In 2014, Jimmy Kimmel said "a lot of people can't eat gluten for medical reasons, and that I get... but a lot of people here don't eat gluten because someone in their yoga class told them not to," after asking viewers what this meant to them.
Business Insider then went on to highlight how the gluten-free market had expanded "41% between 2011 and 2013, and is projected to continue to rise," personally, I'm not complaining about this. The uproar of GF eating within the past decade is what makes accessibility common regarding the restrictions Celiac presents.
One thing that you'll probably learn through time is that the diet, itself, is extremely stereotyped within the industry. Avoidant habits, like this, are often exemplified by a society that chooses this lifestyle, and treatment within eating establishments can be skewed, based on my experiences.
The assumptions about skinny lifestyles and yoga classes presents constant questioning for those that are gluten-free.
It is a communal misapprehension that a GF diet is only used to promote weight loss. Uneducated bystanders are constantly assuming that Celiac is just a ‘cover-up’ for wanting to drop dozens of pounds in a month, or people are following what People Magazine said about the "Gluten-Free Diet Trend" in Dec 2020.
Following a strict diet regarding medical needs is typically coupled with questions like: will you die if you eat it? Is it really that serious? Can you just take one bite? No, I won't die. Yeah, it's pretty serious because I'd like to avoid being sick. I'll pass on that nibble of your brownie, thanks.
It's experiences similar to being at Chic-Fil-A two years ago and expecting a bagged GF bun, to only receive the wrong order strung with "do you need a new sandwich or can I give you the bun and you can take it apart?" Sure, I'd love to pick crumbs off the chicken.
Experiences like this are common, and frankly humbling. Seeing the way an attitude changes when a server has to create an allergy-alert within the ordering system, or get a gluten-free menu for a customer is an occurrence you have to expect as someone with a specialized diet.
The inclusion of entirely gluten-free businesses revolutionized the industry and aided in renewing a sense of 'normalcy' to the lives of those that are affected. There is an illustration of a newly built community around GF eating, and this effort made by restaurants is not to go unnoticed. Although there is a noted increase in price, the incorporation aspect, as a customer, is worth the upcharge.
After moving to the New York area, this obsession with dedicated gluten-free businesses grew drastically. There is every kind of everything, for everyone. There's an open space where everyone is eating something GF, and the anxiety surrounding worrisome thoughts about accidentally eating gluten-filled pasta or studying menus prior to making a reservation is non-existent within the atmosphere.
It's not about asking people to accommodate or cater to your every need, it's about the actions taken to understand people's different perspectives and feelings regarding their habits within eating. Whether someone is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free — it's something that should be taken for how it is.
The example I'd used in a report written my freshman year was, "So next time you hear someone say, 'sorry I can’t have that', don’t pry and try to figure out why, don’t tell them that they’re crazy for thinking this 'fad diet' will make then lose weight, and don’t assume they’re too cautious for reading up on every place over and over before you go out to eat. The struggles that follow alongside Celiac disease are already hard enough, don’t make it worse for those who are already struggling."
Common conception makes this lifestyle complicated to grasp and educate others on, while also further adding fuel to a swelling fire of misunderstanding. Whether you started a gluten-free diet for a problematic genetic make-up or your friend in yoga class suggested the change after hearing you have GI issues, no one cares! (except maybe Jimmy Kimmel does, or did?)
As someone with IBS who suffered for decades before getting properly diagnosed, I can relate! After becoming severely sick with a gastrointestinal illness that was exacerbated because I suffer with IBS, and getting scoped every which way, ruling out Crohn’s and Celiac, my doctor sent me to a nutritionist who recommended I try a vegan diet. It completely changed the quality of my life. I get lots of comments similar to your experiences: “Will it kill you”? (to eat meat, dairy, etc.). No, but I will be in pain. So I stick to my vegan diet and roll with the stereotypes! Good stuff on here! It will inform and inspire! Congratulation!
Reminds me of the Lucky Bones GF menu options in Cape May. Hopefully more establishments will follow suit & see the benefits in providing options.
LOVE THIS!!