Diet For Celiac Disease / Gifts For Celiacs

Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten which is found in wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats, along with any products derived from them.

This sounds simple enough- just avoid foods containing those products, right?  As we’ve found from “sugar free” products that’s not always the case. Many products used in the ingredient list are derivatives of the above products. Gluten may come in forms such as vegetable proteins and starch, modified food starch (when derived from wheat instead of maize) and malt flavoring, among others.

Diet for Celiac Disease
Having them as a dinner guest doesn’t have to pose a big problem for you. Sometimes just putting the sauce on the side can avoid any gluten. Offer plain food- absolutely no seasonings or additives. There are many things to avoid, but these gluten free foods can be considered safe: (remember to cook them separately, in a different pan, from seasoned foods)
Appetizers:
    Fresh Fruit
    Fresh Raw Vegetables
Entree:
    Beef (from the butcher without sauce or seasonings)
    Chicken (from the butcher without sauce or seasonings)
    Fish (from the butcher without sauce or seasonings)
    Eggs
Carbohydrates:
    Potatoes
    Sweet Potatoes, Yams
    Rice
    Quinoa
    Fresh Vegetables- cooked, roasted,  or boiled separately unless nothing is added
Drinks:
    Coffee & Tea- unflavored
    Juice (All natural 100% fruit juice)
    Water
Desserts:
    Pudding thickened with corn starch
    Cookies, cakes labeled “gluten free”
    Fresh Fruit
It’s a good idea to call ahead to go over the menu with them. It's nice to assure them you're knowledgeable and they can enjoy themselves without worry. If they still seem hesitant, invite them to bring along their own food. After all, what you really want is their company.

What to do for gifts?
The treatment for celiac disease is to avoid foods containing gluten. You can avoid buying them any gifts with food involved- OR- show that you put that extra care into your selection by choosing foods that are labeled “gluten free”. These are popping up in grocery stores in the health food aisle or you can find them in your local health food store.

When your friend or loved one realizes their health is a concern to you and you've invested the time to become knowledgeable of their situation they'll appreciate your gift all the more .

The Royal Basket Company carries gluten free gift baskets with all products labeled “gluten free” and gluten free cheesecakes. They also have a custom gift basket page where you can choose your products by diet OR mix and match your gift basket. For Christmas, birthday, or any holiday your recipient will appreciate the thought and care you’ve taken.

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From left to right (shown above):
Organic Gift Baskets- Organic and all natural snacks, gourmet and pamper gifts for the healthy lifestyle.
Heart Healthy Gift Baskets- You'll find just the right gift for a healthy heart in this selection.
Sugar Free Gift Baskets- A huge variety of sugar free and diabetic gift baskets in every price range and taste.
Vegan Gift Baskets- For the vegan enthusiasts, take your pick!
Gluten Free Gift Baskets- They'll jump for joy and dive right in with these wheat free / gluten free choices.