ONE winner will enjoy this massive bundle of goodies in honor of Celiac Awareness Month!
Gluten Free School is bringing you an amazing giveaway! Enjoy a wide variety of tasty treats and some incredible educational resources from companies I love as well as from some good friends of mine in the health world.
Each sponsor has contributed $25 to $50 worth of products. One lucky reader will win $525 worth of goodies listed here. You must live in the US to win.
How to handle friends and family not understand why you follow a gluten free diet or why its so important.
Katie, I have several articles here on what to do… I feel for you. Go check out these resources:
https://www.jenniferfugo.com/2012/12/06/holiday-gf-guide-pt-1-dont-pick-around-the-gluten/
https://www.jenniferfugo.com/2011/12/20/gluten-free-holidays/
My own experience with my family hasn’t been positive. I was so excited for this lifestyle change of being gfree, I wanted to share it with the world, most importantly my family. I’ve learned that they were less receptive than strangers. So I stopped sharing and went on eating the way I need to. Sometimes the people closest to us don’t like change and and they in a sense are jealous of you changing for the better when they aren’t. Just continue on your path and let them be on theirs. It’s hard knowing how good they could feel too if they were only gfree!
I didn’t not have the best feed back from my family when I first started. They all had something to say and send I was crazy. I continued to do it because I loved the way I felt. Slowly they are changing there minds and listening a little more. It takes time for most people and for some they will never change because there just not comfortable. I will continue my journey and hoping that more people will too
I love recipes and baking tips
Cauliflower or celery root are a great replacement for mashed potatoes. Cauliflower is especially easy! Both taste yummy!
How do potatoes fit into our diet, are there any recipes for or to replace potatoes?
I love using sweet potatoes. I generally don’t eat potatoes because they have a high glycemic index. Sweet potatoes are a healthier starch. However you can make a potato type mash from millet and cauliflower… and there are other root veggies like rutabega and turnips that you can mash too!
Ditto on rutabagas replacing potatoes…mashed or diced in a stew – yum! or cube celery root (celeriac) then steam it and mash it with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper – super yum! even better than mashed potatoes and i’m someone who would choose mashed potatoes for dessert. and my favorite recent discovery: cut parsnips into french-fry shaped sticks; coat with your fave vege-roasting fat, sprinkle with salt, and roast. not quite like the best french fries on earth but very very good and similarly satisfying. being good for you is a bonus!
Bread recipes or tips for gluten free breads
What other things to look for/try when you still don’t feel well on a gluten free diet.
check out everything you can find said or written by dr. tom o’bryan if you haven’t already. also dr. peter osborne. there is so much complexity to the gluten issue. or maybe it’s something completely different? maybe a broader elimination diet like autoimmune paleo? you didn’t mention what kind of not feeling well but the world of functional medicine docs and integrative practitioners who are speaking in online summits and writing on their own sites is a huge amount of support. good luck!
I would love to see info about eating gluten free when traveling to other countries…
We’ve got a great podcast coming up soon with Kim Koeller and we talk ALL about this! Keep your eyes peeled for it, Colleen!
love product reviews
I’m gluten-free and now newly dairy-free and soy-free and I struggle with quick, easy meals – the ones for the nights where you just don’t want to cook at all. Also, I’m on the mailing list! 🙂
I love reading about ways to cut sugar out of my diet
I love healthy recipe ideas!
I love healthy recipes
Remedies for being “glutened”
I was just diagnosed with Hashi’s in December.. working out all of the kinks… I would like to have more information on what is safe to put on and in my body. I just got Jason’s hair care and body wash because I found out about parabins and gluten in my shampoo and hair conditioner. They smell so fresh I can’t wait to take showers or baths. I also got the facial lotion and face spritz Have to do something to keep my freakishly alligator skin smooth. I’m talking toothpaste, detergent, soap… stuff other than food… which I am learning about as well. Thank you for this offer.
Recipes please, simple, tasty recipes for low incomes….
A further discussion of the importance of using gluten free body products as well as gluten free food.
I would like for some way to get the correct information to our insurance companies and our physicians. I am tired of being told that I am fine, go on this low cal, high carb diet,get another prescription…
Love gluten free personal care products!
Freezer meals!
Recipes without eggs that are gluten free and dairy free and nut free. Honestly a lot of the grain free or mostly grain free contains a lot of eggs or uses almond flour, which I am allergic to. I can, however, substitute oat flour for almond flour to say make some grain free pancakes.
I only recently found out I was gluten intolerant, and hadn’t even thought about hair products, make up, lotions until this week when someone mentioned it was hard to find gluten free lipstick! Who woulda thought! Another area to research! I have your book tho and I’m enjoying it. Thanks
Red Apple Lipstick is a great gluten-free lipstick. Check them out on http://www.redapplelipstick.com/.
Traveling is tough. What are some good options when you’re on the road?
I love Jason!
i would love to win this i only one thing in my gluten free life that i was diagnosed 5 years ago. please enter me in this, would be so amazing to win this.
I’m already on the list. Excited to be able to enter this give a way.
I’d like to see more Paleo type recipes as I’m gluten, dairy,rice and corn free.
So excited about this giveaway!!
