Community Stories: Chloe’s Gluten-Free Journey

Gluten free, onion free and garlic free

Removing gluten from your diet comes with challenges many of us know all too well, let alone having to remove onion and garlic too. In this candid story, Chloe (Coeliapp community member) shares her experience of finding out she had IBS and multiple food intolerances, how it changed her relationship with food, and the surprising moments she’s learned to laugh through.

Chloe’s Story

Food is joy. Food is culture. Food is connection. But what happens when the very thing you love most suddenly becomes your biggest challenge?

Hi, I’m Chloe, a self-confessed foodie who, almost a year ago, was diagnosed with IBS, gluten intolerance, and lactose intolerance. My world changed overnight — and not in the fun “makeover montage” kind of way.

When Pasta Breaks Your Heart

I love Italian food. Pasta was my comfort food, my go-to, my thing. Being told I had to cut it out? Awful. Same with onion and garlic — they’re in everything! Suddenly, I was that person at the supermarket reading every single label. Exhausting doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The Restaurant Nightmare

The hardest part? Eating out. I remember one dinner that will haunt me forever.

I was at this fancy restaurant with my partner, and literally every dish had gluten, onion, or garlic. I finally asked the waiter what I could eat that didn’t contain these things. That’s when it turned into this awkward back-and-forth where he basically asked if I was just fussy or if it was a “real medical issue.” Mortifying.

Eventually, the chef came out and wanted me to explain my whole situation in front of everyone. People were staring. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

After all that stress, I ordered the one “safe” option: chicken and vegetables. And when it arrived? Boom — a giant piece of onion sitting right on top. My partner and I just burst out laughing. After everything, onion STILL found its way onto my plate!

Finding My Footing

It took time to adjust. At first, it was all embarrassment and stress. Now, I don’t leave home without Glute Guard and cranberry tablets, just in case. I’ve learned to laugh at the awkward moments, but also to stand firm when it comes to my health.

Being gluten-free (and onion/garlic-free!) isn’t just about swapping pasta for rice noodles. It’s a daily balancing act of self-advocacy, preparation, and resilience.

My story is proof that while it isn’t easy, it is survivable — and sometimes, even laughable.

Because in the end? Food is still joy. You just have to find new ways to enjoy it.