A woman looking over a long windy road. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Lao Tzu I, like many other celiacs, have had ongoing stomach problems most of my life. I thought when I was diagnosed with celiac disease, that I found the answers I needed. It took me over a year to feel better on a gluten-free diet. However, the truth is, I still have problems with my stomach. To be honest I don't remember ever not having a problem with my stomach. This is m

Purple Hyacinth Spring has always been my favorite time of year. The days are getting longer, it's light outside when I wake up and light later in the evening. The weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining. When you look out the window the grass is green, the leaves are coming out and the flowers are blooming. Spring view of the mountains Spring brings things back to life including me! I feel energized. I can get back on my bike and spend time outside without free

Picture of Yara and pictures of Lebanon I recently interviewed Yara. She is currently living in Saudi Arabia but she is from Lebanon. She graciously agreed to let me interview her about both countries. This gave me a unique look at two different countries from her perspective. The interview about her celiac diagnosis and her life in Saudia Arabia can be found HERE. Eating out in Lebanon How knowledgeable is the food industry in Lebanon regarding Celiac? "Although Celia

Image of a vaccine Beyond Celiac is working hard to find a cure for celiac disease by 2030. Here is the link to Beyond Celiac where they discuss what they are doing to work toward a cure. I admit that I'm afraid to be excited about this possibility. The hope is a vaccine-like therapy to train the immune system that gluten is not the enemy. To learn more about future therapies visit the Celiac Disease Foundation. A cure for celiac would change both my celiac daughter's li

Images from Saudi Arabia How old were you when you were diagnosed with Celiac? How did you find out you had Celiac? Yara was diagnosed with celiac in 1995, she was about a year old at the time. She began having problems when she started solid food. "I had growth and weight issues, I wasn’t growing at a normal rate. In addition, I was suffering from severe diarrhea and vomiting. After spending many days in the hospital, changing many doctors to get the right diagnosis, my

Living gluten-free, whether due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, can feel overwhelming at times. But with the right tools, it becomes so much easier. Today, I’m sharing my favorite gluten-free apps, expos, and social media communities that help make gluten-free living and travel safer, simpler, and more enjoyable. Expo Event 1. Best Gluten-Free Apps for Shopping & Traveling GF Scanner: Your Grocery Store Lifesaver The GF Scanner app is one of my top essentials. When y

Image of Sarah and New Zealand Come with me as I fly halfway across the globe to New Zealand. In my quest to see what it is like to live around the world with celiac disease, I interviewed Sarah Albom from New Zealand. I found Sarah through an article I read on Coeliac New Zealand. She also made a documentary “Don’t Pass the Bread” about celiac disease for Coeliac New Zealand. It was very well done, and as I watch it, I once again realize that no matter where we live we a

View from Devenish Island, County Fermanagh Ireland holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. My grandfather was from Tubberclair, Ireland, not far from Athlone. He left Ireland for New York City in search of a better life leaving behind his family and friends. Can you imagine getting on a boat that would take several days to arrive in the United States? Knowing that it was possible that you may get sick and never arrive. Traveling to a country you don't kn

Best Places to Visit Now that we know a bit about what it's like to live in Egypt with celiac disease. I wanted to learn more about the must-see locations in Egypt. There are many spots Norhan loves. Here are her top suggestions: "Anywhere along the River Nile is comforting and soothing. Whether dining/kayaking, or taking a boat ride at sunset time is magical and highly recommended." The North Coast-Norhan explains, "The sea is incredibly beautiful." She says the bes

Gluten-free waffle with whipped cream and blueberries. As you know gluten-free products are expensive. There is nothing more frustrating than spending money on a product and finding out it is not good. When my daughter and I were first diagnosed we'd go to the grocery store and see these amazing products. We would put them in our cart and couldn't wait to try them. I'd cringe at the price but if we could eat something and feel "normal" it would be worth it. We'd get home

5 Exercise Benefits-for Autoimmune Disease If you asked me if I enjoy exercising, I would honestly say, no. However, I realized as I got older that I needed to exercise. Diabetes runs in my family and I do not want diabetes on top of celiac disease. I already have foods that I can't and won't eat. As we all know having one, or more, autoimmune disease/s puts us at risk for others. My Electric Blue Racer A few years ago, I realized I had to reframe my thinking. Exercise

How did you find out you had celiac? I recently interviewed Norhan, from Egypt. She was diagnosed with celiac disease two years ago at the age of 28. She was diagnosed after being very sick for two weeks. She had constant diarrhea and could not leave the house to go to the doctor. The doctor had to come to her home. She explains, "I was put on Oral Rehydration therapy for a week. And none of the treatments the doctors gave me at first worked on stopping diarrhea. Then

SoNapa Grille in New Smyrna Beach, Florida When you spend time at the beach the last thing you want to do is go back and make a meal. One of my favorite restaurants at the beach is SoNapa Grille. The restaurant is known for great wine, from the Sonoma and Napa Valley, and amazing food. When you walk into the restaurant it has high open ceilings. There are large beams and the restaurant has an open feel. You will see wine barrels above your head on the second floor. The b

I live in a house divided. My husband and youngest child believe that Valentine's Day is just another way to sell cards, flowers and...

Image of a map with a U.S. passport and camera Traveling the world with a wheat gluten allergy I recently had the opportunity to interview Marisa. She is from the United States but travels all around the world for her career. Marisa was diagnosed 25 years ago with a severe allergy to wheat gluten. She carries an EPI-Pen with her in case she is exposed. Not only does Marisa have to worry about ingesting wheat gluten, but also being exposed to it topically. She needs to