Today is National Gluten Free Day, and to mark this day honoring people around the country who follow a gluten-free diet (whether by choice or for health reasons), here are just a few easy things that all non-GF people can do that go a long way to show your friends on a gluten-free diet that they get what they deal with every day, and are here to support them!
1. A Few GF Items On The Menu Goes A Long Way
Gluten-free people are used to having to pick around whatever food is available at a big party, and sometimes simply wait until they can cook something at home. Which is so unnecessary, considering there are plenty of easy gluten-free recipes out there that everyone will love. Just make sure to use separate cooking utensils!
2. Having A Work Lunch? Let Your Gluten-Free Colleagues Decide
Just because they’re gluten-free doesn’t mean they don’t know the good restaurants. Chances are if it’s a restaurant with gluten-free options, it’s a great place for everyone.
3. Turning Down Food Isn’t An Insult!
It’s because they don’t want to get sick!! People with a serious gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease can be sick for up to a WEEK after consuming gluten, and can suffer long-term intestinal damage. That’s why they are so grateful when you make an effort!
4. Read My Lips: “Gluten Intolerant” And “Celiac” Are Not The Same!
Don’t make this mistake. Need to brush up? Check out KC the G-Free Foodie’s handy guide on the subject.
5. When They Cook For You, You Might Be Surprised
Don’t believe us? Remember when we cooked up some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and these guys tried them and liked them BETTER than storebought?
6. Know Your Gluten-Free Substitutions
They are not all created equal. Just because a flour isn’t wheat doesn’t mean it will make those brownies taste the same.
7. If Someone’s Celiac, There Might Be More Restrictions Too
It’s pretty common to people who can’t eat gluten to have allergies to things like dairy or soy. So be aware!
8. Don’t Ask About What Will Happen If They Eat “A Little” Gluten
You don’t want to know. And they don’t enjoy talking about it.
9. Not Sure How To Keep Something Gluten-Free? Ask Them!
Gluten can creep into foods and ingredients in very sneaky ways. Your gluten-free loved ones know them all, so don’t be afraid to ask before cooking them dinner.
10. When In Doubt…Give The Gift Of Gluten-Free Snacks!
And Love With Food has just the thing. Remember, you can get 25% off your first gluten-free box here!
What else do you do to show your friends on a gluten-free diet that you care? Are you gluten-free? What are some things that your friends or family do that you appreciate?
Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.