With an estimated 75 per cent of Australians with Coeliac disease remaining undiagnosed, spreading awareness about this illness has never been more important, according to Gluten Free Grain Free cookbook author Tania Hubbard.
Having been diagnosed with the disease herself several years ago and speaking in the lead up to Coeliac Awareness Week from 13 – 20 March 2012, Tania knows only too well how critical it is to increase the public understanding of the disease.
Self-confessed foodie and Sunshine Coast Café owner, Tania said she believed that is was vital for people to listen to their bodies and if they believed they were suffering with Coeliac Disease to visit their GP.
“It is an easily manageable disease and with timely diagnosis and a healthy gluten free diet, you can prevent and even reverse many of the problems that accompany the illness,” Tania said.
After spending the most part of her life ‘door-hopping’ from doctor to doctor trying to find the cause of her ongoing migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia, Tania was diagnosed in 2003 with an intolerance to a protein found in grains.
“Since I was diagnosed, my life has changed dramatically. I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.
According to the Coeliac Society of Australia, Coeliac Disease affects 1 in every 100 Australians, not including those with wheat and grain intolerances, and a further 160,000 remain undiagnosed.
Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to write her own cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love.
“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.
Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.
“My cookbook is all about helping people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living,” Tania said.
“My food isn’t just for Coeliacs and those with grain intolerances, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.
“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.
Tania will also be appearing at the Gluten Free Food Expo from 11 – 12 May at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane, where she will be doing a cooking demonstration that focuses on ‘Vegetarian Gluten Free on a Budget’.
gluten free grain free – food we love is available for purchase from Husk & Honey Café in Nambour, Queensland and retails at $37.50. It is also available online at www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au where you will also find information about Tania, Husk & Honey and the bake@home range.
