I have Celiac Disease. It means my body cannot digest Wheat and Gluten, if I do, I do not grow because my body does not get the nutrients it needs. I was diagnosed when I was 3 years old. Having Celiac Disease means that I have to be careful with what I eat. As long as I keep to my gluten-free diet, I will be perfectly healthy. I have learned a lot about how to read ingredients so that I can be responsible for my health.
Things I cannot have are things like french fries at most restaurants, pizza on pizza day at school and hot dog days at school, birthday cakes, ice cream cones at Baskin Robbins, chicken fingers and nuggets, dessert at most restaurants, donuts, muffins and bagels, cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, egg rolls, tempura, noodles, pasta, onion rings and a lot more!
The good news is that there are lots of foods and treats and snacks that are gluten free and lots of companies are making more gluten free products so that I can have most of the list above because there are substitutions that are good for me.
Because I have Celiac I take a lot of care to be prepared for everything. Even though I’m not able to have things what other people are having, it doesn’t mean that I can’t participate I just have to bring my own dessert for a birthday or pizza for pizza day at school. Packing lunch for school is sometimes hard because my Mom and I have so many things to think about. There are a lot of kids in my school with different allergies like peanuts and sesame seeds. My lunches have to be nut-free, sesame-free and gluten-free. A lot of the gluten-free foods are made with either nuts or sesame seeds. It takes some extra time when we grocery shopping, but we do ok. We want everyone to be safe and healthy.
It bothers me when some other people are having something I can’t have and I feel left out. I deal with this by having a different treat and still participating. It’s not a big deal even though it is hard. My health’s more important and I always remember that. It’s sometimes frustrating when we’re out for the day and there aren’t a lot of things that I can eat for a meal. Places that are especially hard are Canada’s Wonderland, The Zoo, Baseball games and the EX. My parents always ask about the ingredients and sometimes the people working there don’t know if there is gluten in it or not. So I don’t have it just in case there is gluten in the food.
In the 6 years since the doctors told my parents and me that I have Celiac disease, there are more products at the grocery store and more restaurants that have gluten free food choices. My favourite restaurants to go are Swiss Chalet, Boston Pizza, The Olde Spaghetti Factory, Il Fornello, Pizza Pizza and PF Changs.
Here are some of my favourite Gluten-Free foods that we always have:
From the top left: Lundberg Risotto, Corn Pasta, Blue Diamond Crackers, Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cake Mix, Kernels Popcorn, Chapman’s Ice Cream, Cinnamon Chex, Udi’s Gluten Free Bread, Nature’s Path Waffles, Schneider’s Country Naturals Hot Dogs, Gluten Free Cafe by Health Valley Chicken Noodle Soup, Rice Crackers, Nature’s Path Gluten Free Crunchy Maple Cereal, Annie’s Gluten Mac & Cheese and Popcorn.
Tarasview says
It sure can be tough when you have food allergies! There are some crazy ingredients in foods that give me migraines and sometimes I really miss being able to eat those foods!
My husband’s mom has celiac disease so he grew up his whole life having special food in his home and we always have special gluten free food on hand in our home too. Since Celiac disease is more likely in kids who have parents with Celiac we are also always watching out for signs of it with our kids too.
Did you know that some people think that eating gluten-free can actually help kids with Autism? My son who is almost your age (he is 10) has Autism and so we eat less gluten to help him too π
I think you did a wonderful job of explaining Celiac today Hannah- well done!
callmehannah says
Thank you Tara! I know that it’s hard but there’s a lot of other food. No, I didn’t know that eating gluten free helps kids with autism. Does it help your son? Thank you so much for commenting, I really appreciate it. I’m always happy to see you here.
Tammie says
Awesome job Hannah and Happy Celiac Awareness day! I have been gluten-free for 15 years! Yikes not a lot of choice back then, we are fortunate there are more choices today. I also can’t do corn or soy and have to limit dairy or I get a belly ache. I am happy to see how positive you are and concern about people with other alleries. You make a good spokes person for kids with Celiac.
Have an wonderful school year!
callmehannah says
Thanks Tammie! Wow, no corn or soy for you either? That must be really hard too. The corn pasta is one of my favourite things and I have it at least once a week. I hope that you have found other things that you like to eat. It’s hard for a lot of my friends who have allergies. Some of them have epi-pens and it’s really serious. That is scary. It’s hard for them too. At least I don’t have to have an epi-pen because Celiac is not like that.
Gayla says
Hannah, you’re awesome.
I have a friend who has celiac disease, too. But she didn’t find out until she was in her 30s. So imagine how she felt when she had to make all her dietary changes!!
You’re handling it much better than her, though.
When she was first diagnosed and we all went out as a group, she was explaining to the server that she could not have croutons in her salad and why. Finally, another of our friends piped up and said “she’s allergic to wheat. She can’t have any wheat. Not even crouton crumbs”. Our friend wasn’t happy she called it an allergy, but unfortunately, it’s the easiest way to describe it to a server in a restaurant who is getting minimum wage plus tips. Sadly, they don’t care. But if you say “allergy” they do.
