How to Start A Gluten Free Diet

My fourteen year old son recently was diagnosed with celiac disease. Therefore, he must remove all forms of gluten from his diet. A celiac diagnosis is very difficult for a child this age, as food tastes, likes and dislikes, and other favorites are well established. Removing gluten from one's diet is a difficult process. However, for a child or young adult it is especially tough as he or she watches other kids eat what they want. Here's a few kid friendly foods that might help with a transition to a gluten free diet for kids. Obviously, this list is far from all-inclusive; it's just a starting point to help with the start of your child's gluten free diet.

Instructions

1. Breakfast Cereals - kids are busy, school starts early and breakfast gets quicker and quicker each morning. If your house is like mine, cereal is a staple. However, it's tough on a gluten free diet. Don't let the cereal name fool you; Rice Crispies ARE NOT gluten free. Try Rice Chex and Fruity Pebbles.

2. Pasta - again, another staple in many kid's diets, but a brutally tough meal to replicate without wheat gluten. There are many gluten free pastas on the market and most taste like sawdust. Try Schar's. It is far and away the closest thing we have found to real pasta.

3. Chicken - I don't know many kids who don't like chicken fingers. However, on a gluten free diet, most breadings on the chicken are not permitted. Try Bell & Evans chicken. You can get nuggets, fingers, and chicken breasts that are so good and tasty, the whole family will enjoy them. You won't even know they're gluten free.

4. Mac & Cheese - telling your kid they can't eat Mac and Cheese anymore is sure to create a long face. Don't give it up, just switch brands. Try Annie's - they make a rice pasta and cheese that your kids will love.

5. Candy - switching to a gluten free diet will force many brands of kids' candy out of the diet; my son's diagnosis came right around Halloween. It's brutal on a kid - but don't despair, just change brands. Mike & Ike's, Tootsie Rolls, 3Musketeers, Snickers and Skittles are gluten free. Just do some Halloween trading with your brothers and sisters!

Tips & Warnings

• Did you know - Whole Foods Markets are a great place for gluten free foods. In fact, they are so committed to serving this segment of the population, many stores will refund your purchase price on gluten free foods that you try, but don't like.