Navigating holiday gatherings with celiac disease can be challenging, especially when family members don't believe celiac is real or don't fully understand the need for a strict gluten-free diet. Learn practical tips for handling family conflict, explaining cross-contact, setting boundaries, and advocating for your health while enjoying the holidays with less stress and more confidence.

OCTOBER 2026 Fall is Upon Us Cooler Weather & Shorter Days I can’t believe we’re already at the end of October! As I get ready for a Halloween party and enjoy the crisp fall air, I’m wondering where summer went. Here in Northern Pennsylvania, the leaves are falling faster than I’d like! I’m looking forward to the Wicked Gluten-Free Expo in November and my upcoming webinar. I hope to see some of you at the expo or on my upcoming webinar. If you are attending the expo, let me k

Halloween can still be full of fun when your child has celiac disease! A little planning goes a long way in helping them feel included and enjoy the treats, tricks, and traditions!

Living with celiac disease is about so much more than following a gluten-free diet. It's learning to advocate for yourself, navigate social situations, and adjust to a completely new way of life. While everyone's journey is different, hearing the stories of others can provide encouragement, practical advice, and the reassurance that you're not alone. That's why I created Celiac Conversations, a series where members of the gluten-free community share their personal experiences

The Social Side of Living with Celiac Disease Living gluten-free is more than eating gluten-free. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you know it’s a full lifestyle change. And one of the hardest parts? The social side of living gluten-free. Food is at the center of almost every culture. Celebrations, holidays, coffee dates, and birthday parties all revolve around meals. “Let’s grab lunch and catch up!” “Want to meet for coffee?” “I’m having people over for dinn

Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease? You’re Not Alone You were just diagnosed with celiac disease. A big part of you may actually feel relieved. If you’ve been dealing with unexplained symptoms, you’re finally thankful to have an answer so you know what is wrong and, hopefully, to have a way to start feeling better. Getting a celiac disease diagnosis can bring a lot of emotions at once: relief, frustration, sadness, confusion, and maybe even a little bit of fear about what co

Navigating celiac disease at school can feel overwhelming for both parents and students. Learn how to work with teachers, school staff, and administrators to create a safer, more supportive gluten-free environment for your child.

The best gluten-free travel destinations for travelers with Celiac disease.

The Grand Hall on the Disney Wish One of the questions I hear most often is, "Can Disney Cruise Line safely accommodate celiac disease?" The answer is yes, and it's one of the reasons the Disney Cruise Line remains one of my favorite cruise lines to recommend for gluten-free travelers. While every sailing and every crew is a little different, Disney has established procedures to help guests with food allergies and celiac disease enjoy an incredible vacation without feeling li

Discover Ryan's inspiring Celiac story as he shares the challenges of adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle, finding confidence in the kitchen, traveling the world safely, and turning his passion into Plating with Perel. His journey offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone living with Celiac disease.

Amazing view of the clouds One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What gluten-free snacks do you travel with?" Whether I'm heading to the airport, taking a road trip, boarding a cruise ship, or spending a long day exploring a new destination, having safe gluten-free snacks on hand helps me avoid getting stuck without something I can eat. It also saves money and reduces stress when travel plans don't go exactly as expected. Here are a few of my favorite easy-to-trave

Planning a Disney Cruise and wondering if you'll be able to eat safely with celiac disease or gluten intolerance? The good news is that Disney Cruise Line is one of the most accommodating cruise lines I've experienced when it comes to special dietary needs.

Nassau, Bahamas Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. I now have the opportunity to combine that passion with another important part of my life: helping families. While I continue to work as a school counselor, I also help families plan vacations that fit their unique needs, including those navigating celiac disease, food allergies, and gluten-free travel. For the past 25 years, I've worked with children and teens ages 5 through 18, helping students build confid

Busy hospital lobby Last year, I had a scheduled surgery, something that can already feel stressful, but even more so when you have Celiac disease. Hospitals are, unfortunately, notorious for not always offering safe gluten-free options, so this was top of mind for me from the start. Preparing for Surgery with Celiac Disease: Gluten-Free Planning Tips Talking to Your Doctor About Gluten-Free Needs Before Surgery When I met with my doctor beforehand, I made sure to clearly exp

Overlooking Lower Lough Erne, Northern Ireland Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or gluten intolerance? You want to travel, but figuring out how to do it safely while eating gluten-free can feel overwhelming. Exploring new places is one of life’s greatest joys, but when you need to eat gluten-free, travel can also come with added stress. Will there be safe dining options? How do you avoid cross-contact? Will language barriers ma