I am gluten intolerant, now what do I do?

So, you just found out that you are gluten intolerant. Now what do you do? Where do you start? Well I have the answer for you.

1. See a Nutritionist or a Nature Path that understands what is to be on a gluten free diet.


2. Join a support group like Gluten Intolerance Group. Look up your state and city to find your local support group. You are not in this alone. I have met some great friends who are also gluten intolerant. (now I am involved in the group as a mentor and have helped put together a blog for my local support group).


3. Find a gluten free blog you really like for tips, recipes and resources, like my blog for instance. Check out my Food and Health Carnival on Thursdays.


4. Learn to read food labels. Make sure to look for the gluten free label on grocery products. Learn what what is in your food. Read my article called, Gluten Free Flours and Binding Agents.


5. Learn how to eat healthy and gluten free. Not only is it better for you to eat gluten free but to also eat healthy.


6. Join a gluten free cooking class or find an instructor. Many nature stores have cooking classes. Here is a couple of great resources for gluten free cooking classes. Gluten Free Cooking School and Gluten & Allergen Free Expo.


7. Find your local grocery stores that sell gluten free products. For example, Lingonberries Market, Whole Foods, New Season's, Trader Joe's, Fred Meyer Nutrition Center. Winco, Safeway and Walmart Superstores are now starting to carry gluten free products. There are websites that sell gluten free products. For example, Amazon and The Gluten Free Mall.


8. Find your local Restaurants that are gluten free friendly.


9. Get yourself a couple of Gluten-Free Books.


10. Search for gluten free coupons online and in the newspaper. I occasionally will post about gluten free coupons. Grocery Store Deals on WeUseCoupons


11. Here is a fact you should know, People with Celiac Disease can Declare their "Gluten Free Food" as a Tax Deduction.


12. Try different gluten free recipes and gluten free products and find out what you like the best. Most of all, have fun with it.