If you’ve recently discovered that you have coeliac disease, you may be a little overwhelmed. Coeliac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Most breads and pastas contain gluten. However, even things such as cereals, bagged snacks, and drinks may also have gluten. You may feel confined by your new dietary restrictions but you can be happy living gluten-free. It will take some adjustment but over time you’ll manage your diet to exclude gluten as if it’s second nature.

If you don’t know much about coeliac disease or eating gluten-free, you’re not alone. Most individuals who are diagnosed with coeliac disease don’t have much information or experience going in. You will learn over time. Here are a few diet tips for you if you’ve recently been diagnosed with Coeliac.

Get Informed

First things first, read up on your condition. You doctor or dietitian will have a lot of information for you but you can do some of your own research as well. Research what your disease is, how it’s treated and managed, who else has coeliac disease, and more. You can use book resources and the Internet. There is a lot of info that you can find online about coeliac disease.

Also, you can start by looking up some go-to gluten-free foods and meals to start yourself off. Most pure meat products, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products are gluten-free but you should always check before you eat. Things get trickier when it comes to products and meals but you’ll learn quickly.

Be Positive

Another thing to remember is to stay positive. Staying positive is important, especially when you feel as if you can’t eat any of your favourite foods anymore. Many dishes that contain gluten products have gluten-free alternatives so you don’t need to give them up. Positivity will make the switch away from gluten a lot easier too.

Buy Cookbooks

Gluten-free cookbooks are everywhere and can be a great resource for cooking with coeliac disease. Research online and check out your local bookstore for gluten-free cookbooks. There are lots of tasty and fun recipes that you can try and you can have a lot of fun doing it as well!

Be Patient

With any change, there is a learning curve. At first, you may stick to a few dishes you know and avoid going out for dinner but it’ll get easier. Many restaurants offer certified gluten-free dishes now as well so you won’t need to feel as if you can’t go out for dinner! When in doubt, always ask the waiter or the chef about what’s in a dish. Just remember to be patient with yourself and others as you transition.

Check Labels

Always check the label. You’re going to have to do a lot of additional reading but it’s worth it. Check the ingredients for any products that contain gluten. A great way to help yourself out is to look up a reputable list of foods and products that are certified gluten-free. Keep it on your fridge as a great resource for yourself!