*Disclosure: As an affiliate, I may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this site, which helps support my mission of providing valuable resources for gluten-free living. Thank you for your support!
Elevate your gluten-free game with the ultimate toolkit: the Gluten Dude app! With curated lists of the best GF vacation spots, hundreds of dollars in savings on GF essentials, and a network of supportive peers, you'll conquer any gluten-related challenge with confidence https://glutendude.app/lifetime/gd/9/
Going gluten-free can be a challenge at first, especially if you are used to eating gluten-containing foods. But it doesn't have to be difficult! With a little bit of planning and some helpful tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle much easier. Here are some tips to help get you started:
Read labels carefully: When you are shopping for gluten-free products, it is important to read labels carefully to make sure that the product is truly gluten-free. Look for products that are labeled gluten-free or that have a gluten-free certification logo.
Know your gluten-free grains: There are many grains that are naturally gluten-free, including rice, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, and oats. Make sure that you know which grains are safe to eat and which ones to avoid.
Learn to cook: Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to ensure that you are eating gluten-free. You can control the ingredients that you use and avoid cross-contamination. These days there are many wonderful gluten-free cookbooks and websites that can help you get started.
Be careful when eating out: Eating out can be a challenge when you are gluten-free. Make sure that you communicate your needs to the restaurant staff and ask questions about the ingredients in the dishes. And when in doubt, go without.
Use gluten-free substitutes: There are many gluten-free substitutes available for your favorite gluten-containing foods, including bread, pasta, and flour. Experiment with different substitutes to find the ones that you like best.
Stock up on gluten-free snacks: Having gluten-free snacks on hand can help you avoid the temptation to eat gluten-containing foods. Keeping a few snacks in your bag can also help you to avoid being hangry during those sometimes all too common moments when no safe gluten-free options are available. Some good options include dried fruits, nuts, and gluten-free crackers.
Be patient: It may take some time to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle. Be patient with yourself and don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally. Remember that every small step counts in this very adventurous learning curve.
Going gluten-free can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding experience for anyone who has trouble digesting gluten.
With these tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.
Need a little extra help on your gluten-free journey? Grab a copy of My printable Gluten Free Workbook here
With all of the information out there today, it can be difficult to weed out fact from fiction. The internet is a continuously growing source of unmoderated information and strong opinion. While different points of view can be a good thing, they aren't when it comes to managing Celiac. Scientific facts from medical professionals trump personal opinions on the internet ( looking at you Facebook Groups, Twitter, and Instagram ) one hundred percent!
So Who Do We Trust?!
What to look for
Look for support groups which are low on animosity and focus on the positives. While we all need to vent once in a while, it can be emotionally draining to be constantly surrounded by negativity. It's not hard to find a silver lining when everyone you connect with is searching for it too. Support networks big or small, are important to successfully manage Celiac.
Red flags
Anyone who promotes Cheerios as a suitable option for those with Celiac.
See more on why that is a no-no here. This is a hot topic still and I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why. The main problem here is cross-contamination and lack of transparency about the gluten-removal process from General Mills.
Stay far away from anyone promoting gluten-removed beer as a Celiac safe.
It's not. Heres why: current technology is not reliable as it can't accurately measure the amount gluten in beer. It doesn't matter if it has been treated with enzymes or your Aunt Betty said she drinks it and is fine. Bartenders are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for accurate information on the gluten-freeness of a drink. Beer made with malt a.k.a gluten-removed beer is not safe for any Celiac, nor is Corona for that matter.
Watch out for anyone who neglects to disclose sponsored material.
This has been an ongoing problem on the interwebs for some time. It's sketchy, in poor taste and lacks authenticity.
Stay away from people who want to sell you essential oils, tonics and cleanses.
None of this will "heal" you and most of them tend to be MLM situations. Don't get caught up in it and you won't be sorry.
Avoid anyone who tells you that they know a "cure".
Although therapies are actively being trialed and researched, there is nothing to date which will allow you to safely consume gluten. There is zero proof that anything currently on store shelves will help with cross contamination or accidental glutening. ZERO. Side note - those pills in health stores that "aid in the digestion of gluten" are not regulated by the FDA and not even meant for people with Celiac.
