Show cover of Gluten Free Engineer - Making Gluten Free Easy

Gluten Free Engineer - Making Gluten Free Easy

Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or frustrated on your gluten-free journey? I felt that way and you’ve come to the right place to feel supported, understood and to find gluten free to be easier.Hi, I’m Carrie Saunders, host of The Gluten Free Engineer. As someone with celiac disease (or coeliac, depending on where you’re from!), I understand the confusion and overwhelm that come with it. With a husband and three kids also navigating this lifestyle, I’ve learned the hard way how to make gluten-free living easier, safer, and more enjoyable.Whether you’re new to gluten-free living or a seasoned foodie looking for fresh ideas, this podcast is for you. Each week, we’ll dive into topics like:Avoiding cross-contamination and staying safeMouthwatering recipes and recipe conversion tipsHonest gluten-free product reviewsTravel hacks and dining-out strategiesInsights from expert guest speakersJoin me every week as we tackle the challenges of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and gluten-free living head-on—making it simpler, more delicious, and even fun! Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now and start thriving on your gluten-free journey.

Tracks

Text Carrie!This might sound like a strange question… But it’s one I get asked more often than you’d think. Can you actually get glutened… from kissing someone? Maybe your partner just ate something with gluten… maybe you’re out on a date… or maybe you’ve never even thought about this before… But now you’re wondering…is this something I need to worry about? In this episode, we’re going to break this down in a really clear, practical way what the actual risk is, when it matters, and what you can do about it without making things awkward. And by the end, you’ll know exactly how to handle this in real life… without overthinking it. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

5/14/26 • 09:25

Text Carrie!If you don’t get symptoms, it’s easy to think: 👉 “Maybe I don’t need to be that strict…” 👉 “A little bit probably won’t hurt…” But here’s the problem… With celiac disease, feeling fine doesn’t mean you’re safe. Today you’ll learn: What “silent celiac” actually is  Whether strict gluten-free really matters if you don’t feel symptoms  How to decide your own level of strictness (with confidence, not fear)  And stick around, because I’m going to share one mindset shift that completely changes how you think about “cheating” gluten-free. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

5/7/26 • 10:31

Text Carrie!You finally get diagnosed with celiac disease. And in some ways… it’s a relief. You have answers. You know what’s been causing your symptoms. But then… you leave the appointment. And suddenly you’re thinking: Wait… what do I actually do now? What can I eat? How careful do I need to be? Why do I still feel off? And no one really walked you through it. In this episode, I’m going to share the things doctors often don’t explain after a celiac diagnosis— not because they don’t care, but because there’s just so much that doesn’t get covered. And by the end, you’ll feel more prepared, more confident, and a lot less alone in this. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

4/30/26 • 14:43

Text Carrie!You’re standing in the grocery store… looking at two products. One says “gluten-free.” The other says “certified gluten-free.” And now you’re wondering…  is there actually a difference? Is one safer than the other? Or is it just marketing? Because when you’re gluten-free… especially with celiac… this isn’t just a label. It’s a decision. So in this episode, we’re going to break this down in a really clear, practical way. What “certified gluten-free” actually means… how it compares to regular gluten-free labeling… and how I personally think about it when I’m deciding what to buy. And by the end, you’ll have a much clearer sense of when it matters… and when it might not. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

4/23/26 • 09:28

Text Carrie!You order something gluten-free. Or someone tells you, “Don’t worry, it’s safe.” But something feels… off. And later, you don’t feel great. And now you’re wondering… was that actually cross contamination? Or am I overthinking this? This is one of the most confusing parts of living gluten-free. Because the food looks safe… the ingredients seem safe… but something still goes wrong. So today we’re answering a really important question: 👉 Can cross contamination actually make you sick? And by the end of this episode, you’ll understand what’s really happening, what to watch for, and how to think about it without spiraling into fear. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

