Spreading Gluten-Free Love on Valentine’s Day!

 

For those of you who have been keeping up with my blog, I was told I needed to adhere to a gluten-free lifestyle 18 years ago. I was in college at that time and it soon became one of the most challenging things that I’ve ever had to go through. Back then there were no resources, options in stores, recipes, blogs or restaurants that I could eat at without them looking at me like I was from another planet because I needed something “gluten-free.” It has been a challenging 18 years because I’m also allergic to dairy, soy, grains and a ton of other things. To this current day I’m not even sure if I’ve figured it all out yet but I do believe I’m closer than I’ve ever been before.

The reason is because of YOU, yes YOU! Social media has been my saving grace as I’ve been able to connect with so many amazing gluten-free individuals all over the world. The recipes I now have access to, the blogs I can read and the knowledge gained is incredible. The ability to rant with others that understand is essential and I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to use my blog to help others, my Facebook Fan Page to share ideas and Twitter to meet so many amazing individuals.

With that said, I want to highlight a few people who have influenced me and shared their knowledge and wisdom along the way.

Jules Gluten Free – She was the first person I ever followed in the gluten free realm four years ago. I’ve had the pleasure of talking on her blog-talk radio and on the phone. She has been a great resource and someone you should get to know.

The Celiac Diva – She was the second person I followed on Twitter. She has so much knowledge and energy. Her tips, recipes and knowledge are extremely high in the gluten-free world. Check out what she has going on as it’s never a dull moment.

Inspired RD – My favorite local resource as I’m thankful she lives in the same state. She has amazing recipes, knowledge and my go to resource for those that need diet plans etc. Not only does she have a celiac disease but as a registered dietitian it makes her so valuable.

Gluten Dude – My celiac brother as I like to call him. By far one of my favorite bloggers because he tackles the issues that most may shy away from. What he’s done in a short amount of time has been not only incredible but inspiring as well.

Celiac and The Beast – My celiac BFF and another amazing local resource. She is so supportive of everything I do and it’s awesome how she brings humor into the life we all live.

Glam Without Gluten – “Get Your Glam On” She honestly has the stuff to make you laugh and look at the gluten-free side of things very different. All I can say is thank you Twitter for connecting us.

Gluten-Free Traveller – Another one of my favorite gluten-free bloggers. Her blog is amazing for anyone that is traveling with food allergies. She has reviews of so many cities that it makes the challenges of traveling with food allergies so much less stressful.

G-Free Laura – I’ve only recently started following her more and reading her posts but she has spunk and the excitement that this community needs. She’s also the creator of #gfreelove and something we all need.

Palm Trees Gluten Free – Another great Twitter find who has been so supportive. She’s always sharing great tips and experiences.

G-Free Janelle – Her story reminds me so much of mine living with celiac disease through college. What I like most about her blog and resources is she’s helping others living with food allergies during college so much easier.

Gluten Away – All I can say is I’m impressed because he’s starting as a teenager and the amount of knowledge he’s sharing is amazing. I truly believe he has quite a future this space and I enjoy reading his posts and tweets.

Brand Education – Although he doesn’t live a gluten-free lifestyle, we originally met on a New York Mets chat site several years ago. For some reason we never connected offline until last year when I realized he was involved in the restaurant branding industry. His marketing talents, talks on the phone and support of my efforts have been incredible and I can’t thank him enough even though he went to a rival university.

I could honestly go on forever but please know all of you in the gluten-free community that I’ve had a chance to get to know on social have been integral in my journey. YOU make living this lifestyle so much easier and I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. Actually, I do and it was really rough with no support in the beginning.

Thank you and Happy Gluten-Free Valentine’s Day!

Stay Healthy!!