Sunday 12 May 2013

Coeliac Awareness Week 2013

Monday sees the start of Coeliac Awareness week in the UK. It runs from 13th-19th May as is all about raising knowledge, awareness and acceptability of Coeliac Disease.

As someone who was diagnosed with coeliac disease myself nearly 3 years ago, and now has to follow a strict gluten free diet, this is something close to my heart. Coeliac UK, the national charity for people with coeliac disease has organized a host of events all over the country.

Local businesses can also get involved too. Delicious Alchemy, which is based in Sheffield and makes delicious gluten free cereals, are going to be doing their bit by handing out free samples of their Purely Oaty Fruity Muesli at Sheaf Square outside Sheffield Train Station tomorrow (Monday 13th May) from 7am-9am. Do pop down and say hello and pick up some gluten free muesli if you are in the area. Free breakfast!?



Supermarkets and restaurants too will be promoting special offers and gluten free menus during this week to show support. Silversmiths (also in Sheffield) are offering a 5 course gluten free tasting menu on Monday 13th May. It’s where we had our office Christmas meal last year and we all enjoyed it so much that we are going down to show support on Monday too.

Even if you yourself don’t have to follow a gluten free diet, it’s highly likely you know someone who does. Why not stop and think about how you might cope with the condition. How you could adapt your meals to make them gluten free. Why not try eating gluten free one meal a day during the awareness week? Make sure to check the ingredients and allergy box advice, as gluten can sneak in in the most unlikely places. We have challenged two people in the office to eat gluten free for the whole week; it will be interesting to see how they get on.


I think the main thing is to learn to adapt recipes and make substitute to foods, not simply cut them out completely. Going gluten free doesn’t mean going without!

Click here to read more about coeliac disease and how you can get involved during awareness week.

3 comments:

meg-made said...

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, I wasn't aware, but will be sure to share about it too!! xx

Choclette said...

Goodness Katie, it's scary to think a whole year has passed since you did your coeliac awareness challenge. Thanks for this reminder. I have just made some gluten free biscuits, so will mention that it is Coeliac Awareness Week when I post it next week.

Caroline said...

I'm always amazed by the innovative recipes you create that are gluten free. All the best with spreading the word - it should make it easier for everyone have more choice and be able to eat food safely.