GlutenAway Blog: Advice For Everyone

Showing posts with label Advice For Everyone. Show all posts

By: Laura McCutcheon (Taylor's Mom)

When it comes to GlutenAway, Taylor is the voice and driver of this blog and everything social media. In the past I haven’t contributed much when it comes to content unless it was something that I truly feel will benefit his followers – advice on parenting, social situations, etc.

In the past four years, I have had five people in my life try to commit suicide. Three with pills and two with a gun. This past week, someone I knew well and worked closely with took her own life. She was an incredible human being – giving, bright, driven and loved by so many. She was well known in the professional community. No one saw this coming. I am left shocked and saddened. Left wondering how I can help or if there is something that I can do.

Depression in general needs to be addressed in this country as a true medical condition. More importantly, the stigmatism behind mental health illnesses needs to be addressed and confronted head on. I thought if there's anything I can do, I can bring awareness to the connection between Celiac Disease, gluten sensitivities, and depression and help those who are diagnosed or coping with this illness. To help them know that they are not alone, that there is some scientific medical reasoning behind it, and that there is no shame in reaching out or talking to someone for help.

I've traveled to quite a few places before in my 18 years of living but you'd be surprised to know that I haven't traveled to many places since going gluten-free. Sure, traveling around the U.S. is already considered hard enough as a celiac. But traveling to a country where people speak very little English is even harder. This past week my mom and now step-dad got married in Punta Cana as what I would call one of the most fun weeks of my life. The destination was perfect, the friends and family there was perfect, the entertainment was perfect. But when you're celiac, there's one thing that may matter to you most out of all when you travel. The food. Most of the time the food was amazing and I felt 100% safe! But other times I was left searching for food, feeling like I didn't have many options. By the end of the trip I learned that it's all about where you dine rather than the resort itself. That's why I'm here to help you know how to have a gluten-free paradise at the Hard Rock Punta Cana Hotel.

There are many myths out there about being gluten-free that you'd be surprised people would actually believe. I come across these myths almost every single day and get countless comments from people who believe in them. Even some of those who are gluten-free believe in them but you can be one to judge for yourself. Being gluten-free isn't easy, so take the time to read these 5 myths and put them all to bed within the public and gluten-free community.

By: Taylor Miller

The definition of diet: "To restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight."

Key words, "in order to lose weight".

From a Teenager's Perspective
In case you haven't seen the Nascar Superbowl Commercial calling those who are gluten-free, "soft", you can watch it here. For the most part, I've been sitting back and reading people's comments as this all unfolds. Listening to everyone's point of view saying how they are either outraged or that we can't take a joke. Whatever your opinion on the matter may be, I really suggest you keep in mind the few things I share below no matter how this situation pans out.

How good are you at being gluten-free? Take a good look at yourself and ask, do I cheat? Do I eat natural? Am I an awesome gluten-free baker? No matter what your answers are, there is always a way to get better and feel healthier. You can always set resolutions throughout the year to cheat less, eat better, and do what's best for your body. It's what you and your body deserves anyways! So, here's my gluten-free resolutions as well as some for you to choose from that can be added to throughout the year.

I've been blogging for just over 2 years now and have connected with so many great bloggers! Even though I'm a blogger doesn't mean I don't take part in reading other's blogs. As a teenager I'm usually pretty selective of what I find interesting and who I enjoy to read from. I haven't been as engaged with blogging lately since I've been very busy with school, my senior year, etc. So if you ever feel like venturing out to some other blogs, here's a list of my top 10 favorite gluten-free bloggers that I read and that you should follow too!

The Evolution of a Gluten Free Lifestyle
Everyone who is gluten-free has gone through the process of learning how to adjust to the gluten free lifestyle in their own way. Most of us who have Celiac went through the stages of grief - shock/denial, pain, anger, depression/loneliness, the upwards turn, reconstruction and working through then acceptance and hope. Going from the traditional lifestyle of eating normally to a lifestyle with strict guidelines based on the wellness of our entire being is tough to take on. It’s something that takes time to work through and I believe that everyone goes through an evolution when being diagnosed with Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance. With all the negativity towards others lately, I think it's important to understand that not everyone is at the same point you are and that everyone is going through this process in their own way.

It seems to me like a lot of people like to think eating gluten-free sucks. Some people assume that eating gluten-free means you are stuck to eating vegetables and other plain foods. People who are uneducated about it may think this is true. But if you do a little research you would learn that you can actually still enjoy a lot of foods while being gluten-free! I've been gluten-free for 4 years and I love it. I'm not gunna lie...it sucked at first. Over time I learned a lot of things though that made me realize that eating gluten-free really doesn't suck at all! Here are my reasons as a teenager for why I think eating gluten-free does not suck.

Almost everyone out there knows what gluten-free means by now. Sometimes maybe not for the right reasons but at least they know what it means. I'm not hear to single us out as a gluten-free community or make you feel different. I'm here to spread positivity because there really is so much relatable things for us to be positive about! You and I both know that eating gluten-free is a lot more than just a diet. It's a lifestyle change and only those of us who go gluten-free for medical reasons can understand that. Here are 5 things that I've learned as a teen that make being gluten-free more than just a diet.

