An Average Gluten Free Day (for Jamie)

“Does a gluten free diet make life difficult for Jamie?”

Someone asked me that the other day, and although I said “Not really” at the time, it did make me stop and think.  We have got so used to living gluten free that we don’t talk about it much anymore.  But there are little challenges Jamie (and I) face daily.  So here is an account of and average gluten free day in Jamie’s life and some of those challenges he faces.

Up at half past seven and food is the first thought on Jamie’s mind.  Straight down for breakfast: Rice crispies and a probiotic yogurt drink.  Jamie tends to have the same very day; partly by choice, and partly because a lot of breakfast cereals do contain wheat.

School can sometimes be tricky.  Today it was a classmate’s birthday and he brought in a birthday cake to share with everyone.  Off limits to Jamie, which made him a little sad because ‘the icing looked yummy’, but he had something from the stash of gluten free goodies in his teacher’s desk.

Apple at break.  Jamie’s school has a fruit-only-for-snack policy which makes it very easy.

Lunch consists of a gluten-free roll with ham and salad, a yogurt and a slice of home-made gluten free cake.  (There was also a raw carrot which came home uneaten and was gratefully received by the guinea pig!) Jamie has learned not to swap food at lunch: the other kids can eat his gluten free cookies etc, but he can’t eat any of theirs.  It was a slight issue for a while until I instituted a ‘no swapping’ policy.  Now he can blame his ‘mean mum’ and doesn’t look unfriendly himself.  He is offered crisps by his friends sometimes and knows to check the packet for the ‘celiac friendly’ symbol.  Some of his friends even check for him before they offer, which is great!

Dinner at home is the easiest meal of the day.  I cook gluten free for the whole family without really thinking about it any more.  Today, however, Jamie was invited to a friend’s house for tea.  When the invitation first came, three days ago I had a long chat with the Mum.  I know her well so it was easy this time and she is doing baked potatoes with cheese and baked beans.  No prob!  He feels no ‘different’ Sometimes Jamie takes his own gluten free equivalent of whatever they are having – pizza or fish fingers often- but I do have to mention to the Mum that it needs to be cooked on a separate baking tray and served first, before the utensils get contaminated.  They have ice cream for pudding, and Jamie knows to check the label before he has any, and insists on doing so for himself despite the fact that friend’s mum already has!!

Home at seven and the lean mean eating machine still ‘needs’ a slice of gluten free cake before bed.  

All in all very manageable, despite a couple of challenges.  All the challenges now have strategies though.  We’re getting there!  “Does a gluten free diet make life difficult for Jamie?”  Not really.  And he feels so much better it’s worth it!