Glutard Girl Shares the Good Stuff

When someone first described this month to me, they said it was “Celiac Celebration Month.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

What was there to celebrate about moments of embarrassment and discomfort, the awkward and hungry pizza parties, nights at the bar, jealously eyeballing my friend’s stout beer while I choked down a bitter sorgrum one, or a summer spent in France, consistently told how great the croissants really were? Turns out it is technically Celiac Awareness Month, a word that evokes a completely different emotion. But in those few minutes of confusion, I started to realize I have received a lot of blessings in my seven years actively dodging gluten. And that is what this little series is about: the good stuff.

I will be writing once a week this month, offering something good about being gluten-free: tasty snacks around Austin, favorite recipes, what to drink now that you can’t have beer but maybe you are still in love with it, a behind the scenes look at stellar new gluten-free book, and info on how to meet the author. I welcome your feedback, your experiences, your favorite dish, or whatever comes to mind whether you are gluten-free or not. I know it’s one of the dietary trends now, so you may be coming at this from any number of places: out of necessity, out of hope for a healthier diet, or because you are into what the cool kids are doing. All are welcome, and the more the merrier. It is thanks to the increasing number of glutards that we now have our own (mostly) delicious grocery store aisles and fresh-baked cupcakes all over town. That is definitely worth celebration.

Canada and Europe will be partying with us this May. In fact, the United States used to honor Celiac Awareness in October while the rest of the gluten-avoiders rocked out in spring. We changed to sync our holiday with the rest of the Western world in 2010. From what I gather, this puts us in line for worldwide product discounts during the month and my fingers are crossed for any global gluten-free cookie brands. We will keep you informed.

So cheers, with something other than beer! This month is our month.