Text Carrie! Have you ever been at a party, a work lunch, or a family gathering and realized there’s nothing you can eat? Everyone else is digging in, and you’re trying to smile through it while feeling left out or awkward. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and it can really sting. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to handle those moments when being gluten-free feels isolating — how to prepare ahead, what to say, and how to take care of your emotions when food becom...

Text Carrie! Have you ever felt foggy, forgetful, or like your brain just isn’t firing the way it used to — especially after being glutened? You’re not imagining it. There’s growing research showing how gluten can affect the brain and nervous system, even in people without obvious stomach issues. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack what ‘gluten brain fog’ really is, why it happens, and what you can do to clear your head and feel like yourself again. And stick around until the end, be...

Text Carrie! Have you ever been told your gluten symptoms are all in your head? Maybe a doctor brushed them off, or friends and family made you feel dramatic for needing to eat gluten-free. I want you to know this: you’re not crazy, and your symptoms are real. In today’s episode, I’ll share why gluten can cause so many different symptoms, why doctors sometimes dismiss them, and how to trust your body even when others don’t. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll share a simple ...

Text Carrie! The first 30 days gluten-free can feel overwhelming — you’re cleaning out the pantry, reading labels like a detective, and maybe even wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again. But here’s the good news: those first weeks can also be a time of big wins if you know what to expect. In today’s episode, I’ll share the changes you might notice in your body, the challenges that trip people up, and practical tips to not just survive — but thrive — in your first month gluten-free. ...

Text Carrie! Ever wonder what a full day of eating gluten-free actually looks like — without being boring or bland? In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly what I eat in a day. You’ll hear my go-to meals and snacks, how I keep things simple and satisfying, and a few ideas you can borrow for your own kitchen. And stick with me until the end, because I’ll share the mindset shift that helped me finally stop stressing about food and start enjoying it again. Come join us ...

Text Carrie! When most people think of celiac disease, they picture stomach pain, bloating, or running to the bathroom. But what if I told you that you could have celiac — and serious intestinal damage — without any stomach symptoms at all? It’s called Silent Celiac, and it’s far more common than you might think. Today, I’ll walk you through what Silent Celiac is, how it shows up in the body, and why it’s so important not to overlook. And stick around to the end, because I’ll shar...

Text Carrie! You double-check your labels, you avoid bread and pasta, you even bring your own snacks… but you still end up feeling sick sometimes. The truth is, gluten hides in more places than most people realize. And some of them are sneaky — even for those of us who’ve been gluten-free for years. Today, I’m sharing the top 10 surprising places gluten can lurk, so you can stay safe and feel better. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll also share the one place I personally overlooked th...

Text Carrie! So let’s talk about that dreaded negative test result. You walk into the doctor’s office with a list of symptoms, maybe even a family history of celiac. They run a blood test or maybe even a biopsy. The result comes back negative. The doctor says, “Good news, you don’t have celiac disease.” But deep down, you know something isn’t right. You still feel terrible when you eat bread, pasta, or pizza. You might even think, “Am I imagining this?” Spoiler: you’re not. Here are five reas...

Text Carrie! Have you ever wondered if you can really take a long road trip and stay safely gluten-free the whole way? Well, I just did exactly that, driving from Ohio to Dallas, and I’m here to share all the lessons, surprises, and little wins along the way. From finding safe snacks at truck stops to navigating restaurant surprise, I’ve got plenty of stories and tips to help you plan your own gluten-free adventure. And stay tuned for the end, where I’ll share the one thing I lear...

Text Carrie! If you’ve ever been sure you got glutened – only to find out it was something else – you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Sometimes we do everything right, avoid all the gluten, and still end up with symptoms that feel just as bad. Today, I’m breaking down some of the most common non-gluten triggers that can mimic a gluten reaction. I’ll share how I spotted my own hidden triggers, what you can do to track yours, and how to start feeling better faster. And at the end...

