Today, I’m featuring another stand-out gluten blogger, Chandice Probst of Gluten-Free Frenzy, who is advocating for awareness of and understanding for the gluten-free lifestyle. Chandice has Celiac disease. She was suffering from severe pain for many years and was constantly in and out of the ER. After her mom found out she had Celiac disease, her mom prompted Chandice to get tested. Sure enough, her test was positive for Celiac. Subsequently, both her aunt and cousin have Celiac disease too.
Chandice says that she doesn’t let Celiac disease run her life, but it has been a great opportunity for her to be a champion for the Celiac community and gluten-free lifestyle.
I interviewed Chandice over email and here’s what she had to say about food, family and blogging:
Q: Does your immediate family follow a GF diet or just you?
A: I am the only one who follows it [a gluten-free diet] 100%. They [doctors] recommend keeping family on gluten unless diagnosed with Celiac disease. We do, however, cook all gluten-free in our house. My hubby and kids have their own bread but everything else is made gluten-free in our home. It’s just easier and safer for me.
Q: Your blog is called “Gluten Free Frenzy.” How did you come up with that name?
A: I wanted something that was catchy and at the time of diagnosis, my life was a bit of a “Gluten-Free Frenzy.”
Q: When did you launch your blog?
A: I launched it in July 2009 with some really awful photography, I should note. 😉
Q: I remember your blog being a bit different last year – more giveaway oriented. Why the change?
A: Absolutely. I am coming into my own voice and realizing that I am more than my disease. It really has become second nature for me to eat gluten-free now so I wanted to share other passions in my life. I also want others to know they are more than their disease and remind them to not lose focus on the most important things in life. We still do lots of fun giveaways though, especially during our annual 25 Days of Gluten-Free Giveaways™ event each December.
Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your blog/brand?
Really it is the people who say I have helped them in some small way. Those make everything I do worth it.
Q: You are such an active voice in the Celiac community, bringing continued awareness to this disease. What else is on your bucket list of things to do to grow awareness and support for Celiac?
A: That’s so sweet, thank you! I love public speaking and definitely love connecting with people in person. I hope to do more of that in the future.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you (especially when it comes to your GF diet)?
A: I eat mostly fruits, veggies, meat and dairy. I eat treats but not as often as may appear on my blog. 😉
Q: You wrote the book on eating gluten-free on a budget. What is your #1 money saving tip when it comes to transitioning to a GF diet?
A: Eat gluten-free naturally! It is so important when it comes to your health and your budget.
Q: What is one brand in the GF space that you think is really doing it right? Why?
A: I really do love Glutino. (Disclosure: I work with them very closely and have for awhile.) This company genuinely cares about the quality of its products and they send samples of stuff to their team of bloggers when they are looking to make changes. They also are so good at creating tasty gluten-free products. I can’t get enough of Glutino animal crackers!*
Q: What is one food you loved before you were diagnosed with Celiac disease but you can’t have now? How did you overcome that craving?
A: Um, as trashy as it sounds, I loved Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies. They were just so yummy! I’ve come up with a tasty alternative.
Q: How has Celiac changed you?
A: It’s definitely made me more compassionate of others, and it has also gotten me out in the community as an advocate.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have for someone who is newly diagnosed with Celiac?
A: Don’t let it [Celiac] run your life. Food is a big deal but you are so much more than your disease. If you focus on eating naturally gluten-free, you won’t have to focus on all that you think you are missing. Plus, you are not alone. We are all here for you…hugs!
You can catch up with Chandice anytime at Gluten-Free Frenzy, catch her on the news, or buy her gluten-free cookbook, Gluten-Free on a Budget* on Amazon.
Thank you, Chandice, for taking the time to do this interview and allowing the gluten-free community to get to know you a little better!
Read about other gluten-free influencers: Kristina or Ms. Modify and Taylor of GlutenAway!
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Kristina @ Ms.Modify says
I’m a big fan of the Gluten-Free Frenzy blog so it’s great to learn a little more about Chandice! It’s so interesting to learn so many people in her family have celiac… I bet that makes holidays a little easier since so many people are gluten free!