Living gluten-free can look very different around the world, depending on awareness, resources, and cultural attitudes toward food. In this edition of Celiac Around the World, we travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to learn what life is like for families navigating celiac disease there. I had the opportunity to interview Priyamvada, a parent whose child was diagnosed with celiac disease, and learn about their journey, from finding safe gluten-free foods to advocating for

When I interviewed Marja in Finland, her story echoed what so many people with celiac disease experience around the world. The pattern is familiar: everyday meals leading to persistent stomach aches, symptoms that don’t seem serious at first, and years of uncertainty before finally seeking medical advice. Like countless others, Marja went through blood tests and a biopsy before receiving her diagnosis. Her journey is a reminder that while celiac stories are deeply personal, t

Gluten-Free In the Park Tips You’ve finally made it! After months of planning, your Disney trip is here, and you're ready for the magic to begin. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help your gluten-free trip go smoothly. 1. Don’t Overdo It I know, it’s Disney, and you want to do everything. You’ve invested a lot into this vacation, and it’s tempting to start at rope drop and go until the fireworks. But trust me, if your kids are tired or overstimulated, it’s okay to slow

Disney's Epcot - At Night Packing Smart for Your Gluten-Free Disney Trip Packing for Disney can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to travel gluten-free, stick to a budget, and keep the kids happy and comfortable. Over the years, I’ve learned some practical, affordable ways to pack smart and prepare for a magical (and meltdown-free) trip. Whether you're flying or driving, these tips will help your trip run smoothly from the start! 1. Pre-Pack Outfits in Gallon Z

Cinderella's Castle-Walt Disney World Planning Your Gluten-Free Disney Vacation Like a Pro For the past twelve years, my husband and I have been creating magical memories with our children at Disney World. Along the way, I’ve learned plenty of tips and tricks to make each trip smoother, more affordable, and most importantly, gluten-free. One of the biggest reasons we keep going back? Disney takes celiac disease and food allergies seriously. Their allergy protocols and dedicat

In this edition of my Celiac Around the World series, I’m excited to introduce Greta from Italy. Diagnosed with celiac disease at 17, Greta shares what it’s like to navigate daily life gluten-free in a country known for its love of pasta, pizza, and fresh bread. Beyond the challenges of food choices and cross-contact, Greta talks about how celiac disease has helped her recognize true friendship. Real friends are the ones who let you choose the restaurant, make sacrifices with

Great Bear at Hershey Park - Hershey, PA When you have celiac disease or must eat gluten-free, visiting an amusement park can feel overwhelming, but not at Hersheypark. This Pennsylvania gem combines sweet fun, exciting rides, and surprisingly safe gluten-free options that make traveling with dietary restrictions so much easier. My family and I have returned to Hersheypark again and again, not just for the roller coasters and chocolate (though those are big perks!), but becau

Orange County Convention Center-Orlando, Florida Attending a convention, conference, or expo can be an exciting opportunity—whether it’s for work, school, or just for fun. But if you have celiac disease or follow a gluten-free diet, it also comes with a big question: What am I going to eat? Convention centers aren’t exactly known for their gluten-free friendliness. The food is often pre-packaged, mass-produced, or laden with hidden sources of gluten. But don’t stress—with the

What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? For Dr. Ana Pimenta in Portugal, being diagnosed with celiac disease, along with her mother and young son, deeply transformed not only her personal life but also the way she approaches patient care. In this inspiring interview, Dr. Pimenta shares how her experience living with celiac disease has led her to become an advocate for education, awareness, and community support. From creating helpful resources to connecting with other

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

Living gluten-free can be a challenge no matter where you are. Today, we’re taking a closer look at what it's like in Poland. Dora, from Wrocław, knows this experience well. With a daughter who has celiac disease and her own non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Dora has learned—through research, trial, and everyday life—how to successfully navigate a gluten-free lifestyle for both herself and her family. Beyond managing her own dietary needs, Dora faces the added stress of parentin

Navigating life with food intolerances can be challenging, but for Sanja, it has become an opportunity to inspire and educate others. She has faced the difficulties of non-celiac gluten sensitivity along with several other food intolerances—struggling, like many, to get a proper diagnosis. But instead of letting these challenges define her, Sanja embraced them. Now, she shares her passion for delicious, intolerance-friendly meals on Instagram and Facebook, proving that restri

Pictured above from left to right are: Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Tango Dancing in Argentina I'm excited to introduce Deby from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is passionate about gluten-free, vegetarian, and healthy cooking. She can be found on Instagram @lachicaglutenfreedebuenosaires. In this interview, we will learn more about living in Argentina with celiac disease. Deby from Argentina Photo Credit: @lachicaglutenfreedebuenosaires Life with Celiac Disease

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

Are you looking to travel internationally? Are you worried about traveling with celiac disease? Read my post to learn more!

Woman walking with her suitcase in the airport. For many of us, summer is a high travel season. I love to travel but would lie if I said that finding safe gluten-free food isn't stressful. Sometimes I think back to life before my diagnosis. I was excited to travel and did not worry about food. Food and Travel My sister just returned from a trip and was excited to tell us how they shared several local dishes on their tour. Eating food from other countries and cultures is pa

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

Map with Polaroid pictures Summer is coming, are you ready? This is my favorite time of year, warm weather, swimming, and sunshine. What could be better? It's also a great time to travel. Traveling has always been exciting, with endless new adventures and people to meet. When I was younger, I used to like checking off all the places I visited and all the famous sites I saw. Now, I enjoy going with a plan but allowing for flexibility. Often the best places to see are of

Jessie was 35 when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. She discovered there was a problem when she met a friend for dinner and had a sandwich. "I was sick for two days and couldn’t go to work." She began eating gluten-free and says it worked immediately. No longer did she have pain or "inner stress." She was a bit sad that she did not know what had been wrong for the past 35 years but she said, "Finally, I was able to understand so many things in my life." What do yo

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