Going Gluten-Free

Last summer, my health was in absolute chaos. I was constantly sick. My stress level was at an all-time high. Finally fed up with bouts of stomach problems, I went to the doctor’s in November. I tested abnormal for Celiac Disease and was told to avoid gluten by my Gastroenterologist and PCP late November. From then, I began my gluten-free journey.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, where ingestion of gluten causes an immune response that attacks the small intestine. What is gluten? Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barely, and rye.

At first, I didn’t think too much and followed their suggestions. Within the week, I felt so much better. Rather than feeling like I was operating at 70% optimal health and waking up sick every day, I felt like I was back to 90% despite grad school and all that follows.

The first month felt difficult but not impossible. I admit it felt optional and I did have a few bites of treats despite its gluten content.

Then recently, I found one of my favorite pizza places–L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (oldest pizza in the world) from Napoli, Italy had a place in Los Angeles. I quickly looked up their ingredients and found that it had gluten. I was gutted.

It was the first time after being gluten-free more strictly that I realized I couldn’t and shouldn’t eat something I loved. Being a historical pizzeria, I didn’t expect gluten-free options and I felt devastated by this realization.

See, I’m a foodie. I love Georgetown Cupcakes and pizza in Italy. I love my croissants in France and my English scones.

And I’m a traveler so being forced to choose alternatives when I’ve tried the “real thing” felt like punishment, to be honest.

Then, it hit me. I have tried the real things and loved them all. But what if it was time for another adventure? One where rather than picking my normal go-to’s, I could explore everything but my go-to’s.

Changing my Mindset

I didn’t want to be gluten-free. I LOVE my carbs. But then I thought–what if this is a chance to explore my favorite cities and countries with a fresh set of eyes? What if I could find the best of everything as a celiac out and about? What if there is a silver lining in this seemingly dark cloud?

Because we can’t choose what happens to us, but we can choose what we do with the circumstances we’re given.

Instead of seeing the situation as something limiting my choices, I have decided to see it as something to make me say “yes” to something else! Something new, something different, and perhaps something extraordinary.

It’s not easy. It takes constant reminding. There are a lot of hard things for me and it is not fun.

With that said, I’d like to encourage you if you have Celiac Disease that you’re going to be more than okay even if it does feel like the sky is falling and the rug just got pulled from under you.

You’re not alone and there are wonderful and delicious things out there for all of us.

It’s not a hiccup but an opportunity–an opportunity to embrace a new food or experience we might not otherwise have experienced.