4/16/26 • 15:25

Text Carrie!You’re staring at a plate of food… Or maybe a label… Or someone just told you, “Yeah, it should be fine.” And you pause. Because you don’t really know if it’s safe. And now you’re stuck in that moment of… “Do I eat this… or not?” You don’t want to be rude. You don’t want to overthink it. But you also don’t want to get sick. So how do you actually decide? In this episode, I’m going to walk you through a simple gluten-free decision framework you can use in real time—  so you don’t feel stuck, second-guessing, or pressured in those moments. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

4/9/26 • 11:44

Text Carrie!Have you ever had someone say something like ‘a little bit won’t hurt you’ or ‘just take the bun off’… and you didn’t know what to say in the moment? You’re not alone. These situations can feel awkward, frustrating, and sometimes even a little isolating. Today I’m going to walk through what to say when someone doesn’t take gluten seriously, how to handle those conversations without being confrontational, and how to set clear boundaries while still maintaining relationships.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

4/2/26 • 11:45

Text Carrie!If you’ve ever been invited to someone’s house and immediately thought… what am I going to eat… is this safe… how do I not make this awkward… this episode is for you. Eating gluten-free at other people’s houses can feel stressful, especially in the beginning. Today I’m sharing how I personally handle it now, what I’ve learned along the way, and how you can approach these situations with more confidence and less anxiety.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

3/26/26 • 14:16

Text Carrie!One of the biggest questions I hear from people who are new to gluten-free living is this. What should I actually keep in my kitchen? When you first go gluten-free, it can feel like everything you used to buy is suddenly off limits. But the truth is, once you know your staples, cooking gluten-free becomes much easier. Today I am sharing the gluten-free staples I always keep in my kitchen. These are the ingredients that make quick meals possible and keep our house running smoothly during busy weeks.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

3/19/26 • 19:20

Text Carrie!If you’ve ever had one of those weeks where you’re tired, busy, and the last thing you want to do is figure out a complicated gluten-free meal, this episode is for you. Today I’m sharing my go-to gluten-free meals for busy weeks. These are meals that are simple, repeatable, and family approved. Nothing fancy. Just real meals that work when life gets busy.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

3/12/26 • 15:44

Text Carrie!Have you ever added certified gluten-free oats back into your diet… only to feel bloated, foggy, or just off — and wondered, are oats actually safe? You’re not imagining it. Some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity truly do react to oats, even when they’re labeled gluten-free. Today we’re going to break down why that happens, what the research says, and how to decide whether oats belong in your gluten-free life.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

3/5/26 • 10:14

Text Carrie!If you’ve ever wondered whether gluten digest enzymes actually work — especially if you have celiac disease — this episode is for you. I’m going to share what the research says, what these enzymes are designed to do, and also our personal experience using them cautiously for accidental exposure. This is not about replacing a strict gluten-free diet. It’s about understanding what these products can and cannot realistically do.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

2/26/26 • 14:12

Text Carrie!Have you ever eaten something, felt fine, and then hours later or even the next day felt terrible and wondered, was that gluten? Delayed gluten reactions are incredibly common, but they're also incredibly confusing. Today we're going to talk about why gluten reactions aren't always immediate, what happens in the body, and how to think about delayed symptoms without spiraling into anxiety. If you've ever second-guessed yourself after a reaction, this episode is for you.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

2/19/26 • 13:11

Text Carrie!If you’re gluten-free and unsure how alcohol fits into your life — whether you drink occasionally, rarely, or not at all — this episode is for you. Drinking gluten-free can be confusing, and the risks aren’t always about what’s in your glass. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about drinking safely while gluten-free, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, real-life risks people don’t talk about, and how to make choices that support your body and your health. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

2/12/26 • 14:33

Text Carrie!If you’ve ever been told you have IBS and walked away feeling confused, dismissed, or still sick, I want you to know you’re not alone. IBS is a real diagnosis — but for many people, it’s also the label given when we don’t yet understand what’s actually irritating the gut. Today, I want to talk about why IBS is so commonly diagnosed, what it really means, and why it often becomes a stopping point when it should be the beginning of deeper answers. My goal here isn’t to criticize doctors — it’s to help you feel empowered to keep asking questions if you’re still not feeling well.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

