Gluten Free Engineer - Making Gluten Free Easy
Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or frustrated on your gluten-free journey? I felt that way and you’ve come to the right place to feel supported, understood and to find gluten free to be easier.Hi, I’m Carrie Saunders, host of The Gluten Free Engineer. As someone with celiac disease (or coeliac, depending on where you’re from!), I understand the confusion and overwhelm that come with it. With a husband and three kids also navigating this lifestyle, I’ve learned the hard way how to make gluten-free living easier, safer, and more enjoyable.Whether you’re new to gluten-free living or a seaso...
The Gluten-Free Staples I Always Keep in My Kitchen
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One of the biggest questions I hear from people who are new to gluten-free living is this. What should I actually keep in my kitchen? When you first go gluten-free, it can feel like everything you used to buy is suddenly off limits.
But the truth is, once you know your staples, cooking gluten-free becomes much easier. Today I am sharing the gluten-free staples I always keep in my kitchen. These are the ingredients that make quick meals possible and keep our house running smoothly during busy weeks.
My Go-To Gluten-Free Meals for Busy Weeks
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If you’ve ever had one of those weeks where you’re tired, busy, and the last thing you want to do is figure out a complicated gluten-free meal, this episode is for you.
Today I’m sharing my go-to gluten-free meals for busy weeks. These are meals that are simple, repeatable, and family approved. Nothing fancy. Just real meals that work when life gets busy.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gluten Free—your go-to app for discovering safe, gluten-free dining options wherever y...
Why Some People React to Gluten-Free Oats
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Have you ever added certified gluten-free oats back into your diet… only to feel bloated, foggy, or just off — and wondered, are oats actually safe?
You’re not imagining it.
Some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity truly do react to oats, even when they’re labeled gluten-free. Today we’re going to break down why that happens, what the research says, and how to decide whether oats belong in your gluten-free life.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gluten Fre...
Do Gluten Digest Enzymes Work?
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If you’ve ever wondered whether gluten digest enzymes actually work — especially if you have celiac disease — this episode is for you.
I’m going to share what the research says, what these enzymes are designed to do, and also our personal experience using them cautiously for accidental exposure.
This is not about replacing a strict gluten-free diet. It’s about understanding what these products can and cannot realistically do.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gluten Free—your go-to app for d...
Why Gluten Reactions Can Be Delayed
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Have you ever eaten something, felt fine, and then hours later or even the next day felt terrible and wondered, was that gluten?
Delayed gluten reactions are incredibly common, but they're also incredibly confusing. Today we're going to talk about why gluten reactions aren't always immediate, what happens in the body, and how to think about delayed symptoms without spiraling into anxiety. If you've ever second-guessed yourself after a reaction, this episode is for you.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gl...
How To Navigate Alcohol And Mocktails When You’re Gluten-Free
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If you’re gluten-free and unsure how alcohol fits into your life — whether you drink occasionally, rarely, or not at all — this episode is for you.
Drinking gluten-free can be confusing, and the risks aren’t always about what’s in your glass. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about drinking safely while gluten-free, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, real-life risks people don’t talk about, and how to make choices that support your body and your health.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me G...
What is IBS and Why It Is Often a Placeholder Diagnosis
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If you’ve ever been told you have IBS and walked away feeling confused, dismissed, or still sick, I want you to know you’re not alone.
IBS is a real diagnosis — but for many people, it’s also the label given when we don’t yet understand what’s actually irritating the gut. Today, I want to talk about why IBS is so commonly diagnosed, what it really means, and why it often becomes a stopping point when it should be the beginning of deeper answers. My goal here isn’t to criticize...
Why Food Anxiety Is So Common When You’re Gluten-Free And How to Feel Better
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If food makes you nervous now that you are gluten free — if you overthink menus, hesitate at social events, or feel a pit in your stomach when you’re not in control of the food — I want you to know this first: you’re not broken, dramatic, or doing gluten-free wrong. Food anxiety is incredibly common when you’re gluten-free, especially with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Today, we’re talking about why that anxiety develops, why it makes sense, and how to start loosening its grip without ignoring your safety.
The Questions I Wish I Had Asked My Doctor Sooner (About Celiac or Gluten Intolerance)
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When I was first navigating celiac disease and gluten intolerance, I trusted that my doctor would tell me everything I needed to know. But looking back, there are so many questions I wish I had asked sooner — questions that would have saved me time, stress, and unnecessary symptoms.