You are lucky in that when you were diagnosed, there were so many more gluten free products available, and every year there seem to be more!! And for you, you’re young enough that it’s just the way you eat.
You’re doing awesome, kid!! Keep it up!!!
PS: I saw you on Marilyn Denis!!
callmehannah says
Thanks Gayla! I bet it was hard for her. I am sure that she was sad that she couldn’t have so many foods that she was used to eating. I was only 3 so I didn’t really miss a lot. We also say “allergy” a lot because everyone understands what an allergy is and they take it seriously. Not a lot of people know what Celiac is and how important it is not to have any gluten at all.
I’m happy you saw the Marilyn Denis show. It was fun and exciting for me!
cheetah says
Very good information. I remember how hard it was packing a lunch for my daughter due to other children in her class having peanut allergies. It must be even harder for you and your parents. Sounds like you are all doing a wonderful job and so happy to hear that many companies are now producing gluten-free products for you and others to enjoy. π
callmehannah says
Thank you so much. It is hard to make lunch for school but we found things that work. My mom buys bread that I really like and I just discovered that I actually like egg salad sandwiches so I take a lot for lunch. I take fruit and vegetables everyday. Turkey slices are good too. Sometimes my mom gives me left-overs from dinner to take for lunch and that is always my favourite.
Maranda says
Great article! I love how you explained the challenges and the things that are easier for you. We have a lot of food allergies in our house too, and I know it can be hard sometimes. I’m an adult and it’s not always easy for me, but having a good attitude (and bringing your own food) definitely helps.
My daughter can’t have gluten, rice, nuts and lots of other things but she also likes that Mesa Sunrise cereal. It’s great when you can find something you like that is safe to eat and also tastes good. I make most of her food because of all her allergies but sometimes we just want something quick and simple, right? Thankfully she also likes fruit and vegetables, which are naturally gluten free π
Thanks so much for sharing your story with everyone. Sometimes it’s hard being ‘different’ but there are lots of kids out there who don’t eat gluten – like my four kids – and having other kids talk about it really helps. I’m going to get them to read your blog post.
callmehannah says
Thank you so much Maranda. I bet it’s hard for your daughter – I can’t imagine not being able to have rice or nuts. So much of the gluten-free stuff is made from rice and nuts. I like fruits and vegetables too. I hope your kids like my post. Thank you for sharing it with them.
Rachel and Maya says
Hannah, you explained Celiac Disease really well. We’re glad you can get pizza some places because we really love pizza! It would be sad to miss it completely! We have ordered gluten-free pizza with our cousin, who also has Celiac Disease. What did they have for you when you were away at camp? Was there lots of stuff to eat or just one special thing at each meal?
Did you know that some people with gluten sensitivities avoid playing with Play-Doh because it contains wheat?
callmehannah says
Hi Rachel and Maya! I’m happy that I can get pizza too. There are a lot more places now that you can get gluten-free pizza. My camp was amazing and I wasn’t the only one that needed gluten-free food. There were 3 of us. They always made special food for us. On Friday night we got special chicken soup. I didn’t know that about Play-Doh. I hope you’re having a good time at school Maya!
elizabeth says
Hi Hannah, I can’t wait for my daughter to get home from school and read your blog! I am so glad that it was shared with the Celiac listserv! My daughter is so much like you! She is 10 years old, has celiac disease, and was diagnosed at age 3. She shares many of the same experiences that you write about concerning the gluten free diet. It is so awesome that you have your own blog! Thank you for sharing your experiences π
callmehannah says
Thank you Elizabeth! We were both diagnosed when we were 3. What is her favourite foods? Maybe we both like the same foods. I also share my experiences and my concern about being Celiac and on my blog. I know it’s hard but I get through it. I hope she gets through too.
I hope she has a fun year at school.
elizabeth says
Hi Hannah! My mom showed me your blog and I loved it! A am so glad to meet someone just like me! Some of my favorite foods are nut thins, gluten free mac and cheese, gluten free pizza, and gluten free cupcakes and cake! I hope you have a fun year at school!
From, Elaine
Alexa says
I enjoyed reading your blog very much. You are a great writer!!! I am a lot like you. I am 8 years old and I have celiac too. I do a lot of things like you for my celiac. At birthday partys I bring my own pizza and dessert. Also Crunchy Vanilla Sunrise is one of my favorite cereals. I was diagnosed with celiac when I was 5. You are right, a lot has changed since then. Many more people know what it is but that dosn’t mean that everyone knows. We like a lot of the same foods. Anyway I think that you are amazing and so is your writing. Well, I guess thats all for now. Bye.
p.s. I see things about someone interviewing you. Were you on TV?
Mrs. Ford says
Hi Hanna,
I love your blog and will save a copy for my grandchildren to read. I have celiac, too, and want to share my muffin recipes with you. One batch makes 24 mini-muffins. You can vary the things you put in the muffins.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Makes 24 small muffins These moist and delicious fat-free muffins are great for breakfast or afternoon snack.
