ABOUT
Welcome to Celiac by the Bay, the ultimate resource for gluten-free travelers! Our mission is to provide you with the tools and information you need to make your travels easier and more enjoyable, whether you’ve been diagnosed yourself or are the loved one of someone with celiac disease, NCGS, EoE, Hashimoto’s, or another condition that requires you to eat gluten-free.
We started this page because we know all too well the struggle of simply existing as a celiac, and we wanted to take what we’ve learned and share it with all of you so there’s one less thing on your long list of worries. Our hope is that, together, we can figure out how to not just exist, but actually THRIVE, post-diagnosis.
You deserve to fully enjoy all that life has to offer, even if that looks a bit different for those of us with medically-necessitated dietary restrictions. We want you to no longer feel anxious when eating, both at home and at restaurants. We want you to look forward to traveling and new adventures, both close by and around the world. And we want to help you get there. With a little bit of research and preparation -- and the growth mindset and backup plans to allow the inevitable setbacks to roll off your back -- we believe you can still live the life you imagined pre-diagnosis.
So join us, and let’s get living!
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Alina: Your Friendly Neighborhood Celiac
I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2021 after over a decade of unexplained health issues, pain and fatigue that culminated in an epic loss of hair. Similar to many of you, I’m sure, I felt a combination of intense relief that I had FINALLY figured out what was wrong with me (and a big “IN YOUR FACE” to all the doctors who gaslit me into thinking it was all in my head) and paralyzing fear over how in the world I was ever going to be able to enjoy life again with such a huge means of socialization, spontaneity and joy being taken from me. After all, culture and togetherness is so often food-driven. But now that every kitchen and restaurant is a source of potential poison for me, something as simple as traveling or meeting up with friends or family has become a minefield.
The good news is that step by step — and with the help of the many celiacs who’ve gone before me — I’m learning how to thrive in my new normal. I’m gradually getting stronger and celebrating each health win; I safely go out to restaurants on a regular basis now; I married my lovely husband and celebrated with the 100% gluten-free wedding of our dreams; and we’ve successfully traveled across North America, Europe, and Asia with my celiac disease — and are planning more trips as we speak! My life is full of more adventure than I had dreamed of even before this disease reared its head, and this is only the beginning.
Charles: Support Group Extraordinaire that Puts the Ba(e) in Bay
As the gluten-eater in the couple, this has been an entirely new education experience for me as well. I still remember loudly proclaiming in high school, “why does ham need to be marked gluten-free, it obviously is!”
Life has a way of humbling you (and ham often isn’t gluten-free). This has been a journey, but as I stated in my wedding vows, I believe in taking on every celiac food challenge like I was a contestant on Iron Chef, working with new ingredients and new rules.
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Now, we’re adding celiac “travel agents” to our titles, and the dream of a minimally impacted existence lives on and expands to include each one of you. It definitely isn’t easy living with celiac disease (or supporting someone who is), but we’re here to help you — and your support network — make it a bit easier one post at a time.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question or interested in working with us? We'd love to hear from you! Simply fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.