Having the celiac disease should not a reason to get depressed and disappointed. Just because you are sensitive to gluten does not mean you have to stay away from a lot of your favorite foods. It’s a matter of being aware of what particular foods contain gluten and what are safe to consume.

People with celiac disease who remain undiagnosed and untreated for a long time can increase their risk of developing other related illnesses and complications. However, being knowledgeable of the symptoms should already make one careful of what he or she eats. If you suspect celiac sprue, consult with a physician right away to be sure of your condition.

Normally, the first recommendation for celiac sufferers is a diet free from foods containing gluten or the protein component commonly found in rye, barley, wheat and even oats. Daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables should be observed. For drinks, alcoholic beverages such as whiskey, gin and rhum and juices are safe. Honey, sugar, milk as well protein rich foods such as eggs, meat, poultry and fish are definitely included the safe list.

Celiac sufferers can experiment with various recipes meant for their condition. There are numerous resources available on the internet so take the time to visit each of them. You may just find great recipes that fit your taste ranging from full meals, breads, pastries and vegetarian meals.

If you love bread and pastries, make sure to avoid wheat flour. Alternatives can include gram flour, tapioca starch, soya flour, corn starch, sorghum flour, potato flour and teff flour. You can add in egg or dairy product if you want.

Chewy Gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies – use your regular recipe for this but use only gluten-free vanilla extract, flour and oats.

Brownies – you can make this using cornstarch instead of flour.

For lunch and dinner, you have a wide choice from vegetable salads to soups that make use of vegetables, fish, seafood and meat.

Sweet potato and mackerel mash – use 3 small sweet potatoes, 1 tin mackerel in brine, olive oil, ground pepper and herbs. Just microwave the potatoes at least two minutes each and then mash it in a bowl together with the mackerel, herbs, olive oil and pepper.

Crunchy apple salad – this involves carrots, radishes, apples, sultanas, fresh parsley and fresh mint. Make the dressing first combing the red wine vinegar, olive oil, tahini, seasoning and sesame seeds. Then put the vegetables and herbs into the bowl and mix with the dressing.

Experimenting with different recipes can be fun. You just need to pick the right ingredients without the gluten to enjoy your favorite desserts, cakes, pastries and meals. There are substitutes to those you normally use in preparing your food and doing your homework is a good start.

You can still enjoy a wide variety of food even with the celiac disease. The best thing about avoiding gluten in your diet is it will speed up your recovery and allow you to lead a healthier lifestyle.