Gluten free recipes that are great for kids but not just a gluten free version of junk food. Since my son is now gluten free his school are constantly wanting me to bring in gluten free muffins and pancakes and cupcakes but I didn’t give him that sort of stuff pre-gluten free so why would I start now? Obviously though I still want to give him healthy gluten free food he loves. Also, because I’m new to this I’d like to learn where gluten is hiding that isn’t obvious. Clearly bread and pasta and cereals and a lot of packaged stuff like that is full of gluten and that’s easy to stay clear of but sometimes I wonder if he’s had gluten in something that wasn’t so obvious there was gluten in it.
could definitely use this!!
What are some of the best gluten free skin and hair products to use?
Quick, easy recipes that will fill me up. Also, good options for bread when I feel like having a sandwich.
gluten free wine and beer
It is hard to buy foods GF There are so many different words that mean gluten. Please help me with this.
I would love to learn about gluten free bread baking. This is one of the few things I miss and commercial breads just aren’t the same as home made bread.
Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Should I be concerned with ingredients in gluten free foods in restaurants?
I highly recommend reading labels and reading up on the company. I love EVOL bowls that are GF and fit my foodallergy limitations. They’re not as processed and are fairly quick!
Gluten free recipes on a budget.
Gluten free is the best!
Yummy pastries
How to eat gluten free what we are on vacations
I’d be curious to know more about how you snoopout cross-reactivity to other foods, not just gluten, & some of the developing research behind that.
What are some natural ways, like food wise, to supplement nutrients found in supplements?
So exciting!!
easy on the budget recipes.
Hi Dee, if you haven’t yet checked out my book, you may want to do so. It’s available on Amazon and it’s called The Savvy Gluten-Free Shopper: How to Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank. It’s focused entirely on eating on a budget with 27 budget friendly recipes. 🙂
I would love being gluten-free (with multiple other restrictions/allergies) in college to be discussed! (i.e. Freshman dorm status!)
I already receive the newsletter.
I would love to see a post about post Celiac diagosis follow up testing that should be done. I don’t really feel like I’m getting the follow up testing that I should and it would be great to know what I should ask for.
I’ve already been subscribed to the newsletter for a long time!! Love it!
I would also love to see Paleo and autoimmune Paleo meals as I have to avoid all allergens because I have a thyroid condition. Thanks for all you do!
Hi April check out dr Sarah Ballentyne book paleo lifestyle to reverse autoimmune disease her cookbook is great too you can our chase at Amazon or download in iBooks carrie
I would love to see more recipes incorporating wholesome yummy veggies for glutenfree meal entree ideas like the upcoming autumn squashes, zucchinis and sweet potatoes!
I’d enjoy learning some new quick and easy GF dinner recipes to whip up fast after a busy work day. Thanks!
Gluten free baking and how to use the different flours in the markets today
gluetin free snacks for kids school
I’d love to know how to go Gluten Free and Low Carb at the same time!
I would like to see more ideas for breakfast. I am tired of smoothies.
I have multiple allergies to many of the food items you are suggesting that I switch to. What now?
I have hard time with My Husbund… He can not understand My gluten And good allergies.
I would like to see a comparison/overview of all the various gluten-free flours that we might choose for home baking. pros/cons, why we would choose one over another
Looking for more lunch options for my GF kids and I’m not talking about the tiny 3 or 4 small section bento box types. I have athletic growing kiddos and that just is not enough to fill them and keep their energy the whole school day. I tend to go back to GF bread options just as a filler but do not want to feed them that anymore! Thanks for all you do!!
Why do you think so many articles are coming out and attacking gf eating? Basically saying only those with celiac need to eat this way and it’s just a fad diet much like low fat was.
All I have to do is show people the photo of me in 2008 when I finally hit rock bottom, was almost dead, looked 80 at age 54 after being chronically ill for over twelve years and they see me now at age 61 looking in my 40’s, and totally get why I’ve been following a Gluten/Wheat Free lifestyle for five plus years!
I like the content and information that Jennifer Fugo gives in each segment.
I look forward to each email I receive.
Even though I have been GF because of celiac since 2008, I am still learning from Jennifer.
I am so glad I found her!
Budget eating gluten free. Produce budget ways for fruits + veggies. Links to petitions for government labeling/requirements/changes/doctor requests-where we as a group can have a voice in changing the future for the better for all who have gluten restrictions. Cosmetics, body products that are gluten free and free from animal testing. Here’s to looking to a better future in all aspects, thank you!
The cost of whole and gf food is unaffordable to low income people. American’s cant “afford” to eat healthy. I think it is criminal that grocery chains charge such a huge mark up on healthy food.
I had not really been over excited about my store bought bread choices until I re discovered Uti bread I love it.
Hi Jennifer!
I wonder if there is any agreement on how long the recovery period is from Celiac Disease. I see clients in psychotherapy, sometimes over a period of years, and it seems even with scrupulous compliance, that it takes five years for some to achieve mood stability and repair of memory problems, ataxia, and restricted affect. I wonder what others have observed.
Thank you! And congratulations on being named as one of Dr. Mark Hyman’s Top 12 Facebook Pages! Such esteemed company!
Rebecca Toddes-Miller
The emotional side of having to be gluten free, reducing anxiety over cross contamination, social situations, awkward questions/situations etc.
I’ve gone even further than gluten-free. I’ve eliminated all grains. GI issues and anxiety are much better now. My biggest problem now is meal preparation as I’m not that creative in the kitchen.
