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“Hello My Name Is…” Introducing Yourself As A Celiac

August 11, 2015 by Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine 71 Comments

With another summer sadly coming to an end, schools starting, maybe new jobs on the horizon, the season of awkward introductions begins again. It was always the worst thing to me, walking into that new classroom, new environment, with new faces and then told to introduce yourself (those horrid first day “games” to remember everyone’s name that ended up turning into first week games). Those introductions never work and I won’t remember your name, even when you tie it to a color, what you did this summer, or your favorite sport.

How To Introduce Yourself As A Celiac | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666

Besides the awkward introduction of, “Hello, my name is …”, there will also be the need to tell your new peers/coworkers that you have Celiac Disease or some other food allergy. You may not need to divulge this the first day, but when someone brings in cupcakes, or asks you to join them for a lunch break at Panera Bread, you may need to reveal this important bit of info.

I hold off on telling anyone I have Celiac Disease until I absolutely have to. For example, in one of my classes last semester, half-way through the course, my professor wanted each of us to take a cracker and do this mindfulness experiment while eating it. Well, I couldn’t take that gluten-filled cracker and mindfully eat it…or I would be sick. Thus, “Hello, I have Celiac Disease”, had to happen.

You may feel awkward when these situations arise, you may want to not even say it, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of and you need to stick up for you Celiac rights. The term “gluten-free” has such a terrible rep now since most people how eat “gluten-free” do so from choice and as a follower. But when you have Celiac, being gluten-free is not a choice but a medical necessity. Even though some people will never totally grasp the concept or understand, claiming, “One bite won’t hurt you!”, you can take some steps in introducing yourself as a Celiac a little easier for everyone.

1. Do NOT say simply that you are gluten-free. Say you have Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that requires you to have a strict diet, free from gluten.

2. If asked WHAT Celiac Disease is, tell them it is an autoimmune disease where when you ingest even the slightest crumb of the protein gluten, it will create severe damage in the body and make you severely ill. And an autoimmune disease means your body attacks itself and there is not cure but to be free from gluten for life. Yes, you face difficult situations and it can be hard at times, but your diet and lifestyle is essential for you health and you know how to properly navigate a gluten-filled world safely.

3. When asked what you CAN eat, tell them foods that are free from gluten and cross contamination. These include whole fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, gluten-free whole grains, and processed foods manufactured to be gluten-free in a gluten-safe environment. Even though that are many things you can’t eat, the variety you can is astonishing.

4. If OFFERED a gluten-containing food or beverage, politely decline. A simple “No thank you”, usually  works, but if someone is persistent, either change the conversation or accept the offering and then wait until you can give it to a friend or someone who can eat it. (You might also want to check out this post on food allergy and Celiac bullying).

5. Make sure you always have SAFE FOOD on hand in case you are asked to go out to lunch (or do a weird eating experiment) where you know there are no safe options. This way you don’t have to ditch possible friendships and being part of the community. Also keep a list in mind of safe places you can eat in case you’re asked to choose!

Here’s the last thing to keep in mind though. Just because you have Celiac Disease, it DOES NOT define who you are, what you can do, your potential or the opportunities and experiences you can take. Just like an medical illness or disease, it’s about what you make of it. You can have your disease act as a big red arrow and throw a self-pity-party when the topic arises, or you can embrace it, declare it, and move on. You have Celiac Disease, but you are also YOU! Celiac is only one tiny part of the amazing person you are! Introduce yourself HOW YOU want to be known!

So tell me:

+ If you have Celiac Disease, how do you introduce yourself when the need to reveal comes up?

+ I know I’m not alone in hating those “first-day-of-class” name games! Did you hate them as much as me?

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Comments

  1. Create With Joy says

    August 23, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Rebecca,

    I always love what you share at Inspire Me Monday but this article really caught my eye – I know it will benefit SO many people!

    Congrats – you are one of my Featured Guests at this week’s party!

    I hope your year gets off to a fabulous start and I look forward to seeing what you share with us this week!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 23, 2015 at 7:16 am

      O, thank you so much dear and thank you for always hosting such a wonderful link-up every single week! xoxo

      Reply
  2. Sherry says

    August 22, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Your post reminds me of when my son was a small boy. He was born with spina bifida, and when he met someone new he always started by saying “hi, I have spina bifida. My name is James.” Don’t let celiac disease define you.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 22, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      No! Definitely not!
      XOXO

      Reply
  3. Gaye @CalmHealthySexy says

    August 19, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Hi Rebecca – I hope you’re doing well. My son starts classes at his college tomorrow, so I imagine that you have already started or will very soon.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 19, 2015 at 6:09 pm

      Soon!

