Starting a gluten free diet can feel overwhelming at first. Believe me, I’ve been there. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in my late-20’s and it turned my world upside down. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Registered Dietitians or medical professionals who are knowledgeable about the nuances of living with celiac disease.
My specialty lies in food. I’ve worked many years as a sushi chef and culinary instructor (so if you didn’t notice already, I love talking about food!) When I was diagnosed, it felt as though I almost had to re-learn how to cook for myself. What I found to be even more challenging, was that it was difficult to eat foods that other people had cooked for me (especially when they have no idea about cross-contact).
A gluten free diet is the only cure for Celiac Disease, so learning how to cook and eat safely is a must. The good news is that I am sharing all my tips, tricks, and mishaps (yes there were many!) with you so that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You’re in the right place!
Gluten-Free Tip #1: You Are Not Alone
Take a deep breath. The changes that you want to see aren’t going to happen overnight, but don’t get discouraged. You wouldn’t try to run a marathon without training first right? The same thing applies for transitioning into a gluten free lifestyle. It takes time, but you are not alone. The celiac community is growing, and there is a ton of support within the community to help each other succeed!
- Gluten Free Cooking Classes: Laulima Kitchen
- Gluten Free Travel: Wheatless Wanderlust, The Nomadic Fitz
- Gluten Free Associations: Beyond Celiac, Celiac Disease Foundation, National Celiac Association,
- Gluten Free Support Groups: Gluten Intolerance Group, Check for Local Facebook Groups in Your City
- Gluten Free Financial Assistance: Cutting Costs for Celiacs, GF Food Pantries,
Gluten Free Tip #2: Stick to Naturally GF Until You Learn to Read Food Labels
Fear not! With a little time, you’ll be able to read a food label like a PRO and know what foods are (and aren’t) safe to eat. Until then, I recommend sticking to naturally gluten free foods. It might require a little more planning, but keeping things simple in the beginning while you adjust is very helpful. Sticking to whole foods will lessen your chance of accidentally eating (hidden) gluten, and also help your body heal. My gluten-free recipes are easy to make and use naturally gluten-free ingredients (plus no one will know that they are gluten free!)
Gluten Free Tip #3: Gluten Free ≠ Celiac Safe
Learning about cross contact is very important for those with Celiac Disease. Cross contact is when a gluten free food comes into physical contact with a gluten-containing food and it is no longer celiac-safe. Cross contact can come from using shared kitchen tools (toasters, pasta strainers, and cast iron pans), during processing, and in restaurants! Sign up for my email list, and I’ll send you my FREE guide on 10 Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Celiac Safe.