Learning how to make smart choices on the go, that work both for me as a gluten free and my 3 year old daughter
Since being diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, I believe eating and living gluten free and grain free will help to extend my life. I also just ‘feel’ much better without gluten and grains! 🙂
How do you enter the Vitamix contest drawing?
Tiffany, use that box above here to enter. Good luck!
All I want for Christmas….
I think my biggest struggle is when I’m sick and just want grilled cheese or Mac and cheese. I eat Paleo so there is hardly any wiggle room.
Its a little difficult explaining to friends and family that being GF doesn’t mean to go out and buy boxed GF foods….. 🙁 Feeling great GF! Thanks for the giveaway!
I am having the hardest time keeping my gluten free foods from being contaminated by family we live with. I have explained how important it is with my celiac disease and I label everything I can but they don’t pay attention to it or I will find crumbs from food in my gluten free stuff. I am only getting sicker and until we can move I am at a loss as to what to do!
I constantly worry about eating at a restaurant that states they have a gluten-free menu, when in fact all the food still contains something with gluten.
How awesome of you to help us all out on some tips/inspiration! I have had the hardest time coming up with a variety of meals and also encouraging my Nana to try this out too. She is 79 and stuck on old fashioned country fried cooking/ all unhealthy too!
I’m glad to have found your site; however, I’m not expecting much help. What people don’t realize is if you have a true issue with gluten, you should probably stay away from the gluten cross-reactive foods. The list is long. We did a gluten free diet with my then 17 year old daughter and a year and a half later, she was worse. If your body is truly having issues with gluten, then your body thinks these other foods are gluten as well. It all ties into the auto-immune issues no one wants to talk about. So while my hopes are high that I will receive some help, and I do know your heart is in the right place, I don’t think there is a quick fix in cutting out gluten only. Here is the list of foods my daughter’s Functional Medicine Practitioner gave us:
Foods to AVOID that are gluten cross-reactive:
Rye
Barley
Spelt
Polish Wheat
Oats (2 different cultivars)
Buckwheat
Sorghum
Millet
Amaranth
Quinoa
Corn
Rice
Potato
Hemp
Teff
Soy
Milk (Alpha-Casein, Beta-Casein, Casomorphin, Butyrophilin, Whey Protein and whole milk)
Chocolate
Yeast
Coffee
Sesame
Tapioca (a.k.a. cassava or yucca)
Eggs
Malnutrition is a huge problem for me :/
I actually follow a grain-free, sugar-free diet that is closer to a paleo diet, but I still have autoimmune issues so I would LOVE to figure out the missing link that I still need to heal myself.
a warm nut free gf porridge …….. mmmmm ……..
Just beginning to look into this as a number of my grandkids friends are having issues.
Been gf for 6 years but now my son is and won’t eat anything but fruit. Having issues getting him to eat anything substantial so I need to revamp our diets
Thank you for your continued helpful advice to keep me and my family healthy! I would love the vita-mix! Merry Christmas!
I’d love to win the Vitamix. But if not, I still enjoy your web site and appreciate the Women’s GF Health Summit you hosted.
My biggest problem right now is that I must eat autoimmune paleo, but so many of the recipes use coconut, which I do not tolerate at this time. I would so appreciate any coconut-free, AIP-compliant recipes you can dream up in any category.
Thank you so much!
fixing the proper food for my hubby who is diabetic
My biggest issue is making others understand as they tend to still serve me without regards to my diet and many try to make me taste something because they really don’t believe its a real health issue. I feel better and less fatigued when i follow a gluten free diet.
Ever since going gluten-free, my health (crohn’s disease) has improved tremendously. For me, taking it to the next step of going grain-free has mostly stopped that pain that lurks there 24/7. I’m still learning and loving it!
Laureen Anderson check out moringa for malnutrition. http://susanwalters.myzija.com/moringa/index.html?country=
New to the gluten free lifestyle. Looking for family recipes
I love product reviews
I’m already signed up 🙂
I’d like to read about things to try when you’ve been gf for a long time and still have lots of weird symptoms and vitamin deficiencies that just won’t go away. Also, product reviews are always great. And I love finding good new gf recipes. Thanks 🙂
I am already on the list for the newsletter.
In 2016, I would love for you to write more about product reviews/recommendations, sneaky gluten-containing ingredients, and share more recipes.
I would like to know more about nightshade vegetables. Are they all the same or can you have trouble with one and not all of them? Why are they problematic for some people with autoimmune issues?
Just keep doing what you’re doing! You’re much better at coming up with blog post ideas than I am!
signed up for the email
Easy on the go gluten free snacks. Also how to handle those that do not understand gluten free diets.
tips for eating gluten free on a long road trip with kids
More about cross contamination
I love to see new recipes
What do you think about the raw food diet?
What are some great gluten free school lunch ideas that aren’t repetitive? I want something new!
GF vegan ideas
You already are such a resource online for Celiac support. But in 2016, I’d love to see more on how celiac affects individuals emotionally and socially; and it would be great to continue to hear about self care, and the incidence of other autoimmune disorders .
CJ
And I’m already a subscriber!
CJ
I signed up for your newsletter, very excited!
I’d love some focus on college dining halls–as I didn’t ever have the resources!
