Gluten Free Engineer - Making Gluten Free Easy

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,...

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 s...

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 kitc...

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...

Text Carrie! Have you ever heard the term leaky gut and wondered what it actually means—or if it has anything to do with being gluten-free or having celiac disease? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the science behind leaky gut, why it's such a hot topic in the gluten-free world, and how it could be impacting your health more than you realize. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac, s...

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...

Text Carrie! If you’ve ever felt nervous about traveling while gluten-free, you are not alone. I’ve been there—frantically Googling restaurants in a new city, packing enough snacks for a small army, and wondering if I could actually enjoy a vacation without getting sick. In today’s episode, we’re going to take the stress out of gluten-free travel. Whether you're planning a big vacation, headi...

Text Carrie! That wooden spoon in your drawer might be making you sick. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I learned the hard way that gluten can hide in more than just crumbs—it sticks to wood, plastic, nonstick pans, and even toasters. In this episode, I share the common kitchen tools that can cause hidden gluten exposure and what to replace them with to stay safe. If you're still ha...

Text Carrie! After going gluten-free, one of the most common questions I hear is—what do I even eat now? If you’ve ever stared at your pantry or felt totally overwhelmed at mealtime, you’re not alone. Today, I’m walking you through exactly what to eat when you're new to gluten-free living —sharing real-life meals, snacks, and simple tips that will help you feel nourished, satisfied, and confi...

Text Carrie! Have you ever wondered if it's possible to practice intuitive eating when you medically can't eat certain foods? In this enlightening conversation with Katy Harvey , non-diet dietitian and intuitive eating specialist, we explore the complex relationship between necessary dietary restrictions and a healthy relationship with food. Resources to Support Your Journey For those in...

Text Carrie! Birthday parties are supposed to be fun—balloons, cake, friends, the whole thing. But when you or your child is gluten-free, they can quickly become a source of stress, worry, and even heartbreak. No one wants to be the kid with the “weird cupcake” or the mom explaining gluten cross-contact for the 100th time. In this episode, I’m sharing how we handle birthdays gluten-free —from clas...

Text Carrie! You know that moment—you pick up a product that looks safe, it says "gluten-free" in bold letters… but something still makes you hesitate. Can you trust the label? What about that "processed in a facility with wheat" note? What the heck is "malt extract" anyway? If you’ve ever stood in a grocery aisle Googling ingredients, this episode is for you. Today I...

Text Carrie! Sometimes, the best gluten-free finds are the ones we stumble across and instantly fall in love with—and today, I’m sharing a few of my absolute favorite gluten-free products right now . These are the staples, snacks, and lifesavers I keep coming back to—whether it’s for convenience, flavor, or just because they make my gluten-free life so much easier. This is a casual, chatty episode...

Text Carrie! If you're just starting your gluten-free journey—or even if you’ve been on it for a while—chances are, you’ve made a few mistakes. I know I have. From trusting the wrong labels, to getting glutened at restaurants, to thinking I could "wing it" without a plan… I've learned a lot the hard way. In this episode, I’m sharing the top mistakes I made when going gluten-fre...

Text Carrie! No one really talks about this part. Yes, we talk about gluten-free baking, hidden ingredients, meal planning, and restaurant tips—but what about the emotional rollercoaster of going gluten-free? The grief of letting go of your favorite foods. The anger of being dismissed by doctors. The overwhelm of feeling like a burden in social situations. In today’s episode, I’m getting personal...

Text Carrie! Let’s be real—gluten-free living can be expensive. From $7 loaves of bread to overpriced specialty snacks, the cost can really add up. But here’s the good news: gluten-free doesn’t have to mean budget-busting. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my best tips for eating gluten-free without breaking the bank . You’ll learn how to shop smarter, cook creatively, and still eat well—all while k...

Text Carrie! You’ve swapped out your pantry, checked all your ingredients, and double-checked your meal plans—your kitchen is completely gluten-free, right? Not so fast! Gluten can be a sneaky little thing, and it often hides in places you’d never think to check —even in your own kitchen. From toasters to cutting boards and old pans , cross-contamination risks are everywhere. In today’s episode, w...

Text Carrie! Going gluten-free is essential for those of us with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, but here’s the thing—just because a food is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s nutritious. In fact, many gluten-free eaters struggle with nutrient deficiencies without even realizing it! So, how do you know if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs? And what can you do if you’re fall...

Text Carrie! It happens to the best of us. You're careful, you read labels, you ask all the right questions at restaurants and yet somehow gluten still sneaks into your system. Maybe it was cross-contamination, a hidden ingredient or a mislabeled product, or maybe your server forgot to notify the kitchen staff. Whatever the cause, you're now dealing with the dreaded aftermath of being gl...

Text Carrie! You know to avoid bread, pasta, and baked goods—but what about soy sauce? Potato chips? Even some lip balms?! 😱 Gluten isn’t just in the obvious places—it hides in so many unexpected foods and products, making it even harder to avoid. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing where gluten sneaks in can save you from frustrating reactions and flare-ups. In today’s epis...

Text Carrie! Have you ever tried baking gluten-free bread, only to have it turn out dense and dry? Or made cookies that crumbled apart the second you picked them up? If you’ve struggled with gluten-free baking, you’re not alone! Baking without gluten is completely different from traditional baking, but the good news? With the right ingredients, techniques, and a few simple tricks, you can make del...

Text Carrie! When you think of celiac disease or gluten intolerance, what comes to mind? Stomach pain, bloating, and digestive issues, right? But what if I told you that gluten can affect your body in ways that have nothing to do with your stomach? From brain fog and fatigue to skin rashes and joint pain, the symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease can show up in unexpected places—making...

Text Carrie! Going gluten-free is hard enough—but what happens when the people around you don’t understand why? Maybe they think you’re overreacting, that “a little gluten won’t hurt,” or they just don’t know how to accommodate your needs. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or choose to live gluten-free for other health reasons, getting friends and family on board can be one of t...

Text Carrie! Gluten. For some, it’s just another part of their daily diet, found in everything from bread to pasta. But for others, it’s the cause of serious health issues. Why does gluten affect some people so severely while others can eat it without any problem? Today, we’re diving into the science behind gluten —what it is, how it interacts with the body, and why some people can tolerate it whi...

Text Carrie! Making the decision to go gluten-free can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with celiac disease, discovered a gluten intolerance, or simply want to try a gluten-free lifestyle, there’s a lot to learn. But even if you’ve been gluten-free for a while, there are always ways to make it easier, safer, and more enjoyable. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m break...