I recently shared a post about my family’s first Thanksgiving after becoming gluten free (read here; also some great recipes and food blogger links). It revealed aspects of gluten free living I’d not anticipated that were very impactful; feeling excluded. It struck me as we prepare for Thanksgiving this year what a completely different experience it is. Eight years ago I felt I was walking through a gluten-filled mine field every day, not just for myself but for my children. Every morsel of food not originating in my kitchen felt potentially perilous.
Being a researcher by nature, I read everything I could get my hands on. I learned that at that time, the typical time from symptom onset to diagnosis for gluten issues was 11 years on average. With the current standard statistic of 1 in 132 people believed to have an issue with gluten, (though largely undiagnosed) far more awareness has been raised and consequential resources developed. Despite the early challenges we as a family faced while adjusting, I was thankful my personal physician and our Pediatrician were hip to gluten and it was a speedy diagnosis for our family.
In my family we now have gluten free awareness integrated into our lives without effort. It is as who we are as the color of our eyes. My children reflexively read all food labels. We are nimble about substitutions and don’t feel ‘left out’ most of the time. In my younger child’s case, he is one of six gluten free children in his grade of 50 students. He’s offered guidance to teachers and more newly diagnosed classmates when in doubt of ‘safe food’. My teenage daughter has educated her classmates over the years and her teen girl ‘lunch bunch’, and in turn her sensitive friends have always had mindshare for her needs when brining a gluten treat, bringing her something gluten free. Our lives could not be more different and settled into our ‘new normal’.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to help friends, fellow parents and even strangers with gluten free resources. I relied on many sources to successfully navigate our new path when we were diagnosed, I always appreciate the chance to ‘give back’.
I was recently asked to take a new role with an online gluten free community, Udi’s Gluten Free Living Community, as a Community Leader. I was honored and thrilled to help raise awareness, share resources and help those seeking information I might support. It did not escape me when looking through the community how much I would have loved to have these resources available when I was diagnosed.
Within the community members can start conversation strings on topics ranging from Newly Gluten Free, to Holidays, Kids and Parenting, to Recipes and much more. Every aspect of the gluten free experience is covered. There are 12 Community Leaders, all experienced in the gluten free lifestyle, able to interact in the conversations and shed expertise. Monthly Live Chats are held on various topics where members can converse real time (like instant messaging) with Community Leaders as well.
Please pop over and take a look around. There is no membership fee and I’ll be sharing some conversations from the community on my blog from time to time as well! I have a fun one coming up that I can’t wait to share with you and for you to add to yourselves! You can access the community website via the Udi’s Community widget/photo in the sidebar section of Boulder Locavore.
As a reminder everyone can eat gluten free so all gluten free recipes can be eaten by anyone. I sometimes worry that those who are not gluten intolerant or have Celiac may not realize this and feel excluded themselves (a reason all the recipes I publish on Boulder Locavore have options for both gluten and gluten free eaters!). In most cases you would never know the difference from the end result either!
Until then I wish you and your loved ones a beautiful, warm, rich and delicious Thanksgiving! My deepest thanks to you, dear readers, for your interest and time in reading Boulder Locavore! A day does not pass where I don’t think about how lucky I am thanks to you!
Lea Ann says
Beautiful photos Toni.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Gosh thanks Lea Ann! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Carolyn says
Great job, Toni. We aren’t fully GF yet, but we’ve cut down on it so much and almost all of my recipes are GF now. We’re getting there!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Carolyn. It’s a process certainly. In our case it was digital and a bit daunting but once you get the tenants of it I have found it’s easily managed. Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving!
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
It doesn’t matter if it’s gluten-free or not; I’ve always found your food to be stunning. The photos are, sure, but when I read the ingredients, the dishes are without a doubt something I’d put on my table, even though none of us have gluten issues. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Toni.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
You are the sweetest! Really the only arena where it can feel like compromise in pasta, breads and baking. Fortunately there are so many great flours now, more wisdom most things are not a compromise. I’m sure you’ll have a delicious meal today. Those pies sound fantastic!
Cooking with Michele says
I recently shared your blog with a good friend – and breast cancer survivor – who is struggling with her gluten allergies and developing a gluten free diet she actually enjoys and can stick with. I’ll make sure she looks at the Udi’s site too. Happy Thanksgiving Toni!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Thanks Michele for sharing my site with your friend. The starting phase of going gluten free for me was like someone telling me to climb Everest with no oxygen. I hadn’t ever even heard of gluten before! I think the Udi’s community has some great interactive opportunities I would have loved starting out. Between the Community Leaders and other members there is alot of info. Best wishes to you and your family for a beauitiful Thanksgiving too!