This post is going to be just a list of tips. I will expand on items in the list in another post.
1. Accept that you can't eat the foods you used to eat.
2. Buy new cookware. Unless you've been using stainless steel pots, pans, utensils and they are unscratched, you'll never get what you have clean enough. You may end up replacing some stainless steel items all the same, however.
3. Get ready to replace some small appliances.
4. Clean out your silverware drawer and silverware tray.
5. You're going to have to get rid of some of your food.
6. If you're not going to have a 100% gluten free house-hold, invest in a cupboard you can keep your new cookware, utensils, and non-perishable food in.
7. Make room in your fridge for gluten free food OR get a second fridge/freezer to keep gluten free in.
8. Make sure everyone in your household understands what is going on.
9. If you have kids who will be hanging out with friends, eating meals at school ... make sure your children understand the seriousness of cheating on this diet.
10. Don't put your kids in the "fun carts" at the grocery store. Trust me, they're not cleaned thoroughly enough to make them safe for people with Celiac.
11. Expect to have longer shopping trips; reading labels is a must, not an option.
12. Don't plan to eat out for awhile. Preferably until your insides heal.
Yes, this is not going to be easy, but as my Dad would say, it's about managing expectations. Do you want to lead a healthy life or do you want to put yourself at risk for the dangers that come from not treating (never eating gluten again) your Celiac's Disease?
GF Diet Guide: Part 2 - Basic Tips