2/5/26 • 10:09

Text Carrie!If food makes you nervous now that you are gluten free — if you overthink menus, hesitate at social events, or feel a pit in your stomach when you’re not in control of the food — I want you to know this first: you’re not broken, dramatic, or doing gluten-free wrong. Food anxiety is incredibly common when you’re gluten-free, especially with celiac or gluten sensitivity. Today, we’re talking about why that anxiety develops, why it makes sense, and how to start loosening its grip without ignoring your safety.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

1/29/26 • 16:59

Text Carrie!When I was first navigating celiac disease and gluten intolerance, I trusted that my doctor would tell me everything I needed to know. But looking back, there are so many questions I wish I had asked sooner — questions that would have saved me time, stress, and unnecessary symptoms. Today, I’m sharing the questions I wish I had brought to my doctor earlier, so you can feel more informed, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for your health. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share the question that completely changed how I approached my care.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

1/22/26 • 20:22

Text Carrie!If grocery shopping gluten-free feels exhausting — reading labels, second-guessing ingredients, and wondering if you’re missing something — this episode is for you. Gluten-free grocery shopping doesn’t have to take forever or leave you feeling overwhelmed. Today, I’m sharing how I approach gluten-free grocery shopping in a way that feels calmer, more confident, and much less stressful. This isn’t about being fast — it’s about having a system that works. And at the end, I’ll share the mindset shift that made grocery shopping feel manageable again.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

1/15/26 • 09:30

Text Carrie!When I first went gluten-free, I thought avoiding bread and pasta was enough. I quickly learned how wrong that was. Gluten hides in places you’d never expect — places that shocked me when I first discovered them. Today, I’m sharing the 7 sneakiest places gluten shows up, why they’re risky, and how to protect yourself without feeling overwhelmed. Stick around until the end, because the last one on this list caught me completely off guard — and it’s one that trips up a lot of people.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

1/8/26 • 10:13

Text Carrie!One of the most confusing parts of going gluten-free is this: you remove gluten, you follow all the rules, and you’re still not feeling great. You’re eating foods that are technically gluten-free… so why are you still bloated, foggy, or uncomfortable? Today, I want to talk about the gluten-free foods that actually hurt my healing, even though they were considered safe. This episode isn’t about fear or restriction. It’s about understanding your body and giving yourself permission to listen to it. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share the biggest mindset shift that helped me stop chasing ‘perfect’ gluten-free eating.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

1/1/26 • 15:29

Text Carrie!When I first went gluten-free, I focused so much on what I needed to start doing — reading labels, avoiding cross-contact, learning new recipes. But honestly? The things I STOPPED doing made the biggest difference in how I felt and how confident I became. Today, I’m sharing the habits, mindsets, and patterns I stopped once I started living gluten-free — and why those changes completely transformed my healing. Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

12/25/25 • 10:45

Text Carrie!When I first went gluten-free, everything felt overwhelming. Reading every label, worrying about cross-contact, trying to figure out what was safe… it was a lot. But over the years, I’ve built small habits that have made my gluten-free life so much easier. In today’s episode, I’m sharing those habits — the simple things I do almost without thinking now, but that completely changed my confidence, my routines, and my sanity. Stick around to the end, because I’ll share the one habit I wish I had started way sooner.Mentioned Resources:Find Me Gluten Free: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/premium?coupon=TGFE Simple Mills Soft Baked Dark Chocolate Almond Flour Bars: https://amzn.to/4j1UqKz Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