Hello! I have signed up for the newsletter. I would LOVE to see some hints on how to make gluten free bread and pizza crust taste like regular bread. Especially French and Italian style breads and thick pizza crusts.
You do a great job on your posts! I always enjoy new recipes. Thanks for keeping it real!
Would love more info on eating out while GF and the hidden areas that gluten could be lurking.
I’d love to see more kid-friendly ideas and tips on helping little ones navigate thew gluten free world!
I have enjoyed your newsletter the last few weeks and I’m excited about this giveaway. I’d be interested to learn more about how grains in general negatively impact our health.
I already subscribe to your list. As for topics, hmmm….maybe common pitfalls of the GF diet, hidden sources of gluten, tips/tricks.
I’d love more ideas on quick dinners and breakfasts.
Dealing tactfully with well-meaning people (oh, a little cake won’t hurt you)
Subscribed :O)
I’ve got many food sensitivities and still struggling with making decent GF/Vegan baked goods.
i’m relatively new to gluten free eating, and wondering if gluten free items freeze well.
New products! I don’t live near one of the big stores such as Whole Foods, etc that often carry the newest gf,df,soyf products. So if you write about them then I know to search for them or ask the local health food store if they could stock them. Thanks
I would love for you to have cook book authors on to discus grain free baking tips
I’d love some support, encouragement and inspiration in cooking for multiple allergies (gluten + eggs + dairy + soy). It’s difficult to make “fun” meals that comply. After a while we get into a rut and I end up making the same thing over and over again.
I am already on your email list!
Gf vegan products…made in dedicated GF facilities
I’d like more suggestions for how to get safe food when I don’t feel up to cooking (I am often too tired and sick). Very few restaurants around me offer truly gluten-free food, and the few delivery services I know of are horribly expensive.
I’m already signed up for the newsletter. Thanks.
More baking tips 🙂
I’d love to see more about prep ahead meals. Thanks
I want to hear about organic gluten free products, gluten sensitivity, and lunch recipes for on the go.
I am entered to win (and on the newsletter)!
I would like to know how to better live gluten-free on a budget.
would like to see blogs about raw foods lifestyle
Cooking tips and tricks. How to keep utensils and cookware stored so there is no cross contamination.
My biggest problem or aggravation is going to meetings & not being able to eat the food provided, & someone getting upset that I’m not eating!! I’m lucky, in the respect, that the ladies that I usually travel with, are strong advocates, & help defuse the situation. I have had to overcome my upbringing, that told me to always let others go first, because most of the meals are buffet style. I usually bring my own, but it still is frustrating.
The hardest part about being gluten free for me is avoiding all my old favorite foods.
I’ve been Gluten Free over 4 years and I’m fed up that the same people STILL have snide remarks about me not being able to have gluten like its some kind of joke or that I just want special attention.
Signed up for the newsletter.
Not being able to eat out easily or go to parties/get-togethers where there is food involved, without having to bring my own food and worry about cross contamination, etc. I miss the ease of seeing friends and going to restaurants without the headache and worry involved.
I’ve been doing paleo to reverse autoimmune diseases I’m doing really well and loving it but I have one big problem,,,,,,,sweets,,,,,I can go all day without a craving or want but after supper it starts,,,,any suggestion pls
I’m already on the newsletter! And hardest part of gluten free lately, as a celiac, is the gluten free fad making my requests for TRUE gluten free taken less seriously.
Thank you for the giveaway! I am entered. My biggest frustrations with being gluten free are gluten in medications, cross contamination, and figuring out what makes me sick – I have a delayed reaction which makes triggers hard to pin down.
Already signed up for newsletter.
Hardest thing about being GF, is planning, shopping and preparing food. Breakfast is the worst. ( I’m not a smoothie person). And also its not just being GF… it’s being grain free, dairy free, and egg free.
Healing, wondering how it is all really going and wishing I had better medical support.
Signed up w/email!
Not knowing what may have gluten in it when going over to other people’s houses/parties where there is lots of foods to choose from
I get very frustrated with restaurants that don’t take me seriously as a Celiac…I am told that things are gluten free but then find out that all entrees (breaded and not) and cooked in the same pans….awful…
Dining out is still my biggest frustration. Thankfully, there are now two completely gluten free businesses on the island. One is a restaurant and the other is a bakery. Both are somewhat far from me, and they aren’t in the main downtown area where most life activity happens.
My biggest frustration is eating out and dealing w/ family & friends giving you a hard time on your food choices.
Got a question for you.
Going in for a knee replacement the end of March(Paoli ). I’ve never spent any nights in a hospital before and am a bit anxious about my food options. Hoping to be there only 1 or 2 nights. I know the food is not great. I saw that when my sister was hospitalized a couple of years ago. Just wondering if you have any suggestions or strategies?
It’s watching what you eat
I signed up for the newsletter.
My frustration with eating gluten free us eating out.
It’s hard to find good recipes that my whole family loves. It’s also hard to find yummy desserts that are gluten free, but also don’t contain tons of sugar.
signed up for the newsletter.
My biggest frustration with being gluten-free is the price of all the ingredients for baking and cooking!
I subscribed!
my biggest frustration with being gluten free is eating out at restaurants. I’ve been GF since 2009.
I am in the process of going gluten free. The frustrations are just little everyday things, like having to be aware of everything from what I put on my face and body to what I put in my mouth. I am still trying to get into a routine and learning as I go. ☺
Signed up for newsletter ?
