When I began the gluten-free diet over seven years ago, I was the only one I knew who ate gluten-free other than a co-worker that worked with my husband Aaron.  My friends didn’t really know what “gluten-free” meant and they sure didn’t seem interested in following the gluten-free diet.  Things have sure come a long way in those seven years in the way of Celiac Disease awareness, non-Celiac gluten-sensitivity awareness and gluten-free food products. 

No longer do those following the gluten-free diet have to settle for sub-par breads, crackers, etc.  Gluten-free food doesn’t have to be tasteless food.  Udi’s Gluten-Free sure has done their part in supplying the market with gluten-free food that tastes good.  It all began with sandwich bread and has exploded into a product line sure to please even the pickiest gluten-free eater. 

Udi’s Gluten-Free has asked the community to participate in their #GFF fall campaign.  More about the campaign:

We know that going gluten-free isn’t small potatoes and requires a strong network of friends, family and trusted brands to provide you safe &  delicious products. With our new My GFF program, Udi’s is aiming to help connect the gluten-free community and provide tools, recipes and support to for maintaining a healthy and joyful gluten-free lifestyle.

I met my #GFF, Melissa, almost two years ago through a running group, MIT, and we became fast friends. Melissa started the gluten-free diet just a little over a year ago in efforts to help minimize her MS symptoms and to help her daughter’s ADHD.  Now we often share gluten-free recipe ideas, products, etc back and forth when we find something worthy of sharing.  She made me a chocolate cake last year for my birthday that wowed even non-gluten-free friends! 

Udi’s sent me a package full of gluten-free goodies that I happily shared with Melissa – she is in the picture frame above with me after the 2012 Emerald City Half Marathon.  The package included some of my favorite gluten-free products like Udi’s Mighty Bagels, Udi’s Harvest Crunch Muffins, Earth Balance Coconut & Peanut Butter Spread and Udi’s Salted Caramel Cashew Cookies.  Along with the goodies I passed along a bracelet that says “GFF” on it. 

The bracelet is made by Friendly Bracelets. 

I love the quote on the back…so true.

So, now I want to hear your story.  What makes a great “Gluten Free Friend”?  How did you meet your #GFF? 

*The products shared in this blog post were sent to me free of charge for the purposes of this post and spreading the word of the #GFF campaign.  My thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone or anything.