From the article: Advice For The Gluten-Free College Student
I just heard from a mom whose daughter is a college freshman, away from home, and she only learned the week before leaving home that she has celiac disease. The mom told me, "Her doctor called me, told her to eat gluten free and then said he was going on vacation for 2 weeks."
Can you come up with some advice for this young girl and her parents?
Please remember! Suggestions from others can be helpful, but comments from readers are not double-checked for accuracy. Make sure to research any suggestions before putting them to use, and always double-check the gluten-free status of any recommended product.
Freshman Diagnosis
- I learned I had celiac disease the first week I was in college, in a whole new city, new state and half way across the country from my family. I was at Emerson College, and unfortunately for me, and many other kids who may have celiac disease and are interested in that school, they offered no solution to me but to drop my meal plan and try to eat out of my dorm room. I decided, that living out of a microwave wasn't an option so I moved back home. It is a real struggle though, to have your body prevent you from doing what you love. I have become outraged at how little support there is for celiacs at institutions such as universities, where you pour all of your money into for little to no help in the end. On-campus living restrictions, or monetary restrictions would I think be a college celiac's worst nightmare. If there is anyone I can help, I would love nothing more than to talk to you about your experience. Everyone can use some help.
- —Guest guest alex
surgeon created GF healthy snack
- surgeon created healthy GF protein snack, Dr. Steve's Pro Bites. see www.probites.com
- —Guest drsteve@insightbb.com
Be Prepared!
- I was diagnosed with Celiac while in college so I understand the emotional and logistical issues College-aged Celiacs face! I've just started a GF College Guide on my blog where I will feature Must Have Products, Reviews and Tips for GF College Students. I love to hear from readers and know what they want to see on my blog! I hope that I can offer some information that struggling college kids can use so they can eat gluten free and get on with their lives. http://GlutenFreeChops.blogspot.com
- —Guest Jessica
College junior recently diagnosed too!
- Hi, I'm a junior in college and was just diagnosed last February with Celiac. It's been an adjustment, but it's SO doable! I'd encourage you to get a second opinion: find a very good GI doctor near your college in case you need one. Secondly, I would talk to your dining services at your college about the disease and exactly what you need to happen for you to be able to eat the food that is prepared. Most contracts between colleges and their dining services require them to provide whatever their students need. They are usually VERY accomodating. This year I have a kitchen, and it is wonderful. I am in nursing school, so I don't have a lot of time...but I have a mini George foreman grill, frozen chicken tenderloins, lots of GF (gluten-free) marinades (even salsa works) and I make chicken all the time. Frozen veggies are also a plus (Get them @ Wal-Mart-check the back-it says gluten free) as well as Chex brand cereal (GF!). Please e-mail celiacdisease.guide@about.com for my contact info!
- —Guest Jessica
Going out with friends at college
- Many college cafeterias now offer gluten-free menu items. You can usually have a microwave or toaster oven in your room. But spur-of-the-moment eating out with friends can present a challenge. College kids love to order in pizza. For celiac students, keep an ample supply of gluten-free pizzas in your refrigerator or freezer to pop into the microwave or toaster oven. Also buy a package of gluten-free tortilla wraps. When your friends want to go out to eat, roll a tortilla wrap in plastic wrap and take it along. At the restaurant, order a side salad and a sandwich-- minus the wrap or bread. Put the filling (anything from tuna fish, to lunchmeats, to tacos or fajitas) into your GF wrap and roll it up. For snacking with friends, you're usually safe with popcorn, salsa with tortilla chips, or potato chips and dip. Fortunately, there are still a lot of 'safe' fun foods you can eat.
- —Guest Connie Sarros
College Celiac
- One of the top specialist in the country is at University of Maryland Celiac Center, Dr Fasano. If she is close, she should try to see him. If she can get housing in a dorm with a kitchen, that is very helpful, especially for breakfast. A good GF cookbook is helpful. "Beyond Rice Cakes" was written for young adults. Care packages from home with special treats, especially at finals time are appreciated.
- —Guest connie
College and Celiac
- We have articles going back a year on being celiac in college..from working with dining services to setting up a campus. Look for the College article on each month http://www.glutenfreeda.com/article_archives.asp There is also a link to contact the author at the bottom of the articles.
- —Guest Glutenfreeda
Get thee to a Celiac Specialist!
- Find her a gastroenterologist that specializes in Celiac disease. I tried to work with the gastro Dr. who diagnosed me, but he had no clue. Changing to a Celiac specialist was the best thing I ever did. Ask for blood tests to determine what, if any vitamin and mineral deficiencies you might have. See the recommended dietician. There are a lot of good gluten free products out there. You may have to order them but you won't feel like you are missing out on the cakes, cookies, etc. Try the Gluten Free Mall as a starter or health food stores in your area. Pizza will be the thing you miss the most. After trying at least 12 pizza crusts/mixes I finally found a good one. Kinnickinick 7" sqaure frozen pizza crusts. Bake it at 375 for 10 minutes BEFORE you top it, once toppings are added, bake another 10 minutes at 375 to get a crispier crust. Good luck & hang in there. You will feel so much better!
- —judiflower
