October BFree Foodie | Joanne

Meet our October BFree Foodie of the Month: Joanne,

We first met Joanne at the Free From Festival back in February, where she politely introduced herself and said she was thinking of starting an Instagram page to document her journey with coeliac disease. (Spoiler alert – she did! and it’s amazing! @onecoeliac_joanneszrok).

Proud mum of four from Portsmouth, Joanne was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2009 and has since transformed her family’s kitchen into a gluten free haven. Passionate about sharing her journey, Joanne loves connecting with others through her Instagram where she spreads positivity and delicious gluten free meal ideas.

Let’s dive in!

 

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🟢 BFree Foodie Name & Age:

Joanne Szrok, 38 years old

 

🟢 City:

Portsmouth, Hampshire

 

🟢 Bio

Hello! Eeek, I am so happy to be a BFree Foodie 🫶

I am the only Coeliac in our family and I am a Mum to 4 cheeky children, running a completely gluten free home (don’t worry, my children eat plenty of gluten outside of our home).

I absolutely love to share my GF family budget meal ideas, restaurant reviews/new finds, snacks and treat ideas on my Instagram! I would love to see you there in our amazing community – Please come and say Hi!

 

🟢 Diagnosis:

Coeliac Disease. Diagnosed in August 2009, I was truly lucky to receive a quick diagnoses after only a 6 month period of being extremely unwell, on and off (sometimes bedbound). However, on reflection there had been signs for many years.

 

🟢 Favourite BFree Product:

Oh no, I can’t pick one!
Savoury – White Demi Baguettes – These make the most delicious garlic bread – so yummy
Sweet – Heavenly Chocolate cakes, delicious

 

🟢 Go-to Recipe:

In our home, we usually have a pasta bake once a week, and I make a real effort to vary our meals as much as possible. One of our family favourites is Turkey pasta bake—it’s a pasta bake with a twist, and it’s delicious! My secret ingredient is chipotle paste 😉

 

🟢 Passions

Family, food, laughter and love. I also love to exercise and I have run the Great South Run 3 times for charities. I would love to run this again for Coeliac UK.

 

🟢 How did you adapt to a gluten-free lifestyle?

When I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, I was living at home but spending most of my time with my fiancé in his flat. It was such a shock. I was responsible for all the cooking, preparing both gluten and gluten-free meals, and it was incredibly tough. I have countless stories to share. I fell ill too often, and one day, without hesitation, my fiancé said, “We will both eat gluten-free.” I was overwhelmed, but relieved, as I never expected that. Thus, we began our gluten-free journey together.

I am divorced, so when my children are with their dad, they follow a full gluten diet. While many foods are naturally gluten-free, they consume gluten without restrictions during that time. When the children are with me, however, our home is 100% gluten-free. The situation varies when we are out.

I remember when my kids were little, I would take them to parties that were, of course, filled with gluten. I would come prepared with baby wipes and do my best to manage cross-contamination. I would never eat or drink anything at the same time as them to avoid any mix-ups. I also had a close friend, Jenna, who would always help me if needed. Unfortunately, I do experience serious anxiety around gluten, which is something I am working on at my own pace. When my reaction to gluten is to be physically sick, it scares me.

And honestly, who has time to be ill?!

 

🟢 How do you manage a gluten-free household with children?

We don’t have any gluten in our home, except for sealed packaging meant for my children’s lunch boxes. This gluten is consumed at school, and their lunch boxes are thoroughly cleaned after school. I truly believe that by mostly following a gluten-free diet, my children have greatly benefited. This approach eliminates a lot of junk and convenience foods. I make sure to cook meals that everyone loves at mealtimes; while I do occasionally use jars and frozen food, I always do my best. Overall, my children enjoy a varied and amazing diet, and we have embraced the gluten-free lifestyle together.

This is something they have always known, which makes it easier for them. They understand how gluten can make their Mummy ill, and they instinctively want to protect me. They are all truly wonderful and respectful. My partner has also accepted the ‘gluten-free challenge’ without question. He is a true gem, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have so many loved ones who support me.

 

🟢 Favourite GF Restaurant:

Pizza Express never lets me down! Their Gluten free menu is wonderful; they offer GF Dough balls, pizza, pasta and some desserts.

They recently upgraded their bases too, so now we can enjoy a romana – amazing. My favourite pizza is BBQ burnt ends and if I have space, I go for a dolcetti. I order a flat white and stem ginger cake – perfect. They are also accredited by Coeliac UK.

The various options means you can easily select a 3-course meal, which is just wonderful. A perfect venue for a date, or a family meal – they offer an amazing reward scheme too.

 

🟢 Best Life Tip:

My best life tip(s) would be, don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to say no and never feel alone or a nuisance. You are not difficult, you are protecting your gut, your quality of life and mental health.

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Check out @onecoeliac_joanneszrok to keep up to date with Joanne.