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May 18, 2021
76: A GF Girl Trying to Survive in a World Full of Wheat
Tracy and Erica Dermer of Celiac & the Beast explore the challenges of living gluten-free, emphasizing safe cooking spaces and accurate food labeling for events and conferences. They also discuss how proactive communication and proper planning can make events safer and more inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.
🌾 For Celiac Disease Awareness Month, I’m thrilled to introduce Erica Dermer, a passionate digestive health advocate and the powerhouse behind “Celiac and the Beast.” 🌟 Erica's journey started with a challenging diagnosis at 25, but today she’s a beacon of resilience and empowerment for those navigating the gluten-filled world.
On this episode, we dive into the landscape of gluten-free product availability, the critical need for safe cooking spaces, and key strategies for managing dietary needs at conferences. Erica shares invaluable insights on self-advocacy, the psychosocial impacts of dietary restrictions, and the reality of traveling and dining out with celiac disease. 💼❤️
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the importance of proper labeling, inclusive event planning, and the proactive steps you can take to ensure safe and nutritious meals. Erica's experiences and advice will resonate deeply with anyone working to support those with dietary restrictions. 🌿✨
Heard on the Episode
"Ensuring clean and separate cooking spaces is vital to avoid cross-contamination in gluten-free food preparation." ~Erica Dermer (08:45)
"The sense of exclusion at social events due to dietary restrictions can significantly affect one's emotional and psychological well-being." ~Erica Dermer (23:17)
Key Topics Discussed
Gluten-Free Product Availability
- Availability in grocery stores and food services.
- Importance of dedicated cooking spaces.
Dietary Restrictions at Events
- Pre-meeting inquiries to prevent cross-contact.
- Registration forms including dietary needs sections.
Self-Advocacy and Planning
- Proactive communication with meeting planners.
- Importance of providing for all event participants.
Impact of COVID-19
- Changes in exhibit floor food services and labeling issues.
Proper Labeling
- Accurate food labeling for dietary needs.
- Misleading terms like "gluten friendly."
Social and Psychological Impacts
- Isolation and anxiety related to dietary restrictions.
- Comparing required diets to medical prescriptions.
Key Takeaways
Product Availability: Despite readily available gluten-free products, safe cooking spaces are crucial to prevent cross-contamination.
Event Planning: Addressing dietary needs for all event participants, including vendors, is part of holistic event planning.
Self-Advocacy: Proactively communicating dietary needs to event planners can prevent issues and ensure proper food options.
Labeling Accuracy: Clear and accurate food labeling is essential for those with dietary restrictions.
Tips
Safe Cooking: Ensure dedicated spaces and equipment to avoid cross-contamination.
Event Planning: Always include dietary restrictions inquiries on conference registration forms.
Proactive Communication: Contact event venues ahead of time to understand their measures for preventing cross-contact.
Detailed Labeling: Advocate for precise food labeling to clearly indicate gluten-free options.
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Erica Dermer
Founder, Celiac and the Beast
Founder of Celiac and the Beast. Digestive health advocate and content creator.