Most frustrating thing is that many times you have to go beyond gluten free to enjoy good health and energy as many things that are gluten free may still cross react in your body.
The constant worry about cross contamination and accidental glutening (sure, that’s a real word lol).
People don’t understand and sometimes think I can eat gluten food with no consequence!
Subscribed already
Finding good beer!
I already am on the email list and yeast bread is what I struggle most with on my gluten free diet.
I have found so MANY HELPFUL and enlightening articles through these newsletters! A group from my church meets regularly to discuss things like these articles, recipes, etc and now we all subscribe to Jennifer’s emails!
My biggest GF frustration is being ‘glutened’ by ‘hidden gluten’…the worst!
Biggest frustration is worrying about whether food has been contaminated and not truly GF.
I have already been enjoying your newsletters Jennifer! For me as a mother of two little ones, the hardest thing about a following a restricted diet is cooking all the time. There just aren’t many pre-packaged things we can have, so I get tired of cooking and cleaning up afterwards…
I am frustrated when traveling as to what I can eat. I haven’t been out of the country yet while being GF but can only imagine how frustrating that is.
The most frustrating thing about being gluten free is that a lot of people don’t fully understand the medically needs of others and are not willing to take the time to educate themselves for their loved ones that are affected by this dietary need
I get frustrated when I can’t find something gluten free to eat at a restaurant.
Biggest frustration with gluten free is the encounters with others who do not understand the necessity.
Many people think that gluten is their only issue and don’t look for the gut bugs or other food intolerance.
Every time I mention they may also have parasites of yeast….they freak. Just wondering how you handle this.
Signed up and my biggest challenge is traveling. Peanut butter sandwiches and pretzels only get you so far on the road. Stopping to eat somewhere is always a gamble because even if you find a place you think you can trust that that of cross contamination is always there. And being on the road and getting sick is the worst
The most frustrating thing about being gluten free is the cost of the ingredients!
Biggest frustration is trying to eat out with others when the menu is set.
Hmm, biggest frustration about having to eat gluten free would probably involve being ‘glutened’ by hidden gluten in products…the worst! 🙁
To have to deal with people I meet (mostly in food establishments) who seem to not realize Celiac is not a fad whim diet I am on…
I get so frustrated with companies that say they can’t tell us if their products are gf, because while they aren’t specifically adding gluten, they can’t tell us whether or not their ingredients they are using are gf. Or the companies that say their stuff is gf (though not certified), but is made in a facility with wheat. I just saw a “gluten free” coffee substitute that contained barley. Omission beer now just calls itself low gluten…why does that make any difference?
Signed up for the newsletter!
How not to constantly be afraid of cross contamination (either in the house or out at stores, restaurants, etc…) I’m so tired of being afraid of food!
GF frustration- having to be so careful at most restaurants; and not knowing if servers and chefs truly understand about cross contamination.
Having all doctors in my HMO network know about celiac/ how to help me.
I would have you wave your wand and make all staff of every restaurant that serves the same dish in both GF and traditional offerings really take it seriously and never, ever bring the traditional when GF was ordered, or never bring the GF garnished with something nonGF, etc!
More gluten free restaurants.
Eating out is hard! But you just gotta have faith the people cooking your food really do care!
I’m signed up!
My biggest frustration with GF is other people’s perception of people who are GF, there are so many people that downplay it in our society.
My biggest Gluten Free frustration is making people/others realize that Gluten Intolerance is a real issue and can cause problems. My toddler is gluten intolerant and it is tough keeping outside caregivers (nursery/daycare workers) on the same page, even family members at times. Also, it would be great if restaurants offered gluten free bread or a gluten free alternative to the complimentary bread.
I’m signed up for your newsletter! I hope I win!!
GF hacks are the best! Thank goodness we have the internet to help us live whole and gf!
swweets are my biggest frustration. Especially when pregnant.
I already subscribe. I would wave my wand and have restaurants disclose top 8 allergens next to items on the menu.
Despite FDA supposedly wonderful gf labeling in 2014, I think it is actually worse now. So real transparency in labeling, and finally FDA using the word gluten as an allergen not just wheat. The rest of the world does, so why didn’t all these experts that ‘helped’ FDA with gf labeling not push for word gluten.
My guess would be that gluten is not considered to be an allergen (which would illicit a IgE reaction whereas Wheat can cause an allergic response in certain individuals). Part of the issue is a lack of understanding and overuse of terms like “allergy” on the part of the public. Even practitioners may use the wrong word because it’s easier for a patient to understand rather than explaining to them what’s actually going on on a biological and biochemical level. Just my own two cents.
If I could wave a magic wand I would educate all my friends and family on why we eat gluten free 🙂
I wish there were gluten free restaurants in my area and that their wasn’t any hidden glued to be potentially exposed to.
I’m already on the list.
If you could wave a magic wand and make my biggest GF frustration go away, it would be for restaurants to be more careful with cross-contamination prevention.
Have more restaurants serving organic and GF foods so we don’t have to eat home most of the time or feel like we’ll have to sacrifice our health by doing so.
Happy belated Birthday! My birthday is coming up as well and this would be an amazing gift! We never celebrate my birthday, even when I was younger, I was never allowed to have a birthday party. This year, I want to celebrate! I’m hoping my friends will join me in leaving 33 (33 because that’s how old I’ll be) care packages around our city, kind of like a surprise for random people. Giving back has always been my favorite thing to do, and I think it would be fun!