Today, I’m sharing the questions I wish I had brought to my doctor earlier, so you can feel more informed, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for your health. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share the questio...
Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Without the Overwhelm
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If grocery shopping gluten-free feels exhausting — reading labels, second-guessing ingredients, and wondering if you’re missing something — this episode is for you.
Gluten-free grocery shopping doesn’t have to take forever or leave you feeling overwhelmed. Today, I’m sharing how I approach gluten-free grocery shopping in a way that feels calmer, more confident, and much less stressful.
This isn’t about being fast — it’s about having a system that works. And at the end, I’ll share the mindset shift that made grocery shopping feel manageable again.
Th...
The 7 Sneakiest Places Gluten Shows Up
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When I first went gluten-free, I thought avoiding bread and pasta was enough. I quickly learned how wrong that was. Gluten hides in places you’d never expect — places that shocked me when I first discovered them.
Today, I’m sharing the 7 sneakiest places gluten shows up, why they’re risky, and how to protect yourself without feeling overwhelmed. Stick around until the end, because the last one on this list caught me completely off guard — and it’s one that trips up a lot of people.
T...
The Gluten-Free Foods That Actually Hurt My Healing (Even Though They’re Safe)
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One of the most confusing parts of going gluten-free is this: you remove gluten, you follow all the rules, and you’re still not feeling great. You’re eating foods that are technically gluten-free… so why are you still bloated, foggy, or uncomfortable?
Today, I want to talk about the gluten-free foods that actually hurt my healing, even though they were considered safe. This episode isn’t about fear or restriction. It’s about understanding your body and giving yourself permission to listen to it.
Stick around until the end, because...
What I Stopped Doing After Going Gluten-Free (And Why It Changed Everything)
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When I first went gluten-free, I focused so much on what I needed to start doing — reading labels, avoiding cross-contact, learning new recipes.
But honestly? The things I STOPPED doing made the biggest difference in how I felt and how confident I became.
Today, I’m sharing the habits, mindsets, and patterns I stopped once I started living gluten-free — and why those changes completely transformed my healing.
This episode is brought to you by Find Me Gluten Free—your go-to app for discovering...
The Gluten-Free Habits That Made My Life 10 Times Easier
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When I first went gluten-free, everything felt overwhelming. Reading every label, worrying about cross-contact, trying to figure out what was safe… it was a lot. But over the years, I’ve built small habits that have made my gluten-free life so much easier.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing those habits — the simple things I do almost without thinking now, but that completely changed my confidence, my routines, and my sanity. Stick around to the end, because I’ll share the one habit I wish I had started way sooner.<...
The Gluten-Free Foods I Always Keep In My Kitchen
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If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking, ‘Okay… what can I actually eat that’s gluten-free, easy, and satisfying?’ it’s something I used to do every day.
Today, I’m sharing the gluten-free foods I always keep in my kitchen. These are my everyday staples — the things that help me stay safe, make quick meals, and avoid that panic when I’m hungry and tired.
And stick around until the end, because I’ll share the one pantry item that has saved me from so many last-minute food crise...
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Went Gluten-Free
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If you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle — or you remember those early days of feeling overwhelmed — today’s episode is for you.
When I first went gluten-free, I had no idea how much my life was about to change… for the better AND the harder. I made mistakes, I was frustrated in grocery aisles, and I learned so many things the hard way. Today, I’m sharing the 5 things I wish I knew when I first went gluten-free, so your journey can be smoother than mine.
And stick arou...
Why Some People React to Gluten-Free Foods
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You’ve gone gluten-free, but something still isn’t right. You’re doing everything ‘by the book,’ avoiding gluten completely — and yet, you’re still bloated, tired, or having reactions.
So what’s going on?
In today’s episode, we’re diving into why some people react to gluten-free foods — even when they’re technically safe. I’ll break down common triggers, what to look out for on ingredient labels, and how to start figuring out what your body’s really trying to tell you.
And stick with me until the end...
How Long Does It Really Take to Heal After Going Gluten-Free?
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If you’ve just gone gluten-free, you might be wondering — how long does it actually take to feel better? Is it days, weeks, or months?
