Eating with Celiac Disease

When it comes to snacking on a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to have some serious FoMO, or fear of missing out. All your friends are eating pretzels, cheese and crackers, and cupcakes…and you’re stuck with a handful of almonds?

Those with Celiac disease have an intolerance to the protein present in wheat, barley and rye products. If a person with Celiac disease eats cereals, breads and cookies made with these proteins, they can experience serious digestive issues, osteoporosis and anemia in addition to a host of other uncomfortable symptoms [Source: Zarabi].

However, not everyone that suffers from gluten intolerance is Celiac. One percent of the U.S. population is diagnosed with Celiac disease; by comparison, 7 percent are gluten intolerant [Source: National Foundation for Celiac Awareness]. Symptoms of gluten intolerance include bloating, headaches, nausea and diarrhea, among other uncomfortable effects. Some people don’t experience these symptoms at all — they simply avoid gluten for weight management.

For those following a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to feel envious of the treats your friends can indulge in. With holiday season around the corner, we thought we’d help out and offer some yummy, gluten-free options that everyone will enjoy!

Since there’s a lot of misinformation about gluten-free foods on blogs and other sites, we spoke with Sharon Zarabi, RD, CDN, CPT, to get her top gluten-free treats. See her favorite picks.