      Reply
  4. Nikki Frank-Hamilton says

    August 18, 2015 at 10:31 am

    I do not have celiac disease but due to an auto-immune disease I chose to go gluten free, I have not ingested gluten knowingly for 8 months. After cutting out gluten my bloat went away, I digested better, and I lost the ache in my joints as well as 20 pounds. So although I don’t have celiac I avoid gluten like the plague, people still try to get me to eat something with gluten in it…but my day to day energy and health levels are too important to give up for a cracker! LOL

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 18, 2015 at 11:13 am

      Health is most important!

      Reply
  5. Melissa says

    August 17, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Some ice breakers are awkward but some also end up really meaningful! I don’t have celiacs, but I do have a few friends with it, thanks for giving me a glimpse of what they might go through.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 18, 2015 at 7:52 am

      I’d be glad to learn about these “meaningful” ones!

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        August 18, 2015 at 8:24 am

        Well at a recent one I was at, everyone had to take off a shoe and then take a shoe of someone else and then say three things about yourself to your shoe person. Everyone was talking so long, they had to call us back to attention 3 times before we actually brought our focus back.

        Reply
  6. Farrah says

    August 17, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    These are all really great tips, especially with the amount of people who identify themselves as “gluten-free” these days! Explaining to people that it’s an autoimmune disease is so important in getting them to understand why you “can’t just eat that cracker just this once!”

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 18, 2015 at 7:54 am

      Exactly why people need to stop saying they are just gluten-free because! It ruins it for we who MUST!

      Reply
  7. jane @ littlesugarsnaps says

    August 17, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Rebecca. Fortunately, I do not have Celiac Disease or any other limitations on my diet. However, I really appreciated this post as it’s made me more aware of the problems sufferers face, so thankyou. My best friend is a strict vegetarian and she gets the Spanish Inquisition from many new people she encounters, some actually verge on suggesting she has no right to be of her standing. I’m asthmatic and suffer severe breathing difficulties if I spend time in a house inhabited by furry pets – especially dogs. But some people have thought I’m just being difficult when I decline their invite time and again. I think they think that I’m making things up or think that asthma is just a little bit of a sneezing fit, when really that’s just the first signs that my body is reacting. It’s very easy to judge without knowing the facts, so I’m so pleased to have gained a little bit of insight into your world today.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      Yea exactly! With some people, we need to put our foot down and declare that our health is much more important. We just have to try our best to explain, but it can be difficult for some.

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Stewart says

    August 17, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I am not Celiac, but I do eat mostly gluten free just because I have found that my body is happier without it. I cook for our church dinners every week and have 5 people with Celiac. I have spent a lot of time researching recipes and reading labels so that they can also enjoy the dinners at church and the fellowship that goes with it. I will share this post with them!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 12:52 pm

      Great!

      Reply
  9. Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says

    August 17, 2015 at 8:04 am

    My Mom and sister both have Celiac Disease, and I’m considering being tested for it (again). You are right, there is a lot of confusion out there with the gluten free crowd. My Mom many times won’t even use the term gluten free, but tries to explain the intolerance aspect. Even then, people think it’s fine to take the meat off a sandwich and give her that, or just remove the croutons from the salad they already dumped them on. It’s tough to make everyone around you understand!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 11:19 am

      It is, some people are just too set in their ways or too gullible to false media attention. That’s the sad reality for the growing “fake knowledge” of gluten-free. It lost the true meaning and importance that is must have for someone with Celiac.

      Reply
  10. Amanda says

    August 16, 2015 at 11:51 pm

    My niece was recently diagnosed with celiac’s disease… I never knew the extremes of it till lately. This was very educational and timely for me. Celiac Bullying ? I cannot believe such a thing exists.. Not surprised in this world today though. (( Hugs))

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 7:31 am

      Of course. All food allergies tend to come with bullying in some form.

      Reply
  11. Suzi T says

    August 16, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    My sister is coeliac and dining with her is a real pain. What’s more of a pain is seeing her so ill. Nobody should need to be uncomfortable about saying they are coeliac. It’s a serious illness.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 11:15 am

      It can be difficult, but yea, so much worse when we are sick!

