Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth McCarthy.
Elizabeth , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always knew something was off with my body. As a child, I was often feverish and fatigued, with no explainable cause. I had shingles at a young age, and was often sick, the result of a poor immune system. This continued into my teenage years. I wanted answers, and I had anything but that.
I start nursing school in 2010. My first year was hard, as expected, but my fatigue & frequent bathroom trips made it hard to be present both academically and socially. I did well, and pushed myself through the tired days, despite a full night’s sleep. I returned back home after my freshman year and the symptoms only worsened. I could barely get out of bed.
My sister had just graduated with a BSN in Nutrition & suggested I get tested for Celiac Disease, as my symptoms were similar to those that she had learned about. And that’s where it started. My results were positive & I started a gluten-free diet.
I wanted to start a blog to contribute to the gluten-free community. I found refuge in the pages I saw, with similar symptoms, issues, and triumphs as me. Although my family is a wonderful support, they don’t have the disease, so meeting people who knew exactly what I was going through, was a whole new level of comfort, and self-advocacy. Now, I share my recipes, new products, gluten-free gems & nuggets of knowledge on my page to help others that are just like me. I’m always learning something new from the fellow bloggers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having my diagnosis is not to say that I don’t still struggle. Sometimes, even the strict gluten-free diet isn’t enough to ward off all symptoms. And sometimes, there is cross contamination. In addition to medical symptoms, eating gluten-free & medical bills are expensive. It isn’t easy to live “the Celiac lifestyle.” Another challenge I have encountered is some mocking the gluten-free lifestyle as ‘trendy,’ and can make ordering out and going to events like weddings anxiety-inducing. My advice to other women going through similar adversities is to educate yourself on your disease. Knowledge is power. Sometimes, people ask questions because they are harmlessly and genuinely curious. In addition, always remember that you don’t have to share any information that makes you uncomfortable or is private to you. Protect yourself. Whether that means you say no to plans, decline food you don’t know is gluten-free or being honest about when you’re feeling off.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gluten Free Broad – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think what sets me apart is my medical background. I give advice that comes from personal experience & professional experience as well. I really just want to help people help themselves, whether it’s physically, mentally or financially. I like to show people how I save money on an otherwise expensive gluten-free diet: Honestly, since starting my Gluten Free Broad blog, I’ve learned so much about the gluten-free lifestyle & myself.
In addition, I only post things that I truly made, enjoyed & use. I believe in authenticity and a well-timed joke, they both go a long way.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I think women are the strongest creatures on earth, lol. But honestly. So, I think women may be having more opportunities as the world moves towards being more equal, diverse & tolerant, if I may. I hope it continues and even improves. There isn’t a specific ‘thing’ that women can do, we do it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.glutenfreebroad.weebly.com/
- Email: glutenfreebroad@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glutenfreebroad
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Gluten-Free-Broad-138787276860664/
Image Credit:
Taylor Paige Photography, Bite Me Kupcakez
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