Keep calm and love gluten-free

What makes it acceptable to 'hate on' gluten-free eaters? Every article that judges gluten-free eaters as a fad dieters or worse, always includes a hasty statement with a nod towards those who have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. (The Wheat Foods Council on their website captions a video post: "It's the newest food fad out there: gluten free. Trace explains what gluten is and if there's any actual science behind all this anti-gluten rhetoric.")

Yesterday, Samantha Goodson of Time.com wrote, "...if you don’t have Celiac disease and you don’t suffer from symptoms like cramps or diarrhea after eating gluten, there’s no real health benefit to going gluten-free. In fact, there are even some risks to cutting it out. We can only assume that the fad will eventually fade out, leaving the gluten-free life to those who actually need to be living it." (http://time.com/101433/an-answer-to-the-question-youve-been-too-afraid-to-ask-what-the-heck-is-gluten/)

Ms. Goodson is not a medical professional, nor nutritionist. The video she links to the article is by a couple of guys that call themselves AsapSCIENCE. (Spoiler alert: these dudes have no professional standing, either).

If someone wants to omit meat or dairy (or both!) from their diet, the media is not marginalizing them as followers of a fad. People are trying to live a healthier lifestyle that they believe is best for them. They don't need a disease or a sensitivity to justify it. (And, why should those who do have to explain why they are eating/not eating certain foods?) In some communities, they are admired for their diligence. Why isn't it the same for people who do not eat foods with gluten?

Many people choose not to eat sugar, and they do not have diabetes. Today, many people are choosing not to eat gluten who do not have Celiac disease, nor Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS). Tomorrow, if a group of people out there decides to stop eating salt... oh, wait a minute... there are people who don't eat salt. OK, well, how about if a group of people out there decide not to eat fat... right, there are those people, too. Do you get where this is going now?

Only you and your health care provider can determine what is best for you and your nutritional needs... not some ill-informed, humorless hacks.

Have a good, gluten-free laugh....

No words can describe Jimmy Kimmel Live's asking people in LA about what gluten is... Take a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdJFE1sp4Fw

Travel tips for gluten-free eating away from home

When you have to (or want to) eat gluten-free food while away from home, some pre-trip preparations need to happen to avoid hunger and always have a viable, nutritious choice. Let's face it, a banana or other fruit is nice, but it can get squashed along the way. A sack of potato chips in an airport isn't going to carry your energy level very long. So, here are some ideas to enjoy your trip whether it is for business or pleasure.

If you're going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort, meals and snacks are already in the price you have paid. The best time to speak up about your gluten-free needs is before you get to where you are going. A call to a cruise line, hotel or resort will not only have them aware of your need, but also may provide you with special selections to choose from. Even a small bed-and-breakfast in a country setting is often happy to accomodate a guest. It is your responsibility to ask and inform the establishment.

One cruise line that is especially helpful is Celebrity Cruises (http://www.celebritycruises.com/). On their website page labeled 'Special Dietary Needs' they will provide the information on when to contact them so that they can have everything you need on board for a memorable vacation.

Taking a trip to 'the happiest place on Earth'? The website for Allergy Eats will tall you about each option in each park in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Take a look at the web page devoted to making everyone happy with many options for everyone to have a great time. See: http://www.allergyeats.com/disney/

Most important (besides packing a sack full of your favorite gluten-free nutrition bars), is to download an app to your smart phone from Gluten Free Travel Site at http://glutenfreetravelsite.com/. At your fingertips will be restaurant reviews, resources, and a place for you to submit a review as well. Your input will help other travelers and you reap the benefit of others' experiences, too.

With a little prep time before any trip (and a handy app during it) everyone can now enjoy visiting a place and enjoying its cuisine away from home.