Gluten Free Monthly Favorites: Eating Out Gluten Free in Colorado, Dating with Chronic Illness and More!

Hi there...it's been a hot minute, hasn't it? And since a lot has changed in the life of Casey the College Celiac, I thought I'd share an update about what it's like living and eating gluten free in Colorado, dating with chronic illness, working a full-time job and much more! 

Plus, since last month was Celiac Awareness Month, I'll also be sharing some of my favorite gluten free eats and products and exciting things to watch out for this June. (Hint: if you love gluten free giveaways, you're gonna want to follow me on Insta at collegeceliackc).

What I’m Eating:

More adventurous Colorado local eats - such as elk burgers and grilled salmon. I also tried mussels for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by how yummy they were and how easy they were to make. 

Some ammmazing gluten free baked goods. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I've been BIG into baking ever since I got settled into my new place. Some of my latest healthy treats have included cookie dough banana bread…suppper fudgy brownies made with dairy free yogurt…and oat-free oatmeal cookies with a molten chocolate center! 

All the gluten free sushi! If you're looking to eat gluten free in Colorado Springs, I can't recommend Dozo Sushi enough. They have gluten free options marked clearly in the menu, and can provide gluten free soy sauce. I've gotten the salmon and cucumber rolls so far, and both were fresh, large servings and relatively inexpensive. I've eaten at Dozo Sushi weekly for several weeks in a row now because it is such an easy place to eat gluten free with friends.

Some new-to-me and some go-to gluten free brands (some gifted), including:

- Wilde Chips, which are actually high protein thanks to ingredients like chicken and pork! I was SUPER skeptical when I won these in a giveaway, but they are insanely crispy and I’d never guess that they contain meat! 

- Undercover Snacks, which are chocolatey cookies made of quinoa and other yummy ingredients. Nut free and addictive! 

- Allllll the Coconut Bliss ice cream. As I shared in my last post, I used their new Soft Serve Mix to make my own homemade ice cream but I also love their pre-made pints.   

- D'vash Organic's new Superfood bites (basically, chocolate-covered date bars - YUM) and energy bars. I'm a huge date fan, so I'm eating at least one of these a day.

- Tons of pizza! Banza released their chickpea-based, pre-made pizza crusts last year and I’ve recently become OBSESSED! The texture is fluffy yet crispy around the edges, and these are definitely one of my favorite gluten free and vegan pizza crusts available.  

And of course, expect more yummy eats to be covered on the blog soon!

What I’m Doing/Loving:

Exploring the world of dating! Earlier this year, I left a long-term relationship and after getting settled in Colorado, I decided to try dating apps for the first time. To say it’s been an adventure is an understatement, and part of that adventure has been navigating chronic illness and dating. I’ll write an updated full blog post on the topic soon, but a few key pieces of advice I’d offer so far are:

• If you’re using dating apps or have to write a bio, don’t be afraid to mention that you’re gluten free (or anything else you’re comfortable sharing right away). 
• Dates - especially early ones - don’t need to revolve around food. Take imitative and suggest other options like going for a walk, meeting up for coffee, etc. 
• You’re not going to click with everyone - for various reasons. And the people who have true potential as partners will be able to handle whatever medical quirks your body throws at them. 

Hanging out with my folks' pups. I've been spoiled by being able to visit these cute dogs without having to live with them...and expect to see plenty more of them on the blog!

Working a new role at Real Good Foods. As of last month, I officially moved from Community Manager to Senior Content Manager, and I’m enjoying all the new opportunities and challenges that come with it! I honestly am extremely grateful to be working for such an amazing company and brand, and if you want even more content from me, be sure to check out Real Good Food’s social media accounts. 

Enjoying returning to some of my favorite pre-Covid activities, like thrifting and going to the gym! One fun fact you all may not know about me is that I LOVE thrifting and very rarely buy clothes brand new. As for the gym…as someone who works remotely, being able to get out and be surrounded by people is always a nice change. As is a good, sweaty workout! 

What I’m Planning: 

Traveling to Los Angeles for work later this month! My job is remote, but our entire team is meeting up for a Summit later this month in LA. Since I only moved from LA two months ago, I’m not dying to go back but it will be fun to explore downtown LA and hang out with my amazing coworkers. And I’m quite sure that plenty of delicious gluten free food is going to go down, so keep an eye out!

Continuing to meet more people and explore more of Colorado Springs. So far, I’m really enjoying Stratton Open Space and the Garden of the Gods, as the name suggests, was stunning. I’m also loving the Principal’s Office, which is a coffee house and bar that is in an old schoolhouse (along with several other small businesses). 

Trying out more of the gluten free restaurants in Colorado Springs is also on my to-do list. A new 100% gluten free restaurant called Homemade To Go recently opened up that has gluten free fried chicken, gluten free cupcakes and much more, so I can’t wait to try it out! 

Monthly Favorites: My First Two Months Living in Colorado Springs 

Over the last few months, I've had a LOT of life changes. It's been scary and overwhelming and exciting and exhausting all at the same time, and I'm still working on finding my flow. But I do know that right now, I feel at home. I feel optimistic about how the next month is going to go, from the gluten free eats I'm going to try to the adventures I know will come my way - from work and otherwise.

And if you want to be one of the first to learn about my latest yummy gluten free recipe or funny truths about dating with chronic illness, be sure to follow me on Instagram! I'm most active over there and also regularly hold some amazing giveaways for free gluten free stuff.

And as always...my Insta DMs are open, and I always love hearing from y'all!

What's something fun about what you're eating or doing this month? Or what's some fun plans you have coming up? I'd love to hear!