Coeliac Disease: pass on and share

So a few things that we have discovered that I want to share.

• the thought of going gluten free is scarier than the fact
• staying simple with recipes and home cooking is easier than dining out
• make the same recipes but swap out ingredients that have gluten and just tweek them where necessary!
• if you do dine out, always ask and ask again - is this gluten free?
• and don't assume because it was a week or a month ago - ask each and every time
• don't assume that because you now know what gluten is, that everyone else does - especially staff at restaurants, cafes, bistro's etc.
• educate them by asking questions and making sure you re-clarify
• your stomach will tell you if they got it wrong!
• we have been told that most take away Indian food is gluten free - but ask and make sure
• sushi is partly gluten free - watch the mayo, soy sauce and the decorative toppings - oh and the wasabi as well!
• potatoes are gluten free - but not hot chips - crazy hey!!? 
• in Australia - Oats are usually excluded from a gluten free diet
• the one thing that you don't normally eat, is the one thing that you will crave - my daughter is craving ice cream!!!  Can we find a nice gluten free one that she likes??
• join your local Coeliac Association and educate yourself and your family
• the symptons don't go away as soon as you start a gluten free diet - we have been told it can take from 6 months to 2 years
• if you are at the beginning of this journey
• see your doctor for a blood test and if that comes back positive, then you will need a colonoscopy and maybe a gastroscopy before final diagnosis -  you must continue to eat gluten throughout this process
• I recommend seeing a specialist for follow up care once you receive a positive diagnosis - we see a gastroenterologist
• you will feel empowered and in control of your diet/life choice
• if in doubt look up the Coeliac Association website near to you and call them - they can help you
• Coeliac Australia link 
• and remember to smile and the whole world will smile with you! :)