Healing looks different for everyone, and it’s not always a straight line. In today’s episode, I’ll break down what happens in your body after removing gluten, what kind of improvements you can expect and when, and how to tell if your healing is on track. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll share one thing that helped me notice real progress...
Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Menu Ideas (That Everyone Will Love)
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One of the biggest worries people have when going gluten-free is, ‘What on earth am I going to eat at Thanksgiving?’ Will it still taste good? Will everyone else actually enjoy it too? The good news is — yes, absolutely!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing gluten-free Thanksgiving menu ideas that everyone at your table will love. From side dishes to desserts, I’ll walk you through simple swaps and family-favorite recipes that prove gluten-free food can be both safe and delicious.
Stick with me until the end, because I...
Surviving Thanksgiving Gluten-Free - Without the Stress
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Thanksgiving can be one of the hardest holidays when you’re gluten-free.
There’s food everywhere, family traditions, and sometimes… not much you can safely eat. It can feel stressful, awkward, or even isolating. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In this episode, I’m sharing how to survive Thanksgiving gluten-free — without the stress — so you can actually enjoy the day, feel confident, and stay healthy. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share my personal trick for navigating family gatherings without feeling left out.
How to Cope When You Feel Left Out Because of Food
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Have you ever been at a party, a work lunch, or a family gathering and realized there’s nothing you can eat?
Everyone else is digging in, and you’re trying to smile through it while feeling left out or awkward. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and it can really sting. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to handle those moments when being gluten-free feels isolating — how to prepare ahead, what to say, and how to take care of your emotions when food bec...
Gluten and the Brain: Why Brain Fog Is a Real Thing
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Have you ever felt foggy, forgetful, or like your brain just isn’t firing the way it used to — especially after being glutened? You’re not imagining it.
There’s growing research showing how gluten can affect the brain and nervous system, even in people without obvious stomach issues. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack what ‘gluten brain fog’ really is, why it happens, and what you can do to clear your head and feel like yourself again.
And stick around until the end, because I’ll share the one dai...
Why Your Gluten Symptoms Are Real (Even if Doctors Dismiss Them)
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Have you ever been told your gluten symptoms are all in your head? Maybe a doctor brushed them off, or friends and family made you feel dramatic for needing to eat gluten-free.
I want you to know this: you’re not crazy, and your symptoms are real.
In today’s episode, I’ll share why gluten can cause so many different symptoms, why doctors sometimes dismiss them, and how to trust your body even when others don’t. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll share...
The First 30 Days Gluten-Free: What to Expect and How to Thrive
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The first 30 days gluten-free can feel overwhelming — you’re cleaning out the pantry, reading labels like a detective, and maybe even wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again. But here’s the good news: those first weeks can also be a time of big wins if you know what to expect.
In today’s episode, I’ll share the changes you might notice in your body, the challenges that trip people up, and practical tips to not just survive — but thrive — in your first month gluten-free. And stick with me until the...
What I eat in a Day - Ideas and Tips to make Gluten Free Eating Fun
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Ever wonder what a full day of eating gluten-free actually looks like — without being boring or bland?
In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly what I eat in a day. You’ll hear my go-to meals and snacks, how I keep things simple and satisfying, and a few ideas you can borrow for your own kitchen.
And stick with me until the end, because I’ll share the mindset shift that helped me finally stop stressing about food and start enjoying it again.
No Tummy Troubles? You Might Still Have Celiac
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When most people think of celiac disease, they picture stomach pain, bloating, or running to the bathroom. But what if I told you that you could have celiac — and serious intestinal damage — without any stomach symptoms at all?
It’s called Silent Celiac, and it’s far more common than you might think. Today, I’ll walk you through what Silent Celiac is, how it shows up in the body, and why it’s so important not to overlook.
And stick around to the end, because I’ll share the sur...
Top 10 Places Gluten Hides (That Even Careful People Overlook)
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You double-check your labels, you avoid bread and pasta, you even bring your own snacks… but you still end up feeling sick sometimes. The truth is, gluten hides in more places than most people realize. And some of them are sneaky — even for those of us who’ve been gluten-free for years. Today, I’m sharing the top 10 surprising places gluten can lurk, so you can stay safe and feel better. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll also share the one place I personally overlooked the longest — and it made a hu...
