Have you recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or think you may have autoimmune symptoms? Don’t worry, you are not alone! It might be overwhelming at first to have to switch to a gluten-free lifestyle, but don’t fret. This post offers five tips you need on living with celiac disease as well a delicious, gluten-free products!
1. Speak to a dietitian
Firstly, after being diagnosed with Celiac, it is important to meet with a dietitian who can guide you into a gluten-free lifestyle, as well as suggest new eating habits to help improve your overall wellbeing. This is the most important tip in this post because you need to make sure you are nourishing your body properly and getting everything you need to be healthy!
2. Don’t forget to exercise
Navigating a gluten-free lifestyle might be overwhelming and scary to some. Adding fitness to your daily routine will not only help you feel better and motivate you to heal, but it can correct some of the secondary symptoms of Celiac Disease. Osteoporosis is a common result of Celiac. Secondly, adding in weight exercises to your routine can also help build a better muscle-to-fat ratio and strengthen your bones.
3. Try new gluten-free recipes
Did you know that a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to be boring! Have fun experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. Make sure to pay close attention to all of the ingredients when you are shopping, and have fun experimenting. Research cookbooks and blogs that cater to gluten-free diets and lifestyles!
Moreover, being gluten-free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy dessert! Don’t neglect your sweet tooth, Simply Delish range of jels and puddings are gluten-free and a great additive to a recipe or can be enjoyed on their own! In no less than five minutes and no more than 60, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, gluten-free Simply Delish treat.
Do you have a gluten-free recipe that you would like to share? Click here to upload your recipe and the chance to have it featured in our e-recipe book!
4. Explore local celiac-friendly restaurants & meal kits
Don’t want to cook at home? Limited to dining options because of COVID? How about exploring some restaurant chains that have gluten-free options as they are becoming more and more popular. It’s also the perfect time to check out a few smaller, local restaurants and see where you can customize your menu to fit your diet.
A helpful tip is to make sure that the gluten-free items are cooked away from potential cross-contamination in the kitchen. Be sure to communicate with your server that you are gluten-free and remember to ask questions. Be wary of restaurants that use ingredients with gluten in any sauces or spices or those that cook in the same area as food that has gluten.
However, if eating out isn’t an option or you have limited gluten-free dining options, we suggest meal kits that cater to a gluten-free lifestyle. Recommended meal kit companies such as Green Chef, Hello Fresh, and Home Chef deliver the mise en place you need to create a delicious gluten-free meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
5. Join a celiac disease support group
Lastly, did you know that according to the Celiac Disease Foundation ., celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide? You are not alone! Joining a support group can help you navigate your lifestyle. You can share advice on foods to avoid, cookbook and recipe suggestions, some great restaurants to try, and other advice on managing the disease.