Text Carrie! There’s a lot of information out there about living gluten-free – and unfortunately, not all of it is true. Some myths are harmless, but others can make life harder, cause confusion, or even put people’s health at risk. Today, I’m busting 5 of the most common gluten-free myths I still hear all the time, even after more than a decade of living gluten-free myself. Stick around until the end for my bonus tip – it’s the myth I believed when I was first diagnosed, and it m...

Text Carrie! It’s that time of year again – new backpacks, new schedules, and for gluten-free families, a whole new layer of planning. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading off to college, keeping them safe, nourished, and included is a top priority. Today I’m sharing my best back-to-school gluten-free tips for parents and students – from packing safe lunches to navigating cafeteria lines and stocking a dorm room with quick, safe meals. And stick around until the end for my b...

Text Carrie! Ever stared at a restaurant menu and thought... ‘Okay, is anything actually safe here?’ Whether you’re newly gluten-free or a seasoned label-reader, eating out can still be stressful. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through exactly how I read menus like a gluten-free detective—so you can eat out with more confidence and less guesswork. I’ll even share a simple sentence I use with servers that instantly changes the tone of the conversation. And don’t miss my bonus ti...

Text Carrie! You’ve been invited to dinner… and your stomach drops. Not because you don’t want to go—but because you know you’ll be the only one there who’s gluten free. Will there be anything safe to eat? Will the host understand cross-contamination? Will people think you’re being picky or rude? In today’s episode, we’re tackling the stress of being the only gluten-free person at the table—and how to handle it with confidence, safety, and grace. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!...

Text Carrie! Are you tired of gluten-free pasta that turns into mush? Or worse—sticks together like glue, then falls apart the moment you stir? Here’s the thing: just because it says “gluten-free” on the box… doesn’t mean it’s good. In this episode, I’m sharing the pasta brands I actually trust—after years of trial, error, and soggy noodles. If dinner-time pasta disasters sound all too familiar, keep listening—because even your gluten-eating family won’t know the difference when you grab one ...

Text Carrie! If you’ve ever felt like your gluten-free journey was a winding road full of questions, misdiagnoses, or “it’s all in your head” moments—today’s episode is for you. I’m chatting with Michelle Kooi, a fellow gluten-free warrior who opens up about her path to healing after years of health struggles and food confusion. Michelle shares what finally led her to discover the root of her symptoms, how her life has changed since going gluten-free, and why she’s passionate about help...

Text Carrie! Today, I’m sharing one of our favorite family traditions — beach vacations! But if you’re living that gluten-free life like we are, you know vacations come with a whole new layer of planning. It’s not just about sunscreen and flip-flops — it’s about staying safe, making sure we don’t get glutened, and still getting to relax and enjoy the trip. From what we pack in the car to what kitchen items we bring along to the condo, I’m walking you through exactly how we prepare to make sur...

Text Carrie! Have you ever had that moment where you realize—too late—that you forgot to read the label? Yeah… that was me last week. After years of being so careful, I let my guard down with a product that looked gluten-free. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. In this episode, I’m sharing what happened, what I wish I had done differently, and why it’s so important to always, always read the label—even when you think you already know what it says. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into this jour...

Text Carrie! This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gluten Free—your go-to app for discovering safe, gluten-free dining options wherever you go! Get your exclusive discount for our listeners at theglutenfreeengineer.com/findmeglutenfree Because dinning out gluten-free shouldn’t be a guessing game! Come join us in our free Facebook Community, The Gluten Free Engineer. It’s a space where you can connect with others living gluten-free, ask questions, swap tips and recipes, ...

Text Carrie! Today we’re talking about one of the hardest things to give up when going gluten-free — pizza. Seriously, how many times have you heard—or maybe even said—“I could never live without pizza!” I get it. Pizza isn’t just food — it’s tradition, it’s comfort, it’s family game night and lazy weekends and celebration dinners. But here’s the truth: going gluten-free doesn’t mean pizza night is over. Not even close. In this episode, I’m sharing my top gluten-free frozen pizza picks, what ...