12/18/25 • 09:19

Text Carrie!If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen thinking, ‘Okay… what can I actually eat that’s gluten-free, easy, and satisfying?’ it’s something I used to do every day. Today, I’m sharing the gluten-free foods I always keep in my kitchen. These are my everyday staples — the things that help me stay safe, make quick meals, and avoid that panic when I’m hungry and tired. And stick around until the end, because I’ll share the one pantry item that has saved me from so many last-minute food crises.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

12/11/25 • 20:42

Text Carrie!If you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle — or you remember those early days of feeling overwhelmed — today’s episode is for you. When I first went gluten-free, I had no idea how much my life was about to change… for the better AND the harder. I made mistakes, I was frustrated in grocery aisles, and I learned so many things the hard way. Today, I’m sharing the 5 things I wish I knew when I first went gluten-free, so your journey can be smoother than mine. And stick around until the end, because I’ll share the ONE thing that would’ve saved me months of stress.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

12/4/25 • 13:34

Text Carrie!You’ve gone gluten-free, but something still isn’t right. You’re doing everything ‘by the book,’ avoiding gluten completely — and yet, you’re still bloated, tired, or having reactions. So what’s going on? In today’s episode, we’re diving into why some people react to gluten-free foods — even when they’re technically safe. I’ll break down common triggers, what to look out for on ingredient labels, and how to start figuring out what your body’s really trying to tell you. And stick with me until the end, because I’ll share the one surprising food that caused me major symptoms even though it was totally gluten-free.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

11/27/25 • 15:05

Text Carrie!If you’ve just gone gluten-free, you might be wondering — how long does it actually take to feel better? Is it days, weeks, or months? Healing looks different for everyone, and it’s not always a straight line. In today’s episode, I’ll break down what happens in your body after removing gluten, what kind of improvements you can expect and when, and how to tell if your healing is on track. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll share one thing that helped me notice real progress — even when I felt stuck.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

11/20/25 • 17:25

Text Carrie!One of the biggest worries people have when going gluten-free is, ‘What on earth am I going to eat at Thanksgiving?’ Will it still taste good? Will everyone else actually enjoy it too? The good news is — yes, absolutely! In today’s episode, I’m sharing gluten-free Thanksgiving menu ideas that everyone at your table will love. From side dishes to desserts, I’ll walk you through simple swaps and family-favorite recipes that prove gluten-free food can be both safe and delicious. Stick with me until the end, because I’ll share the one secret ingredient that makes every gluten-free Thanksgiving dish taste amazing.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

11/13/25 • 18:56

Text Carrie!Thanksgiving can be one of the hardest holidays when you’re gluten-free. There’s food everywhere, family traditions, and sometimes… not much you can safely eat. It can feel stressful, awkward, or even isolating. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, I’m sharing how to survive Thanksgiving gluten-free — without the stress — so you can actually enjoy the day, feel confident, and stay healthy. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share my personal trick for navigating family gatherings without feeling left out.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

11/6/25 • 13:13

Text Carrie!Have you ever been at a party, a work lunch, or a family gathering and realized there’s nothing you can eat? Everyone else is digging in, and you’re trying to smile through it while feeling left out or awkward. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and it can really sting. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to handle those moments when being gluten-free feels isolating — how to prepare ahead, what to say, and how to take care of your emotions when food becomes a dividing line. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share the simple mindset shift that helped me stop feeling excluded and start feeling empowered.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

10/30/25 • 10:41

Text Carrie!Have you ever felt foggy, forgetful, or like your brain just isn’t firing the way it used to — especially after being glutened? You’re not imagining it. There’s growing research showing how gluten can affect the brain and nervous system, even in people without obvious stomach issues. In today’s episode, we’ll unpack what ‘gluten brain fog’ really is, why it happens, and what you can do to clear your head and feel like yourself again. And stick around until the end, because I’ll share the one daily habit that’s made the biggest difference for my own mental clarity.Save money, and no more guessing for dinner!  Use code GFE to get 20% off annual membership at thedinnerdaily.com. Plan meals for less than $4/month and save money at the grocery store!Support the show

10/23/25 • 12:35