Know Your Rights: Celiac Disease, Food Allergies & the ADA with Attorney Mary Vargas

When Safe Food Is No Longer in Your Control: Your Rights in Prisons, Hospitals, and Nursing Homes with Disability Rights Attorney Mary Vargas

What happens when you can no longer choose your own food? In this season finale of Gluten Free Unwrapped, Jenny welcomes back disability rights attorney Mary Vargas to discuss one of the most overlooked topics in the celiac disease community: what rights do you have when someone else is responsible for feeding you safely? Together, they explore legal protections for people with celiac disease and food allergies in prisons, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Mary shares insights from landmark cases involving incarcerated individuals denied medically necessary gluten-free meals and explains what the law does and does not protect when safe food is no longer fully within your control. In this episode, you'll learn: * What rights incarcerated individuals have under the ADA and the Constitution * How prisons handle medically necessary diets like gluten-free diets * What protections apply in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities * What to do if a facility says it cannot accommodate your dietary needs * When poor care crosses the line into disability discrimination This powerful conversation is ultimately about dignity, equal access, and understanding your rights when your health is in someone else's hands. A must-listen episode for anyone with a food restriction. Connect with Mary Vargas * LinkedIn: @Mary Vargas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-vargas-594161a/] * Stein & Vargas LLP [https://www.steinvargas.com/] Connect with Jenny Finke (host) * Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] * Subscribe to her weekly newsletter [https://welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/] * Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox) [https://www.facebook.com/lovemeglutenfreebox] * Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box [https://www.lovemeglutenfree.com] Chapters * 00:00 Understanding Rights for Celiac and Food Allergies * 19:59 Food Access in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Decoding the Gluten Challenge: When and Why to Reintroduce Gluten with Registered Dietitian Erin Kenny

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with registered dietitian and celiac disease expert Erin Kenny, founder of The Celiac Space, to tackle one of the most confusing topics in the gluten-free world: The Gluten Challenge. If you've already gone gluten-free but never received a definitive celiac disease diagnosis, should you start eating gluten again for testing? How much gluten is required? For how long? And is a Gluten Challenge always necessary? Erin breaks down the latest recommendations, explains who should and shouldn't consider a Gluten Challenge, and shares practical guidance for navigating the diagnostic process. Jenny and Erin also discuss the story of a well-known gluten-free influencer who spent years believing he had celiac disease, only to discover through genetic testing that celiac was unlikely. His experience highlights the importance of getting the right testing and understanding what a diagnosis can—and cannot—tell you. Whether you're newly gluten-free, questioning a past diagnosis, or trying to help a loved one navigate testing, this episode will help you better understand the path to answers. What You'll Learn: * What a Gluten Challenge is and why it may be necessary * Who should consider a Gluten Challenge—and who may not need one * How much gluten is required for accurate testing * The role of genetic testing in ruling celiac disease in or out * What to do if you can't tolerate eating gluten again * Common misconceptions about celiac disease diagnosis * How to advocate for yourself during the testing process Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Gluten Challenge 10:37 Erin's Personal Journey with Celiac Disease 20:30 The Role of Genetic Testing 22:56 Exploring Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity 30:31 The Value of a Definitive Diagnosis Connect with Erin Kenny * The Celiac Space website [https://theceliacspace.com/] * The Celiac Space Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the_celiac_space/] Connect with Jenny Finke (host) Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] Subscribe to her weekly newsletter [https://welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/] Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox) [https://www.facebook.com/lovemeglutenfreebox] Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box [https://www.lovemeglutenfree.com]

Know Your Rights: Celiac Disease, Food Allergies & the ADA with Attorney Mary Vargas

What rights do people with celiac disease actually have? In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with disability rights attorney Mary Vargas to break down how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people living with celiac disease and food allergies. Mary shares how her family’s personal experiences led her into disability rights law and walks through landmark cases involving restaurants, colleges, camps, and public spaces that helped shape protections for the gluten-free community. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How celiac disease is protected under the ADA * What rights you have in restaurants, schools, camps, and workplaces * The landmark cases changing gluten-free accommodations * What “reasonable accommodations” actually look like * Why advocacy continues to create change for the gluten-free community This episode is an empowering conversation about inclusion, accessibility, and learning how to confidently advocate for yourself or your family while living gluten-free. Connect with Mary Vargas LinkedIn: @Mary Vargas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-vargas-594161a/] Stein & Vargas LLP [https://www.steinvargas.com/] Connect with Jenny Finke (host) Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] Subscribe to her weekly newsletter [https://welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/] Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox) [https://www.facebook.com/lovemeglutenfreebox] Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box [https://www.lovemeglutenfree.com] Chapters 00:00 Understanding Celiac Disease and Disability Rights 05:41 Legal Protections Under the ADA 09:02 Landmark Cases: JD vs. Colonial Williamsburg 14:11 Restaurant Rights and Accommodations 18:43 College Dining Rights and Responsibilities 22:39 Navigating Workplace Accommodations 37:13 When to Consider Litigation

