Tonight at Whole Foods Market in Kahului Elizabeth Kaplan, owner and chef, from The Pure Pantry gave a mini-lecture on the gluten-free diet as well as on eating organic and more healthful food. The meeting had to be held directly under a noisy fan and music, so it was a little difficult for some people to hear everything but I believe Elizabeth did a wonderful job handling the situation. She delivered a brief, but detailed, interactive talk story with the audience on what she went through finding out that she has celiac disease, what it’s like for her having kids with celiac disease and multiple food allergies, plus she answered all of the questions people had.

There was a wide range of people there from all walks of life, which showed just how many people celiac disease touches. Many of the ladies were mothers looking for ways to take care of their children on a gluten-free diet. Some had children with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, while others had children with ADHD. There was an older couple looking for new ways to take care of themselves, and my friend tagged along with me even though she isn’t gluten-free. I think she found it a learning experience that will be useful in the future since she is working toward a medical degree.

And, then there was yours truly. I was there to find out what was being taught and to connect with people here on Maui who need to have support.
I offered to organize a support group for those with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet. I believe having support when you’re just starting out, or even later down the road when you need someone to commiserate with, is very important. I had to rely on the internet when I started out, and that makes me a very lucky girl. There are so many people who walked this path before me who did it all alone. But, I think that having someone right there in front of you can be powerful.

In addition to the lecture, Elizabeth Kaplan shared some of her gluten-free bread and chocolate chip cookies made from her mixes. Boy, were they delicious! I could have eaten every single cookie by myself. I would have liked a little more banana flavor in the banana bread, but it was light and moist which gives it some serious thumbs up. My gluten eating companion thought it was delightful and also couldn’t stop eating the cookies.

Elizabeth then took us all around on a tour of the store and pointed out gluten free products for people to see and become familiar with. She didn’t just toot her own company’s horn either. She pointed out brands she likes, and promoted the brands with whole grains and less sugar. But, as we all know here at Gluten Free Maui, everything in moderation including moderation. It’s okay to have a little indulgence, especially on special occasions. Just don’t make every day a special occasion.

Ms. Kaplan pointed out that in California her products sell for around $6.00(US), but here on Maui they are selling for closer to $9.00(US). That’s a bit high for me, but for the taste and convenience it could definitely be worth it. If you can try it at least once I think it’s a good idea, and I always promote sponsoring gluten-free brands and the small business person.

So, I just want to give out a hearty thank you to all who attended and especially to Elizabeth Kaplan for taking the time to come share with all of us here on Maui. This may be a catalyst toward connecting the gluten free community on Maui and to getting changes made in our food industry.

Mahalo!