Checking out the labels.....

It can be quite time consuming and shopping can take forever but we need to buy the right foods without the things we cannot eat. I remember when I first started on my gluten free diet I looked like I was studying some sort of food product technology degree the way I studied all the labels in the shops. I have to take my glasses of to read close up and then pop them back on otherwise I bump into the beans, so after a while it became so annoying. I know, should go to Specsavers but I do, haven't ventured into the varifocal or bifocal world yet, not sure I fancy it..

Thank goodness though for the bold type as it makes it so easy and clear to see whether the dreaded wheat/gluten is in my food. Pheww!! I can see that no problem even without removing my glasses. Result! But there is one product you do need some sort of degree to sort out. Have you ever tried reading the Pringle tube?? Pringles, the crisps all stacked up in a nice tube, in all sorts of flavours, even more variety at Christmas and very moreish. After spending half and hour reading around in a circle you do come to the ingredients written in many different languages and in teeny weeny writing, there it is confirmed.....no you can't eat them. Although do check as there are many different flavours and some are gluten free so it is good to check, even if it takes a bit of time.

The Coeliac UK website is very useful and if you join up for a 12 month membership you can access a fancy app that tells you all you need to know. There is also a very useful scanning facility that gives you the information about the product and a smiley or sad face as to whether you can eat it. So easy. Their membership is £24 a year (£12 concessions) and you do get full support on their website and an informative magazine so it is worth it if you are looking for help with your diet. You can also register if you are not diagnosed with Coeliac Disease too. The website can be found here at: www.coeliac.org.uk

Some labels are easier than others but if it prevents you from being poorly it is better to spend extra time to get it right. Things are improving and if all else fails most supermarkets have a 'Free From' aisle but products do tend to cost a little more there. 

If you have any top tips and funny stories about the label reading process then do let me know as I think we all have different experiences. 

For now though thank you for reading and I will return tomorrow with Autism Support Saturday.

Take care.......