In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month here are four gluten free facts.
one. The learning curve is high. It took me quite a bit of time after Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease to discover what was gluten free and to reinvent our favorites with gluten free ingredients. I love to cook and bake so I’ve taken time to figure out how to make almost everything we used to love gluten free. If you’re going to eat gluten free expect that it will be frustrating in the beginning. Our world is gluten saturated – so give yourself grace as you begin to navigate this new diet. Gradually, eating gluten free will simply become the new normal.
two. You will talk about gluten free a great deal. Living gluten free is something that I probably talk about everyday especially since Samuel cannot voice that he cannot ever eat gluten as firmly as I can. As he gets older this will just be part of his reality – verifying gluten free items when he goes out to eat, bringing food, not using playdough, etc… Develop an elevator pitch to why you’re gluten free. I have a 30 second blip that I can tell people about Celiac Disease and why Samuel cannot eat gluten. Most times people ask for more information, but I have this so that I can quickly, concisely, and firmly explain his diet. Work on this – you’ll find it beneficial.
three. Find support. There are numerous blogs, communities, and support groups out there. We’re part of ROCK – Raising Our Celiac Kids – as I think it will be beneficial for Samuel to interact with other kids that have Celiac Disease as he grows up. I also am a leader on the Udi’s Gluten Free Community. I truly love the time that I get to spend over there discussing community, gluten free options, gluten free struggles, and gluten free recipes. It’s an amazing network full of information. Finally, check out the many gluten free blogs out there – and learn and interact. You are not alone!
four. Remember the changes. There have been a couple times in the past weeks where I’ve been frustrated about the lack of food options for Samuel. Well, really, it’s been on those nights when I wanted to order take out pizza {and I ended up doing that and purchasing an Udi’s Gluten Free 3 Cheese Pizza for Samuel and myself} or when I do that aimless walk through Target at 5:30 pm when I have no idea what to eat. Those times are frustrating. But, often, then I remember what it was like when we didn’t know that Samuel had Celiac Disease. I look back at pictures and see a little boy who was starving even though he was eating. Is eating gluten free a challenge? Absolutely yes. But, the benefits are truly amazing and in our case, life changing.
A note of disclosure: I’m not a doctor, I’m a mom with first hand experience with Celiac Disease and living gluten free with a heart to share our journey.
Make sure to connect with me over on the Udi’s Gluten Free Community Board – and ask your gluten free questions – and I’ll try {or one of the many wonderful leaders} will try to answer.
And if you’ve got a question – like what I eat when I travel or where I shop for food – ask away below. I’ll try to get to you or I’ll steer you in the right direction. Thanks!
9 comments
I’ve been gluten free less than a year, and it is frustrating not having any quick options when it comes time to eat. Thanks for the well-articulated post.
We just started gluten free for my oldest daughter. After reading extensively on my own, I’ve discovered my daughters eczema is coming from a gluten sensitivity. Thanks for all your information, it is very helpful!
My daughter is gluten-free, though not from celiac–it seems to affect her behavior if she ingests it. She’s also allergic to dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts, so options are pretty limited. Subway used to have a GF bun, and then they discontinued it–what a disappointment! It’s really hard to find quick bites. We often end up in the supermarket grabbing a cold can of soup. (Most have gluten or dairy, but one or two just have soy.)
I know it’s so very hard having to deal with celiac but I keep thinking of all the people you’re helping because of this. You’re probably helping people you don’t even know!
Lifting up prayers right now!
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
My email address
I’m curious as to why playdoh is out? My son has a gluten sensitivity (recently connected the dots) and we’re testing for celiac in about a week. I wouldn’t have thought to watch out for playdoh though
I think the biggest challenge for me is when I crave gluten filled items. And just can not seem to make the substitute as good as the “real” stuff. I have explained Celiac to more people in the last week, than I have in the last few months since my son was diagnosed.
Playdough is made with wheat flour. A child plays with it {or some eat it} and it gets on their hands and then it get in their mouth. I don’t know if this is new or not but I noticed that Playdough and Fundough {is that the name for the Fisher Price stuff} say very clearly on the package – CONTAINS WHEAT.
That one surprised me when Samuel was first diagnosed. There are gluten free doughs that we can purchase if needed.
~Rachel
Having been totally gluten and casein (milk protein) free (for my oldest two) for 11 years, I can say that this is a very good list. All so true.
From one celiac mom to another … thank you! You rock, Rachel!