About Me

Laura Waldo planned a hiatus from her professional career when her son was born.  She wanted to stay at home to provide him a healthy start, but her plans of retuning to the work force soon changed.  Her son was ill, but the diagnosis eluded Pediatricians and Specialists.  Laura searched for answers and a friend suggested that gluten may be the culprit.  Laura contacted family members and soon learned that several relatives suffered from a form of gluten intolerance known as Celiac Disease.  Celiac is a genetic auto-immune disorder that prevents the proper absorption of nutrients from foods, and can lead to multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  Laura focused her attention on learning as much as she could about Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivities to heal her son.  She requested that her son be tested for Celiac Disease by his Pediatrician, but she flatly refused saying the disease was too rare (a misconception among many in the medical community).  Following her “Mommy-Gut”, Laura removed gluten from the family’s diet; the improvement was dramatic for all of them.  Laura then learned about genetic testing, and the results were conclusive the family had Celiac Disease.  Unfortunately, the damage her son had sustained from ingesting gluten for more than 3 years was extensive; affecting his Thyroid, Heart, and Adrenal function.  He was also suffering from Neurological side effects, which disrupted his balance, coordination and speech.  Doctor after Doctor sent him home saying there was nothing they could do to help, he probably would not survive.

A move to the Shenandoah Valley ended up being a miracle in disguise.  Laura was introduced to Weston A. Price, a nonprofit Foundation that is dedicated to teaching the benefits of nutrient dense foods.  Laura was inspired and mentored by lifestyle coaches, real food chefs, local farmers and Doctors who understood her son’s illness.  These people challenged her to focus her attention on healing her family through nutrient dense foods.   Determined to heal her son she went back to her roots, cooking as her Mother did when she was a child; implementing traditional cooking techniques, and making all foods from scratch.  There have been challenges along the way, but her son is healing.

While her journey is far from over, this “Mother in the Trenches” now spends her time home schooling her son, and sharing her knowledge with others through lectures, cooking classes,  a facebook page (Living Gluten and Grain Free) and her blog (http://livingglutenandgrainfree.com).

Facebook Comments

7 responses to About Me


  1. AnnMarie Deis

    I found your website while doing a search for “coconut milk Twinkie filling.” :) However, the link appears to be broken because I am unable to view it. Would you be able to post the recipe? Please and thank you!!!

    AnnMarie :)

  2. Kathleen Hall

    Hi Laura,

    I am excited to be coming to your class on Sunday. I do need your address.

    Kathleen Hall

  3. Cristina

    Hi Laura,

    I stumbled upon your site after searching for Cappello’s pasta. I know so few people who are grain free like me and I’m delighted to see your blog. I moved to Colorado just 2 months ago from Boston and found Cappello’s in a local store here. It’s so UNBELIEVABLY GOOD! My husband and I have had the gnocchi and the fettucini and now he is breathing down my neck to make lasagna, so we will call the stores that sell Cappello’s (listed on their website) and see if anyone carries it. And if not, we’ll order from them directly. I’m so glad you and your family stumbled upon this company and I’m just so grateful that Cappello’s exists and that they’ve managed to make such a terrific pasta substitute.

    Best,

    Cristina

    • Laura

      Cristina, I am certainly glad that we have also found the incredible Capello’s Pasta. The company seems to distribute to many places and farmers market in Colorado, so you should be able to find the Lasagna at one of the stores. I know that you are probably still learning your way around Colorado, so if you need help locating the Lasagna I am sure Capello’s would be happy to direct you to the location nearest to you. I’m working on a healthy and easy Lasagna recipe and should have that posted soon. My experience in Colorado was phenomenal, and I hope you and your husband enjoy being there. Once you learn the lay of the land I am sure you will find there are many more people who are grain free in the beautiful State of Colorado. Be Well and stay tuned for more recipes including those made with our favorite….Capello’s Pasta!

  4. Hi Laura,
    We love your blog and have found you very inspiring. We’ve included you on our blog roll and think you’re fantastic. Meredith + Margaret, Plate It Safe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>