Off the Wagon: Part 1

As you know from my earlier posts, I recently became Gluten-free in the latter half of 2009. I say recent because when you compare roughly 8 months eating one way to more than 28 years of another...it's seems like just yesterday. Prior to becoming Gluten-free I was for the most part a healthy eater. I opted for wheat bread, organic fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy, water instead of soda, etc. However mixed in with all that healthiness was the indulgences. Whether it was a Sweet Mandy B's cupcake or chicken fingers and fries...when presented with the opportunity to indulge, I was never the one to say no.

When I started my blog, I thought an interesting topic for an on-going set of posts could be "What would I tolerate a stomach ache for." There is a show on the Food Network called The Best Thing I Ever Ate about essentially the best things that the FN chefs have ever had. I think everyone has a list like that. Whether it's something that you grew up having, or had on a trip once...great foods evoke emotions and memories.

The title of this blog was about falling off the wagon, because in essence that's exactly what I did this weekend. I ate Gluten. Gasp! I know. I did it willingly. Twice. Sometimes you just need a mental breather. It's no different than working out for 6 months straight everyday, sometimes you just want to sit on the couch and veg. Although I have been very committed and strong with my Gluten-free lifestyle...I'm still human. I crave sugar, grease and starches just like everyone else does.

So, without further ado, I begin my "Off the Wagon" list:

1. Chicago Bagel Authority: CBA, as the locals call it, is a little bagel place on Armitage/Sheffield in the heart of Lincoln Park. This divey restaurant has created a niche within the bagel category with steamed bagels. They offer every combination of bagel sandwich known to man. And when steamed all the flavors ooze together into a delicious bagel experience. On Saturday I had a sesame bagel with turkey, avocado, tomato, cucumber, mustard and veggie cream cheese. It was everything I hoped it would be.


2. Portillo's: Again, another Chicago icon. Portillo's is a local fast food chain that specializes in Chicago style hot dogs (featured left), Italian beef sandwiches and crinkle cut fries. On Sunday I indulged in a hot dog just the way I like it...with ketchup, mustard, tomato and cucumber along with some crispy, salty fries. It was absolute heaven.


As I'm writing this post, I am clear from my stomach pain and back on the health train....and day dreaming of what will end up next on my list.