This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ohio U chapter.
1. When somebody remarks that you are “SO lucky” to have Celiac Disease because it is so much healthier- explain that at any time they too can jump on the Gluten Free bandwagon…then see how long that original thought of theirs lasts.
2. When you discover $0.25 GF Udi’s cookies at the campus market- you know that they must have expired years ago…or else they would be about twenty times the price.
3. Have a go-to answer for the “then what CAN you eat!?” question at all times.
4. Your new favorite breakfast- egg in the basket. The convenience here is that you won’t have to waste any bread by cutting a hole in the middle of it- GF bread is essentially the carb form of Swiss cheese.
5. While all of your friends stuff their faces with burritos, fried wings, and cheesy pizza- remind yourself that YOU are in fact the lucky one who has a bag of stale rice cakes back home waiting for you.
6. Embrace the fact that you can read food labels faster than anyone else you know- even if you’re struggling in a class or two- THIS my friend is a true life skill that can ultimately be life saving.
7. If you are ever feeling unnoticed by the rest of the world- go into the dining hall and request two pieces of GF bread- trust me, the whole staff will know and love you.
8. The next time someone asks what your least favorite food is, only one word is needed here: Italian.
9. You will become a professional observer and people watcher. The faces of those around you as you so graciously scrape the cheese off the top of your pizza, lick the frosting off your cupcake, or order a salad at Chipotle, will serve as quality entertainment.
10. When someone shares with you that they too are “gluten free,” ask if they eat vinegar or soy sauce. Chances are their GF lifestyle is simply one by choice- and “cutting back on carbs” is not exactly the same thing.
And remember, the next time someone remarks “wow, I’d DIE if I couldn’t eat bread,” – thank them for enlightening you with something you don’t already know.