      Reply
  12. Robin says

    August 16, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    Social situations can quickly turn embarrassing. I’m a bit of an introvert and I despise having attention turned towards me. At dinner parties, inevitably, that happens and I try to just brush over it as quickly as possible. This disease doesn’t define us for sure, but it is always in there demanding attention in our food-centric society…xo

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 17, 2015 at 11:15 am

      We just have to learn to make the best of it and hold our heads high.

      Reply
  13. Sandy Sandmeyer says

    August 16, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    Thank you for educating us about the ins and outs of celiac disease.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 16, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      Sure.

      Reply
  14. Janelle@The Peaceful Haven says

    August 14, 2015 at 8:55 am

    Thanks for a great post…I have celiac disease and I agree with all you wrote! This will helpful for many people who are newly diagnosed!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 14, 2015 at 9:24 am

      Thanks dear!

      Reply
  15. Cristina @ I Say Nomato says

    August 12, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    THANK YOU. This hit the nail on the head, especially the part about your food allergy only being a small part of who you are. Sure, we’re a nightshade free house, and I might run a nightshade free blog, but we also love and do so many other things.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      Exactly!!!! You’re restriction should only matter as much as your favorite color does 😉

      Reply
  16. Dani @ Dani California Cooks says

    August 12, 2015 at 11:52 am

    Hi Rebecca! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog this morning! This post resonated with me – I maintain a gluten free diet for other reasons than celiac, but sometimes I just get tired of explaining it and giving everyone background. I look forward to the meals where I can just “fit in” and no questions asked!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you!
      It can be difficult because so many people just won’t allow themselves to understand the medical need or just never grasp how serious it is!

      Reply
  17. Alison [Life of Scoop] says

    August 12, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Thanks for this! Isn’t is so true? People think not being able to eat gluten is a choice. I often say, “I’m actually allergic to it. I have celiac disease.” And THEN they get it! The fad GF eaters make life a little more confusing, but I enjoyed reading your tips. I, too, also always keep something GF in my purse just in case. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 12:05 pm

      It’s funny though, because it seems like the people who give a Celiac the hardest time are the ones who would or even do follow the fad!

      Reply
  18. Karissa @ OCD Kitchen says

    August 12, 2015 at 9:15 am

    Great article! While I’m not celiac I was recently diagnosed with leaky gut. I’ve been on an elimination diet for the past three months and I agree with a lot of your suggestions for how to approach the conversation about what I eat with others.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 11:48 am

      Best of luck!

      Reply
  19. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    August 12, 2015 at 8:26 am

    I am socially awkward in the best of situations, so of course those introduction games were pretty much my worst nightmare.
    I cannot imagine how difficult it is to tell people that you gave celiac’s disease, knowing that many of them will not understand. I think these are great tips and could be useful if introducing a friend or family member who suffers from celiac’s.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 8:30 am

      They should try to make you feel comfortable on the first day! No worse! Haha! Those “games” should be banned 😛
      Thank you Heather!

      Reply
  20. Michele says

    August 11, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    Such a great supportive post for everyone with celiac or an allergy. I was never a fan of the name games, in fact I’m getting a little twitchy thinking back to them 😉

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 12:11 am

      I don’t think those games are ever going stop any time soon for me either..ugh!

      Reply
  21. Kristy as Giftie Etcetera says

    August 11, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    I don’t have celiac disease, but I am sort of stunned that adults think they can tell other adults what to eat! I would never care one bit if a friend have to avoid gluten, except to try and accommodate them if I could! Hugs to everyone suffering with this.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 12, 2015 at 12:12 am

      I’m surprised your surprised!

      Reply
  22. Casey @ Casey the College Celiac says

    August 11, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    This post was totally on point, Rebecca! It’s always awkward, but usually I am pretty open with the whole celiac shebang and just say, “Yeah, that cake looks delicious but I have celiac disease so I can’t eat it. Props on the baking though!” and move on with my life. Definitely more complicated when it comes to dating or the workplace, but one (gluten free) step at a time!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Haha, you are so right! And I know I’m not missing out on things though, because I can make a gluten-free version AND make it 10x better 😉 Haha!

