With so many health-transforming books being released, WholeFoods wanted to know what the experts are reading. Here, Lara Lyn, a chef with a passion for cooking and the use of sustainable, local products, shares her thoughts on a book she couldn’t put down.

 

The Gluten Free Parents Survival Guideby Elyn Joy

As a gluten-free chef (for all of two years) and author myself, I am always drawn to books that tackle Celiac Disease and any form of gluten sensitivity or intolerance. However, being the mother of a 5 year old with gluten sensitivity and finding out that I had issues with it as well, this particular book really hits home. We have had our own life transformation with gluten, and reading Elyn’s book was inspiring.

I think that many times, unless something knocks you in the face, we tend to just brush off what families go through due to any health issue. Elyn takes us on the journey with her story, which is that of her daughter Edyth. Being able to go through the journey with both mother and daughter puts you “in the story” and the reality of what it is like. How both she and Edyth handle what they are faced with is inspiring. She presents the facts in an informative way without it feeling like an obstacle that it is impossible.

Elyn also tackles exactly what all of us with children with issues with gluten must face, like parties, how to grocery shop, dining out, and overnight stays. The one that I am most enthusiastic about is how she talks about empowering our children to handle their own needs. I can so relate to this as I am trying to really help a 5 year old understand his own needs and why he can’t have certain foods.

Just as I was trying to navigate the gluten-free waters myself once, I applaud the work that Elyn put into this book and for anyone stepping into those waters for the first time. Even if you have been dealing with it for a long time, there is always learning and inspiration in hearing another’s story.

 

Note: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and contributor(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher and editors of WholeFoods Magazine.