Resources for Gluten Free Living

Gluten Free Diet Guide

• Join WACSSG immediately.
• Stay active in a support group. You are not alone.
• Ask for help, stay in contact with other celiacs, find out all you can.
• Get names and phone numbers of 2 or 3 celiacs, call for help.
• Go to another celiac's home and take notes - get a head start.

• Obtain Tri-County Support Group shopping guide.
• Stokes Rx Guide.
• Celiac Sprue: A guide Through the Medicine Cabinet.

• Subscribe to GLUTEN FREE LIVING (bi-monthly magazine).
• Learn how to obtain ingredient info from manufacturers.
• Read labels carefully - watch for hidden ingredients.
• Carry a list until it becomes second nature to you. Keep lists updated.

• Attitude is very important - it could be a whole lot worse!

• Be your own advocate - if in doubt, don't eat it.
• Take responsibility for yourself, child, and/or family.

• Keep on hand things that you really like for times of panic and/or starvation.
• Find one SAFE food and reward yourself.
• Start out eating basic non-processed foods - slowly expand your food varieties.
• Some people have to eliminate dairy and soy when first starting.

• Be Prepared - carry an "emergency kit" with you at all times, e.g. crackers, tuna, peanut butter, drinks - anything non-perishable, you can always add perishable items for special days.
• Learn to cook alternative foods.
• Make sure cooking utensils are free from contaminates.
• Keep separate toasters, cast iron items, cookie sheets, etc. Mark them GF.

• Keep food GF separate butter, jams, jellies, peanut butter, mayonnaise, etc. and label as GF.
• Use your resources, but remember, the ultimate responsibility is YOURS.
• Search celiac listserv, Internet sites, chat lines, newsletters, books, support groups.
• Learn to be happy with what is available - Focus on what you can eat - Be patient, it does become second nature - Don't blame CD for everything - Be careful, hang loose and hang in there - Don't panic, life can still be beautiful - Relax, you'll feel better in no time - Learn your own limitations, know what you can and cannot eat.

 

 

Washington Area Celiac Sprue Support Group (WACSSG)
Susan Flinn, Chair
2036 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.susanflinn.com
Email: susan@susanflinn.com