asking and so glad you like my blog. Please come back anytime!

   Amy

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8. Amity
   October 16th, 2009 @ 8:56 am

   Hi Amy,

   I found your website through another I often visit and was wondering, if I was interested in learning about how to live a GF/SF life, are there any books you could recommend to help me get started?

   I have struggled with my weight as well and it seems I feel and do my best when I cut out sugars and flours. Somehow I always manage to revert back to eating them due to lack of willpower and sometimes its just easier when you have kids. Poor excuses I know, but true.

   I really enjoyed looking around your website and wanted to thank you for sharing your story.

   Amity

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9. Amy
   October 16th, 2009 @ 9:15 am

   @Amity, Oh gosh. Books…I hate to say it but there just aren’t a lot of good cookbooks out there yet. Some blogs with great recipes are mine, Karina’s Kitchen, Elana’s Pantry, Kalyn’s Kitchen – she’s not GF but a lot of her recipes are GF/SF naturally, Shirley at Gluten-Free Easily, and Tasty Eats at Home.

   It sounds like you’re more concerned about the weight problems you have when you eat sugar & flour – and almost all of the sites above are those of people with Celiac disease. Just keep that in mind.

   My best advice – this is how I did it – start with the foods you’re already used to. Fruits, veggies, meats, dairy if you can eat it. Beans and brown rice are great, too. Don’t take on the baking aspect until you get into a routine with your eating. I was GF/SF for years before I really started baking. Had I done it differently I would have failed.

   Also – if you didn’t see my series on Finding Balance with Food, you might want to read that. It’s here.

   Hope that helps.

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10. Dee
    October 28th, 2009 @ 6:02 pm

    Hi Amy,
    I just stumbled on your blog and I am so thankful. I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)a condition there is no cure for that can lead to infertility. I have read so much on the subject and firmly believe my body can heal itself if I take care of it. The biggest culprit is sugar (and gluten which can behave like sugar int he body). As I would like to have a baby it is imperative I eat properly but I can’t seem to get started. I plan on following your lead and your blog.
    Thank you for all you have shared and for your blog. It is really inspiring.
    Best wishes to you.
    Dee

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    Amy Reply:
    October 28th, 2009 at 9:25 pm

    @Dee, We are much more similar than you think. I don’t know if you saw this post, but I talk about our struggle to have a family and how we’re coping with it.

    I know first hand how hard it is emotionally when your ability to have children is in jeopardy. If I can do anything to help you in your journey to change your diet please let me know. Sometimes people ask me to work on a certain recipe so if there’s something you’d like to see here just tell me and I’ll see what I can do.

    We’re also doing a holiday food fest on Thursdays in November and December where there will be holiday recipes – mine will be sugar and gluten free – come back and see what we’re going to eat over the holidays.

    Big hugs,
    Amy

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11. Iris
    November 3rd, 2009 @ 10:25 pm

    Have I mentioned how beautiful those wedding pictures are? You look absolutely stunning! (And I should really be asleep right now, so I can get up for work tomorrow!)

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    Amy Reply:
    November 4th, 2009 at 8:11 am

    @Iris, Maybe someday I’ll post the pics my husband recently took of me in my pink bathrobe and pjs – my daily standby. I generally look really normal. Hugs to you.

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12. victor
    November 10th, 2009 @ 12:15 pm

    Amy,
    Good job you doing out here,hey my english is bad am from spain…but i like what i read on your blog.looking forward to read more of your write up.

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13. Josh
    December 19th, 2009 @ 9:57 pm

    Hello Amy,

    Old high school classmate here! I’m a big fan of finding a natural diet that allows you to improve your condition. Your recipes look tasty and I’ll be sure to try to make some them – though my better half is the better cook. I am definitely looking at the German Chocolate Mousse.

    For me, the big thing was dropping meat from my diet. In high school I’d always managed my weight around 140, but by my mid 20’s I was getting a bit of a beer gut. I topped out at 190 and thought that something had to be done.

    I had heard of others who had forgone meat to manage weight. It was difficult at first because I was a total steak and potatoes kind of guy. After a few weeks of going back and forth, I was able to cease my consumption of meat ‘cold turkey’ so to speak. I literally dropped 50 pounds in 3 months. That was 10 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.

    I’m curious: what do you recommend for coffee sweetener? I’ve tried honey but I can never find the right amount to make it taste right.

    Cheers,
    -JK

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    Amy Reply:
    December 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

    @Josh, Hi Josh!! So good to hear from you and even better to know that you’re doing well. I can’t imagine you at 190 – I’m thrilled you found a solution that works for you.

