13 Simple Moments That Make Gluten Free Eaters Ridiculously Happy

Especially soon after a celiac disease diagnosis, living with celiac disease or eating gluten free can seem pretty complicated. You might find yourself wondering: what's the difference between a food that is labeled "gluten free" versus "certified gluten free"? How can I let my date know they need to brush their teeth before kissing me without tooootally freaking them out? What's the best gluten free bread that actually doesn't taste like cardboard?

It's because of these hidden complexities of living with celiac disease that I wrote this post about 13 simple moments that make gluten free eaters riiiidiculously happy! 'Cause, sure, our intestines may be may more picky than the average person, but that doesn't mean we still can't enjoy simple pleasures. So if you have celiac disease or eat gluten free, I hope this post makes you smile and remember a few good, simple moments recently...and if you don't eat gluten free but know someone who does, here are a few ways you can easily make that person's day!

1. Sitting down at a new restaurant and seeing gluten free options - complete with a "separate fryer" note - on the menu.

(To find out more about the places I've eaten out at and loved, check out my restaurant review page, right on the bottom of my "Food Tips" tab!)

2. Baking a loaf of gluten free bread that doesn't automatically turn into a sinkhole after you take it out of the oven.

Or buying gluten free bread that actually doesn't taste like cardboard...

Something I have not succeeded at just yet...

3. Meeting someone also shopping the "gluten free" aisle of the grocery store and immediately becoming GF besties.

4. Going to a party and realizing that the host set aside a few gluten free snacks just for you.

We don't expect accommodations...but it sure is nice and makes us feel extra loved!

5. Successfully gluten-free-izing an old family recipe...and fooling your family into thinking it's still gluten-full!

6. Walking out of the grocery store without spending waaaaay more than your weekly grocery budget.

(And if you need tips for how to save money on gluten free groceries, check out my post for how I eat gluten free and healthy for only $35 a week!)

7. Going out to eat and learning that your waiter's aunt has celiac disease, so he knows all the in's and out's of making a safe, gluten free meal.

8. Realizing that one of your old favorite foods (pre-celiac or before going gluten free) is actually gluten free.

One prime example: Nutella. ;)

9. Being able to eat at a social event, just like everyone else.

Something I definitely missed at all of the pizza parties in college!

10. Discovering that a restaurant not only has gluten free options, but at least one epic gluten free dessert.

Like this epic dessert from Outback...

11. Finding a gluten free cookie recipe that doesn't a) require a bunch of weird ingredients and b) tastes pretty dang delicious.

This one is BOMB. 

12. Being able to share meals or eat off of a friend or family member's plate...

Which is one reason why eating at 100% gluten free restaurants and bakeries is the bomb.

13. Seeing your fave gluten free product is on sale for half price.

Cue buying the gluten free pizza and ice cream...

The Bottom Line of Being Happy While Eating Gluten Free

A lot of times, when people first hear that I have celiac disease or need to eat gluten free, their first reaction is: "You can't eat gluten?!? If I had to give that up, I'd just die!"

And I get it. Some days, I'd really freakin' wish I could just eat whatever I want, regardless of the ingredients or whether it's touched something with wheat.

But most days, eating gluten free feels as natural as breathing...and six years after my celiac diagnosis, I can confidently say that gluten free food can be really delicious and a great alternative to most of the goodies my gluten-loving friends enjoy. 

Read where this epic burger was from here!

The next time you have a bad gluten free day and are really craving one of your old favorite foods, I hope a memory of one of these 13 simple moments pops up and makes you smile, or that a loved one takes advantage of this list and surprises you with some safe snacks at your next get-together.

And I can't wait to experience even more moments than the ones I've listed above - and hearing about all of yours!

What's one simple thing that makes you really happy - gluten-free diet related or otherwise?