Renee’s Story

Learning that I have Celiac Disease brought me into a whole and different world of nutrition than I had ever known before!

If you have Celiac disease, you are not alone.

Several years ago, I was training to run a half marathon with my husband. I enjoyed running, but I was so tired all the time. All I wanted to do was take a nap.  Finally, after years of being anemic, I was shocked to receive the diagnosis of Celiac Disease. I knew what Celiac was and had even counseled people on Gluten-Free diets, but the personal necessity to live Gluten-Free put a whole new spin on the world of nutrition and was a rude awakening. I had a lot to learn, but once I began following a Gluten-Free diet my anemia, fatigue, and overall health greatly improved. Looking back, I had over 5 symptoms of Celiac Disease, that no one in my life had connected as one health problem.

In the beginning, even with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and the background of being a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years, the Gluten-Free Diet and lifestyle was OVERWHELMING for me.  I searched for information on how to follow a Gluten-Free Diet, read food labels for not-so-obvious gluten ingredients, took grocery store tours at Whole Foods, found out which restaurants had Gluten-Free menus, and worked hard to understand and prevent cross-contamination. I remember my disbelief the day I read about needing another toaster due to cross-contamination issues. What? I would have to get a second toaster and a new colander? I couldn’t believe all the aspects of living a strict Gluten-Free Lifestyle. It actually took me a little while to get past these hurdles, but now I feel so blessed to have received my Celiac diagnosis. 

Learning about basic good nutrition teaches you about the foods that are good for you.  Learning about a Gluten-Free diet is just another window into what foods are good for you and which foods your body can physically NOT handle due to gluten. 

At this point, I truly thank God for discovering my Celiac Disease.  My health was poor for way too long before I was finally diagnosed.   With my background in Food and Nutrition, I am now blessed to be in a position to not only help others understand their illnesses but help them thrive again through learning to live Gluten-Free.

We should talk!

Contact me if you have Celiac Disease, a Gluten Sensitivity, and are overwhelmed with having to follow a Gluten-Free Diet.

Click the link to schedule a complimentary call:

http://bit.ly/RNComplimentaryCall   or call 321-804-5991

Professional Bio

Renee Matthews, MS, RDN, CLT has been a Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist for over 20 years. She has extensive experience in many areas of nutrition counseling for people with cardiac disease, diabetes, kidney failure and those on dialysis, weight management and now specializes in counseling to those with Celiac & Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity who require a Gluten-Free Diet.  Renee has additional training in understanding food sensitivities and is a Certified LEAP Therapist, using MRT testing to provide individualized elimination diet plans. 

Professional Memberships

• Member of the Orlando Celiac Support Association 
• Member of the National Celiac Association – NCA
• Member of the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy
• Member of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Member of Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Member of Dietitians in Functional Medicine Practice Group

DISCLAIMER