Anyway, hope you enjoyed your birthday and thank you so much for the chance!
P.S. I’m already subscribed.
Can you wave your magic wand to make gluten free products a little cheaper?
I am a subscriber. I would love to get rid of cross contamination.
Feeling safe eating out
Choosing vacation spots based on availability of GF foods/restaurants.
My biggest frustration is social gatherings. So many are food-oriented but there’s nothing I can eat safely, and I can’t always bring my own food.
If we’re talking magic wand, I’d wave it and have gluten never exist in the first place! Or, at least so I could eat Chicago style pizza that tasted like Chicago style pizza. 🙂
Not knowing if it’s the best thing for my body. And actually following through.
Traveling gluten-free. I love it, but I don’t love drinking smoothies and eating out of a suitcase every day.
One frustration I have is I am also on a very low sugar diet. Most GF treats are very high in sugar. as somehow they think they have to add more sugar when they remove the gluten. I would like to find GF treats that are also low sugar. Another frustration is I also try to eat organic, so finding GF treats that are low sugar and organic is also very hard.
I agree with the frustration of how to deal with people who don’t understand. It is frustrating when people think I am just being fussy or following some silly fad when I say I need to eat GF. I am not willing to eat things that make me sick for days, so I HAVE to eat GF. I would like to know what to say to people who ask silly questions and don’t understand how important it is for me to eat GF.
Thanks for all you do – I appreciate you!
I wish you could wave a magic wand and get rid of all the “naysayers” that post on the Internet that gluten free is only a fad. I’m already on the list. Thanks!
Travelling to new places
I would love if I could eat eggs again! I know that’s not really something you can help with. When you take eggs out of gluten free baked goods some things are not as good.
My biggest frustration for you to wave that magic wand over is getting restaurants and their employees to truly understand GF, and subsequently offer SAFE GF foods—but not just GF safe, also not loaded with sugars and starches…?
subscribed aelinderman@sbcglobal.net
people thinking it’s a nitpicky problem that is exaggerated
My magic wand would allow us to eat out at restaurants more!
I subscribed o the newsletter!
My biggest frustration is how addicted I was to toasted cheese ravioli and it’s something you can’t just buy.
The biggest gluten free stress for me is that I also can’t have soy and corn…. so I miss tortillas a lot and have to constantly put stuff back thanks to cornstarch.
Thank you for this website!
My biggest struggle is when not at home. Many friends and relatives do not understand the enormous health benefits of going gluten free or as much as possible. Some even make jokes… others say it is too time consuming and costly. My answer is always, it is worth it! One thing that is very very difficult around holiday time is not finding affordable GF baguettes! My goal during the holidays is to make numerous Gf dishes and not tell them.. I am sure they will love them. I will tell after! 🙂
graciously, Cathy B
My biggest struggle staying gluten free is eating out. It is difficult to find places to eat where I really feel safe. Also, dealing with friends and family who don’t understand that just because a restaurant offers gluten free food, does not automatically mean it is safe for me or my daughter with celiac disease.
My biggest struggle right now in going/staying gluten-free is checking everything that I eat for hidden gluten.
I’m already on the subscribers list.
My biggest struggle right now in staying gluten-free is making sure I get enough calories and variety in my diet, for my high activity level. I’m very underweight, so I have to be careful.
I was a baker’s kid, growing up in a bakery. Most of the time I am pretty good gluten free wise but every once in a while I slip…and I slip bigtime. I also gave up sugar and that helps a lot.
I wasn’t sure where to answer the question of the day in your prize giveaway. Hardest part of gluten free is eating out. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great prize!
My craving for fried food since I can’t eat with gastritis and not wanting to eat so much alternative gluten free pre packaged foods (which I did before I got gastritis) I also miss crusty bread. I’m mostly a vegan now except for boiled chicken.
The hardest part is not being able to safely eat at restaurants on busy days or family celebrations.
The hardest thing for me is being careful of cross contamination when only half our house is gluten free. Pregnancy cravings made it tough being gf too!
Finding great tasting food that the family will eat, And dining out..
Finding great tasting food that the family will eat, And dining out., also.
Wow this is so amazing. Well, to be honest my lifestyle change is very new and recent for me. I am having trouble planning out meals and also tips for when dining out- I am still navigating through all of this as a newbie so any tips are helpful! 🙂
I haven’t found a great gluten-free bread or bread replacement yet but keep looking!
Finding gluten free products on the store shelf that are also organic because when you have serious sensitivities you need both and it is not an option.
Already signed up.
Eating out is always an issue
The biggest struggle is pizza. The GF crusts just don’t taste anything like the traditional yeast flavored crusts.
It’s hard to change my diet to gluten free when everyone in the house isn’t willing to do the same. I’m trying though.
I signed up for your news letter and look forward to learning more about eating a gluten free diet. Thank you
Love all the gluten free options!
Learning how to make gluten free items work well in recipes.
Biggest struggle is keeping hubby from bringing home gluten.
