A Restaurant That I Wish Was Gluten Free: Panera Bread

As someone who works from home, it is important for me to get out of the house once in a while. It would be awesome if I had a place to go, that has free Wifi, gluten free food, and hot tea.
Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a place I used to frequent was Panera Bread. I loved their sandwiches, their bread bowl soup, and their drinks. I spent a great deal of time in Panera Bread, typing articles and doing research.

Now that I have Celiac disease, I can no longer go there. They do not have the ability to accommodate those of us with Celiac disease, or food allergies. Surely, you can get a cup of coffee, if you're Celiac, right? Wrong. Two years ago, after my diagnosis, I went into Panera Bread for some coffee. I actually got 'glutened' from their coffee. I think Panera Bread would have more business, if they accommodated us. They could do what a lot of other restaurants do: order the gluten free goods, packaged. Or, they could have a separate area to cook/bake food that is safe for us to eat. Yes, I know it's all about money, but, if they make these changes, they will be bringing in a ton of revenue, and the equipment would pay for itself.

I know it's a bakery restaurant, and for them to accommodate us may be a far-fetched idea, but, I miss Panera Bread. I would like to be a customer of theirs, once again. Celiacs, and those who are gluten intolerant, should not be punished for something we have no control over. Celiacs have this disease for life. It would be nice if we weren't isolated from everyday life.

(photo courtesy of: http://stopthecap.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/panera.jpg)

Celebrities who have Celiac Disease

Getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease can be pretty tough (believe me, I remember how hard it was for me). You may be the first among your family and/or friends that has been diagnosed as Celiac. It can be lonely (even though my grandmother had it, and I was partially raised by her, she had been gone for a few years when I was diagnosed. I had no one). What gave me some comfort was that I was not alone. Some of the celebrities I look up to were also Celiac Disease sufferers. People like Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Emmy Rossum had been living with the disease for years before I was diagnosed. I researched both and learned a lot from them. Also, learning that my first celeb crush has 2 Celiacs in his family really helped me feel less alone. Here is a list of celebs who have diagnosed Celiac Disease: Elizabeth Hasselbeck (public figure) Emmy Rossum (actress) Wil Wheaton's mom and sister Meg Cabot (author) Sarah Joy Brown (actress) Joe C (rapper who frequently performed with

South Park's Gluten-Free Ebola Episode

photo credit: southparkdigital Greetings Celiac Warriors! Recently, South Park did a gluten free episode that got a lot of attention in the gluten free and Celiac communities. For the most part, the reaction has been positive. Many folks, including myself, found it hilarious. You may be wondering what the episode was about. I'm going to give you the cliff notes version: The episode starts off with the kids returning to school after their start up company fails. Then the show cuts to the teachers lounge where the teachers are discussing Mr. Mackey who has gone gluten free. Mr. Mackey comes back and starts blaming all the world's problems on gluten. A co-worker becomes annoyed by all the gluten free talk and starts screaming at Mr. Mackey to shut up. Mackey states that behavior problems are due to gluten consumption. A female teacher expresses interest in going gluten free. Later on, the boys are on the radio promoting an "epic" party. Callers ask the boys i

Why we need more awareness about Celiac Disease.

Celiac Disease Awareness Month is here, and it is important that we continue to raise awareness in hopes it helps the rest of the world to take us seriously. This morning, I came across a heartbreaking story of a woman who died from complications of celiac disease. She had ignored her symptoms and didn't adhere to a GF diet. She, like all of us, ate wheat products for a portion of her life. Her body loved wheat. I mean, wheat products were yummy! When she was diagnosed with Celiac, not only was it during a time when gluten free food was very sparse, she had difficulty giving up what she loved: foods with wheat ingredients. She suffered the consequences of not adhering to a GF diet, as her liver gave out on her. She also had an enlarged stomach and had gained 30 pounds. She succumbed to her complications, and her daughter has spoken about her mother's health issues. She, like all of us, are hoping for more awareness to be raised. We as Celiacs need more support. All of

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