by Claire Bennet | Easy Gluten Free
Hi friend,
If you’ve just started your gluten-free journey — first, let me give you the biggest virtual hug . I know how overwhelming that first week can feel. You’re reading every ingredient label, Googling things like “Is corn gluten-free?”, and wondering if your favorite pasta night is a thing of the past.
I’ve been there — standing in my Sunday Light Kitchen, hungry and confused, staring at a loaf of gluten-free bread that felt more like a brick than food.
The good news? It gets easier. So much easier.
Here’s everything I wish someone had told me that first week.
1. You Won’t Starve — You Just Need a Plan
Let’s get this out of the way: there’s more to gluten-free eating than salads and sadness. You just need a few solid meals to fall back on while you find your groove.
That’s why I created a Free 7-Day Gluten-Free Meal Plan — packed with recipes that are:
- Easy to make
- Budget-friendly
- Comforting and filling
Start with these:
- Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes (yes, they’re beginner-proof)
- Claire’s Creamy GF Mac & Cheese
- Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders (kid-approved and freezer-friendly)
2. You Might Feel Lost — That’s Totally Normal
I cried over soy sauce.
Not even kidding.
You’re learning a whole new way of eating, shopping, and thinking about food. So yes, give yourself grace. Keep snacks on hand. And maybe… don’t plan a dinner party on day 3.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I wrote this just for you:
“Is It Really Gluten-Free?” — How to Read Labels Like a Pro
3. Your Kitchen Needs a Reset (But It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy)
I used to think going gluten-free meant buying all-new everything. But you don’t need to go broke.
Start small:
- Label gluten-free areas in your pantry
- Dedicate a sponge, toaster, and cutting board to gluten-free only
- Wipe down surfaces after gluten is used (if you share your space)
More tips here:
“How to Set Up a Gluten-Free Kitchen (Without Losing Your Mind)”
4. You Might Grieve Your Old Favorites — And That’s Okay
Food is emotional. It connects us to memories, people, and places. So if you find yourself missing a family recipe or crying over your favorite bakery’s croissants… you’re not being dramatic. You’re being human.
But I promise: you’ll discover new favorites. Like my Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies that taste better than boxed mixes. Or homemade pizza with our foolproof gluten-free crust.
You’re not giving up joy — you’re just redefining it.
5. Not Everyone Will “Get It” — But You Will Find Your People
“Oh, so you’re like one of those gluten-free people?”
Yep.
And proud of it.
You might get side-eyes, eye-rolls, or the dreaded, “Can’t you just eat a little bread?” But don’t let it get to you. The gluten-free community is huge, supportive, and incredibly kind — and I’m so glad you’re here with us.
Bonus: The E-Book I Wish I Had in Week 1
I poured my heart into this free beginner’s guide to help you feel confident and supported from day one.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A full 7-day meal plan with links to beginner-friendly recipes
- A pantry checklist
- Smart grocery swaps
- Tips on eating out, cross-contamination, and more
Download “Gluten-Free Made Easy: Your 7-Day Beginner’s Guide” right here
Final Words from the Sunday Light Kitchen
The first week gluten-free is a wild mix of hope, hunger, and Google searches.
But with the right support, you can move from confusion to confidence faster than you think.
So go ahead — light a candle, pour yourself a lemony fuzzy drink, and pick your first gluten-free recipe to try. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.
See you soon,
—Claire
Read Next:
- “Going Gluten-Free on a Budget: 12 Smart Shopping Hacks”
- “Are Oats Really Gluten-Free? What Every Beginner Should Know”
- “Top 10 Gluten-Free Grains That Aren’t Just Rice”