      Reply
  23. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says

    August 11, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    Oh my goodness those “ice breaker” games were the worst!!!!! This introvert sucks at that kinda stuff! This is such a great topic, and a challenge at any age for anyone. Do you think this will work when I have to introduce myself as a carb-addict? 😉 haha

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 5:41 pm

      I know! I’m like…sorry…I don’t remember 20 peoples name and the random word they picked to go along with it.
      Hahahahaha, you may find some easy friends with that one though 😉

      Reply
  24. Evolve with Mary says

    August 11, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    Great Post Rebecca, I am a strict Pescetarain and I try not to make a fuss about it. It’s amazing how people are so intrigued and annoyed when someone has a food restriction. To this day my Mother still asks me what I’m going to eat when we go to restaurants, in her mind if it’s not meat it’s not food. I usually don’t mention it but my boyfriend has no problem telling everyone. He told all of his friends, his co-workers and his family so I never have to explain anything. He tells everyone I’m a cool Pescetarian, the kind that is happy to go to a steak house and eat sides, and he’s right. I really don’t care what I’m eating, I get my food fix at home, when I’m out and about it’s usually about enjoying everyone else.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Sometimes family members are the worst with it…probably because they’ve known you TOO long.
      Yea! We know how to eat right when we know what we are doing for our health or logical rational diet choices, haha! (Not fad-ers)

      Reply
  25. T Austin says

    August 11, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Having safe food on hand is a great idea! It must be uncomfortable at times. Sounds like you handle it like a rock star!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks dear!

      Reply
  26. Melissa @ vegan does it says

    August 11, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    I take the same approach with being vegan simply because so many people, at least where I live, have a negative view of what it means. My daughter was even bullied for being vegan in kindergarten, believe it or not. Not that we are ashamed or anything, we made this choice after all, but it gives people a chance to see who we are and not some label. And the whole “it’s just one bite” thing, just no…people should stop!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      People need to stop judging food choices, diets, and necessary medial diets like Celiac! We shouldn’t have to be nervous about sharing our stories and saying we have this allergy or we decided to go vegan.

      Reply
  27. Shann Eva says

    August 11, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    You are definitely not alone in hating those introduction games. Yuck. My really good friend has Celiac Disease, so this is really helpful. I want to be supportive and help her as much as I can. Thank you for all the tips.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      Those games should be banned 😛

      Reply
  28. genevieve @ gratitude & greens says

    August 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    I went to a gathering for artists and creatives the other night, and luckily I had dinner before I went because it was KFC and lots of meaty dishes! Everyone kept asking me to take a drumstick and I politely declined, before eventually revealing I was a vegetarian. And then, of course, the “I could never be vegetarian” and “how do you get your protein” comments started. Like you, I wait until it’s really necessary to bring up the fact that I don’t eat meat plus I have a lactose sensitivity. I’ve gotten some weird and sometimes mean responses but usually there are lovely people who understand!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 2:19 pm

      I feel you dear! When I tell people I’m Celiac, I also end up telling them about my soy allergy and the fact that I don’t do eggs, dairy, or meat (other than chicken and fish). So then it’s gets weird and I don’t know if they take me seriously 😛

      Reply
  29. Dietitian Jess says

    August 11, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I think this post really speaks to any one with serious food allergies or intolerances… my godson has severe allergies and people just dont understand that some peanut butter is honestly a matter of life or death. I know as he gets older he will have to talk about his allergies more and more- right now he is known as the kid that’s the reason why they cant have cupcakes at preschool 🙁 So unfair.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 1:06 pm

      It is unfair. Food allergies and autoimmune disease is no one’s fault. I wish there was an easier way to stay safe, always, but learning how to present information about it to someone new only makes us more confident ourselves, over time :/

      Reply
  30. Morganne @ NutButterRunner says

    August 11, 2015 at 11:57 am

    This is one of the best posts I have read about celiac disease! I definitely wait to say that I have celiac, and usually it only comes up when I am offered something. But it is one of the biggest struggles when someone says “one bite won’t hurt” or “just eat the top part that doesn’t have the crust”. It’s such a small part of who I really am, but plays such a big role in the daily routine! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 12:27 pm

      Right!? Like on a day-to-day basis, I really don’t even think about the fact that I have Celiac and eat gluten-free. It’s just second nature now, but then when those few times a year come about where I have to explain my illness that I’ve been living with for 7 years, it is still always awkward :/

