The period after diagnosis can be very overwhelming. It is quite a process having to go through your cupboards and sort the food, go through the supermarket and try to find new foods as well as all the odd jobs like having to buy a new toaster.

Here are 3 things to help get you through:

1. Meal preparation is key.

If you have already had some experience, you will know that eating out can be challenging as well as anxiety provoking. Once you have your ‘safe’ restaurants and take aways this becomes a lot easier. However, we also need to make sure we are prepared for those days when we can’t get to our safe food shop and we don’t have the time or energy to cook.

I prepare meals on my days off and portion them into containers. These then go in the freezer ready for those days when I need them. I also have rice prepared and frozen, as well as frozen veg on hand. This means I can provide myself with a balanced and nutrition meal without having to do much prep other than heat it up.

2. Always take snacks with you.

If you know you are going to be out for a long time, or you don’t know how long you will be out, it is always best to have snacks on hand.

Snacks such as cans of tuna, nut bars, fruit and nuts are always good to have in your bag just in case.

3. Be prepared to educate.

A lot of people in the food industry unfortunately do not understand the importance of avoiding gluten altogether. It is easy to spot cross contamination when the food is on display (such as a Caesar salad spilling into the gluten free salad next to it), however when we cannot see where the food is being prepared it gets a little bit tricky. I am not the kind of person who likes to ask lots of questions and be perceived as a “difficult” customer however I have learnt that it is so important for my health and I have every right to ask how my food is being prepared. It is not worth accidentally consuming gluten.