Last updated on March 8th, 2024
Imagine you’re a parent who strives to make the best food choices for your family. For the health of your family and that of the planet, you opt to use local and organic ingredients, seeking out ethical choices and healthier ingredients. You balance out these choices financially by cooking with seasonal ingredients and looking for deals.
Then one day a member of your family is diagnosed with celiac disease, and the only way to keep them healthy is to eliminate all gluten from their life. All the other factors that go into making food choices are put on hold, because the number one consideration is that every meal is gluten free. That’s what happened to us. When our children were diagnosed with celiac disease, all food options were eclipsed by the need for food to be free from gluten.
Welcome to Grateful Gluten Free!
Hi, I’m Liz, mom of two amazing children with celiac disease. I have a degree in environmental studies and a zest for creating awesome, healthy snacks and meals. When it comes to food, what’s better for the planet is typically healthier for us, too. Grateful Gluten Free is a collection of family-friendly recipes and activities, as well as information about living gluten-free sustainably.
Celiac Disease
A lifelong diagnosis, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. In addition to many other symptoms, damage to the small intestines causes malnutrition. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to further complications, including the development of other autoimmune diseases or certain types of cancer. Celiac disease is genetic but not inherited—it develops when a person’s genes interact with environmental factors.
Before my kiddos were diagnosed they were both so sick. I’m grateful the solution is food-based and natural: no need for surgery or medication. Also, I’m thankful to the doctors who thought to test them for celiac disease in the first place. I’m not a medical professional, and this site is not intended for medical advice to treat yourself or others. If you think your child might have celiac disease you should reach out to their medical provider.
Living Gluten Free
Gluten forms from certain proteins in products made from wheat, rye, or barley. In some cases oat proteins can trigger celiac disease, and oats are typically cross-contaminated in fields, and during transportation and storage. The good news is most whole foods do not contain gluten. However, gluten is often found in packaged and prepared foods, as well as anything made with the aforementioned grains. By reading labels and asking questions, it’s possible to steer clear of gluten and avoid the symptoms of celiac disease.
One of the easiest ways to control for gluten is to start with whole ingredients, and when you cook at home you know exactly what goes into each meal. If you do used processed food of any kind, read the labels. Ask questions. And when in doubt, don’t eat it. I am an advocate for my children. Mistakes will happen, but I’m doing my best to keep these kiddos healthy. I’m grateful that my children’s chronic condition is manageable with a food-based protocol.