The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is proud to call Anna Sonnenberg of Gluten-Free Jet Set a Blogger Ambassador. Learn more about Anna and the work she does for people living with celiac disease.

Keep an eye out for more Q&As with our Blogger Ambassadors. Meet the rest of the Ambassador Team at www.beyondceliac.org/bloggerambassadors.

Why did you decide to be a blogger for NFCA?

NFCA does so much for the gluten-free community, from promoting research to hosting educational webinars to advocating for greater celiac disease awareness to managing an amazing social media community. I wanted to contribute to these outreach efforts and help NFCA grow its community.

How has celiac disease personally affected you or your family?

Celiac disease has completely changed the way I view health, nutrition and food. Needing to know what’s in everything I eat has made me a much healthier and more aware eater than I was five years ago. I’m lucky in that my husband and family are always very supportive and help me eat well at all times.

What makes your blog different from others?

Gluten-Free Jet Set focuses on gluten-free travel. On the blog, I show you how to eat safely in transit and where to eat once you get there. I don’t just write about travel, though. I live it! This past year alone, I traveled across the U.S. and to over a dozen countries around the world, always eating gluten-free.

What goals do you hope you achieve with your blog?

I want to make gluten-free travel less terrifying and much more fun for the celiac disease and gluten-free community. I recently launched a series of gluten-free travel guides that take the guesswork out of traveling to places like New York City, Paris, and London, which are on just about everyone’s travel wish list.

If you could only tell people one thing about celiac disease and living gluten-free, what would it be?

You’re not in this alone. The celiac disease and gluten-free community is incredibly welcoming. From local support groups to blogs to social media groups, we all have tons of information to share to make the road easier for everyone else.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your passion for traveling?

I travel to eat, and following a gluten-free diet has only made that passion stronger. I make it my mission to learn about cuisines around the world and understand how and why people cook what they do. My love of gluten-free travel has led me to eat tacos in Mexico City, pho in Hanoi, pad thai in Bangkok, manakish in Dubai, and tarts in Paris.

What is your advice for people who wish to travel but are fearful of not being able to safely eating gluten-free?

With a combination of planning, research and communication, you can travel and eat gluten-free anywhere. If you’re nervous about taking your first gluten-free trip, consider starting with an easier destination that has confirmed gluten-free restaurants or the option to cook for yourself. Don’t overlook safe, naturally gluten-free options when dining out. And even once you have a plan in place, don’t forget to bring a few safe backup snacks just in case.