Gluten Free for Me

After eating gluten for over 30 years......some bloodwork and autoimmune testing revealed that gluten was wreaking havoc on my body. My vitamin levels were ridiculously low in several categories and I was always tired....along with other GI symptoms. I also suffer from thyroid issues, but was surprised to find out that I would need to cut out gluten completely. After visits and further testing doctors diagnosed me with Celiac.

I had no idea about this autoimmune illness and would then spend months trying to figure out all I could. I thought most people avoided gluten as some kind of "diet trend" but then found out way more information about Celiac Disease and other gluten related sensitivities and how it affects other autoimmune illnesses. Many people don't understand Celiac and how eating gluten doesn't just make someone have a tummy ache.....I sure didn't myself. It is worth a quick google search to find out more! I also learned that many Celiacs have different symptoms and aren't all affected the same way when they ingest gluten on accident.

I previously had no idea how difficult and awkward it was for those with any kind of food allergy, until it was handed to me personally. Food is everywhere and we use it to celebrate everything. I am aware and used to bringing my own food to events or having to sit and watch others enjoy food I could not consume. At first.....I am not gonna lie...... it was tough. I wanted to throw those Chick-Fil-A grilled nuggets out the window after watching my family enjoy the delicious chicken sandwich on the way to games or practices for my kids. I was embarrassed at family events when I felt like a burden for being the weird one that can't eat gluten. I felt rude for bringing my own dish and apologized for not being able to eat what others were having. I finally knew how others felt when being faced with a food allergy condition.....and how to help others that may be in the same boat.

I can now say that I have been gluten free for over 2 years now and I feel so much better! I have way more energy, less inflammation, and can regulate my body's emotions much easier. I have accidentally ingested gluten a time or two and it is not a fun time.....headaches, tummy aches, mood swings, etc. are not worth the risk so I try to carefully choose safe foods to consume. My family even enjoys many of the gluten free options I cook better that the original gluten filled recipes!

Gluten products are hit or miss, but I have found some great options out there. Stay tuned for some of my favorite gluten free products and recipes!