If you are visiting me from my Facebook fan page you will recall the quote I shared this morning (if you aren't here's a handy link and follow me while you're there! ;0)) It had to do with being yourself (and how hard that can be) and I find it wildly appropriate for my blogging purposes today as well! For those of you who are reading this and are of the gluten-free type, my props to you! It's hard to be so different, especially when the food industry doesn't help out much. What is gluten-free? If you aren't familiar with this term and what it means let me enlighten you!:
A gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease,[1] the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis,[2] and wheat allergy.[1]
(Source: Wikipedia)
If you are indeed "gluten-free" you follow a gluten-free diet. This means no gluten, wheat, barley, malt, or anything derived from these sources. The problem with convenience foods and over-processed foods is that so many of the ingredients used as fillers and preservatives come from a wheat source. There are only so many foods, that are quick and easy to grab and eat that are truly "gluten-free". Even if you come across a product that is "gluten-free" you also have to make sure that it is manufactured responsibly and in a gluten-free facility as well. I want to thank the FDA for their diligence in making sure that manufacturers label all allergens in bold and disclose whether the product was made with other wheat products. A few years ago, being "gluten-free" was really tough. You had to research yourself whether certain products were gluten-free and safe to eat, my man spent a great deal of time on the phone with companies of food products to find out whether a product was safe. That and he spent a great deal of time on the phone with the FDA reporting manufacturers who refused to divulge information and were practicing sneaky ingredient hiding.
It's easier today to be gluten-free, but by no means convenient. Restaurants have been slow to adopt gluten-free menus or to provide ingredients lists. You can't just grab a bite to eat and go either. We spend a lot of time explaining celaics and asking people to put on clean gloves, or to wipe surfaces, or even to make something not normally on the menu. You can't be shy at all either! I have a friend who has celiacs who hates the thought of asking people to accommodate her. She even told me that she is made fun of somewhat by her peers/relatives for being a little nerdy and gluten-free. I say wear it proudly on your sleeve girl and don't be afraid to ask people to be accommodating.
I've found that most people are eager to help and don't mind at all. We ask to read packages and labels of foods being served and never once have we had someone be rude or say no. It's okay to be different and proud even if that means being "gluten-free!" Here's your TiP fOr TuEsDaY! ;0)
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