Kate Crocker

The school lunchbox is a tricky business for any parent, but for me there is the added challenge of providing gluten-free food for my six-year-old daughter who has Coeliac Disease. Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune disease which is lifelong. Although there is currently no cure, it is effectively controlled by a strict gluten-free diet.

Yes, it’s true that there are plenty of gluten-free foods available, but I’d prefer my Little Coeliac not to be living on a diet primarily consisting of processed foods. Even gluten-free foods can be full of many of the same additives that are found in ordinary foods and, let’s face it, most of our kids could do with a lot less sugar and salt in their diets. Add to this the difficulties that coeliacs can have with calcium and iron absorption, as well as the need for increased dietary fibre, and you are getting a picture of the challenge.

So here I am, a mum of three kids, about as time-poor as everyone else, and looking for a bit of inspiration. I hope that by writing this blog I can share my ideas with you and that you may have some ideas to share with me. I’m always looking to expand my gluten-free repertoire!

I like to cook, but am by no means an expert. Nor do I have any dietary or medical expertise. I’ve started trying to develop my own recipes, and I have my tried and true favourites, many of which are adapted from gluten containing recipes. Thanks for reading my blog, and I hope you’re able to participate!