Amy runs Bloated Belly Co.A blog dedicated to simple & minimal ingredient recipes for those on a FODMAP, Gluten, and Dairy free diet.  Belly & Co. was created to help others get back to living a regular lifestyle with a not so regular diet restrictions!  She’s located in Minnesota.

When were you diagnosed with Celiac Disease ?

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was 18, since then I have been completely Gluten Free for 10 years.

What has been the best part about being Gluten Free?

The best part of being gluten free, besides not consistently getting sick, is that I have put more focus on my health and the foods I consume. Before being diagnosed, I ate fast food consistently, and never thought twice about the foods I was putting into my body. I truly have become a healthier person because of the diagnosis.

When did you decide to create your page Bloated Belly Co. ?

I decided to create my page about 2 years ago. I had several friends and family members who needed to go gluten free. I was texting with them and emailing them tips and then decided why not just make a little page for them to see what foods I loved and was eating. I did not imagine so many people would be interested in it!

Any tips you would recommend for people who have Celiac Disease/ Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

Having to go gluten free can be SO overwhelming. I would just remind them that there is always a substitute out there, so being gluten free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite foods. Rather, work to make ingredient swaps so you can still enjoy your favorite foods! Also, If you have celiac disease, you NEED to really commit to avoiding gluten. There is no such thing as a “cheat day”.