Gluten-Free in College: Part 4

In the beginning of 2011, the North Texas Gluten Intolerance Group (NTGIG) newsletter featured a wonderful article by Rebecca Panzer, M.A., R.D., L.D called Navigating the Gluten Free Diet in College. This article was written in educational collaboration with the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. When I asked Rebecca if I could share this article with my readers, she happily obliged. I am so excited to include this in my Gluten-Free in College series. It has tips for living both on and off-campus, ideas of how to discuss your gluten-free diet with your new college friends, and even key questions to ask your university's administration and dining services staff. This is a must read for all college students!

Navigating the Gluten Free Diet in College

College is an exciting time-it’s a chance to assert your independence and show the world who’s boss. However, while you’re independent in many ways, meals and housing are usually governed by the college. This can be a challenge but with a little preparation and foresight, it’s a piece of cake (gluten free of course!) 

This guide was created based on the insight provided by young adults living with celiac disease across the United States. It has three sections. “First Steps” outlines people to talk to before attending college. “Living on and off Campus” discusses the logistics of living and eating in tight quarters with other people. Finally “New Friends” outlines some of the social challenges students experience in the college environment. There are two tools. The first is a series of questions to make the dining hall experience a little easier. The second tool is a foldable business card that outlines the gluten free diet for restaurants and friends looking to create a gluten free meal.

To read the report in its entirity, you can find it on the NFCA website here: http://www.celiaccentral.org/SiteData/docs/NFCAGluten/d026a20f21d46641/NFCA_Gluten_Free_Guide_to_College.pdf

You can learn more about Ms. Panzer on her website http://www.nutritionconsultma.com or by emailing her directly at rpanzer[AT]nutritionconsultma.com