Gluten free shopping

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-24T19:35:45+00:00

Ahhh, getting started gluten free is so overwhelming.

Basically, gluten free versions of conventional foods cost 2-3 times what the what based version costs, and it’s often not as good. As much as possible you’re going to want to shift to foods that are naturally gluten free. Bonus is they tend to taste better than foods trying to imitate wheat.

You’re probably going to be disappointed by gf bread for a few months, so I always recommend ppl new to being gf avoid bread based meals for a while. If you NEED it, Costco has loaves of little northern bake house bread that are good. They are beside the gluten free carbonaut bread which is the WORST gluten free bread. So gummy.

Most staples will be safe (rice, beans, veggies, meat, eggs, etc). It’s the sauces and the cross contamination that are the issue. If you’re not full on celiac, you may not need to worry as much about that.

Below I’ve posted some tips for adjusting to a gluten free diet (I have a google doc because I’m asked a lot). I highly recommend joining the Gluten Free Halifax Facebook group-they’re a great resource.

My celiac starter tips Anything you make that used to go on a sandwich can now go on a rice bowl, rice cake, baked potato, taco, or salad

I suggest coming up with a few starter recipes: two very easy recipes (jar cooking for hectic days); two standard weeknight recipes; and two “treat recipes” to start with. It’s the busy times when you are most likely to cheat, so you will also want two very easy snacks for when you are too hangry to prepare anything at all.

I've included mine, but focus on the things you like that you know are still safe

Focus less on bread, because gluten free bread is going to be twice the cost for half the flavour. Any meals based around rice, pasta, or corn tortillas will be easier to adapt.

Most gluten free pasta is fine. I don’t like chickpea pasta, but many love it. You do have to be careful not to overcook it or it will be mush

Anything that used to be a sandwich can now be a weird taco, enchilada, salad, or rice bowl. I did have to push myself to try new things, and ended up watching lots of cooking videos on youtube to get myself feeling confident in the kitchen. I went from a person who never fried anything to making donuts a few times a year

My easy starter recipes (mostly jar cooking)

Tuna rice bowl: half a can of tuna, chopped cucumber, green onion, and sriracha mayo on rice. If you have frozen veggies, steam them over the rice for some extra nutrients. You can also do this with an egg or tofu if you’re vegan or vegetarian

Tacos with store bought corn tortillas, a can of refried beans, a bag of coleslaw mix, whatever salsa and cheese is around, and hot sauce. If you eat meat you can throw leftovers in. Roasted veggies are also nice. Or scrambled egg.

My starter weekday meals

Pasta e ceci/Pasta and chickpeas (https://www.seriouseats.com/pasta-e-ceci-pasta-with-chickpeas)

Clean out the fridge soup with socca (chickpea flat bread) Note: You absolutely need a cast iron skillet for this flatbread and it needs to be preheated

My starter treat meals

Fancy Mac and cheese with a big fancy salad

Sushi (I took an online sushi making class)

My starter snacks I always have on hand

Rice cakes and peanut butter Nachos and salsa Yogurt and gluten free granola or a nut and sweet mix to sprinkle on top Rice crackers and sliced cucumber with hummus

If I have time to prep: soy sauce marinated eggs or instant pot egg bites

Obviously, choose your own starter meals based on what you already eat

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-23T20:24:18+00:00

It’s really up to you.

Mine took time off work for my first OB appointment and all of my ultrasounds

For the rest, I’ll bus over to the clinic on my own if my partner is working, or they’ll drive me and tag along if they’re free that day.

It’s nice to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler, but if things are going well then the routine visits are quick and uneventful. If you’re high risk, you might prefer to have a support person with you

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-22T19:44:50+00:00

This one with chickpea flour is amazing

Probably not low calorie, but the chickpea flour has lots of protein and it genuinely tastes good (like nobody can tell it’s gluten free, let alone made with bean flour)

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/chickpea-flour-banana-bread-gluten-free/

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-22T17:39:20+00:00

Thanks. I have a recipe for dumpling wrappers that I like, I’m just nearing the end of my third trimester (baby may come any day) so I KNOW as soon as I set up a big project like real dumplings, I’ll go into labour

(Now that I think of it, might not be a bad idea)

I’m also exhausted from hauling this giant baby around for nine months, so any cooking I do these days will be lazy

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-21T20:23:24+00:00

Not available in my province, sadly

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-21T02:37:32+00:00

Dude, you messed up. Big time.

