Celiac Converstations with Ryan Perel

Ryan Perel - Plating with Perel

When Ryan was diagnosed with Celiac disease, he refused to believe that living gluten-free meant giving up the foods he loved. Instead, he turned to the kitchen, recreating childhood favorites and experimenting with recipes inspired by his travels around the world. What started as a creative outlet during a furlough from work in 2020 quickly grew into Plating with Perel, a thriving gluten-free community dedicated to proving that gluten-free food can be both safe and incredibly delicious.

Today, Ryan shares hundreds of gluten-free recipes on his website and social media, has appeared on television, and attends food expos where he inspires others to embrace gluten-free living with confidence.

Ryan currently lives in Florida and was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2019 at the age of 26. Before receiving his diagnosis, he experienced a wide range of symptoms, including stomach and abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, anxiety, and unexplained weight loss. After about six months of searching for answers, he was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease. While Ryan felt relieved to finally understand the cause of his symptoms, the diagnosis also brought a wave of emotions. Like many people newly diagnosed with Celiac disease, he felt very depressed as he adjusted to the significant lifestyle changes that came with living gluten-free.

Living with Celiac Disease

What has been the biggest challenge of living with Celiac disease?

For Ryan, the biggest challenge wasn't just learning to eat gluten-free; it was accepting that life had changed. He admits it took several years to stop living in denial and embrace his "new normal." During that time, he learned how to cook for himself, adjusted his lifestyle, and gradually reached a place where dining out no longer felt overwhelming or filled with anxiety.

What has surprised you the most since your diagnosis?

One of the biggest surprises has been discovering the incredible Celiac community.

"It's like a friendship I never had," Ryan says. Whether he's meeting people at gluten-free festivals or connecting with others online, he's found a welcoming community that understands the challenges of living with Celiac disease. The support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout his journey.

What has helped you adjust to living gluten-free?

Ryan found confidence in the kitchen. Experimenting with recipes and recreating favorite foods eventually became more than a way to manage his diagnosis; it became his passion. Creating hundreds of gluten-free recipes gave him a creative outlet and ultimately inspired him to launch Plating with Perel, where he helps others discover that gluten-free food can be both safe and incredibly delicious.

What is one thing you wish everyone understood about Celiac disease?

Ryan hopes people realize that eating gluten isn't just an inconvenience for someone with Celiac disease. "One bite or accidentally eating gluten has long-term, not short-term, effects." Greater awareness and understanding can make a meaningful difference for those living with this autoimmune disease.

Travel & Dining Gluten-Free

Travel has remained an important part of Ryan's life since his diagnosis. His favorite gluten-free destinations are Australia and New Zealand, where he found an impressive understanding of Celiac disease and gluten-free dining.

When it comes to food, Ryan always makes it a priority to seek out dedicated gluten-free bakeries wherever he travels. Two of his favorites are Modern Bread & Bagel in Santa Monica and Verveine Cafe in Boston. Even if there's a 30- to 45-minute wait, he says they're absolutely worth it.

One thing Ryan never travels without? Headphones for music, and plenty of gluten-free snacks.

Ryan's Gluten-Free Favorites

Ryan has a serious sweet spot for gluten-free baked goods and admits he still dreams about the treats from Modern Bread & Bagel and Verveine Cafe. His favorite gluten-free product is Against the Grain Baguettes. "I could devour a whole pack of them," he says.

Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

Ryan's advice is simple but powerful: "Take it one day at a time and speak up for yourself." Living with Celiac disease can feel overwhelming at first, but every day becomes a little easier as you learn, grow, and advocate for your health. One of the greatest lessons Celiac disease has taught him is resilience. "You can be at an ultimate low and not want to move forward, but one day you will break that barrier."

Ryan's Final Thoughts

Ryan hopes his story encourages others to find their voice and become advocates for the Celiac community.

"Raise awareness and let your voice be heard. That's the whole reason I started Plating with Perel. I wanted to show that gluten-free food can be good too, and that Celiac disease doesn't have to hinder you."

Through his recipes, advocacy, and willingness to share his journey, Ryan continues to inspire others to embrace life with Celiac disease, one delicious meal at a time.

Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your Celiac Conversation with us. We truly appreciate all the advocacy, education, and delicious recipes you share to help others better understand Celiac disease and navigate gluten-free living with confidence. We appreciate your passion for supporting the Celiac community, and we're grateful for everything you do to make life with Celiac disease a little easier—and a lot more flavorful.

We'd love for you to share your celiac journey with us on Celiac Conversations! Every story helps spread awareness, encourages understanding, and reminds others that they are not alone on their gluten-free journey. By sharing your experiences, you'll help others discover favorite gluten-free restaurants, trusted products, amazing travel destinations, and practical tips for living well with Celiac disease. Together, we can build a supportive community that inspires confidence, connection, and the freedom to....Live Fully. Travel Freely. Gluten-Free.