Advocacy groups and Expos that are sponsored by companies that are not Celiac safe. This is a major conflict of interest. How can we be sure that money hasn't bought a favorable opinion here? Safety first!
Be wary of anyone who relies strictly on the Nima Sensor.
The Canadian Celiac Association recently released a statement cautioning anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity against using the device. While Nima could potentially be a helpful tool, it's not flawless and the opportunity for error is simply too risky.
Research and Support You Can Count On
Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
Gluten-Free Certification
So What Exactly Is Celiac?
Common Overlooked Dangers
toaster
cutting board
colander
condiments
It's also important to be mindful of food courts, break rooms and other eating areas away from home. The tables may not always be sanitised before you sit down and can harbour crumbs from previous diners.
Reading food labels can be tricky. Take your time and learn the various terms for gluten and become versed in proper label reading. The Canadian Celiac Association provides a great resource for label reading.
Myths, Lies, And Misunderstandings
Though it seems to still be happening, starting a gluten-free diet before proper testing is a monster no-no. Why? Because if you are in fact Celiac, your body will begin to heal on a gluten-free diet which will result in a false negative test result.
Simply following a gluten-free diet blindly is never a good idea. Many of the foods are high in fat and sugar, as well as low in essential nutrients such as iron, fibre and vitamin B. Believe it or not, this can actually cause weight gain. It's a process to eat healthy on a gluten-free diet as we have to work harder to ensure that the healthy food makes its way into our routine. This involves a lot of planning and straying from the convenience of pre-packaged foods. Especially if away from home.
Don't Get Caught Up In Myths
- Deep frying doesn't destroy gluten
- Ancient Grains like Spelt aren't safe- they're in the wheat family
- Celiac is in not a result of GMO's
- Crumbs are a big deal. Even a little bit is harmful to a Celiac
- Lack of physical reaction is not an indication of safety. Even without a noticeable reaction, gluten consumption is harmful.
- Celiacs don't need to avoid all grains. Unless you have another condition, wheat gluten is the only thing you need avoid.
The Complexity Of It All
Celiac has been associated with over 300 different symptoms. Crazy right?! Not everyone has the same telltale signs. Some people are what is known as "Silent Celiac", meaning they show no noticeable symptoms (also known as asymptomatic) of the disease. This is why proper testing is very important. Self-diagnosing and assuming you're Celiac can be a dangerous road to follow. By not taking the proper steps for diagnosis, you are potentially putting yourself at risk. You know all those symptoms linked to Celiac? They can be signs of other conditions as well. Thus making diagnosis tricky and solidifying the need for accuracy. What if you aren't actually Celiac, but have a health issue only masked by the gluten-free diet? You won't get the treatment you need and you will wonder why you're still sick or what's been "glutening" you. You're also less likely to adhere to the gluten-free lifestyle without having been correctly tested.
The Genetic Link
Celiac is genetically inherited, but not everyone with the gene will develop the disease. Providing genetic markers are present, there is a 1 in 10 risk of a first-degree (parent, child, sibling) relative developing Celiac disease. Complications
Unlike wheat products, most gluten-free items are not fortified.This results in vitamin deficiency for many with Celiac. It's important to ensure you are getting sufficient iron, calcium, Vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc and folate.Untreated, Celiac can lead to a whole slew of other autoimmune disorders, including MS, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, neurological conditions, pancreatic problems and gastrointestinal cancers.
Etiquette And Support
Let's talk etiquette and what falls under the please don't even category
"Don't be dramatic"
"Just a little won't hurt"
"If you take xyz you can eat gluten again"
The Canadian Celiac Association has teamed up with the Ottawa Senators to host a Celiac Awareness night
When:
Saturday, March 4th 2017
Where:
The Canadian Tire Centre
1000 Palladium Drive Ottawa,
Ontario K2V 1A5
How to purchase tickets:
Please visit this page to ensure that part of your ticket price will be donated to the CCA.
You NEED to use the promo code CELIAC when you complete checkout.
Not a hockey fan, but know someone who is? Senators tickets make a great Christmas or birthday gift! Plus you will also be helping fellow Celiac's - A portion of ticket proceeds will support important awareness, research, and restaurant training programs. All brought to you by the CCA.
For more information, kindly email cca.communications@celiac.ca with your inquiry.