Beds and Mid Herts Group

Group Organiser	Treasurer	Secretary	
Martin Cooper
80 Waterdell Lane
Gosmore
Hitchin, Herts
SG4 7QZ	John Wilburn
21 Alder Close
Baldock
Herts
SG7 6HN	Pam Richardson 
52 Horn Hill
Whitwell
Hitchin, Herts
SG4 8AR	
H: 01462 436655
M: 07708 400363	H: 01462 894091
	H: 01438 871333
M: 0774785 80 80	
bedsandmidherts@coeliac.org.uk	johnndmarie@talktalk.net	pamrichardson01@googlemail.com	
	
Check out our page on the Coeliac UK website - http://www.coeliac.org.uk/get-involved	

G L U T E N – F R E E   M A D E   S I M P L E

WELCOME!  If you are new to a gluten free diet or to the group, here is some useful information:

About the Group

•	The group meets 3 or 4 times a year to share ideas and provide advice on all aspects of living with a Gluten Free diet.  
•	The meetings often comprise stands from the leading GF suppliers, talks and demonstrations by dieticians, suppliers and committee and group members
•	Several other events are arranged throughout the year, such as restaurant meals, coach trips e.g. to food fairs, seaside etc.
•	In addition, meetings for the Newly Diagnosed are held 3 or 4 times a year at various locations around the Group’s area
•	A newsletter is published 3 or 4 times a year, via email and/or by post for those not yet web-enabled

Living Gluten-free

!	There are actually very few things you have to give up to stay gluten free, but it can be a bit difficult finding (or making) things you like
!	Avoid normal Beer and Lager, but a wide range of GF versions is available.  You can drink as much wine and cider (or non-alcoholic drinks) as you like.  Watch out for drinks like Lucozade, as these can contain barley
!	Try to get as many baked or baking goods as you can via your GP, on prescription.  He/she will usually let you have several items at first, until you settle down to a short standard list of regular items
!	Consider buying a pre-payment certificate for your prescriptions.  This costs the equivalent of about 15 prescription items for one year, so if you are likely to have this many (and that includes medical prescriptions for you, too) it’s worth it
!	Always read the label – never assume that, as it “shouldn’t” contain gluten, it doesn’t.  Remember - if it doesn’t say Gluten-free, you are taking a risk
!	Better still, check in the Food Directory to be certain, as some products contain gluten but don’t declare it.
!	There are loads of recipes for basics like bread, Yorkshire puds, Muesli, etc., available, from the ‘net or from the Group – don’t be afraid to ask!
!	Most good butchers sell their own gluten-free sausages, but don’t always advertise them – do ask.  At events the group often arranges for a supply to be available to buy, from one of the suppliers with whom we are in frequent contact
!	All the larger supermarkets now do a good gluten-free range, including Soy sauce, mixes for stuffing etc., cakes and baking ingredients such as Xantham gum, but do avoid buying those items you can get cheaper on prescription
!	If you make bread at home, slice it and freeze it.  You can then take out just what you need – it thaws in an hour or 2, or 30 secs in the microwave
!	When you eat out, check with the restaurant first to ensure that they can (and are happy to) accommodate you
!	Speak to the chef if possible – many welcome the challenge and will usually adapt a dish, sometimes even cooking you something that’s not on the menu
!	If they disappoint, always make sure they know this, educating where you can; if they impress tell them, and us!
!	Take your own roll, crackers for cheese, biscuits, etc. when you go out to eat, and take “emergency rations” with you if you go out for the day