Struggling with a Gluten-Free Diet

I get this. I hate going out because my friends love gathering around food and I always feel like a burden or a bother when I show up and just have water and watch them eat. I love inviting people over to my house to eat with me though. Picnics are also fun because everyone brings their own. For the foods I miss, I’ve learned to bake or cook a version of what I miss. Over time, I forget what the real thing tastes like and I’m thankful for the gluten free version. I’ve made pastas, enchiladas, burgers, tacos, cookies, brownies, cakes, breads… it’s a great way to get my family involved too. They love helping me find good recipes and having taste tests. If I suddenly miss something like… a Girl Scout cookie… I’ll Google gluten free recipes of that cookie (I’m also allergic to dairy and soy). Finding a recipe for that makes me feel like I’m not hopeless.

I understand the feeling of missing out. I hate when I go out with friends and all of the appetizers are not gluten free and it looks so good and people are always eating it around you. It’s awful. But you have to remember how damaging it can be to your body when you eat it. My sister went years lacking a diagnosis and wound up getting her colon removed. It’s so hard, but these days there are so many options for us and SO many amazing gluten free alternatives for almost all foods. hang in there lovely ❤️

You have to remember that even when you’re asymptomatic, you’re still damaging your gut! It’s harmful no matter what! I treat mine like it’s a food allergy. I act as though I’ll get extremely ill if I get cross contaminated (which is partially true.) But it helps me stay on track. And always search for a gluten free substitute when you have a craving! I know how hard it is but don’t give in! Also, small thing, but it’s a pet peeve of mine lol, it’s celiac, not celiacs, just drop the s. Everybody misspells it tho so it’s not biggie lol.