Neil has been in the gluten free game longer than anyone I have met so far. He’s had to avoid gluten for over 30 years! It’s truly an honor that he has taken the time to share his story with us and extend himself to connect with others who may just be starting.

Check out Neil’s gluten free story below and connect with him!

 Your story…tell us a little bit about yourself!

“Hello my name is Neil, I’m 41 years old, I live in the UK in the South East of England, in a town called Hadleigh in Essex (approx. 40 miles from London). I work as a Production Manager for Fitch Solutions as part of the Country Risk & Industry Research department. My work is based in London but I also get to travel to India too, which is an amazing country. I have a wonderful family, my partner Laura (we met at University 21 years ago) and we have a beautiful daughter Ava who is 8. I have a keen interest in film and also football and I love heading into London with the family and exploring the city and finding new places gluten free places to eat.”

Why do you eat gluten free food?

“I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease aged 5 years old. My father was diagnosed late in life and Coeliac is hereditary.”

What is your favorite gluten free snack? Where can we find it?

“Currently the Freefrom Flapjacks from Morrisons. So sweet so tasty”

What’s your favorite gluten free recipe?

“It’s one of mine (lol)  Sticky Chicken & Sticky Rice (4 Ingredients) Recipe is on my stories  @coeliacdude“

What’s one thing you wish you knew when first went gluten free?

“How important it is to stick strictly to the diet, being so young it was very hard as I didn’t feel normal and missed out on a lot.”

If you could only eat one gluten free meal for the rest of your life,what would it be and why?

‘GFC’ Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets from Leon (@leonrestaurants), I reckon I could eat 50 in one sitting.”

What advice would you give someone who is about to go gluten free?

“Apart from follow my Instagram : ) – don’t always get branded Freefrom products. Many normal products are naturally gluten free or gluten free 
examples: Heinz is a Fab brand -Baked Beans, Tomato Ketchup all safe.
Another tip: always read the ingredients it’s worth that little extra effort.”

What’s your favorite thing about being gluten free?

“It has led to me creating my Instagram dedicated to Gluten Free Recipes and Products, which has also opened me to a gluten free network, where I have made some great connections and also got some great free products.”

What is one thing you dislike about being gluten free and what do you do to mitigate it?

“Gluten Free is associated with being a Health Fad so many people misunderstand how important it is to people like me, I try to educate them on the differences.”

How can other people find you?

Facebook page: coeliacdude
Instagram: coeliacdude
Email: coeliacdude@gmail.com

Thank you!

Neil! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. I am beyond grateful that you are able and willing to bring your vast experience for others to learn from!