Whole Story

Here's one of my family's favorite gluten-free recipes: http://realfoodrealdeals.com/2012/04/06/chewy-blueberry-banana-oat-bars/

Hi Kim, I had to go gluten free a year ago after being diagnosed with celiac disease. My best advice, if you don't already cook, start cooking food yourself. A great place to start is the recipes here. Also, Tropical Traditions has a great list. A good book for reliable recipes (GF flours are expensive and I hate wasting them) is "Gluten Free Girl and the Chef." Best advice is to avoid recipes with a bunch of eggs, they don't taste good and the texture is terrible. Regards, Holly

Hi Kim, There are some great websites to help. One is theglutenfreehomemaker.com - seach for "Linda the gluten free homemaker" - she has links to many other sites. If you love chocolate cake, buy Bob's Red Mill All purpose GF Flour and make Hersheys Black Magic Special Cake on Hersheys website - substituting the flour. It is so good, no frosting needed - just sprinkle with powdered sugar. Almost any cake or muffin or banana bread recipe can be made - just substitue the flour. I eat a lot of beans and rice. You will need to read labels and watch for ingredients like malt and vinegar - both can contain gluten, but there are some OK vinegars - just start with the easy food at first like meat and veggies. Email me if you want - if this site passes on my email. I wish you success.

Hi Kim - I remember how hard it was going gluten free! Just be patient and keep a fridge and pantry stocked with gluten free whole grain (quinoa, brown rice), meat & fish, and fresh veggies and fruit. Stay away from packaged, processed food (many contain gluten) and things like soy sauce. A couple of websites that I really like: Gluten-Free Goddess - http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/ Gluten Free Girl & the Chef - http://glutenfreegirl.com/ Elana's pantry - http://www.elanaspantry.com/ PaleOMG - http://paleomg.com/ (paleo recipes, but really good. Good luck!

We started eating gluten free over a year ago. Our blog, shecookshecleans.net, also has gluten free recipes. I second Carmen's advice to avoid packaged, processed food!

Megan, I have to tell you how wonderful I think it is that you make gluten free potluck items to make sure your GF friends have something to eat! I have been in the opposite situation and it does not feel good being able to eat only the one thing that you bring. I have also been in the situation where I was told that I can bring for myself, but don't bother bringing enough for the group! (I know, the nerve!!) Kim, it's really not that hard once you get used to things. I went GF about 3 or 4 years ago and it has gotten much better since then. Some folks before me have already pointed out some of my favorite sites for recipes, but in terms of restaurants, I have had the best experiences at Outback Steakhouse. They went so far as to take back my shrimp because they weren't 100% sure if the little black marks were seasoning or grill lines. They take GF very seriously there! Ling and Louie's and PF Changs are always knowledgeable as well. More and more, you find restaurants that can guide you and accommodate you for gluten free items. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, they really are used to it now. Hope your first few days have gone well for you!