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Lifestyle Gluten-Free Gluten-Free Newsletter 
DownloadSummer 2010 Gluten-Free Newsletter | Archived NewslettersA Hiller’s Shopper PerspectiveBy Alissa MalermanMy name is Alissa Malerman and I am the food editor for The Oakland Press and the mother of two young boys, one of whom follows a gluten-free, casein-free diet. My family’s sudden leap into the world of special diets came nearly three years ago when my son was diagnosed with autism and, shortly after, celiac disease. Now 6, Finn has come a long way in both physical and mental health. Thanks to the tireless work of his teachers and specialists and a diet that nourishes his body and mind, Finn has color in his cheeks and a bounce in his step. But it wasn’t easy. Just three years ago, we struggled to find food that would please his picky palate. He screamed when he first tried a piece of bread I brought home from the grocery store and begged me for pizza, doughnuts and all the food he knew and loved. I struggled to find products that resembled anything he used to eat. For a child with autism, change is not very welcomed. As we began to introduce gluten-free products, this couldn’t be more apparent. I tasted the products along with him, and our whole family started from scratch as we, step by step, began to understand and maneuver in a newly gluten-free kitchen. And we slowly but surely found recipes and products that were palatable and healthful. Thanks to stores like Hiller’s, we are able to satisfy even a picky eater like my Finn. His tastes have evolved and my confidence in meal planning has grown in large part because others have stepped up to the gluten-free plate and stocked their shelves with items anyone would want in their diet. I am grateful to Hiller’s and their support in my efforts to further gain perspective in what Finn and others with celiac must go through every day. I started a monthlong gluten-free challenge for the month of May and am finding it a much easier journey than it was just a few years ago. More products seem available, and people seem to have a better understanding of celiac, the gluten-free casein-free diet and the need to include everyone when planning meals. Alissa Malerman is the author of the blog Suddenly Gluten-Free at theoaklandpress.com Suffering With Celiac Disease?Let Hiller’s make your gluten-free shopping a breeze. Schedule a gluten-free shopping tour at any one of our seven locations. |
