Raleigh CSA Support Group 2-19-09 Meeting Recap

Special thanks to Gail for taking meeting minutes during the last North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting on 2-19-2009. Below is a recap for those of you that could not make the meeting.

North Raleigh Celiac Support Group
CSA Chapter 108
February 19 2009 7:00-9:00 PM
Rex Hospital Private Dining Room

The meeting was very well attended, most likely one of the largest ever at Rex. New members introduced themselves. It was great to hear one of them say, "My body is running much more smoothly!"

Group leader Pat Berger had a follow-up to last month's question on soy protein's impact on men and thyroid hormones. Shelly Wegman, the RD who spoke to the group in January, did some research but could find nothing to indicate a negative impact on either, but again stressed "as with all things, it is best to use soy in moderation and to make sure there is a variety of protein sources in the diet." She did say there is currently much research being conducted regarding soy and women's health.

The fact that the Wake County Library is a great source of GF cookbooks was mentioned, but magazines are another question. A new GF magazine, Delight, is being launched. Several group members already receive two existing publications: Living Without (multiple allergies) and Gluten Free Living (limited to Celiac disease) Members will bring in past issues for the group to review at upcoming meetings.

Pat discussed new research between Diabetes and Celiac and further evidence of the importance of adhering to a strict GF diet. Several group members shared that Diabetes control is now an issue for them in addition to remaining GF. Other general conversation on GF cooking was discussed as well as a recommendation for a new cookbook: Gluten-Free Baking with The Culinary Institute of America, Richard J. Coppedge Jr. However, we need a source for GF soy flour. Can anyone help?

Zach discussed the NFCA's GREAT program and the goal is to get local restaurants, hospitals, etc... to participate.

The meeting closed with a wonderful presentation and tasting from Bella Monica Italian Restaurant. Chicken, pasta and vino a la Nana's kitchen! Wonderful! Trevor Chambers - founder of Bella Monica Flatbread Company - was present along with Corbett Monica - owner/chef of Bella Monica Italian Restaurant. The two discussed the pizza product as well as the brand new menu offered by the restaurant. They both encouraged as much feedback as possible on both items. See posts from this blog about Bella Monica here

The next meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2009 with a guest speaker, Registered Pharmacist, Nancy Mentzel.

Submitted by,
Gail Harris