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Washington Area Wheat Free SymbolCeliac Sprue Support Group

Tips for Gluten Free Living

from our members:
  • Join WACSSG immediately.
  • Stay active in a support group. You are not alone.
  • Ask for help, stay in contact with other celiacs, find out all you can.
  • Get names and phone numbers of 2 or 3 celiacs, call for help.
  • Go to another celiac's home and take notes - get a head start.
  • Obtain Tri-County Support Group shopping guide.
  • Stokes Rx Guide.
  • Celiac Sprue: A guide Through the Medicine Cabinet.
  • Subscribe to GLUTEN FREE LIVING (bi-monthly magazine).
  • Learn how to obtain ingredient info from manufacturers.
  • Read labels carefully - watch for hidden ingredients.
  • Carry a list until it becomes second nature to you. Keep lists updated.
  • Attitude is very important - it could be a whole lot worse!
  • Be your own advocate - if in doubt, don't eat it.
  • Take responsibility for yourself, child, and/or family.
  • Keep on hand things that you really like for times of panic and/or starvation.
  • Find one SAFE food and reward yourself.
  • Start out eating basic non-processed foods - slowly expand your food varieties.
  • Some people have to eliminate dairy and soy when first starting.
  • Be Prepared - carry an "emergency kit" with you at all times, e.g. crackers, tuna, peanut butter, drinks - anything non-perishable, you can always add perishable items for special days.
  • Learn to cook alternative foods.
  • Make sure cooking utensils are free from contaminates.
  • Keep separate toasters, cast iron items, cookie sheets, etc. Mark them GF.
  • Keep food GF separate butter, jams, jellies, peanut butter, mayonnaise, etc. and label as GF.
  • Use your resources, but remember, the ultimate responsibility is YOURS.
  • Search celiac listserv, Internet sites, chat lines, newsletters, books, support groups.
  • Learn to be happy with what is available - Focus on what you can eat - Be patient, it does become second nature - Don't blame CD for everything - Be careful, hang loose and hang in there - Don't panic, life can still be beautiful - Relax, you'll feel better in no time - Learn your own limitations, know what you can and cannot eat.
 

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Washington Area Celiac Sprue Support Group (WACSSG)
Juanita Ohanian, Chair
12160 Nebel Street
Rockville, MD. 20852
301-881-4018
Email: jaonebel@aol.com

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