My life, as a pastor’s wife, is filled with social situations where food is involved. Not being able to “try” so & so’s new recipe, can cause issues. I’m lucky that so many of our congregation are interested in learning about Celiac. I’ve learned to either bring my own food or eat before going. I try to look at it as if the fellowship is what it’s all about, that way I don’t feel deprived. BUT….. when they bring out the coconut cakes or coconut cream pies, I must admit it’s hard!!!
Biggest struggle is holiday cheats & temptations, especially for my children!
Signed up for your newsletter!
My biggest struggle in staying gluten free is finding a decent tasting bread/
My biggest struggle is being afraid to eat out, and mainly going to parties and get-togethers and having nothing to eat and being afraid to eat anything there. It makes you feel like you’re not part of the group, like I can’t really relax and enjoy things anymore. I miss going to events and being able to eat and drink and relax without worrying, and without having to constantly explain to people why I’m not eating anything. It’s exhausting and isolating. And it makes holidays, parties, etc. not feel fun and festive anymore.
I have no struggle going or staying gluten free.
My biggest struggle is making yummy gluten free baked goods without eggs as well!!
My biggest struggle right now in going/staying gluten-free is money.
Going to potlucks is hard
I think I have a real struggle with acouple of day to day things.
1. I don’t mind having a morning shake in the morning during the summer but I struggle thinking of what to eat for breakfast during the rest of the year. I get tired of eating a piece or two of toast. There’s not a lot out in the markets, any suggestions?
My biggest struggle is expense. (Couldn’t type this in Rafflecopter).
My biggest struggle is when traveling. Hate to miss out on great new foods but do I trust the restaurant, to really have gluten free food? I feel left out if I opt not to eat with everyone…
I am all signed up.
My struggle is cooking a meal that the whole family can enjoy.
I signed up and am excited about his giveaway! I love finding new brands to try 🙂
My biggest struggle is eating at friends/family’s houses. They don’t understand when I don’t want to take their word for it that the food they made is safe for me. I don’t know if they used cross contaminated utensils, etc.
Gluten free products don’t always taste great & sometimes have ingredients that aren’t low fodmap & highly acidic. Also, they tent to be much more expensive.
My biggest struggle is eating out
I have learned so much reading your blog and newsletters. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge with us, so our journey might be a little easier. I would love to see an article addressing gluten in medications.
finding gluten free foods that are delicious.
My biggest challenge is eating away from home.
Two struggles. One is with finding something safe to eat when friends host dinner parties or want to meet at a restaurant. There are a few restaurants I trust, but I can’t always persuade friends to eat at the places I feel safe. And I can explain to them about my dietary requirements, but many of them don’t really understand.
The other problem I have is making sure my medications and supplements are safe. That’s hard to do when the formulas keep changing, or my insurance changes which brands it will cover.
My biggest hurdle is money. Even though I make a lot of my own breads and things, the flour that you need to use is expensive too.
I’ve been GF so long, I don’t find it difficult, but I still don’t trust restaurants.
baking gluten free (frugally) without eggs or nuts is a big challenge for us.
My biggest challenge is that none of my family or friends eats gluten free, so I’m surrounded by it all the time.
My biggest concern is getting raw foods into my diet, there is so much more nutrition in raw foods, and besides having a salad with various raw veggies, which I don’t want every day, it is difficult for me since I try to limit fruit.
Going to eat at a restaurant and not being able to order without having to ask lots of questions!
One of my biggest dietary concerns is getting enough variety as I have a lot of limitations in addition to celiac disease.
Eating out is always scary. I don’t do it often, and I stick to the places I trust. And I always make sure to ask questions, let them know my issues, etc. But it’s still always a bit nerve wracking.
My biggest concern is sugar and fake sugars.
My biggest concern is nutrition. I’ve had to give up more than gluten and at times I feel so limited in what I can eat I wonder if I’m actually eating healthy… This concerned is amplified by the fact that my son eats what I eat.
Biggest concern is cost.
My biggest concern is eating out and cross-contamination, especially concerning my kids with celiac.
Great Recipes. I really enjoy the newsletters.
My biggest concern is making sure my family’s diet is well rounded. There are multiple allergies and intolerances. We have eliminated gluten, dairy, egg, the entire legume family, peanuts, tree nuts, all seeds except chia, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, shell fish, pork, corn, rice, Teff, Amaranth, etc. Plus, we are all organic due to MTHFR deficiency. It makes life challenging, especially when you want something fun for your kids.
Yummy! Thanks!
My biggest concern is cross contamination
i believe it is probably at the source of a LOT of my autoimmune issues. i have a lot of tummy issues as well, and nothing helps. A medicine will work for a few months and then suddenly not work at all and i have to change.
My biggest diet concern is maintaining not only gluten free, but dairy free, egg free, soy free and multiple other food allergies and sensitivities. Its HARD to stay on track. I’m also cooking for my family, who do not have food restrictions. (Would it be kind or fair of me to make everyone eat my diet? ) And so I am constantly tempted and feeling deprived. And its not like I feel so fantastic on my diet that that’s an incentive. Yes, I feel better, but I still have many health issues. Sigh…
Yes… yes it would be fair to make everyone eat what you eat… just as I’m sure that you’d eat whatever your child could eat if one of them were in your shoes.
My biggest concern is being able to eat healthy and gluten free (due to celiac) while having a busy schedule in grad school!`
Finding good gf bread. I like sandwichess.
