Ryan Seacrest, You’ve Made a Mad Woman of Me
I logged into Twitter today and saw this beauty courtesy of Gluten Dude.
In no way do I "own" gluten-free, but when people throw the term around like they’re about to endure some miracle procedure, it makes me LIVID. I have a private temper tantrum in my head—feet stomping and colorful words included.
Why do Ryan Seacrest and other fadsters get me so agitated when they "try" gluten free? Well, for one, there is no “try” for celiacs. It is what it is, and we must maintain a STRICT gluten-free diet. We can’t just decide to live on the wild side and indulge a little bit. It’s more serious than these people care to understand.
Because this “star” with 8,528,668 Twitter followers decided to try gluten free for half a second, he has inadvertently set the ball rolling backwards for us by hindering any progress that has been made regarding understanding and safety. Thanks, man!
Did he even end up trying anything gluten free? Most likely not. Well, maybe he had a sip of water.
Moments like this make eating at a restaurant so freaking risky! Maybe I’m presented with a waitress who "gets it" because she’s avoiding wheat for her figure. Or what about the chef who’s had one too many people order a gluten-free meal and then request a side of bread? Danger.
What Ryan Seacrest probably doesn’t know is that a gluten-free diet is often higher in fat and lower in fiber. On its own, it’s simply unhealthy. Period. There needs to be a variety of fruits and vegetables along with minimal sugary treats and carbs in any "diet." Yes, Ryan Seacrest, even gluten free has carbs.
The gluten-free club is something I don’t want to belong to. It chose me. I’m the one who gets to deal with the nasty and extremely painful side effects of cross contamination or misrepresentation on a label. Mr. Seacrest doesn’t understand that.
Food is social. Don’t make it harder for me. I’m not a trend or fad. I’m celiac.