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

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

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

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

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

Beth Vital, Assistant Brewer at B.C. Brewery & Noreen Wheeler, Gluten Free Life & Travels at B.C. Brewery Shortly after Christmas, I was able to go to Hunt Valley, Maryland, and visit B.C. Brewery. They have a great location! Their business is located about 30 minutes north of Inner Harbor. The Light Rail is just across the street, and can bring you from B.C. Brewery to Inner Harbor and many stops in between. There are also several hotels nearby if you go for a weekend ge

A Little Bit About Me I thought this would be a good time to tell you a little about myself. As I have had some new followers. I am married and have two children. I'm terrible at selfies, I just don't think about taking a picture of just myself. I have two dogs who are a very large part of my family. I enjoy traveling and having fun. Getting Diagnosed I was diagnosed with celiac in 2013. My four-year-old daughter, who had stomach issues from the time she started baby cereal,

Gortnalughoge, County Donegal, Ireland There is No Time Like the Present As this year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on the usual highs and lows but on how quickly life can change. If the past few years have taught me anything—especially living through COVID—it’s that there truly is no time like the present. Don’t wait to see the people you love. Don’t wait to explore new places. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to go after what you’ve been dreaming

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It reminds me of being a little kid in our old 16 passenger van driving with my parents, siblings and cousins to Pennsylvania. We used to all sing songs together to make the long trip go more quickly. Many of us will be traveling this holiday season. This year, "There's no place like home for the holidays," will be me. Well for the most part, I can't stay in one place too long. The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but

Plan-as with everything, when you have to be gluten-free, you need to make a plan. If you are going to someone's house make sure there will be food there you can eat. If not, make yourself a wonderful meal and bring it with you. When you eat it, savor every bite! Enjoy-It's easy to get overwhelmed. Sit back and enjoy spending time with those you love. If you have children, watch them enjoy the holiday, they grow up too quickly. Sit by a fire and read by yourself. Whate

Banquet Table Picture it you are at a professional conference, everyone is in a large banquet hall. There are eight people to a table. At each place there is a salad, water, and what looks like an iced tea. You sit down amongst your colleagues to eat. If you have Celiac anything you eat or drink will either nourish you or…will make you feel like you have a terrible stomach bug. I don’t think anyone can understand this until they live it. As you know it’s terribly stress

Christmas sugar cookies My daughter was diagnosed right before Thanksgiving when she was just 4 years old. I was diagnosed a few months before her. I remember being totally overwhelmed! A big part of the holiday is baking. Every year for as long as I could remember I made various Christmas cookies and treats. How was I going to do this gluten-free? I did not know anyone else that had Celiac or had to eat gluten-free. I have baked with my girls since they were little. My Nan

A person walking up steps "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Lao Tzu When I began blogging this May, I started on a new journey. Sometimes we think we know where our journey will lead but we have unexpected surprises. This has been a new challenge for me and something I really enjoy. I began blogging because I want to help others with Celiac, or dietary restrictions, that require them to eat gluten-free. As we all know following a strict gluten-free

Thanksgiving Dinner Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. There is no stress about finding the perfect gift and making sure the holiday meets high, sometimes unattainable expectations. This is how I often feel about Christmas. However, a gluten-free Thanksgiving can feel overwhelming when you are newly diagnosed. A few facts about me, I’m not a huge fan of cooking. I enjoy baking but I also enjoy shortcuts! When you must eat gluten-free you almost have to be able

Carving a turkey 1. Host-If you host Thanksgiving you have full control over what is cooked and how it's prepared. You can either cook the whole meal or have others bring food and keep your gluten-free food separate. This allows you to have control of everything that you make and ensure it is safe for you and/or family members. However, it can be overwhelming especially if you don't like to cook. 2. Bring your own food -If you are concerned that your host will n

Pumpkin with fall trees and leaves Tips Not all candy is created equal… · Some candy is safe, but their seasonal shapes are not! Make sure you double-check. · The Tootsie Company deserves a shout-out as their candy is peanut, tree nut, and gluten-free. · Dove chocolate is great about calling out allergens. · Hershey keeps a list of their GF candy on their website · Candy Corn-some love it! I’m not one of those however, here are some safe G

Making a wish on a dandelion I recently asked students if they could have any wish, What would it be? You learn a lot about someone when you ask this question. It made me think about what my wish might be. Here are a few wishes… 1. We could eat out at restaurants without worries. 2. All restaurants had to be trained on food allergies/intolerances & Celiac. 3. Having to eat gluten free did not cause so much social isolation. 4. Gluten (and top allergens) were banned f

Wegmans Wegmans-bottom left gluten free symbol 1. Grocery Store-The grocery store will be a very important part of living gluten-free. My favorite grocery store is Wegmans. All Wegmans brand items are clearly marked if they are gluten-free. Each grocery store does things a little bit differently, so you need to find one near you that is easy to navigate for your gluten-free shopping. 2. Buy fresh, plain fruit, veggies, and meat- Fresh fruit, veggies, and meat are always sa

Gluten free symbol 1. Celiac is an autoimmune disease-your own body starts to attack itself if you eat wheat, rye or barley. Other types of autoimmune diseases that people may be more familiar with are type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis. There are 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. 2. Treatment-The only treatment for Celiac is a strict gluten free diet. There is no medication. This is why when people with Celia

School bus with kids As the school year kicks off, gluten-free parents know that packing pencils and notebooks is just the beginning. Sending a child with celiac disease into the classroom requires a little extra planning, but with the right system, it becomes second nature. Here are a few of the things we do each year to help make back-to-school season a smooth one for our gluten-free family: 1. Stock Up on Safe Gluten-Free Snacks What are your child's favorite gluten-free s

Stir Fry from Mahon's Hotel Irvinestown, Northern Ireland I recently spent two weeks traveling around both Northern and Southern Ireland. I have been there several times as I have friends and family that live there. However, I have only traveled there one other time with Celiac. I have a few thoughts I wanted to share about the differences between the U.S. and Ireland when it comes to gluten-free. Labeling-Food labels in Ireland do not always specifically say if a product

“A worried mother does better research than the FBI.” My youngest child had stomach issues from the time I introduced barley cereal into her diet. When I spoke to her doctor they suggested I go back to rice cereal. As I continued to introduce new foods she continued to have stomach issues. My husband and I brought her to a specialist when she was about two. He suggested that we give her MiraLAX daily. We did this for a while but it didn’t seem to solve her stomach aches. No