Sarah’s story (In her own words):

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease 10 years ago. I was 18 at the time, and being told I couldn’t eat pizza and cake anymore didn’t go over very well.

I stayed gluten-free for about 1 year and after that I moved out from under my parents “diet-watchful” eyes and started eating gluten again.

Well, I have had a series of health issues ranging from severe endometriosis, infertility, and depression to being diagnosed with fibromyalsia this past fall. I have exhausted many avenues to try and find relief for my chronic pain.

One day in March 2010 I got up to start my normal morning work routine. I felt pretty good that morning and after I got ready I sat down to have a bowl of mini-wheat cereal. While I was driving to work I started to feel exhausted. I wondered why I was feeling this way so soon after getting a full night’s sleep and feeling so good after I woke up?

Then it dawned on me…I have Celiac disease! It doesn’t go away with time. You can’t ignore it and hope it goes away.

That day I went Gluten-free and have been since then.

My parents were more than enthused when I told them I was going gluten-free. They heard from a friend about Earth Fare from a friend whose son has several food allergies. They went down to the local Earth Fare in Chattanooga, TN which is located about 30 minutes from our hometown and spoke to a manager, Gracie, who also has Celiac.

She recommended several products, including Udi’s gluten-free muffins and bread loafs. Needless to say, I’ve been hooked ever since! I cannot believe how far the gluten-free options have come in 10 years! I don’t want to say that my new way of life has been “easy”, but having the options that Earth Fare offers makes it much more enjoyable.

I never thought I’d say I prefer a gluten-free muffin, pizza, or piece of cake compared to the “real thing”, but here I am… Gluten-free for 4 months and my outlook on my life-long disease isn’t feeling so much like a “curse” after all!

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