5 Things I Never Leave The House Without, Celiac Edition
Nowadays it seems like I am always running out the door and forgetting things left, right, and center (thanks brain fog). I think my neighbors are annoyed by how many times I go in and out the door every time I leave my apartment. But no matter how foggy and in a rush I am, I never leave the house without these things.
1). Chapstick!
I can not survive without it. I have been loyally in love with Evanhealy chapstick for years now and I don’t see our relationship ending anytime soon. I love how clean this chapstick is with only a few plant-based and gluten-free ingredients. The one I love, “Whipped Shea Butter for Lips,” contains tocopherol but the company specifies on their website it is soy-based and all of their products are gluten-free except the Light Moisture Replenishing Fluid which has oats.
2). My phone
This is a no-brainer. Who leaves without their phone? Though recently I have been trying to be more mindful about the ways I use it. I set a time limit on my Instagram so it notifies me once I’ve spent a certain amount of time on the app, and I only follow people who I feel are good for my mental health. I also recently went through and cleaned out all the apps, music, and photos that have been hanging out forever that I don’t actually use or like anymore.
3). Medical ID
The world of medical IDs is pretty new to me but I am glad I have jumped on that bandwagon. If you have any medical conditions that require special attention, it can be useful to have a medical ID on you. I always wear a medical bracelet with my info and an ICE number, and then I have actual tags that I put on my backpack when I am traveling, hiking, etc. Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a situation that would require a medical ID, but I always say I’d rather go the extra mile and never need it than regret it in an emergency. I bought mine off amazon for really cheap.
4). Nima Sensor
Wow, this has been a lifesaver in so many situations. I have had my Nima for (I think) 2ish years now and I don’t know what I did without it. Basically, it is a portable medical device that can test your food for gluten. Because I have celiac disease, anytime I decide to eat outside of my own kitchen I am putting my health at risk. This device gives me an extra layer of security. It is a little pricey but, in my opinion, well worth the investment. Hopefully, soon we will see the day when Nima sensors are covered by insurance (hint hint, American healthcare system).
5). A snack
If you have celiac disease, I pray to the universe you never walk out your door without some kind of food on you. You just never know…what if you plan to eat at a restaurant and then they can’t accommodate you, or you can’t find any gluten-free food at the store and you start to get hungry. I am the all-time worst person when I am hangry. My sincerest apologies to anyone who has witnessed that. Some of my favorite things to carry are shelf-stable protein shakes, Larabars, powdered bone broth (add hot water), and dried fruit.
What do you never leave the house without? I would love to know!