If you've just been diagnosed with celiac disease, you're not alone: as many as 1 in 133 Americans have this autoimmune disorder characterized by an inability to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains.

For ten years, Jules Shepard's gastrointestinal symptoms went misdiagnosed. Finally diagnosed, she experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and illness the year following, as she discovered what she could and could not eat through trial and error.

Now, in The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free, Shepard explains everything you need to learn and do upon your or a family member's diagnosis with celiac disease or transition to living gluten free for other health reasons.

Some of the topics covered in this seminal book:

• How celiac disease affects your entire body
• Eating gluten-free (and avoiding hidden glutens)
• Keeping your kitchen safe from cross-contamination
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Celiac and fertility
• Finding support groups
• Parenting a child with celiac disease
• Dining out, traveling, and entertaining
• Handling the holidays

This unique guide prioritizes all the most important information on diet and lifestyle changes for you. Day-by-day, week-by-week, month-by-month, learn how to safely alter your diet, manage your symptoms, and adjust to living gluten-free. Complete with easy and delicious recipes for gluten-free baking, The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free is your essential guide to a healthy life.

282 pages; voted #1 Gluten Free Book in the Gluten Free Awards