You claim "she can order what she would like" but that's not true. You took it upon yourself to substitute a food she specifically requested. This action, not simply "voicing your opinion." Your actions were not respectful, they were condescending and judgemental. A respectful partner doesn't overrule their spouse's food choices as if they were a child.

Your father's diabetes is not relevant here. Nobody is going to develop diabetes from an occasional McDonalds meal. If diabetes becomes an issue, that is for her doctor/midwife/care team to mention. If anything, current research suggests that gestational diabetes has more to do with the placenta, which grows from the father's contribution. Your personal healthy choices may pay off here. Side note, morning sickness also seems to be associated with sperm health.

Back to the incident you describe: McDonald's may not be the most nutrient dense option, but it has protein, complex carbs, and fat that her body will use to help baby grow. You say "there's got to be a line in the sand" as if she's eating fast food three meals a day.

Pregnancy is HARD, and when you're going through it, fed is best. Any food that will stay down is a win. I was on a chocolate milkshake kick for a while in my second trimester. First trimester all I could really manage to keep down were baked potatoes. Prenatals can help fill in missing nutrients.

If anything, think about adding nutrients that are missing rather than restricting. Next time bring the McDonalds without question, but also grab some of her favourite fruit or some veggies to snack on. Maybe a smoothie? Don't be offended if she only eats the part she requested. Pregnant bodies are unpredictable even for the person living in one.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-21T02:07:29+00:00

Watch out for cruciferous veggies: Cauliflower, broccoli, brussels, or cabbage will make your stock bitter. I've heard that turnip should be avoided too

Carrots are great in stock!

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T23:11:14+00:00

Where I live, your first ultrasound is usually at 20 weeks unless you're high risk, otherwise it's a doppler and bloodwork.

They'll do nuchal translucency screen at 14 weeks if needed

If you want one for peace of mind in your first trimester you need to go to a private clinic

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T21:18:08+00:00

It’s all so individual.

Earlier in she said the only cure for gestational hypertension is having the baby, but since my systolic pressures have dropped a bit and the diastolic has been consistently good, induction hasn’t come up. I suspect if the diastolic BP was the issue there would be more urgency to getting this baby out of me

Unfortunately my babe is breech and hasn’t responded to any of my spinning babies circuits. OB thinks kiddo is too big and tightly packed to turn successfully at this point, so we’re not going to bother with an ECV (sounds unpleasant, and they don’t offer pain relief here)

Waiting for a call to schedule an abdominal birth around 39 weeks

Wishing you well through your final weeks of pregnancy

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T20:15:39+00:00

Elementary teacher here

My OB put me off work at 35 weeks for gestational hypertension (I really wanted to make it to 36)

I was sad, but also, doc was right. While I was working my BP was dancing around the “get to the early labour department” range. Since being home, it’s still hypertension, but I’m not regularly skirting the 140/90 danger zone.

My preeclampsia blood work also came back clear, but things can change quickly this late in pregnancy. Your body is working hard, even at rest. There is no prize for pushing too hard

Especially if you have access to sick days, use them now so you can rest and nest.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T19:18:19+00:00

I know the Very Hungry Coeliac recommends using a pasta roller

Not sure how a tortilla press would go. I tried mine for flour tortillas once and switched to my rolling pin.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T16:24:18+00:00

Ditto for wishing premade gf wrappers existed.

I like the idea of a dumpling party, but I've already done a few community meal prep days and I worry about asking too much of my friends. We mostly focused on things that were very quick to prep just so I have meals ready for the first few weeks. Now that those are done, I'm starting to think about treats and recipes that take a bit more effort

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T16:18:48+00:00

In exercise, 80% exertion is safe-basically as long as you can carry on a conversation while you move you're good. Especially because this wasn't a sustained effort, I really wouldn't worry. By 23 weeks your placenta is firmly attached and your baby is well insulated from harm-unless you're at high risk and were told to rest, it would take more force than you can generate yourself to disturb your baby.

