The Wave You Can Ignore
These days, it’s easier to find someone with a food restriction than someone who still prefers whole milk in their coffee. And while most of these restrictions stem from health issues, I never imagined I’d live in a world where the chip drawer in my house is now filled with an endless supply of plantain and cassava chips—by choice.
Sure, we’re all getting older and trying to take care of our bodies. But is paleo the answer? Or intermittent fasting? Or going gluten-free? I had a friend at dinner once say how "lucky" I am that I can't have sweet treats, or that I have to ask for crudités with dip instead of the complimentary bread. Lucky? I’m far from lucky.
For those who think being gluten-free means I’m eating healthier—well, you're on the wrong side of TikTok.
Myth or fact: Eating gluten-free as someone who doesn’t need to is healthier because it’s low-carb and low-cal?
MYTH
Adopting a gluten-free diet might sound like a saving grace—you can’t eat breads, brownies, cakes, cookies, Pringles, or pretzels—but for those who don’t need to, it can actually be doing more harm than good.
Going gluten-free without a medical need can lead to nutritional gaps, since many gluten-free substitutes are lower in fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in whole grains. These products are often higher in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, throwing your diet off balance and potentially leading to malnourishment.
Trust me, my first year with celiac, I had to take 9 vitamins twice a day just to avoid feeling like the walking dead. With a drastic cut in carbs, you lose energy. Less fiber means digestive issues. Less iron, and you’ll become a human punching bag, even after the lightest bump.
Now, imagine me sitting across from you, holding your hands—like my mom used to do when she gave her life lessons—telling you: gluten-free is not the answer.
Don’t get me wrong, if gluten doesn’t get along with you, by all means, jump on the GF train—we’ll become best buds. But if you’re doing it because it’s the next diet trend you want to try, please, try the keto one. I’ve heard great things.
Celiac isn’t your typical allergy—it’s an autoimmune disorder. And gluten intolerances can be just as challenging to manage, often leading to serious health issues. In fact, while filling out a job application recently, I discovered that celiac is considered a disability because it limits a person’s ability to participate in major life activities, like eating.
I veto the voluntary gluten-free diet. Are you really ready to be told at a sporting event that the only thing you can eat is a bag of plain popcorn? Or that a street vendor has nothing safe for you to try? Or worse, on an airplane, finding out your gluten-free request was never submitted, leaving you stranded for eight hours with no food?
All real stories. And while I’ve often smiled and said, “Oh, that’s okay,” in those moments, the truth is— it’s not okay.
But here’s the thing: People can be more empathetic than you think. I remember a flight from Greece to Tel Aviv, when the flight attendant served what looked like the best turkey sandwich— don’t come for me, I love airplane food. When I mentioned my allergy, she shrugged, and I read her lack of support and options as, “You snooze, you lose.” Well, to my pleasant surprise, the passenger sitting next to me offered his apple and potato chips.
It wasn’t the meal I had hoped for, but it reminded me that, while we can’t always partake in life’s little pleasures, there are always people willing to share a bit of humanity when you need it most. We didn’t stop at snacks either— we ended up chatting about the simple pleasures of life, and to this day, it’s one of my fondest memories.
In the end, living gluten-free isn’t about following a trend—it’s about managing a condition that impacts every part of your life. What we put into our bodies isn’t just fuel; it’s the foundation of our energy, mood, and well-being. So, be mindful of your choices—what you eat (or don’t eat) shapes far more than your waistline; it determines how you show up in the world.