Preheat oven to 375Β°F.
2 cups QUINOA FLOUR
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 15-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin
1/2-3/4 cup water (start with 1/2c)
1/2 cup raisins 2 small boxes
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ALLSPICE, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
Add pumpkin, water, and raisins. Stir until just mixed.
Spoon batter into tiny muffin cups
Bake 20 – 25 minutes, for tiny muffins (longer for regular size muffins.)
tops of muffins bounce back when pressed lightly/ toothpick comes out clean but sticky
Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes in pan.
Remove muffins from pan and cool on a rack on and under dish towel
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container.
Applesauce Muffins : – )
Makes 24 small muffins
Preheat oven to 375Β°F.
2 cups QUINOA FLOUR
1 tablespoon low-sodium baking powder try chunked apples
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
ΒΌ cup sugar
1 15-ounce can applesauce 3.9oz = 4 small = 15.6 oz
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup raisins
1 vegetable oil spray
Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and sugar. Add applesauce, water, and raisins and stir until just mixed. (Lightly spray muffin cups with gluten free vegetable oil spray and fill to the top. )
Bake 25 minutes, until tops of muffins bounce back when pressed lightly.
Remove from oven and let stand for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove muffins from pan.
When muffins are cool, store in an airtight container.
QUINOA comes like rice, or pasta, or flakes (like oatmeal – I add a little apple juice), or flour.
I like them all and hope you will, too.
Have a good year at school! It’s great that you are educating other people about celiac disease.
Keep up the good work!
Karen Brousard says
Hi Hannah! Wow! Your story sounds exactly like my son’s! He, too, is 9 — and was diagnosed before he was even two years old. He does great with the diet, though, and in many ways, I think you all are the lucky ones…having been diagnosed so young — before Celiac could do lasting damage to your bodies. We feel so blessed Ryan was diagnosed early — although for the 6 weeks or so he was experiencing symptoms, it felt like an eternity. We are in Northern Virginia, a suburb of Washington, DC. It’s too bad you don’t like closer, or we could get the two of you together. Ryan doesn’t really have any friends with Celiac — at least not in our neighborhood. He has, however, attended a Celiac Camp for the past two summers with other kids just like him! He loves it! I started a website called GlutenFreeTravelSite ( http://glutenfreetravelsite.com ) about 4 1/2 years ago to help people find safe places to eat — both in their neighborhood and wherever they travel. We have thousands of user-submitted gluten free dining and travel reviews from all over the world, especially the United States, so if you’re ever visiting here, be sure to search by town or state for places that accommodate gluten free diets! There are tons of other resources on the site, including a list of camps all over the U.S. that accommodate kids on gluten free diets. Just look at the bottom of our Resources page for that link. Keep up the good work on your Blog! Best wishes…
Brenda says
Thanks for sharing! Our 2 year old son was diagnosed with Celiac this summer. Our little guy is literally a little guy, going on 2-1/2 and still under 25lbs.! Unfortunately for him his twin sister doesn’t have it but it’s OK, we are all doing what we can to take care of him and he doesn’t seem to mind any of the gluten free versions of the foods he likes. I was worried he’d be upset about giving up Cheerios but he loves Chex! Same with Mac-n-cheese, he gobbles up Annie’s just as much as he did Kraft. In some ways I think we’re lucky we found out so young so he didn’t have a lot of specific favorite foods. I worry about when he’s older, in school, at friends houses, parties but we’ll take things 1 year at a time. The most frustrating part is when we have to eat out of the house, not just restaurants but other people’s houses or last weekend a wedding. We survived though. It’s only September but in my head I’m already thinking how we’ll survive the holiday’s. Good luck to you in all that you do! I hope someday our little man is as brave as you to share about himself.
Catherine Boldireff says
Hello Hananah
I understand what it feels like because I have allergies too, so I think that are a very good role model and most people with allergies should be looking on your website and finding what kind of foods would be good for them if they have celiac. You are helping kids learn that they should stick to the rules of their allergies and you have good will power to co-operate with your diet.
Thank you for giving me the knowledge of a nine year old mind which has been running her own website which you need to have guts to do!
Jada Pegler says
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already π Cheers!
Olivia says
Hi I am Olivia. I have celiac and am 9 years old. My mom sent me this on Celiac awerness day and I though I should read it. I was right, it would be amazing! I love how you think on the positive side of yur allergie.thank you for sharing this with me!
callmehannah says
Thank you Olivia! That’s cool that we both have celiac! I really like to know even sometimes it’s hard finding food there’s still really good food out there!
sohbet says
have celiac and am 9 years old. My mom sent me this on Celiac awerness day and I though I should read it. I was right, it would
Bewildered Bug says
Wow Hannah, excellent blog! I am gluten intolerant, but not celiac – and I find it difficult to manage! I am very proud of how well you are managing!