At first, going gluten-free can seem daunting. There’s the constant label reading, asking about ingredients at restaurants, and giving up some of your favorite treats. But trust me, it’s all worth it. I think the greatest challenge was, and still is, asking for a gluten-free menu. I hate being a nuisance and a pain in the neck, but it has gotten easier over the years.
- Finding Safe Foods: Scanning endless labels for gluten ingredients can feel like a never-ending scavenger hunt🔍. In the UK always look for ingredients in Bold.
- Eating Out: The joy of dining out can quickly turn into an interrogation game. I don’t think I have come across one restaurant🧑🍳 that hasn’t warned against Cross-contamination even if they are certified Coeliac safe.
- Missing Favorite Foods: Waving goodbye to those beloved gluten-packed treats can be a heartbreaker. The substitutes are often just not the same, for instance I’ve never found a Cadburys Double Decker 🍫 replacement.
- Social Situations: Navigating parties and gatherings 🥳 can be like walking a tightrope if gluten-free options aren’t around. It can sometimes feel like you’re the odd one out. Just remember though, you’re used to finding gluten free food, they might not be.
- Higher Costs: Gluten-free products often come with a hefty price 🤑 tag, making your wallet sigh every time you shop. Bread is almost three times the price if you want good quality. Buying cheap is like eating cardboard.
- Nutritional Balance: Some gluten-free products skimp on nutrients, meaning you have to double down on maintaining a balanced ⚖️ diet. However, this is becoming less of an issue as a greater range of products becomes available.
- Constant Vigilance: Always being on alert to dodge gluten can be mentally exhausting. It’s something you have to think about everyday and every time you eat 🍽️.
- Travel Troubles: Airports, train stations, service stations, they’re often gluten-free wastelands. It takes forward planning, packed snacks, and sometimes lowering expectations (hello, sad fruit pots). A little prep can make travel much smoother.
- Emotional Impact: It’s not just food; it’s social connection, memories, and comfort. Saying no to birthday cake or feeling anxious at restaurants can weigh heavily. Acknowledge that it’s okay to grieve old favourites but also celebrate the wins when you find gluten free foods you genuinely love.
- The Learning Curve: At first, label reading feels like a second job. Over time, though, you learn the sneaky names gluten hides under (malt extract, barley, rye). What once took 20 minutes in the supermarket starts to feel second nature
For more practical tips on handling these challenges, check out my Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Being Coeliac.
Gluten-Free Challenges: FAQ
Is going gluten-free always this hard?
No! It feels overwhelming at first, but most people say it gets much easier within the first year.
What’s the hardest part?
It depends — for me, asking for gluten-free menus and trusting restaurants. For others, it’s missing favourite foods or handling social situations.
Can you still enjoy food?
Absolutely. It’s about finding new favourites, not just mourning the old ones. There are so many great gluten free foods now compared to a few years ago.
How do you cope with eating out?
Research ahead, call the restaurant if needed, and always ask about cross-contamination. It feels awkward at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.
Is gluten-free food always more expensive?
Often, yes but shopping smart helps. Mix naturally gluten-free foods (like rice, potatoes, fruit and veg) with the speciality items so your wallet gets a break.
Despite all these challenges, the benefits are worth every bit of effort and far outweigh the negatives. As time goes on, it becomes easier to eat out and shop as more and more brands embrace gluten-free food.
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