Six years without pasta...

I got diagnosed with celiac disease almost six years ago. Right before Thanksgiving. Perfect, right?

When I got diagnosed, I honestly didn't know how I was going to survive. Everyone knew that I loved pasta, and they didn't know what I was going to do without it. Yeah, me too. I had no idea what I was going to eat. Let alone know what I could eat.

Luckily, my mom went fully gluten-free with me. This made the transition so much easier. We started finding gluten-free hidden gems and some of the best restaurants. I was also fortunate enough that my family made our house entirely gluten-free, apart from a couple of little guilty pleasures that my dad and sister love.

Before I was diagnosed with celiac, I was honestly a very picky eater. Or at least, I thought I was. Looking at my friends now, they won't eat half the things I used to eat. I do think that getting diagnosed with celiac helped me become a lot less picky. Maybe it is because I just can't be as picky anymore. Or maybe it is because I had to try so many new things. Either way, I am glad that I did.

Getting diagnosed with celiac disease has also taught me how to advocate for myself. And even for other people when they can't advocate for themselves.

I know how hard it can be to live with celiac and feel like you are missing out. Calling a restaurant to double-check that they actually have safe gluten-free options. Not being able to eat with your friends because there aren't any safe options. Having to think about something that everyone else seems to be able to do without even thinking about it.

Celiac can sometimes make you feel like you don't fit in. Or like you are a burden.

But I promise you, you are not alone.

I have felt all of these things. And I think it is normal to feel that way sometimes. You will figure out your own way of living with celiac. It might take time, and it might look different from someone else's experience. But you will figure it out.

Celiac disease is a chronic illness. Taking care of yourself means more than just avoiding gluten. Take care of yourself. Advocate for yourself. And don't be afraid to speak up when something isn't safe.

Almost six years later, I definitely still have moments where celiac is frustrating. But I also realize how much it has taught me about myself, food, and being an advocate for myself and others. Honestly, I wouldn't be the person I am today without it.

To learn about what I am doing for the celiac community, visit me on Instagram