      Reply
  31. Sarah | Well and Full says

    August 11, 2015 at 9:47 am

    I really appreciate this post a lot, Rebecca. I don’t have Celiac Disease, but as a vegan I often feel really uncomfortable telling people about my diet. Some people can get really mean about it… A few times when I’ve told certain people (read: men) that I’m vegan, they will make really rude comments or ask demeaning questions. I’ve even had a few people (again, men) making mooing and oinking noises and then talk about how delicious those animals are. It’s absolutely awful. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for you… being vegan is a choice, but having Celiac Disease is not. So I really appreciate you writing this post and explaining how you deal with the questions 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 10:51 am

      Some people will understand, some people never will. But if someone’s diet, especially if it is for medical reasons, is that big of a deal, than hopefully that new person won’t need to get to know you further and you can meet the RIGHT new people 😛

      Reply
  32. Sheryl says

    August 11, 2015 at 9:15 am

    Great way to explain it. The awkwardness can be reduced and even removed when you handle it as you suggest. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 9:23 am

      As long as you know your disease and you know you are NOT you disease, you will be good!

      Reply
  33. Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says

    August 11, 2015 at 8:31 am

    I’m kind of the same way with telling people I have severe chronic pain. I try to avoid explaining unless it’s really necessary, because people alter the way they treat you when they find out you have a slight difference from them. It’s overcome-able but still kind of a pain. And yes, icebreakers/name-games are the worst. I thought maybe they’d go away by college, but nope. They’re still around. 😛

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 8:48 am

      Yea. It really isn’t essential in the beginning most of the time, but when it is health related, the will be a time when it is necessary to finally tell people.
      Omg…they got WORSE in college, hahaha!

      Reply
  34. Emily @ My Healthyish Life says

    August 11, 2015 at 8:15 am

    I have the same approach when it comes to “introducing” celiac to others. I don’t bring it up unless it’s necessary and even then I don’t make myself the center of attention (or I try not to).

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 8:22 am

      Right! It’s such a small thing to me now, that it shouldn’t be a big thing to anyone else either!

      Reply
  35. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    August 11, 2015 at 7:29 am

    I say that Crohn’s is in the fine print of my life. I never lead with it, but I will gladly talk about it if I need to. I don’t want to be pitied or labeled–that isn’t what I’m about, and I don’t want people to think tat it is ok to treat me differently. I can take care of myself, but thank you for the concern!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      August 11, 2015 at 7:58 am

      YES!!!! That’s exactly right! We can take care of our own needs and health and do not need them to be the qualities that define who we actually are.

