I've been completely gluten free since the summer of 2009. To be honest, the diet doesn't take much self discipline because I feel so amazing without gluten! Living gluten free can be challenging at first, but soon you will discover all of the wonderful alternatives that are out there. I've found that over the past couple years super markets and restaurants are becoming more aware and are beginning to cater to the gluten-intolerant.
I'm thankful for my intolerance because it has influenced my passion for cooking and baking, and challenges me to try new foods and techniques.
Gluten can be tricky, it tends to be in products that you would never suspect (e.g. Twizzlers). One has to be extremely thorough and conscious of the ingredients in what they eat. For information about what gluten is and more I've included some helpful sources below.
Here are some helpful links for those with Celiac's or gluten intolerance:
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
Understanding Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance
For gluten free dining out, Urbanspoon has a category devoted to gluten-free-friendly restaurants in most major US cities.
Recommendations:
Whole Foods and Trader Joes offer gluten free shopping lists at all individual locations. Go to the customer service counter for one at your neighborhood store.
Udi's Gluten Free
Udi's has the best store bought gluten free bread that I've ever had. The downsides are that the slices are teeny tiny, and I recommend keeping the bread in your fridge because it can become stale quickly. They also have delicious muffins (keep them in the freezer until served), bagels, and hamburger buns.
Bob's Red Mill
Bob's is my main source for all of my gluten free flours, oats, gums, and some mixes. However, some of their products are pricey. I've found them to be much cheaper at Target over Whole Foods.
Pastas:
Ancient Harvest Pasta & Quinoa
Tinkyada
Cereals & Granola:
Gluten Free Chex
Gluten Free Rice Krispies
Nature's Path (Envirokidz)
Jessica's Natural Foods
Glutenfreeda Oatmeal
Barbara's Gluten Free
Breakfast:
Van's Waffles
Baking Needs:
Pamela's
Bars:
Macro Bars
Think Thin Bars
Bumble Bars
Larabars
Kind Bars
Pure Bars
Desserts & Treats:
WOW Baking Company
Betty Crocker Gluten Free
Kinnikinnick
Gluten Free Blogs:
Celiac Teen
Gluten Free Canteen
Gluten Free Girl and the Chef
Gluten Free Goddess
xGFx
Whole Nutrition Kitchen
