Potluck Power

One of the problems with celiac disease is the required diet can feel like a lot of avoidance, deprivation and can sometimes be downright depressing.  It’s heavy on label reading, and requires a lot of follow up questions when ordering meals because it’s necessary to avoid gluten which is found in wheat, rye, barley or anything made with a derivative.  One effective way to drastically improve quality of life, diet compliance and the negative effects of anxiety/depression is to take matters into your own hands, according to a study from researchers at Columbia University in New York. 

Researchers designed a comprehensive cooking class—totaling 9 hours—intended to promote adherence to a gluten-free diet, reduce symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.  One month after completing the class participants reported significant improvement in diet compliance with quality of life, and depression scores also improved. 

This holiday season, lend a subtle hand by offering to bring a dish that happens to be gluten free  – think salad, vegetable side, or even baked ziti made with chickpea pasta.  Social support goes a long way.  Whether for yourself or a loved one, there will be appreciation all around, especially by the hostess.   Try our Banana Cake our Veggie Pasta Bake, both are so yummy you won’t miss the gluten! 

Published November 1st 2019