Happy Celiac Awareness Month! Some people might not place “celiac” and “happy” in the same sentence, but we’re focusing on the positive aspects of being gluten free! Sometimes we do wish we could inhale a box of cinnamon rolls, but taking care of our bodies is so much more rewarding than the taste of any doughy treat. Going gluten free for health reasons, like a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten intolerance, has its benefits. Check out the list below to see why we’re happy to be gluten free this May!

1. You become part of a supportive, enthusiastic community.

You are not alone. It is estimated around 1% of the population has celiac disease, and over 150,000 people in the US have already been diagnosed. Just hop on the internet and search “gluten-free blogs” to find a wealth of recipes & advice at your fingertips. Reading articles from a passionate blogger is a great way to start your day (yes, even better than those cinnamon rolls). We especially love Gluten Free on a Shoestring, Gluten Free Fix, Boulder Locavore, and Elana’s Pantry.    

2. You’re on the path to feeling better.

Anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance knows the symptoms we endured before going gluten free are not fun. For someone newly diagnosed, navigating this new territory may be overwhelming, but here’s the exciting part. The treatment is straightforward: cut gluten out of your life. By altering your diet, you are on the road to healing, health & renewed energy. Enjoy your journey!

3. There are so many new products to try and resources to explore.

Need help finding new products? Going gluten free is the perfect excuse to attend a Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo, also known as a “Gluten-Free Disneyland.” At the Expo you can sample hundreds of products, meet with brands & connect with other people just like you! Need help finding safe places to dine out? Our Find Me Gluten Free app and website locates gluten free-friendly restaurants, and even allows you to read and write reviews! More than 3 million people trust FMGF to help them dine out safely.

4. Cooking becomes an adventure!

Consider this a great way to broaden your cooking horizons. Start by focusing on food items that are naturally gluten free. You’ll soon become familiar with GF grains you might not have tried before, like quinoa, buckwheat & amaranth. Add in the abundance of gluten-free substitutes available today and you’ll quickly realize you have a lot of options. Whipping up something amazing AND celiac-safe feels that much more rewarding.

5. Improving your health is something to be proud of.

Give yourself some credit. By going gluten free, you took the initiative to improve your health, and that is really cool! Implementing a big life change takes courage, and tackling a new diet is no exception. Keep on taking care of yourself! 

Do you have a positive aspect of gluten-free living to share? Let us know in the comments!