Meet Gluten-free Blogger Sharon McCaskill
Last year I had the chance to get to know Sharon McCaskill and was blown away by her story.
In 2012 she married her husband Tyler, who has Celiac disease, and decided to learn about all of the foods he could and couldn’t eat. But, she didn’t stop there…
Next, she created the blog The Helpful GF to provide gluten-free resources to others, which is now full of recipes, reviews, and guides. Sharon also decided to pursue a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian.
Wow! It’s crazy to think about how Sharon simply started learning about Celiac disease and has turned it into a career of helping others through her blog and as a dietitian. (Sharon, thank you for all you do to help the gluten-free community!!)
Check out my interview with Sharon to get her advice and to find out what her favorite vacation spot is.
Sharon McCaskill
Sharon McCaskill is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. She runs a virtual private practice, Sharon McCaskill Nutrition, offering personalized nutrition counseling in over 10 states. As the founder of The Helpful GF, Sharon shares gluten-free recipes, reviews, taste tests, and resources to support those navigating gluten-free living.
1. Why did you decide to start The Helpful GF?
My husband has Refractory Celiac Disease, and as people we knew would need to transition to gluten-free they would all come ask us for advice. I decided to start The Helpful GF back in spring 2018 because honestly, I thought it would be easier to point friends to it and say 'do this' or 'this is what we eat.' I started it as a hobby and didn't really expect it to turn into a business.
2. We know that traveling while gluten-free can be tough, what advice do you have for other gluten-free travelers?
Traveling gluten-free can be so hard-- but I'm so thankful it's better today than it was 10 years ago! I think the biggest thing is to plan ahead. Before you book tickets or a hotel, investigate gluten-free options available and make a plan. Don't leave it to chance or wing it, you'll likely be disappointed.
Sharon at Erin McKenna’s Gluten-free Bakery in Disney Springs
3. Are there any items you recommend that gluten-free travelers take with them?
All the snacks! But seriously though, be sure while traveling you have packed shelf-stable gluten-free snacks. It can be tricky to find options at airports/train stations/rest stops (and if you do, they are likely way overpriced). You also want to be sure that you bring over the counter medicine (like Imodium and ibuprofen) in the unfortunate case you get 'glutened’.
4. What’s your favorite vacation spot that you would recommend to gluten-free travelers?
Honestly, if traveling with your family, Disney is an amazing option. Pretty much every food location at Disney understands how to take care of allergies and dietary restrictions. Even the ice cream shop went the extra step. When I simply asked the person taking orders what flavors were gluten-free, the manager came out to get our order personally, and suggested that she scoop the ice cream out of a brand new tub in the back with a clean scoop to ensure there wouldn't be any cross contact with gluten.
(Want to know what Sharon’s favorite spots are in Disney Springs? Check it out here.)
Large cities like New York, LA, and Chicago also have really great gluten-free restaurants (many are 100% dedicated gluten-free locations).
5. If you could plan a trip anywhere, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere, I would cruise around the Mediterranean docking at the different countries. It would be amazing!
Thanks for sharing your advice with us Sharon! Be sure to follow Sharon for more great tips!!
Ready to start planning your next vacation?