      Reply

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Instagram post 2190210617160115376_462853852 What does your family have for Christmas dinner? 🤔 * We have out big celebration on Christmas Eve (the best day, IMO) and have a big buffet of Italian foods set out in my grandparent's kitchen. As a celiac and food allergic vegan, (and the fact that cooking is my profession, haha!) I bring the free-from dishes! * Not only is eggplant parm great for a cozy winter weeknight meal (Meatless Monday, anyone?), but it makes a great plant-forward entree for the holidays that EVERYONE will love! This one is healthier (hello @gowiseusa air fryer! Crispy oil-free eggplant perfection!) and safe for all our celiac, food allergy, and vegan guests and bellies! 🤗 * Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free) | Air Fried & Baked! 😋👌🍽 * This Cozy CheeZy Comfort Food is:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Sugar-Free + Oil-Free + Low Carb 💚 Kid-Approved 💙 Great Meatless Entree for Christmas/Holidays 💜 Air-Fried + Baked (or totally baked if you don't have an air fryer!) 💖 Simple Minimal Ingredients 💗 Healthier Comfort Food with Veggie-Power 💝 * It's snowing here, so I think some cozy comfort food is in order on this chilly Monday! Who's with me? 😂😅❄️ * Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-eggplant-parmesan/ * #comfortfood #airfryer #casserole #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #christmasfood #meatlessmonday #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #christmasdinner #eatwellbewell #lowcarbrecipes #vegancheese #glutenfreefood #healthyholidays #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #goodmoodfood #easymeals #justeatrealfood
Instagram post 2185119379058648148_462853852 Are you ready for THANKSGIVING? 🤷‍♀️ Trying any new dishes this year? 🤔 I hope you got all your grocery shopping done (we all know that every grocery store is a MADHOUSE this week...although it was already crazy last weekend!) 🤣 BUT, I have one more Thanksgiving (or Christmas) recipe for you to add to your to-make list! 😎 Gluten-Free Brown Rice Stuffing Casserole (Vegan, Allergy-Free)! 😋👌🍽 * This Cozy Baked No-Bread Stuffing is:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Sugar-Free + Oil-Free 💚 Kid-Approved 💙 Great for a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Holiday Side Dish 💜 Easy Meatless Main for Any Weeknight💖 Simple Real Food Ingredients 💗 Healthy Comfort Food at its Finest 💝 * When you don't want bread stuffing, but want something baked (not the overdone "wild rice dressings you see so many recipes for!) this one is a must-try! 😉🥰 * Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-brown-rice-stuffing-casserole/ * #brownrice #stuffing #dressing #casserole #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thanksgivingfood #holidayfood #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #thanksgivingdinner #sidedishes #veganthanksgiving #glutenfreefood #healthyholidays #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #goodmoodfood #easymeals #justeatrealfood
Instagram post 2180062372549618176_462853852 Are you team Pumpkin, Apple, Sweet Potato, or Pecan Pie? 🤔 When it comes to holiday pies, you really can't go wrong with any! 😅🥧 I never found pecan pie appealing, but to complete Strength and Sunshine's portfolio of "crustless pies", I had to figure out a way to make PECAN PIE a thing! This year it happened... 🥳 Crustless Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo, Keto)! 😋🌰🥧👌 * This Peculiarly Perfect Pecan Pie is:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Vegan 🧡 Paleo 💛 Keto 💚 Sugar-Free 💙 Healthier, Sweet, & Nutty Southern Comfort 💜 7 Simple Ingredients 💖 EASY & Quick 💝 Only 1 Allergen: Pecans (can't get around that one!) 💘 Begging for a Spot on the Thanksgiving/Christmas Dessert Table 💗 * Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/crustless-pecan-pie/ * #pecanpie #pecans #southerncomfort #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingdinner #holidaybaking #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #easyketo #allergyfriendly #ketodessert #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #ketobaking #paleodessert #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #healthybaking #nosugaradded
Instagram post 2177098251824425516_462853852 What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “gut health”? 🤔 * It's MORE than just digestion! 🧐 Your gut health is connected to just about every aspect of your wellbeing, from your mood to your immune system. 😮@countrylifevitamins came out with a new line of supplements called Gut Connection that helps us balance our microbiome and target the specific areas of our health we need the most help with! 🥳 I got to try out the Digestive Balance, Stress Balance, and Sleep Balance and I’m so glad I did! 🙌 Check out my latest blog post to find out all the details (strengthandsunshine.com/gut-health/) 👏 #Sponsored * #countrylifevitamins #guthealth #guthealthmatters #guthealthy #glutenfree #vegan #foodallergies #allergyfree #nongmo #healyourgut #celiac #celiacdisease #glutenfreeliving #glutenfreelife #autoimmunedisease #chronicillness #gutfriendly #guthealing #healthygut #healthandwellness #healthyfamily #healthykids #gutflora #mindandbody #healthmatters #healthysleep #stressmanagment #healthylifestlye
