I recently discovered that I have Celiac disease. Celiac disease is just a fancy way of saying that gluten and I don’t mix well. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten their body makes an immune reaction that attacks the small intestine. This is why it is so important for those with Celiac disease to stop eating gluten as soon as possible.

I was diagnosed last week and was told to start looking for gluten free options. For someone that has been eating gluten free for many years, this is not difficult. For someone who is new to gluten free, it can be very difficult. Due to discussions in my psychology course at Wagner College, I have become wary of labelling and wonder if foods that advertise they are gluten free really are gluten free.

I have discovered that the supermarket near my house, ShopRite, has an entire gluten free isle. Although I will not know if they are completely gluten free, acquiring these foods is a step in the right direction. I have also discovered there are many restaurants on Staten Island that offer gluten free foods. Villa Monte’s gluten free pizza is known by many as the best on the island. Goodfellas offers gluten free pasta options (although I’m still wary about eating there because of their mice problem not too long ago).

Although this transition will probably be difficult in the beginning, I know I will get used to it as most do. This also gives me a whole new field of cooking and baking to pursue! I’m sure I will discover many gluten free dishes to prepare and force them upon my family even though they don’t need to eat gluten free!