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I am writing to welcome you back to Coeliac New Zealand for 2024 and hope that the year has started well for you. I hope that you too have been enjoying some of this glorious summer we have been experiencing, making the most of the long days and balmy nights to enjoy good food with good friends and whanau. You may have seen a lot of red and gold around recently, Saturday the 10th of February was the Chinese New Year festival celebrations, and this year is the year of the dragon. Every 12 years we will each have a zodiac sign that matches our own. Dragon this year, Snake next year, Horse in 2026, Goat in 2027, then Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, and finally the Rabbit which was last year.  Do you know your sign? Some of our volunteers coordinated cooking demonstrations to coincide with the new year using some of our CGL partners, Lee Kum Kee’s sauces too, check the newsletter for details.

Those of you who were newly diagnosed had the opportunity to attend the online workshop put on by our Dietary Education Manager, registered dietitian Suzanne Aitken.  Let us know what other types of workshops you would like Suzanne to present online, and we can see where the interest lies. Email dem@coeliac.org.nz

We have a full year ahead and are busy planning our Coeliac Awareness Week activities.  Keep an eye on our newsletters and our Coeliac Link magazine which will be sent out in mid-May for more details about this. You may also be interested in attending one of the baking demonstrations being hosted by one of our members and the owner of the Alternative Bread company that produces a range of Crossed Grain Logo-accredited bread mixes and more.

Once again, thank you for being a member of Coeliac New Zealand, if you know anyone else recently diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance encourage them to join too. Once diagnosed with coeliac disease it is important you have up-to-date information and resources to help you on your journey. By becoming a member of Coeliac New Zealand, you receive a welcome pack containing a useful wellbeing journal that includes tips, step-by-step plans, healthy eating habits, recipes, mental and physical health information, and space for you to write and reflect on your thoughts, wellness, day-to-day achievements and challenges! You also get access to the members’ only section on the website, regular e-newsletters, and our twice-yearly Coeliac Link magazine. You get tips on making your gluten-free journey more manageable and information on gluten-free shopping. There are also support groups in many regions and you become part of a supportive community to help you on your journey towards thriving and living your best coeliac life.

All the best for the year ahead,
Wendy Bremner

March 8 is International Women’s Day.  This global celebration is over a century old, having first been held in 1911.  The theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion – when we inspire others and value women’s inclusion, we build a better world.

Through inspiring inclusivity for women, we can help grow a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and empowerment.    Everyone everywhere can inspire inclusion for the women in their lives, or for the women they have never met.   Embracing our diversity – including age, race, ability, body image are all aspects that we can inspire inclusivity.  For more information on how you and your workplace can support International Women’s Day – visit the website.

With a spotlight on women, we can take the opportunity to highlight our health needs and prioritise time to ensure we are keeping on top of our screenings, checks and requirements.   Throughout our lifespan, women have different needs and requirements than our male counterparts.  Puberty, childbearing, and menopause are just a few of the major events that require specific needs to sustain us through these periods.  Find out more about these requirements here or see your health professional for individual advice and support.

So when March 8 rolls around this year, remember to take the time to turn to the women in your life – whether it be at work or home, acknowledge the contribution that they make to your world.

Thanks to all the women who inspire me.  #InspireInclusion

 

The Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days, the festival stretches from the new moon on New Year’s Day (starting on the 10th of February 2024) until the full moon on the Lantern Festival. There are lots of Chinese New Year events happening across New Zealand to usher in the Year of the Dragon and with a bit of careful planning and awareness, you can still enjoy a delicious and fulfilling gluten-free celebration while managing coeliac disease.

These tips should help you stay safe and enjoy the authentic taste of Chinese dishes when eating out or ordering takeaways this Chinese New Year.

  1.  Educate yourself: stay informed about hidden sources of gluten particularly in processed foods. Be wary of cross-contamination in kitchen utensils, cooking surfaces, fryers, and woks.
  2.  Plan ahead: Before visiting a Chinese restaurant or ordering takeaways, it’s important to do some research. Look up those in your area that offer gluten-free options or cater to dietary restrictions. Reading reviews and checking menus online can help you find restaurants and takeaways that are more likely to accommodate your needs.
  3.  Communicate with staff: Once you arrive, do not hesitate to communicate your dietary needs to the staff. Inform them that you have coeliac disease and need a gluten-free meal. They may be able to provide you with a separate gluten-free menu or guide you towards coeliac safe options.
  4.  Examine menu descriptions: When navigating Chinese menus, it is crucial to carefully read the descriptions of dishes. Look for any indications of gluten-containing ingredients such as soy sauce (other than tamari), wheat-based noodles, or mock meats. Dishes described as “fried” or “crispy” are more likely to contain gluten and are best avoided.
  5.  Stick to gluten-free staples: Certain Chinese dishes are naturally gluten-free and can be a safe option for those with coeliac disease. Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and grilled or steamed meats are generally gluten-free. Opt for these staples and ask for sauces and seasonings on the side to ensure they are gluten-free.

Foods to avoid

  1.  Join a support group: connecting with others who have coeliac disease can provide valuable support, tips, and restaurant recommendations too.

Does soy sauce contain gluten?

Yes, traditional soy sauce contains gluten. Soy sauce is typically made from soybeans, wheat, water, and salt. The wheat component makes it unsuitable for people with coeliac disease. However, there are gluten-free soy sauce alternatives available, such as tamari sauce, which is made without wheat and is safe for those following a gluten-free diet.

Does teriyaki sauce contain gluten?

Traditional teriyaki sauce contains gluten because it is made with soy sauce, which typically includes wheat as one of its ingredients. However, gluten-free versions of teriyaki sauce are available, using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. Always check the label or inquire about the ingredients to ensure it is gluten-free.

Following a gluten-free diet does not mean you have to miss out on having Chinese food! However, remember to be vigilant as living with coeliac disease requires careful attention to your diet to avoid gluten-containing foods that can trigger symptoms and damage your intestines. Finding a place that offers dedicated gluten-free dishes and has an awareness of cross-contamination is important.

Encourage restaurants and takeaways you visit to get their staff trained on the Coeliac NZ Gluten Free Food Safety Training. Find out more about this at Gluten Free Food Safety Training Certificate - Coeliac New Zealand

 

 

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