Whether you decide to go gluten-free for health reason or simply to change up your diet, one of the toughest parts of adjusting to your new diet is explaining it to others. The things that are simple rules to you aren’t always obvious to others. So to save time and worry, here are some of the biggest things that you’ll find are the most important things to tell your friends and family when you’re going gluten-free.
1. “Gluten is like, super sneaky.”
Seriously. Most people who don’t have to worry about gluten have no idea how many surprising foods have gluten in them. Point them toward our post about it!
2. “If you’re cooking for me, you have to use separate equipment.”
Another thing that non-GF people might not realize. Sure, they might remember to get gluten-free food, but if they prepare it in a gluten-y kitchen…bad news.
3. “If I get glutened, it is really bad. Really bad.”
If they really don’t believe you, tell them all the symptoms you’ll have. That’ll shut them right up.
4. “I need to know what restaurant we’re going to beforehand, to make sure I can find something I can eat.”
You’re not trying to be difficult. In fact, you’re trying to make the whole eating-out process easier.
5. “It’s not because I’m trying to lose weight.”
This isn’t Atkins.
6. “It means that my body can’t process the gluten protein. It doesn’t mean I just don’t like gluten.”
People might balk at the idea that you “can’t eat pasta or bread” (even though that’s not true). You still can and should eat them because bread and pasta are delicious. Explaining the science behind the problem is the first step to getting people to understand it.
7. “I’m not going to just get over it after a while.”
It’s not a disease that can be cured.
8. “This doesn’t mean that we can’t ever eat together. It just means that I have to be more careful about my food.”
When they hear you’re gluten-free, some people might get a little wary that spending time with you is going to get a lot more complicated. But really, it won’t be. You know what you’re doing, and all you need from them is understanding.
What else do you think is important to tell other people when you’re going gluten-free? Tell us in the comments below!
