ABOUT
My Coeliac Journey
Hi, I’m Isabelle – the face behind Gluten Free Together. My journey with coeliac disease began in 2020 just after the first lockdown.
Before then, I was healthy, active, and had never struggled with food. But during lockdown, things started to change. I began losing weight without trying, and eating became difficult. I'd sit down for dinner and, after just a few bites, feel full and nauseous. My stomach constantly gurgled after meals, I felt bloated most days, and my digestion was all over the place. No matter how much I slept, I was always exhausted.
I ignored the symptoms for months, brushing them off until my mum expressed concern. She had noticed how thin I had become, and how little I was eating. That conversation pushed me to book a doctor’s appointment, and soon after, I had blood tests at the hospital.
I’ll never forget the moment I got the call with my results, I was in TK Maxx with a friend when I was told I had antibodies for coeliac disease. I had never heard of it before, but I quickly learned it meant I would need to cut out gluten completely. I was shocked. Ironically, we’d always thought my sister might be the one with gluten issues she often complained of bloating, but she was fine!
I had to continue eating gluten for a few more months until I had an endoscopy in December to confirm the diagnosis. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, especially during COVID when I had to go through it alone. The results came back on my 19th birthday: I officially had coeliac disease, and I would never be able to eat gluten again.
That moment changed everything.
People often don’t realise how overwhelming a diagnosis like this can be until it happens to them. It’s not just about cutting out bread or pasta—it’s a complete lifestyle change. Eating out becomes complicated, reading labels becomes second nature, and everyday routines suddenly feel like hard work.
Gluten Free Together was born out of my experience. I wanted to create a space where others with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance feel seen, supported, and less alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a parent of a coeliac child, or just someone struggling to navigate gluten-free life, you're welcome here.
We’re in this together 💛
Why I Started Gluten Free Together
When I was first diagnosed with coeliac disease, I felt completely alone. No one really prepares you for what comes next. After that one appointment with the dietitian, I was left to figure everything out by myself and it was overwhelming. I had no idea there was a whole community of people online going through the same thing.
That’s why I created Gluten Free Together.
I wanted to build a space where no one feels alone on their gluten-free journey, whether you have coeliac disease, a gluten intolerance, or you’re choosing to go gluten-free for your own health. Wherever you are on your path, you’re welcome here.
When I first moved away for university, eating gluten-free became even more challenging but also empowering. I had to cook for myself, budget wisely, and shop smart. I’d buy basics like veggies, meat, and milk at Aldi, then head to Asda for my gluten-free essentials. It wasn’t easy, but that’s when I really started to explore the gluten-free world trying new products, learning what worked, and finally discovering a bread I didn’t hate (which felt like a miracle!).
This journey has been full of trial and error, but it’s also shown me the power of community. The support on social media is incredible, and I believe that together we can make gluten-free living easier, more accessible, and most importantly less isolating.
Gluten Free Together is about connection, education, and support. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years in, we’re here to figure it out together 💛