My mission with this page is to give you a bit of background on my lifestyle, a peek into my philosophy and how I create for my blog and my life.
Is your blog gluten-free because you have Celiac Disease?
Yes. I have Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed in 2006 and have been gluten-free ever since.
What kind of diet do you follow?
I follow a healthy and clean gluten-free diet, which also happens to exclude all dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, most seeds, and any other food sensitivities I have currently, which are well over 15. I enjoy lots of whole foods. I eat minimal sugar for health reasons. I eat a lot of plants and adore making plant-based treats, but I am not a vegetarian or a vegan. I have a love for plant-based yumminess and real ingredients. I also do not focus on calories. I prefer to focus on real ingredients, wholesome foods 80 percent of the time, leaving the last 20 percent for indulgences.
Are you a Vegan or a Vegetarian?
No. I have veganism, but it didn't work for me.
You use the term "Clean Eating" a lot. What does that mean?
"Clean Eating" means eating foods that are minimally processed. Staying away from packaged food you would find at your local gas station, CVS, or the middle section of the supermarket. It also means reading ingredient labels and choosing foods at best with 1 ingredient, and if having minimally processed products, sticking with 3-5 ingredients or less that you can actually pronounce. It also means eliminating processed sugars like cane sugar and brown sugar and using more natural forms of sugar. It means sticking with organic or grass-fed meat, poultry, and cage-free eggs that are hormone and antibiotic-free. If you are having dairy, stick with the best quality possible.
You use the term "refined sugar-free" a lot. What does that mean?
It means non-processed sugars. It means no white cane sugar and no brown sugar. Refined sugar-free means using a selection of more natural sugars that actually have nutritional benefits, like pure maple syrup, stevia, raw honey, brown rice syrup, and many others. If you are more curious about this, check out my Kitchen & Baking FAQ, where I go into more detail.
Do you have any food allergies?
Yes. I am allergic to shrimp (but not other shellfish), eggplant & ginger. You will not find any recipes on my blog using any of these ingredients.
Do you have any food sensitivities?
I SURE DO! There are so many, it's why my recipes are so creative. In 2014, I developed well over 30 food sensitivities. To this day, I still have many.
I am currently sensitive to: Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Radishes, Broccoli, Eggs, Raspberries, Strawberries, Pineapple, Rice, dairy, Sesame Seeds, Lavender, Pumpkin Seeds, Green String Beans, Kidney Beans, Curry, Asparagus, Fennel, Onions, Chickpeas, and others.
Do you take all of your own photos?
Yes, for all of my recipes! However, I do occasionally use lifestyle photos from Shutterstock that I buy and then own for some of my lifestyle posts.
What kind of camera do you use?
Currently, I shoot with my iPhone 13. Crazy, but my pictures come out amazing! You need a good eye, the inspiration to learn, and an ebook or course in iPhone photography.
Do you ever work with brands or companies?
Yes! I LOVE working with brands I use on the regular to develop recipes and try out new and awesome products that align with my lifestyle. All of my opinions are always genuine, and I will not write about something I don't like or believe in.
Can I post one of your recipes on my own blog? And can I use your photos?
Recipes?
Linking is appreciated as long as credit is given. If you are doing a round-up post you may use one photo.
I do not allow republication of my post or recipe text without prior consent. There are also copyright issues with this. I spend hours and hours developing my recipes, photographing and writing my posts, and therefore would not want them shared in other spaces without my prior consent. However, Linking is appreciated.
Photos without recipes - Sure! You can use ONE photo! Thanks for sharing the love!! But please properly credit the photos with two links, one back to the recipe post and one back to my site, goodiegoodieglutenfree (dot) com.
Where did you receive your nutrition training?
I received my training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2013 and also in 2015 from their graduate business program. In 2021, I became a certified holistic nutritionist and re-certified in 2024. If you have any questions about IIN, please visit my Become a Health Coach page
Where did you receive your spiritual training?
I received my Spiritual Coach Training from Gabrielle Bernstein and completed her Level 1 Masterclass and Level 2 Masterclass. In addition, I also trained under Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine as a Certified Angel Card Reader, as well as Radleigh Valentine for the Certified Angel Tarot Reader Certification. I completed a small course in Tapping from Gala Darling. All programs were life-changing.
Where did you receive your undergraduate degree?
Syracuse University with a major in Fashion Design & Photography.
Didn't you use to be on blogspot.com?
Yes. I first blogged under the name goodiegoodieglutenfree. blogspot (dot) com. The difference in the name was the dash between the gluten and the free, as well as the content direction. I focused mostly on processed gluten-free goodies, sugar, and restaurant reviews. I rarely developed my own recipes, and I rarely blogged about healthy living. In the early 2000's I gave my site and moved to WordPress. Oh, and I added a (dot) com to my site. I probably should have changed the name to match my new perspective, but I loved my blog name so much, and I felt it was such a huge part of my identity that I kept it.
Is there an easier way to see your recipes and articles?
Yes! You can simply subscribe to my Newsletter and get my recipes and articles straight to your email inbox, spam-free, twice a month! Plus insider goodies!
Are you on Pinterest?
I sure am! My profile name on Pinterest is Goodiegoodieglutenfree.
You can also follow me on Facebook, X, TikTok, or my favorite social media, Instagram.
Can I ask you a question not addressed here?
Of course! Comment below or send me an email. My email is goodiegoodieglutenfree (at) gmail (dot) com. You can address all questions to me (Julie). I love to create a community so you can always comment on the blog under a post, so that others who may have your question see it too.