Biggest concern, not enough hours in the day to work and cook and prep and what not…… I know excuse, excuse. I don’t know how other folk manage and have kids.
Biggest diet concern is overcoming the mental hurdle of the overwhelming thought of changing the way have eaten over that past 30yrs to eateing gluten free to help heal my hasimotos. And getting my kids and husband on board.
My biggest concern is getting the proper nutrients in my diet. Subscribed
I am also concerned about too much salt.
Coming up with creative gf foods that the whole family will eat
Another diet concern is excess weight.
Hi Aaron, have you had your thyroid checked? That’s a pretty common issue when you’ve got a problem with gluten.
I’m challenged with healing my gut during a high-stress time, and when going GF didn’t “get me there”. Perhaps I need to try AIP…
Ellen, it’s incredibly common to think that more food restriction will help you. I encourage you to consider that there’s something underlying the reason that eliminations aren’t working (ie. gut infections) that must be resolved in a different way than what you’re doing. If you’d like to learn more and approach this differently, feel free to reach out for help! I have clients just like you that are getting back to normal now that they stopped guessing and dealt with the issue at hand. You can check more out here: http://www.glutenfreeschool.com/strategy-session/
My biggest concern is my diet is too limited, given all my food sensitivities.
I can totally understand this, Lisa! That’s not good. Typically food sensitivities are not the root cause of issues… there are underlying reasons why you’ve become sensitive to foods. Let me know if you ever want to explore those potential reasons and how to address them 🙂
Staying gluten free when travelling is difficult for me. I can control what I eat when I am home. But I can’t control what I eat when I stay with relatives.
My biggest problem is Is portion sizes
My biggest concern is actually with my daughter’s diet. We both have celiac disease, and she is getting old enough that she needs to start making safe choices on her own and advocating for herself. Teaching her how to do this is challenging!
Biggest concern is getting the proper nutrients in my diet.
My biggest concern is making sure I can cook safe, healthy meals that appeal to the whole family.
I tried signing up to the newsletter.
It said ERROR after I checked the human box.
I just checked… you’re on the list so you’re all set 🙂
You’re already signed up 🙂
The hardest part of the diet is to understand what diet is best for me.
I’ve signed up for the list!
The biggest concern with my diet is consistency! I struggle with balance and end up binging on things that make me feel awful…
Biggest problem is feeling safe when eating out.
My biggest concern is getting enough protein, nutrients in my diet.
I love finding recipes. I’m in a rut & need to get out (gluten & soy free and limited dairy).
P.s. I think I’m already on the email list but entered that again anyway.
I’m always concerned about labeling laws for gluten free food and medication.
Traveling is always a challenge especially with multiple food allergies. Also, not getting stuck in a rut of making the same things.
Trusting that the food in a restaurant is truly gluten free.
signed up for email, already a subscriber
my biggest diet concern is not getting enough protein, the right nutrients for my body. i have been trying to lose abt 10 lbs i gained due to surgery i had abt 2 yrs ago. for some reason i just cant seem to lose the 10 lbs. i am concerned over too much salt, which i really watch, not getting the proper fats, and trying not to snack late at night. i can go all day without eating, which i know is bad, but then at night i am so hungry.
Are oats TRULY gf? I’ve read many conflicting comments/articles.
I signed up.
My biggest concerns are trying to find things that taste good.
Cross contamination even in restaurants that serve gluten free
My biggest concern with eating gluten free is getting all the nutrients I need and trying not to eat too much sugar!
Love ideas from r kids with celiac. Also easy dorm ideas for college students with Celiac… my daughter gets bored with what little they offer i.n the cafeteria.
I worry about cross-contamination, both at home and away from home.
I subscribed to the newsletter!
My biggest diet concern right now is probably sifting through/reading/learning from the various educational resources available.
I am interested in recipes that the entire family will like, and I am concerned with getting enough nutrients in my diet.
I have signed up for your newsletter 🙂
Subscribed!! 🙂
Lack of nutrition! As a mom of 2 boys I don’t always eat how I should
My biggest concern with my diet is eating out of boredom.
Signed up!
sodium
How do i know which foods to take out of my diet other than gluton
My biggest concern with my gluten-free diet is cross-contamination when I am not at home. I feel safe in my own kitchen but unsure everywhere else.
Finding great tasting food that the family will eat, And dining out also.
Traveling, and staying Gluten and Dairy free.
My biggest concern is all of the conflicting information…it’s hard to even know where to start!
my biggest concern with my diet right now is trying to figure out how to afford to eat as nutrient-dense as i would like to.
Hardest food challenge – finding breakfast items that aren’t full of gluten or other fillers.
I am pretty inconsistent with my meals!
salt
Safely eating out! So very hard.
Signed up for the newsletter! It definitely hard having others understand. They don’t think it’s serious, since I can still breathe after ingesting gluten. It’s so frustrating to go out places and there not be any sort of offering to eat whatsoever. Whatever happened to fruit and veggies? It isn’t that hard people. Someone I love said “how are you ever full?? I need bread!” That kind of hurt. But I know. I feel better. People are just uneducated on a subject that may not concern them.
I’m a subscriber. My biggest diet concern is how unhealthy I eat, I don’t really watch what I eat how I should.
For me it would be worrying about getting full enough.
I just signed up for your newsletter. My biggest concern would be more iron.
Not enough water intake some days!!