Gluten Free Lifestyle

There are many reasons why one chooses to live a Gluten Free Lifestyle, for us it is because it is the only way to manage a disease that has no cure. A Gluten Free Lifestyle is no different than any other lifestyle someone chooses to adapt to EXCEPT we have to adapt to it in order to have a happy, healthy and long life. First and foremost, do not go into this journey thinking you are converting to a Gluten Free diet, that is completely the wrong mindset. A diet is temporary and we are doing anything but temporary. We are conforming to a Lifestyle change to better us and possibly those around us forever!

We have so many Gluten Free options today, it is indeed a great time to be Gluten Free. We can go to the grocery store and buy almost anything we want because there are Gluten Free substitutes available in most stores. Some stores are better than others and vary depending on the demand in that region. I have been to one branded store and they have all kinds of Gluten Free options, then go to the same branded store in a different town and they have NONE. Restaurants and Fast Food Chains still create a issue for us, but there are ways around this too! These are things I can and will consult you on. We will not be trapped in our homes, excluded from events and not be social with our friends and families. We will not be left out!

Interesting Facts:

• 4 stages of Celiac Disease (the degree of damage before diagnosis)
• Wheat Allergy is not the same thing (you can have Gluten Free bread that says "Contains Wheat" if you do not ALSO have a wheat allergy)
• Silent (asymptomatic) Celiac Disease - sufferers do not have many outward systems but the damage is still just as serious and critical
• Food labeling that says "Shared Lines" means much more to us than "Shared Facility". A facility is the size of a football field, perspective is key!

Helpful Websites:

• celiac.org
• beyondCeliac.org
• findMeGlutenFree.com
• gluten.org
• nationalCeliac.org
• allergyHome.org
• cureCeliacDisease.org