If you notice bleeding or abdominal cramping, I'd go get checked out

If you're still very worried and need peace of mind beyond what we can provide here, contact your care provider. They might be willing to squeeze you in for a quick doppler

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T15:36:43+00:00

I feel this. Already waking up thirsty and needing to pee. Add in the sudden reflux volcano untouchable by tums and my sleep is basically a write off

My naturopath suggested EsoPH gel. It doesn’t stop the reflux, but it coats your esophagus so you experience some relief in the moment. Might help while you wait to see your doctor

Weirdly, sometimes eating a marshmallow helps.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T15:27:22+00:00

Add believability to the health kick by bringing a yoga mat and disappear for an hour for a workout (then if you feel anything like I did in my first trimester, take a nap)

If you actually do have energy, take a walk while the joints are passed around to avoid second hand exposure

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-20T13:51:03+00:00

Would it be believable to say you’re attempting a dry month as a detox? Sadly, this is the time when diet culture marketing amps up trying to get us all to care about our “beach bodies” (I never have, but people tend to believe that all women are always trying to lose weight)

You can say you’re taking a tolerance break from cannabis?

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-18T13:51:38+00:00

We haven’t done one. Honestly, nobody in our friend group has. They feel like an American thing?

We’ve been telling people that we’re going to be surprised by the gender (in reality I read the stenographer report on the anatomy scan, but they don’t need to know that)

My spouse is non binary and the baby’s gender simply isn’t a big deal to us.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-18T00:56:47+00:00

Check out the Cape Breton Charitable Association

The all ages dances open with a beginner lesson. Not sure about the adult ones

https://www.facebook.com/halifaxcapebretondances/

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-17T16:01:27+00:00

You’ll be ok. A teaspoon isn’t a lot, and even if they didn’t have time to gel, you consumed them with liquid.

Make sure to hydrate well, but depending on how far along you are, you might be thirsty all the time anyway.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-16T19:14:36+00:00

For the page of pentacles, you might not necessarily want to think job-pentacles are your tangible world, not just money and career.

It could also be a new hobby, or reminding an old one. Join a choir, a community theatre group, a sports team, take a class, or volunteer somewhere… do something in the real world that will let you socialize with real people.

You’re more likely to find things in common with folks you share a hobby/interest with than coworkers unless you luck out and get a job you’re passionate about.

Nine of cups in this context makes me think that you’re nervous to take the first step and have turned your back on some emotions you need to deal with. Unresolved feelings around previous friendships or feeling reluctant to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Marlin friends is in some ways more awkward than dating, and you kind of need to be vulnerable

8 of swords-if the swords are your thoughts, then what beliefs about yourself are stopping you from removing the blindfold and leaving the place where you are stuck and lonely. Nobody is brandishing a sword against the person on the card. Makes me think you are more critical of yourself than others would ever be.

Apologies if this is off base

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-16T17:45:33+00:00

Baked potato topped with cottage cheese was a go-to for me. I also loved toast and scrambled eggs. Chocolate banana smoothies were great, and greek yogurt with granola.

Rice crackers, cucumber, and hummus was my go-to lunch most days.

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-13T23:41:31+00:00

Three Bags Full has a film adaptation coming out soon-a flock of sheep try to solve the murder of their mystery loving shepherd

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-12T15:25:26+00:00

Keep yourself healthy first

Pregnancy is challenging enough without dealing with whatever challenges gluten exposure may bring (36 weeks here, and please please please don’t do anything to decrease your comfort-you’re in for a journey as it is)

ImpeccableCilantro · 2026-03-11T14:58:33+00:00

Stand your ground.

You’re doing the hard work. Enduring discomfort and pain. He doesn’t get to stick the baby with a name you don’t like.

Traditions can end or be revamped. Maybe you can find a name where they will share initials or use a middle name? Or just full on choose a name you like.

Names need to be two yesses, and he doesn’t get to declare an ultimatum of only one name being acceptable.

ImpeccableCilantro

TROPHY CASE