My Gluten Free Journey

“You have Celiac.”

Five years later, I can still hear those words as clearly as if someone had whispered them in my ear this morning.

I was sitting at my computer in my home office when I received that life‑altering phone call. After months of being unbelievably sick, cycling through a long list of symptoms, I finally had answers… or did I? I mean—what even is Celiac? Like so many others, I had been told for years that it was “just IBS.”

As the doctor explained the next steps—a biopsy, a referral, and the instruction to keep eating gluten until the testing was complete—I remember staring at my screen thinking, You want me to keep eating the thing that’s making me this sick? It felt completely counterintuitive. My stomach was constantly upset, my energy was gone, and some days even walking from one room to another felt like climbing a mountain. And the brain fog… that was a whole experience on its own.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), I was so ill and had enough underlying medical concerns that I was able to get in for a biopsy the following week. It confirmed what I’d already been told: “You have Celiac.” I’m not sure I fully understood what that meant at the time, but at least I finally knew what was happening inside my body.

There is no treatment.

No cure.

The only way to manage Celiac is to avoid gluten completely—no exceptions.

It all felt surreal and honestly, terrifying. Cue the anxiety.

I’ve always been someone who likes to be informed and “take care of things,” but suddenly I was in a world where the only place I felt safe eating was my own kitchen. I used to love going out to restaurants, potlucks, impromptu get‑togethers… and travelling? I couldn’t even wrap my head around that.

Learning to live gluten free

Working with a dietician helped. I learned so much, including the fact that gluten hides in places I never would have imagined. Bread and pasta are just the beginning – soya sauce – really?! After being so sick for so long—and learning the extent of the damage from my biopsy—I knew I needed to heal my body and protect it from further exposure.

But how was I supposed to do that in a world where gluten is everywhere and understanding of Celiac is… limited? What would my social life look like? Would I ever be able to eat without fear? And honestly—does anything gluten free actually taste good?

I still remember my first trip to the grocery store. I spent hours reading labels. At the deli, when I asked about cleaning, cross‑contamination, another shopper muttered, “People like you make me sick.” Imagine the irony! Today, I wish I had responded. Back then, I froze. It horrified me and fueled my anxiety even more. I realized my questions would be extensive—and sometimes annoying—to others.

Finding community

Thankfully, I connected with people in the Celiac community who guided me toward resources, shared their favourite products, and reassured me that asking questions is not only okay—it’s necessary. And if advocating for my health makes someone uncomfortable, that’s not my responsibility.

I also had to adjust my own way of being. I used to be an avid baker—I could bake anything. Suddenly my bread was a flop (still working on that one), and people didn’t want to eat my treats because they were afraid of “missing out on gluten.” I understood the feeling; I had thought the same thing at first.

I loved hosting friends and family, and while I always made something delicious, guests often contributed dishes too. I had to educate everyone about Celiac so they could understand why I declined their contributions. Some people stopped inviting me over entirely, worried they might accidentally make me sick. I always offer to bring my own meal, but it can make others uncomfortable, and it usually comes with the disclaimer: “I have Celiac. It’s an autoimmune disease that prevents me from enjoying food with gluten like the rest of you.” And brings on attention, we don’t really want.

Moving forward

Today, I’m comfortable with Celiac and with eating gluten free. I’ve accepted that it’s part of who I am. I know so much more about gluten and where it lurks. My body and mind have healed. I’m still mindful, but I’m confident researching restaurants and asking the right questions so I can enjoy eating out. I do sometimes exclude myself—mostly out of necessity—but that’s just reality. If I know a place is full of gluten and the risk of contamination is high, I owe it to myself to stay safe.

Fortunately, more and more businesses are learning about gluten and the importance of offering gluten free options. They may not all be healthy, but many of them are absolutely delicious.

Wherever you are in your gluten free journey—and whatever brought you here—Gluten Free for Me is here with carefully curated gift boxes to spoil you with delicious gluten free treats. We are looking forward to being part of your story.