It's not easy being gluten-free

I have celiac disease. It's an auto-immune disease: my body attacks a protein called gluten in wheat, barley and rye as though it was a germ. That reaction causes damage to my small intestines and a host of unpleasant side effects ensue.

I can't eat wheat. I was diagnosed in 2004, so I've had several years to adjust my lifestyle and eating habits, but there are still hard days. Today was one. It feels lonely to be in a social situation and watch those around you enjoy gluten-full products while you cannot. You're left out.

For those of you who may share my plight, whether it be a gluten-intolerance or any other food related intolerance or allergy, here is one piece of advice: Never go hungry.

1. Never go, hungry. If you know you have to attend a social engagement where eating will be one of the events - eat before you go. No matter what, eat at least a little. Even your best laid plans may fall through. It is awful to arrive at your destination having made careful preparations and find that there has been a cross contamination issue or an oversight and you have no food to eat. If you are hungry, this can be devastating news. I've felt tears well up when this has happened to me, but if you have a little food in you, it can go a long way to helping you maintain control of your emotions and find a reasonable solution to the situation. I'm always crabbier when I'm hungry so I've learned (yes the hard way) don't go hungry.

2. Never, go hungry. Eat! You likely still have plenty of other wonderful food options so, please, don't feel all is lost and that you can never eat again! I have felt this way and when I do, I'm usually sitting in front of a plain bowl of steamed white rice. "It's all I'll ever eat again!" I whine. Come on, pull yourself together! You may have to be creative, and yes, you are more limited than you would be otherwise, but you can still eat. You have to eat. You might as well have a good attitude about it! Try not to eat too much of one thing either. Your one staple will quickly grow very old and boring. In fact, you may develop an intolerance for it, and what would you do then!

Now for the rest of you "regular" people out there. After your finished counting your blessings, here are a couple easy things you can do to make the rest of us feel much better.

If you are planning an event where food is involved (anything from a work potluck to inviting friends over for dinner):

1. Find out about your guests. I try to bring up my gluten intolerance whenever conversation allows, but it's so much easier and more comfortable for me if you ask me yourself. I think it is great when an invitation is extended to inquire if there are any food allergies that need to be accommodated. Food allergies or intolerances are becoming more and more common so there's a pretty good chance your guest may be "one of us."

2. Try to make reasonable accommodations. I don't think any of us expect you to cater a whole meal just for us (though that would be awesome), but sometimes even the frank suggestion that we eat before we come is appreciated. If the situation would allow, you might suggest we bring something we know is safe. I always try to bring dishes to potlucks because I know then at least there will be something I can eat! Just inquiring about what you can do for us will make all the difference in the world. That lonely feeling will go away when we know that someone cared enough to go out of their way to connect with us and make sure we were provided for.

It's not easy to be gluten-free, but it is doable. I've survived 4 years already!! I'm making a gluten-free carrot cake for Easter and I can hardly wait. For anyone else out there with a food issue--you're not alone!