ABOUT ME
Hi there! I’m Christine. Sorry you’ve got celiac disease, but I’m happy you’re here! I got diagnosed back in 2017 and at the time it felt like my life was over. I used to be spontaneous and adventurous, both of which seemed impossible thanks to my traitorous intestines…
In those first few months, I was riddled with anxiety every time I needed to eat. Figuring out the basics of gluten free food, label reading, hidden gluten, and cross contamination seemed like such an insurmountable hurdle in my own kitchen, I couldn’t imagine a world where I’d feel comfortable going to a restaurant again.
It took a lot of time and research, trial and error, but eventually I figured out how to (safely) eat out with celiac disease. After I felt comfortable going to restaurants in my own city, the next step was figuring out how to travel. While I definitely can’t be as spontaneous as I used to be, I’ve learned how to plan my trips in a way that makes me never feel like I’m missing out.
I put so much time and energy into planning for trips and finding safe places to eat, I wanted a place to share what I’ve learned. I hope you find this website helpful and that you never let celiac disease stop you from going on whatever adventures your heart desires.
ABOUT GLUPIN FREE
I was in Tennessee. It was the last night of the trip and we still had to pack, so we got takeout from a BBQ place we’d eaten at earlier in the week. The restaurant was super busy when we got there, so they asked us to order at the bar. The bartender looked utterly bewildered as I tried to explain my needs, but I’d eaten there before, so I thought it would be fine; I just needed him to communicate the words “gluten allergy” to the kitchen.
Back at the house I was several bites in when I found a piece of macaroni in my baked beans. The table got quiet as if my friends thought I’d instantly start spewing like a fire hydrant. I felt so frustrated. This meal was supposed to be safe. My friend grabbed the takeout bag and checked the receipt. “I think I know the problem,” he said. “Your food is glupin free, not gluten free.”