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

Beer flight sampler If you need to follow be gluten-free, whether due to celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, gluten intolerance, or another medical reason, one of the first questions you may ask is: “Do I need to give up beer?” The answer is yes and no. Yes, you’ll need to give up the beer you’ve been drinking. But the good news? You don’t have to give up beer entirely. There are safe, gluten-free beer options available for people with celiac disease. Let’s break it all

Chicken & bacon sandwich from the Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios Living gluten-free isn’t a trend; it’s a medical necessity for many, including those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, if you’re new to this or supporting someone who is, you likely have many questions. Here are the top 5 questions I am asked most often, along with answers that can help you navigate the gluten-free journey with more confidence. What exactly is gluten, and why do some peop

Just found out you need to eat gluten-free? Follow these 3 Tips to get started!

But the truth is this: it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy the holiday season while still supporting your well-being.

The holiday season is upon us, a time for gathering with the people we love and, of course…food. I always look forward to this time of year, but sometimes the expectations of the “perfect” holiday can feel a little too high. We picture cozy gatherings, beautifully set tables, and everyone enjoying their favorite seasonal dishes. But when you have celiac disease or must eat gluten-free for any reason, that picture can be a bit different. My own vision of a perfect holiday is s

Dr. Runa Watkins -Pediatric Gastroenterologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Getting diagnosed with celiac disease is just the beginning of the journey—what comes next is just as important. I recently interviewed Dr. Runa Watkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, to discuss what happens after diagnosis. How often should you follow up with your doctor? What tests are important? In this interview, Dr. Runa Watki

Arc de Triomphe Paris, France A Wake Up Call If you’ve noticed I’ve been a little quiet here lately, it’s because the last few months have been quite a journey—both literally and figuratively. This past summer, while traveling on our gluten-free journey in Europe with my teenage daughters, I finally had to face something I’d been in denial about for a while: my knee wasn’t just a minor issue. We arrived at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on the third day of a two-week trip, and

A mother reading a book to her child Let's be honest being a mom is a wonderful and rewarding gift, but it is not without challenges, especially when you have a child with celiac disease. I believe parenting is one of the most important roles you can have in life. The impact you make on a child's life is extraordinary. What they learn as a child impacts the rest of their life. However, no book or guide will help you navigate all the decisions you must make as a parent espe

In April, I started a journey in an attempt to heal my stomach and find out what was causing my ongoing symptoms. I have been eating gluten-free for over twelve years due to my celiac diagnosis. As long as I can remember, I have had stomach issues. Sometimes my stomach seemed to get better, and then it returned with a vengeance. In Search of Answers When I began this journey in April, I was sick at least three times a week. I finally committed to meeting with a nutritioni

Fireworks As we eagerly step into the New Year, the air is filled with aspirations and resolutions. While setting new goals is a tradition deeply embedded in this season, it's equally crucial to take a moment for reflection, acknowledging the milestones and accomplishments of the past year. Reflecting on Achievements: Celebrate Your Wins Before diving headfirst into resolutions, let's pause and celebrate the victories of the past year. What did you accomplish? What challenges

Snowflakes As the holiday approaches, many of us can feel our stress levels rise. Lists are made of what we need to purchase, what needs to be done in our home, and what gluten-free food should be made for everyone to enjoy. This time of year is portrayed as fun and magical, but can quickly become overwhelming. Social Media Social media can reinforce to us that our holiday should be perfect. Scrolling through social media shows perfectly decorated houses, happy families,

Cutting up a turkey Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and togetherness, often revolves around a table filled with culinary delights. However, for those who need to eat gluten-free, it can be overwhelming and challenging. At times, I must remind myself to focus on what I can eat. With a little creativity and the right recipes, a gluten-free Thanksgiving can be just as delightful and delicious. Let's look at some ways to celebrate this holiday gluten-free. Reimagining Clas

Rollercoaster Having to live gluten-free can be exhausting! For many people, eating gluten-free is not a preference, but a necessity. There are so many people affected by gluten. Some, like me, have celiac disease, and others have a gluten intolerance or a gluten/wheat allergy. Many people with autoimmune diseases are recommended to eat gluten-free to improve their symptoms. Let's look at some of the positive and negative aspects of having to eat gluten-free. The Positive

Gluten-Free Ghost S'Mores Dip The leaves are crunching under your feet, the air has gotten cooler, and the nights are longer. We once again find ourselves approaching Halloween. This is one of my favorite holidays. There is no worry about buying the perfect present or hosting people for a fabulous dinner. Halloween gives children and adults permission to dress up and have fun. If you or your child has celiac disease, you can still enjoy this holiday! There are so many d

Tootsie Roll Candy-a gluten-free/nut-free option While attending a gluten-free expo, I realized how foreign it is for me to be able to eat without asking lots of questions...one of the best parts of the expo was being able to eat all the food there without the usual stress. Of course, I still checked labels, but the anxiety of potentially getting sick from eating food outside my home was much less intense. What is Normal? I think after you have been diagnosed for a long tim

A school bus is driving down the road in the fall. It’s that time of year again; soon the days will get cooler, and the kids will be back in school. For families managing Celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten allergies, this season can bring more than just shopping lists and schedules. It can bring stress. Learn more about preparing your child and the school for their needs. My daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease when she was just four years old. I’ll never for

Flyer for the Gluten-Free Expo on September 30th Come out and join us for gluten-free food and beverages! I am excited to announce that we will be having a Gluten-Free Expo in Hunt Valley, MD, on September 30th. B.C. Brewery and I are working together on this event. The expo will be held at the brewery. This is a rain-or-shine event and will be taking place outside. Catering to your Gluten-Free Needs A gluten-free expo is a great experience. When you attend, you are surro

Enjoying Niagara Falls, Canada I've been a bit quiet on social media lately. I had to take a break to focus on feeling better and healing my gut. As with many people who have celiac disease, my stomach has not been completely healed with a gluten-free diet. I decided I was going to work with a registered dietitian to find out what causes my underlying stomach issues so I can address them. I feel like doctors have been treating my symptoms but not addressing the underlining

Celiac ribbon-More Education about Celiac Disease When I was first diagnosed with Celiac disease I had no idea what it was. I did not know anyone at that time that had celiac. I left the doctor glad to have answers, but I did not know what was next. I went home, started researching, and bought a bunch of books so I could begin to educate myself. Shortly after I was diagnosed, my four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. That made things a bit more stressfu