Gluten-Free Anniversary & Menu Plan

Yesterday, January 12th, marked the 7th anniversary of being on the gluten-free diet for me. I am so much healthier now than I was seven years ago. This isn’t entirely due to following the gluten-free diet, but it sure plays a large part. I just turned 40 and am in the best shape of my life – partly due to the gluten-free diet and the fact that I feel good, so I have the energy to pursue my running goals 100%. So much has changed in the world of gluten-free over the past 7 years, including the debut and expansion of food in the gluten-free marketplace.

Here is a list of some of the things I have learned over the years. Some are taken from my post that I shared last year on my 6th anniversary.

There are way more things that I can eat, than can’t.
Even after 6 7 years, I still make mistakes.
There is life after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease and starting the gluten-free diet.
The selection of gluten-free foods in grocery stores is much better now than it was 6 7 years ago.
Even with all of the publicity the gluten-free diet has been getting, some people still look at me like I have 2 heads when I ask if they have a gluten-free menu.
The gluten-free diet isn’t necessarily a healthy or an unhealthy diet; your diet is what you make it. There are plenty of healthy & unhealthy gluten-free foods out there, just like every other diet.
Focusing on friends and family at gatherings is way more productive & feels better than focusing on the food, whether I can eat it or not.
Don’t sweat the small stuff – this works for the gluten-free diet just as it does for the rest of your life. Keep a gluten-free protein bar or snack in your purse, bag or car so that you always have a back up.