    Coffee sweetener – I drink it black. For a long time I used cream and Splenda, and then I couldn’t stand the Splenda anymore so I started using Stevia. NuNaturals makes a great, non-bitter clear liquid stevia that I use often. Then, I switched from cream to milk. Next, I decided I didn’t like the milk. And, finally I started drinking it black. It was over several years and none if it intentional on my part. I think my body just changed.

    You can get NuNaturals on-line. The first time I bought Stevia I thought it was a little pricey but I found that one 2 ounce bottle will last about 3 – 4 months because it’s so concentrated.

    I hope that helps. Have a wonderful holiday season & give my best to your wife!
    Amy

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14. The Curious Baker
    January 8th, 2010 @ 9:08 am

    Just discovered your blog. There are some lovely recipes here and best of all they’re gluten free! Just recently started my own gluten free blog and have been experimenting with sugar subs so I think I’ll be dropping by more often

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15. liz
    January 8th, 2010 @ 10:13 pm

    Amy-
    I just found your blog and am thrilled!!! My husband has decided to go gluten and nightshade free due to problems with psoriatic arthritis. I am fully on board, as I have suspected and as you have found, gluten and refined sugars are a major problem with a weight struggle on my part. I have said for many years that I think I am addicted to sugar, but wasn’t at a point mentally to give it up.
    We are enjoying experimenting with different recipes, and I find that I am not missing the gluten at all!!! Thanks so much for the blog!

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    Amy Reply:
    January 9th, 2010 at 7:13 am

    @liz, I’m so happy you’re experiencing some freedom. I know first hand how wonderful that is. Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to see here or if there’s anything I can do to help you. Big hugs!

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16. Melissa
    January 25th, 2010 @ 3:33 pm

    Amy,
    Signed up today to start receiving recipes you are creating which are gluten free and sugar free. I have been using Stevia for awhile but have not tried the NuNaturals Stevia. Please enter me in the giveway and I would like to see recipes using the stevia which are gf, dairy free, egg free corn free and yeast free. Thank you!

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17. Robin
    January 26th, 2010 @ 4:23 pm

    Amy,

    Simply Sugar and Gluten Free is a Simply Wonderful site; visually appealing, easy to read, informative, and highly instructive.

    I’ve been eating SF / low glycemic / complex & good carbs only (otherwise known as the SB diet) for the past 5 years, maintaining my 40 lb weight loss. While I’ve studied tons of literature and cookbooks related to this specific diet, they for the most part have not addressed the gluten-free “flours” (neither saying off-limits nor use in moderation). I’ve also not be successful in finding general glycemic information on the gluten-free “flours”. Can you think of a source to direct me for this information?

    Also, I’ve never used Almond Breeze and want to try your waffle recipe; shopping today I found Almond Breeze in the dairy case in a milk carton style container as well as in the health food aisle in a shelf stable box. Are these versions interchangeable or is one better for your recipes?

    Thanks so much for your website and time responding to these questions. Best of luck in your culinary school endeavors!

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    Amy Reply:
    January 26th, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    @Robin, I don’t know much about the glycemic index of flours. Honestly, I don’t worry about it because they don’t cause me to get into any weird binge eating behaviors. I have never done the SB diet and don’t know much about it, either. I do know that Kalyn of Kalyn’s Kitchen has a blog that is all about SB foods and I would be ok eating much of what she cooks.

    I pay more attention to how food makes me feel when I eat it than the glycemic index.

    When I buy almond milk, I buy the shelf stable kind. No particular reason – it’s just what I started buying first so that’s what I use now. I am sure either version would work. I even use homemade almond milk with great results.

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18. marla {Family Fresh Cooking}
    February 3rd, 2010 @ 9:03 am

    We have a very similar take on food. I too avoid most sugars. I use stevia to sweeten up my day. I have much more energy when i am mindful of my ingredients. No diet or deprivation here, just good, clean eats!

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19. Kirsten
    February 5th, 2010 @ 12:09 am

    Found your cooking blog! It looks great, I am recommending to my gal pals. Congrats on cooking school.:)

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20. Georgene
    February 11th, 2010 @ 8:41 pm

    Amy… do you have a private email that I could ask you a question? I couldn’t find one on your webpage.

    Thank you,
    Georgene

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21. Allison
    June 28th, 2010 @ 4:02 am

    Hi Amy,
    I am really excited to find your wonderful page.
    I have recently discovered I am gluten intolerant and suffering from Candida problems so this is perfect!! I am not the best cook but your recipes look simple enough for me so I am excited to get cooking. You are a god send .. Thank you & all the best!!