Ok, so I know getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease isn't a blessing and most of the time it isn't something we are glad to have. Even if you don't have celiac disease and just have a gluten-intolerance, I'm sure you're not thrilled you can't eat gluten. Even with the hard times that come with being gluten-free, eating out, and being around people who can eat gluten all the time. There is still a lot to be happy about! Here are my top 5 things that make me happy about celiac disease! Lets keep the #positiveceliac vibe going!

Everyone takes on going gluten-free in their own way. Some people research it first and take it on like a pro. Others get overwhelmed and don't really know what to do. I've gained a lot of experience over the last 4 years, learned a lot of things, and also gotten a lot advice from people as well. Even though I'm 16 years old, I can definitely say I'm a pro by now. Even though I'm very experienced, there's a lot of things I wish I knew when I first went went gluten-free 4 years ago. That's why I put together this list of 5 things that everyone should know before they go gluten-free. I hope this is helpful to you no matter how experienced you are!

If you haven't heard yet, the U.S. food labeling system is getting a change for the first time in more than 20 years. A lot of huge changes are coming to our labels which means it can be either bad or good for some. Most of these changes will probably make you happy but there are some pretty obvious things not being done which should be. These changes are all pretty big and changes you will see coming in the next few years. I'll share with you what's going to change with the labels and give my input as a teenager about what still needs to be done in the future.

Over the last year I've noticed more and more main brand companies coming out with gluten-free products. First General Mills came out with gluten-free Chex which was a big addition. Then Betty Crocker came out with their line of products including baking mixes, Bisquick, and much more! The most recent addition though has to be Pillsbury Dough Boy's new gluten-free cookie dough. I'll admit that the addition of all these great gluten-free products does make it a lot easier than it was years ago. But I can't help but wonder how safe these products actually are! They are all made from companies that already make gluten containing products. So really, how safe are these products and are they even meant for people with Celiac?

Each year most of us make a new year's resolution. It can be to lose weight, eat better, be happier, or really whatever! Most times it's along the lines of wanting to make ourselves a better person for our own needs. One thing I've never understood though is why do we wait until January 1st. each year to make these decisions? There's a lot of points in our life where I'm sure we want change. Even I have gone through a lot of points where I want change as well. But just because I want change then doesn't mean I'm going to wait until January 1st to begin working at it! If you want change now then work on your change now! In this post I'll share a little about how you can work on your resolutions and how they don't have to be made just on January 1st.

Greetings from another gluten free blogger! My name is Kristen Taylor and I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2007. Sometimes it is hard to believe it has only been 6 years on a gluten free diet because I can’t imagine my life any other way. On the other hand, I remember the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday. I was a sophomore in college at the University of North Carolina where I was playing lacrosse for both UNC and the USA team. I was ecstatic to be back at school for the fall semester and it seemed like everything was falling into place perfectly. That was until just getting out of bed became hard. I was exhausted, losing weight, nauseous, had painful headaches all day long, and began blacking out up to 15 times/day. What on earth was going on???

A lot of you may know that Celiac Disease isn't the only type of illness I deal with. I deal with many others such as a rare adrenal disorder and POTS as well. Because of these illnesses I have to take many different types of medication multiple times a day. Most of you probably do not take the type of medication I do since it is obviously for my disorders. However, a lot of you probably do take vitamins and other pain relievers to help with your day to day celiac problems. I do the same and recently I have been getting very sick for a reason I could not explain. I had no clue what was going on and after reading the label of ibuprofen I have been taking, I discovered that it had lactose which I am extremely sensitive too. It led me to wonder what else I've been taking may have gluten or lactose in it and immediately made me feel like I have to share this important topic with you.

Over the last couple of years I've been living with my rare adrenal disorder, and over the last couple months I've been living with POTS as well. Since getting diagnosed my life has changed dramatically. I am still unable to do the many things I wish I could do normally, still unable to socialize the way I wish I could, and sill unable to eat many more things I wish I could as well. But out of all the things I'm unable to do, being a voice and advocating for my disorder and Celiac Disease is the one thing I can do. Accepting you have celiac disease is hard for anyone to do at any age! We all go through times of struggle and sometimes we just have to accept it for what it is.

I'll admit, the last 3 years of my life have been awful health wise. It's been a roller coaster of constant pain, discomfort, or some problem where I don't feel normal. I got to the point where I just decided to put up with how I felt each day and began to accept it even though it was not normal. I had many problems that kept me from doing simple things like laying in the sun, going to the beach, or even just walking around outside. I have not been normal the last 3 years and I have not been able to live a normal teenage life. Even though my life may never be normal, I am at least happy to say that I am finally getting better. After all these years and all this time, I finally learned what my problem was and I am now on the road to better health.

I always feel like there are mixed views and opinions when it comes to this topic. Sometimes I feel like people get angry if they are told to limit even gluten-free labeled foods as much as they can. One thing that I do know is that everyone's body is different and that no one body is the same. What may work for you may be sickening and terrible for someone else. For me it's been about trying to find a balance in what I eat on my diet to make me feel best. Hopefully I can express how I feel on this topic but also give you a better idea on what may be better for your health as well.

Popular Posts

Contact Me