Dealing with a Recent Celiac Diagnosis

I felt the SAME way when I was diagnosed. It never is easy but it does get less overwhelming.

Oh my god one more thing, rather than think about all the foods you “lost,” indulge yourself in foods that are naturally gluten-free. I loved steak, grilled chicken, guacamole, fruits, and quinoa before I was diagnosed and I love them even more now because they’re super safe foods AND I can share them with my non-diseased friends and family, without worrying if they’ll think it’s “as good as” gluten filled counterparts.

It definitely sucks at first but I've been on a GF diet for about 3 years now since I found out. The best place I get gf breads and allergen free foods is places like Wegmans (but not every state has these) Barilla gf pasta is also the best 👍 I eat vegan so it's easier as I rarely eat pre-made foods. I only eat vegetables and maybe some pasta and a gf bagel some mornings. It def sucks eating out! Places like MOD pizza has gf options and chipotle (though chipotle cross contaminates too much so I don't go anymore)

Also another side note, be sure to check things like lipsticks, lip balms, or any other cosmetic that comes near your mouth to be gluten free. As well as medications, vitamins, and supplements (especially ones in gummy form). When you have any medical procedures and they ask if you’re allergic to any medications, tell them that you can’t have any with gluten. My first few slip ups were with cosmetics and while they were in such a small amount that the symptoms basically only amounted to an hour of mild pain, prolonged usage can be damaging. EOS is a lip balm company that does specifically test their products for gluten, it’s probably the most accessible and popular one to do so. But there are other companies that are dedicated gluten free.

In addition to those apps, there are apps that let you scan the barcode on packaged foods and it will tell you all kinds of information on food allergies. Gluten isn’t legally required to be listed on packaged foods in the usa (wheat is), and some ingredients like “malt” or “semolina” don’t inherently scream danger to someone with celiac in the same way “wheat flour” does. I have a massive sweet tooth so being diagnosed with celiac at age 16 also felt like the world ending, as I thought I could never eat my cakes/cookies/brownies ever again. But it’s shockingly more accessible to get gf desserts than you think (outback and p.f. chang’s are two major chain restaurants off the top of my head that have gluten free cakes) and with diets like keto and paleo becoming more popular, gluten free people are able to piggyback off of their “hard work” to enjoy things like pizza, wings, and pasta once again.

The apps are Find me Gluten free and Eat GF

Thank you for all the support this has helped alot and it makes me feel better knowing I have a community I can relay on while I figure out this new life.

I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason! When I look back at life before I was diagnosed I realized that I never listened to my body’s needs. I used to eat like shit, but now I’m trying new things and finding what foods make me feel the best! I also learned who my real friends were. Am I bummed that I have celiac? Absolutely, but I have met so many wonderful people because of it! I never knew how much community came with a chronic illness. Just remember that you’re not alone and that advocating for yourself will help other celiacs later on! It may seem hopeless right now, but it does get easier and possibly better than before! Please message me anytime, we’re in this together❤️

It will totally get easier. I’ve learned the types of restaurants to avoid, but also those where I have plenty of options (which is more than you’d think)! When I’m cooking at home I hardly even think about it anymore (tho I do make extra grocery trips to find my favorite gluten free breads lol).

Yes please that will help thank you

I completely understand!!!! If you need the apps I can get them for you.

Thank you! Yh my anxiety was manageable but now even looking at food wandering if I will die in pain for tow weeks are survive.

It's depressing to know that I will not be able to eat some of my favorite things and my anxiety is always through the roof when I go to a restaurant. I have apps to help me figure out what I can eat and what I can't. I also try to plan ahead of time as to where we are going to eat and look at the menu online to see if they have anything I can have.