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    Amy Reply:
    June 30th, 2010 at 10:21 am

    @Allison, I am sure that there is a better cook inside you than you realize. In fact, I’m sure of it. If you run into any snags let me know and we’ll find a solution. Hugs.

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22. Gabrielle
    July 3rd, 2010 @ 7:05 pm

    Hi Amy,
    I just stumbled onto your website. It looks great! I can’t wait to read more. I’ve struggled with food sensitivities for many years and have just found out that I’m now sensitive to gluten. I’ve been sensitive to most forms of sugar for many years too. I’ve also ignored my sensitivities for years. I’ve gained a ton of weight over the past few years and of course I feel awful most of the time. Now it’s time to stop and get healthy. I think I’ve found you just in time.
    Thank you,
    Gabrielle

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    Amy Reply:
    July 4th, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    @Gabrielle, It’s always wonderful to know that what I’m doing it helpful. I know how hard it is to struggle and not have an answer. I wish you all the best on your path to health. And, *thank you* so much for the stumble!!

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    Gabrielle Reply:
    July 4th, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Thank you so much. I’ll keep you posted.

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23. Bethany
    July 21st, 2010 @ 12:16 pm

    Hi Amy!

    I recently came upon your blog and I absolutely love it. I am a 21 year old college student that has been battling many problems for the past few years. I started with a gluten free diet which helped me a little. I then cut out dairy and I thought I was good. But my moods and problems still persisted. Recently I decided to do an anti-candida diet and it has worked wonderfully. I am adding natural sugars back in and I am still fine. I believe I just react to processed sugar.

    I have found your website very useful and it always makes me want to jump into the kitchen to try new things. I originally thought that I would casually grow out of my intolerances and be able to go back to normal food. (It is hard being in college and not being able to eat and do other things like my friends). But after reading your blog, I don’t think I want to go back to my old ways, even if my body could handle it. Your recipes are great and I know I am feeding my body the right way.

    I have started to create a healthy lifestyle for myself and your blog provides a great community to fall back on. I am always looking forward to what I can find here!

    Bethany

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24. ashley
    July 28th, 2010 @ 4:24 pm

    I came across your blog and I am really enjoying all the information! I have celiac disease and also follow a limited dairy and sugar life style. Beautiful blog!

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25. Tracy
    August 1st, 2010 @ 10:06 pm

    Amy, I need some help…don’t think I have a gluten problem but I sure do with sugar..Did you follow a detox program and/or stop sugars altogether for a while? Having a hard time not bingeing….peanut butter is a trigger with me for sure!

    Thank you
    Tracy

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    Amy Reply:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 9:22 am

    @Tracy, No. I just went cold turkey. I personally think that the detox programs are a little extensive and unnecessary. If I can’t eat it without having a problem, I don’t pick it up. I didn’t use agave or palm sugar for several years but didn’t even know they existed. I did use artificial sweeteners during that period and, honestly, it took a long time for me to not use them at all.

    I couldn’t eat peanut butter for years – today I can. Many brands so include sugar so that could be the issue there, too.

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26. Vicki
    August 19th, 2010 @ 5:42 pm

    Amy, I’ve just found your blog and am so glad I did. I’ve recently decided to go back to my natural way of eating, leaving out dairy and wheat most of the time.

    When I graduated high school I weighted 105 pounds, and still weighed +/- 5 pounds of that until I was 37. That, coincidentaly, was the time I started eating “healthy” like my new husband did. Lots of pasta, chunky, grainy breads, etc. In the 18 years since then I’ve gained and maintained 30 or so extra pounds!

    When I look back to how I naturally liked to eat when I weighed so much less, I realize it was mostly meat, vegetables, beans, potatoes. Hardly ever did I want sweets, or pasta, or bread. People commented ALL THE TIME about that “tiny girl who eats so much!” Now I find that the more I eat of those foods the more I want: it definitely triggers addiction.

    So in trying to get back to where I know my body belongs, my main question is this: is it wheat gluten that is the problem, or is it all flours/grains? Should I eat gluten free bread, or just get off bread altogether? If you know, it would save me lots of experimentation!

    Thanks for sharing your story, and for helping to light the way for how to get “back where we belong”!

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27. Janis
    August 30th, 2010 @ 1:28 pm

    I’m new to going gluten-free and am looking forward to trying some of your recipes.

    I signed up for the Tropical Traditions newsletter. They have a lot of gluten-free recipes- can’t wait to try the gluten-free pizza crust recipe, which got great reviews.

    Thanks for making going gluten-free easier!

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