EatInEatOut Autumn 2015 | Page 47

“ My own experience, combined with my professional background, made me realize I could really do something helpful for people. your physical environment at home to ensure you are avoiding cross-contamination. I help you read labels, learn about new products, navigate the grocery store, figure out meals, plan outings, and talk to others about your needs. It’s a steep learning curve! What makes your service different? I developed Gluten-Free Boutique as a unique nutrition counselling service specially dedicated to gluten-free patients and their families. With my own child gluten-free, I feel this gives me a particularly unique, practical and compassionate perspective about this serious diet. Any last comments… Because there are so many gluten-free products on the market today, and lots of information on the internet about gluten-free diets, it might seem like you can skip getting professional help to support your efforts. But a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy diet, especially when you restrict a whole food category, is harder (and perhaps more important) than it seems, so I strongly encourage people to get proper diet advice. I also commonly see people who think they have their gluten-free diet under control, only they don’t realize they are doing some significant things wrong, derailing their efforts! Lastly, if you’re going gluten-free, I really urge people to join the Canadian Celiac Association. You don’t need to have Celiac disease to do so. It’s for everyone who is “gluten-concerned”. It’s inexpensive and you get a ton of information. Also, if you have a gluten-free child, the Association offers a kid’s club in most big cities across Canada, providing a great networking/support base for your child. WWW.EATINEATOUT.CA 47