Happy New Year, Honey Bunch! Welcome and thank you for starting 2013 with me.
If you’re not already, NOW is the time to get excited about living gluten free!
This year we will embrace every aspect of gluten free life with:
- Fresh information on gluten-related issues, health and nutrition.
- All-new gluten free recipes that are simple to prepare and easy on our budget.
- Straight talk about gluten free products (not only edibles!), including which are worth buying and which we should leave on the shelf.
- Answers to your questions about all things gluten free.
- The same “Smart Nutrition Backed by Science” so many of you rely on to make the best decisions for your health.
Today, as we look to new beginnings and fresh starts, I have vital information for anyone who must adhere to a gluten free diet.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Celiac disease (or another gluten-related health issue), or a seasoned pro at gluten free living, my strategies for successful gluten free living provide immediately useful guidance to benefit us all.
4 Powerful Strategies for Successful Gluten Free Living
1. Accept your new lifestyle.
A diagnosis of Celiac disease or other gluten-related health issue can be challenging, to say the least. For some, it is devastating. Grieving gluten is not abnormal after diagnosis.
We all handle change differently. In time, it really does become easier to navigate your new gluten free life. I promise.
By accepting the change to gluten free life as a positive one – focusing on what you can eat instead of what you cannot – you remove the negativity associated with food.
Perhaps you will consider gluten free living as liberating instead of restricting. I know I do!
Sure, for those of us who must be gluten free, we have to give up certain foods; however, by giving up those gluten-containing foods that make us ill, we are accepting renewed health. That’s something to celebrate!
You may find this short article by Nicole Hunn (author of “Gluten Free on a Shoestring”) helpful: “Need a Hug?”
If you find yourself feeling extremely blue – and I mean depressed – you may find my article about the link between Celiac disease and depression helpful.
2. Keep your focus.
Don’t be led off your path by someone else who tells you their way is better.
It is not. It is simply “their way”. Notice that is not “your way”.
Be true to you and your health. After all, no one knows you (and how you feel inside and out) better than…you!
To help you gain and maintain your gluten free focus, read this article on the basics of gluten free living.
3. Keep your balance.
When those feelings of being restricted creep in (and they will), there’s nothing at all wrong with enjoying a little gluten free indulgence.
How about a rich, fudgy gluten free brownie? (It’s free from all grains and the simplest recipe you’ve ever made!)
Sometimes a comforting treat can help us feel a little more “normal” and a bit less restricted on our gluten free diet.
Let’s face it, if we’re honest, we’ve all had at least one experience that caused frustration about the restrictions of living gluten free.
I understand because I’ve been there. (Heck, sometimes, I’m still there!)
Remember, I’m not suggesting we throw caution to the wind when it comes to healthy eating. You know me better than that.
What I am saying is this: Let’s not be so uptight about what we eat. Food is nourishing and necessary for our bodies and there is nothing wrong with enjoying every single bite…even when it’s a brownie. ;)
4. Seek reliable support you can trust.
When looking for go-to resources, be sure the guidance you follow is consistently provided, accurate and research-based, and comprehensive.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these points:
- Consistent content:
Whether you’re newly diagnosed and need guidance each step of the way or you already know the ins and outs of gluten free living but want to further enhance your health, consistent valuable information and support can make reaching your health goals quicker and easier.
This is why I post articles and recipes several times each week, regularly create products to help improve our health on a gluten free diet (click to explore!) and maintain an active presence in social media spaces like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. (You can find me by searching “Gluten Free Gigi” on any or all of them. Join the fun!)
It is also why I write “Food Solutions” for you each month. (Click the link to subscribe and add this valuable resource to your support network. You won’t regret it!)
There is no such thing as too much reliable information.
In addition to what I provide, you may find these trusted resources useful:
StartGlutenFree.com - A website designed to help those new to gluten free living. I’m proud to be an author for this site!
Celiac Disease Foundation Gluten Free Resource Directory - An easy-to-use one-stop guide to gluten free products and resources.
Gluten Free Find - A gluten free listing directory for all things gluten free.
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness - an organization devoted to Celiac awareness.
- Accurate research-based information:
It is time-consuming (and daunting!) to sift through all the information we come across on the internet when it comes to gluten free living. Unfortunately, misinformation about our health can be dangerous.
This is why I always provide “Smart Nutrition Backed by Science”. I am committed to applying my research knowledge and experience to all aspects of gluten free living, health and nutrition. You deserve nothing less for your good health.
- A comprehensive resource:
Time is a precious commodity and I know you’re far too busy to spend hours going from site to site to gather all the information about gluten free living you need.
That’s why I strive to provide an absolute gluten free experience for you. I encourage you to let me know if there’s information you need that you’re not finding here.
By posting comments below or sending in an email (mailbox@glutenfreegigi.com) to share your thoughts and concerns, you help me serve you best. I always love hearing from you!
Thank you for allowing me to be one of your trusted resources as you journey along the path to your optimal gluten free health.
I’ll see you back here on Friday for more “Smart Nutrition Backed by Science”!
xo,
Gigi ;)
Hi Gigi,
Thank you for including http://www.glutenfreefind.com in such a lovely, well written post. Love ALL you do; you always have such insightful information to offer and help so many people all the time! xo Lisa