Healing Beyond Gluten: Micronutrients, Gut Health & Celiac Disease with Registered Dietitian Jessica Lebovits

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with registered dietitian and celiac specialist Jessica Lebovits to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of living gluten-free: micronutrient deficiencies. Jessica explains why people with celiac disease are so prone to deficiencies in nutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium, folate, and B12 — and why those deficiencies can persist even after going gluten-free. She also shares practical advice on nutrient testing, supplementation, and how to build a more nutrient-dense gluten-free diet. Jessica also discusses the published micronutrient guidelines she co-authored for people with celiac disease and why they’re such an important tool for long-term healing and wellness. What You'll Learn: * Why nutrient deficiencies are common in celiac disease * How to approach supplements without overdoing it * The importance of a “food-first” approach to healing Connect with Jessica Lebovits Instagram: @ [https://www.instagram.com/gfree_rd/]gfree_rd [https://www.instagram.com/gfree_rd/] & @ [https://www.instagram.com/bellybestieclub/]bellybestieclub [https://www.instagram.com/bellybestieclub/] LinkedIn: @ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalebovits/]Jessica Lebovits [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalebovits/] Micronutrient Considerations for Celiac Disease published in Practical Gastroenterology: Micronutrient Considerations for Celiac Disease [https://practicalgastro.com/2023/10/16/micronutrient-considerations-for-celiac-disease/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Jenny Finke (host) Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lovemeglutenfreebox] Jenny on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree] and subscribe to her newsletter [https://welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com/]. Jenny on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/] Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box [https://www.lovemeglutenfree.com] Chapters 00:00 – Why Nutrients Matter on a Gluten-Free Diet 06:00 – The Most Common Deficiencies in Celiac Disease 13:00 – What Nutrient Levels Celiacs Should Be Testing 21:30 – Food First vs. Supplements: What Actually Helps?

From Farm Roots to Clean Snacks: The Story Behind Wild Zora with Founder Zora Tabin

What happens when a childhood rooted in farming, homemade food, and simple ingredients meets the modern need for clean, portable snacks? In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with Zora Tabin, founder of Wild Zora, to talk about her incredible journey from growing up in communist-era Czechoslovakia to building one of the most trusted clean snack brands in the gluten-free space. Zora shares how her family’s connection to farming, whole foods, and using every part of the animal shaped the way she thinks about food today. She opens up about moving to the US and eventually launching Wild Zora from her Colorado kitchen after struggling to find truly healthy, protein-packed snacks for her family. Jenny and Zora also dive into: * Why clean ingredients matter more than ever * The truth about “natural flavors” * How Wild Zora pioneered protein-forward snacks before the trend exploded * The realities of building a self-manufacturing food business * Why so many gluten-free consumers rely on portable meals and snacks * The growing interest in organ meats, freeze-dried foods, and regenerative agriculture Whether you’re gluten-free, ingredient-conscious, or simply curious about how thoughtful food brands are built, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration. Connect with Wild Zora Website: wildzora.com [https://wildzora.com/] Instagram: @wildzorafoods [https://www.instagram.com/wildzorafoods/] Facebook: @Wild Zora Foods [https://www.facebook.com/wildzorafoods/] Linkedin: @Wild Zora Foods [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-zora/] Connect with Jenny Finke (host) Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) [https://www.instagram.com/lovemeglutenfree/] and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox) [https://www.facebook.com/lovemeglutenfreebox]. Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree [https://www.instagram.com/goodforyouglutenfree/] and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com [https://welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com/]. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/] Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com [http://lovemeglutenfree.com] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zora Tabin and Wild Zora 02:01 Zora's Background and Connection to Food 04:29 Journey to the U.S. and Colorado 08:07 Inception of Wild Zora: The Business Idea 10:47 The Clean Eating Movement and Family Needs 12:44 Challenges in Sourcing Ingredients 15:39 Feedback and Growth in Farmers Markets 17:13 Transitioning to Retail and Post-COVID Strategy 20:38 Partnership with Josh and Self-Manufacturing 22:58 Building a Brand with Personal Touch 26:01 Navigating Challenges Post-COVID 29:24 Innovations in Freeze-Drying Technology 32:15 Catering to Diverse Dietary Needs 36:21 Maintaining Creative Freedom in Business 39:06 Connecting with the Community through Quality Products