Being diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance as an adult is going to take some adjusting. Not only will you have to mentally wrap your brain around this new lifestyle but you’ll have to dive right in to a brand new eating regimen.

Here are seven tips to help anyone dealing with switching to a gluten-free lifestyle as an adult:

1. Get support – Don’t expect that you need or have to handle this big life change on your own. Support is available to you. Whether it be through your family, your medical professionals, local support groups or through an online support group make sure you find somewhere to share, get advice and vent. Don’t try to go through this transition alone.

2. Prepare your kitchen – Get rid of anything in your kitchen that you can no longer eat. It’s a good idea to do a full ’spring cleaning’. Take everything out, toss problem foods, wipe it all down and put it all back. Now you’ve got a fresh kitchen to prepare your delicious gluten-free meals with.

3. Transition slowly – There are likely many foods you eat now that are still completely safe. Don’t just drop everything and run with a completely new diet. Transition over slowly and keep some foods that are familiar to you.

4. Do your research – There is plenty of information available for anyone wanting to learn about celiac disease and living a gluten-free lifestyle. Check local Celiac Associations, the library and the Internet (just be careful of your sources and make sure they are reliable).

5. Plan ahead – You may be used to grabbing fast food and snacks on the go but you’ll need to change your thinking and plan ahead. Become familiar and friendly with places where it will be safe for you to eat out and think about snacks you can take on the go.

6. Stay Informed – Living a gluten-free lifestyle means you need to be very aware of what you are consuming. Stay informed on the latest news and information about gluten and with manufacturers that produce specialty gluten-free products.

7. Share your story – Don’t assume that people will be annoyed at you because you have specific food needs. Share your story and let others know what’s going on with you. It will make you feel better not having to hide anything and of course you will be safest if you are eating out or at a friend’s when everyone knows exactly what your issue is.

A big key here is support. There’s no need to do it alone.

Think of this transition as a new opportunity to live a healthier and more fulfilling life that isn’t plagued by the issues and symptoms you were dealing with before you realized you had a gluten intolerance. You can do it. Wishing you all the best in your new gluten-free adventure!

Tags: adult celiac, gluten allergy