Instagram post 2174976265205847810_462853852 The secret to a fantastic Monday? 🤔 Something a little SWEET and SALTY! 😎 Loaded Vegan White Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free) 😋🍪🍫🥨 * These are BIG cookies and they are stuffed with @nestletollhouse new ALLERGY-FREE White Chocolate Chips and my favorite @shopritestores gluten-free pretzels! A super-soft cookie base with @bobsredmill gluten-free flour and @swervesweetie brown "sugar". They will make a perfect new addition to all the cookie parties I know you have coming up! 😉🥳🍪🙌 * These Tastebud Tantalizing Cookies are:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Low Sugar 💚 Kid-Approved 💙 Quick and Easy💜 9 Simple Ingredients 💖 Holiday Ready or a "Just Because Dessert" 💗 * Who else is ready for COOKIE SEASON? 🤔 Tag a cookie loving friend below! 👇 These "Naughty and Nice" cookies are perfect for kicking off the holiday season! 🍪🎅🎄 Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-white-chocolate-chip-pretzel-cookies-gluten-free/ * #sweetandsalty #cookieseason #holidaybaking #whitechocolate #pretzels #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #bakersofinstagram #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #glutenfreecookies #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #bakedfromscratch #vegancookies
Instagram post 2169912447125673010_462853852 Thanksgiving debate number 2! Side Dish or Dessert? 🤔 Where does the CLASSIC marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole reside? 🤷‍♀️ * It's always been a "sweet" side dish in our family, definitely NOT a dessert! Boy have I MISSED this controversial dish due to the "all vegan marshmallows contain soy, and all soy-free marshmallows aren't vegan". This recipe has been in the works since last year and it is finally here, on the blog, perfected to a T! 👌🥳 THE Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)! 😋👌 * This Spectacular Sweet Potato Casserole is:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Sugar-Free 💚 Kid-Approved 💙 Paleo Topping Option 💜 6 Simple Ingredients 💖 EASY & Quick (just 10 minutes in the oven! 💝 The Healthiest Sweet Potato Casserole EVER 💗 Holiday Perfection for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Etc. 💘 * How does your family do the traditional sweet potato casserole? 🤔 We've ALWAYS been a "canned candied yam and marshmallow family. I know some people top it with nuts and brown sugar, but that gets a thumbs down from me. It MUST be marshmallow-topped (or in this case...homemade marshmallow fluff topped!) 😂😎 * Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-sweet-potato-casserole-marshmallow/ * #sweetpotatocasserole #sweetpotatoes #marshmallowfluff #aquafaba #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingdinner #holidaybaking #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #healthybaking #nosugaradded
Instagram post 2164819317391112965_462853852 It's STUFFING Season! 🙌 Or...do you call it Dressing? 🤔 DEBATE! What do you call this classic Thanksgiving side? 🤷‍♀️ Technically, this is "dressing" since it was baked on its own (not inside a bird). 😝 My family has ALWAYS called it stuffing and I grew up in the Northeast. In the South, they tend to call it "dressing". They also tend to make it with...CORNBREAD! 🤩 * I ALWAYS make my famous "traditional" stuffing recipe (on the blog), but a cornbread stuffing sounded delicious to try this year! What's your favorite way to make stuffing/dressing? 🧐 Southern Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing (Vegan, Allergy-Free)! 😋👌🍞🍽 * This Corny Comfort Food is:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Sugar-Free + Oil-Free 💚 Picky-Eater Approved (even if they don't like traditional stuffing!) 💙 Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or ANY weeknight 💜 10 Simple Ingredients 💖 Uses my Homemade Gluten-Free Cornbread 💗 Makes You Feel Warm, Cozy, and Full or Southern Comfort 💝 * So Team Stuffing or Team Dressing!? 🤔 Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-cornbread-stuffing-vegan/ * #cornbreadstuffing #cornbreaddressing #cornbread #stuffing #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thanksgivingfood #southernfood #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #thanksgivingdinner #sidedishes #glutenfreebread #glutenfreefood #fallrecipes #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #goodmoodfood #easymeals #nosugaradded
Instagram post 2159727060157945523_462853852 Everything you love about Fall, STUFFED in a cookie! 😂 🍪 STUFFED Caramel Apple Cookies (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)! 😋🍎🍪👌 They're Big, Warm, and Loaded with oozing buttery vegan caramel in the center and fresh chopped apple throughout! 🍬🍎 * These Appletastic Crazy Cookies are:👇 Gluten-Free ❤️ Allergy-Free 🧡 Vegan 💛 Oil-Free 💚 Kid-Approved 💙 No Peeling Needed 💜 10 Simple Ingredients 💖 Seemingly Decadent, but HEALTHY Seasonal Dessert (or Loaded Breakfast Cookie!) 💗 Eat these babies WARM with some Apple Cider or Coffee! 💝 * There's only 2g of added sugar in here from the @jjscocomels caramel center! Natural sugars from the apple and sugar-free @swerveweetie not counted. WOOOO! 🥳🙌 * Caramel apples on a stick are so 2018; bring on the stuffed cookies! 🍎🎉 Will you be joining me and the other cookie monsters? 🤔 Tag a cookie loving friend below! Click the link in my bio @rebeccagf666 for the full recipe on the blog! 👆👆 https://strengthandsunshine.com/stuffed-caramel-apple-cookies/ * #caramelapple #stuffedcookies #appleseason #applepicking #fallbaking #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #top8free #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #bakersofinstagram #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #glutenfreecookies #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #healthybaking #vegancookies