Why Your Celiac Test Came Back Negative - But you still feel sick
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So let’s talk about that dreaded negative test result. You walk into the doctor’s office with a list of symptoms, maybe even a family history of celiac. They run a blood test or maybe even a biopsy. The result comes back negative. The doctor says, “Good news, you don’t have celiac disease.”
But deep down, you know something isn’t right. You still feel terrible when you eat bread, pasta, or pizza. You might even think, “Am I imagining this?” Spoiler: you’re not. Here are five re...
How I Stayed Gluten-Free During a 17-Hour Drive (And What Went Wrong)
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Have you ever wondered if you can really take a long road trip and stay safely gluten-free the whole way?
Well, I just did exactly that, driving from Ohio to Dallas, and I’m here to share all the lessons, surprises, and little wins along the way. From finding safe snacks at truck stops to navigating restaurant surprise, I’ve got plenty of stories and tips to help you plan your own gluten-free adventure.
And stay tuned for the end, where I’ll share the one thing I learne...
I Thought It Was Gluten - But It Wasn’t: Other Triggers to Watch For
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If you’ve ever been sure you got glutened – only to find out it was something else – you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Sometimes we do everything right, avoid all the gluten, and still end up with symptoms that feel just as bad. Today, I’m breaking down some of the most common non-gluten triggers that can mimic a gluten reaction.
I’ll share how I spotted my own hidden triggers, what you can do to track yours, and how to start feeling better faster. And at t...
5 Myths About Living Gluten-Free (That Are Still Floating Around)
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There’s a lot of information out there about living gluten-free – and unfortunately, not all of it is true. Some myths are harmless, but others can make life harder, cause confusion, or even put people’s health at risk.
Today, I’m busting 5 of the most common gluten-free myths I still hear all the time, even after more than a decade of living gluten-free myself.
Stick around until the end for my bonus tip – it’s the myth I believed when I was first diagnosed, and it made my gluten...
Back-to-School Gluten-Free Tips for Parents & College Students
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It’s that time of year again – new backpacks, new schedules, and for gluten-free families, a whole new layer of planning.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading off to college, keeping them safe, nourished, and included is a top priority. Today I’m sharing my best back-to-school gluten-free tips for parents and students – from packing safe lunches to navigating cafeteria lines and stocking a dorm room with quick, safe meals.
And stick around until the end for my bonus tip – it’s the single best way I’ve fou...
How to Read Restaurant Menus Like a Gluten-Free Pro
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Ever stared at a restaurant menu and thought... ‘Okay, is anything actually safe here?’
Whether you’re newly gluten-free or a seasoned label-reader, eating out can still be stressful. In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through exactly how I read menus like a gluten-free detective—so you can eat out with more confidence and less guesswork.
I’ll even share a simple sentence I use with servers that instantly changes the tone of the conversation. And don’t miss my bonus tip at the end—something I always d...
What to Do When You’re the Only Gluten-Free Person at the Table
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You’ve been invited to dinner… and your stomach drops.
Not because you don’t want to go—but because you know you’ll be the only one there who’s gluten free.
Will there be anything safe to eat? Will the host understand cross-contamination? Will people think you’re being picky or rude?
In today’s episode, we’re tackling the stress of being the only gluten-free person at the table—and how to handle it with confidence, safety, and grace.
The Best Gluten-Free Pasta Brands (That Won’t Fall Apart)
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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, keep listening—because even your gluten-eating family won’t know the difference when yo...
Breaking Free: Finding Healing Beyond Gluten with Michelle Kooi
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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 symptoms, how her life has changed since going gluten-free, and why she’s passionate about helping others feel seen and supporte...
Gluten-Free at the Beach: How We Prep for a Safe & Fun Vacation
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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 kitchen items we bring along to the condo, I’m walking you through exactly how we prepare to ma...
Why you Always Read Labels - The Accidental Gluten Slip-Up
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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 when you think you already know what it says.<...
What is Leaky Gut and Why does it Matter so Much?
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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, suspect a gluten sensitivity, or you’ve been gluten-free for a while but still don’t feel 100%, this episode is for you.
W...
How to have The Best Gluten-Free Pizza Nights
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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 is over. Not even close.
In this episode, I’m sharing my top gluten-free frozen pizza picks, what to...