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about gffm + jackie

Jackie McEwan is the founder of Gluten Free Follow Me, the guide to living gluten-free. Eleven years ago, Jackie learned she had celiac disease. She had just graduated from Georgetown University and moved to New York City for her finance job. Jackie had to figure out what gluten was, what foods she could eat, what foods she had to avoid, and the nuances in between. It was incredibly overwhelming, and she wished she had a go-to guide to tell her all she needed to know about following a gluten-free diet. This manual did not yet exist so Jackie did a ton of research and learned how to maneuver being gluten-free at restaurants and in her own kitchen. Gluten Free Follow Me was born! glutenfreefollowme.com allows users to do their own customized searches across 2,500+ gluten-free friendly eateries, products, and recipes she’s personally reviewed and made.

Jackie is so happy that she can share what she’s learned and have others benefit from her experiences and research. She wants everyone to feel comfortable when eating. Whether you have to be gluten-free, choose to be gluten-free, or have a family member or friend that follows a gluten-free diet, we all deserve to eat well! Jackie loves to discover gluten-free options locally & in her travels, find the best products, and develop her own gluten-free creations.

After living in New York City, Los Angeles, and doing vanlife, Jackie is now settled in Connecticut with her husband Brendan, their first baby Chloe, and their golden retriever rescue Odie!

Shoutout LA Magazine

Feature in ShoutoutLA Magazine

7.1.21
Jackie was featured in Shoutout LA Magazine, sharing how her business is focused on helping the community, her ideal itinerary for a visit to Los Angeles, her special shoutout to a deserving group of people, and more!
The Independent Logo

6 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes via The Independent

5.10.21
The Independent chose @glutenfree.followme as one of six Instagram accounts to follow for delicious gluten-free recipes! Jackie is the sole American account included in this list.
Jackie McEwan is the top infliulencer for 11th Annual Gluten Free Awards

Top Gluten-Free Online Resource and Top Gluten-Free Website in 2021

7.11.20
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted Top Gluten-Free Online Resource and Top Gluten-Free Website in 2021, for the 6th year in a row, via the 11th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
10th Gluten Free Awards Logo

Top 30 Gluten-Free Personality in 2020

8.10.19
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted one of the top 30 gluten-free personalities in 2020, for the 5th year in a row, via the 10th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
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TV Commercial with Chase & Marriott Bonvoy

8.2.19
I worked with Chase and Marriott Bonvoy on an ad campaign in Mexico City! I love to travel, and I don’t let celiac stop me from exploring the world. The print ads are on Instagram, Instagram Stories, Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat as well.
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Featured in amNewYork: Top 5 NYC spots for gluten-free dining, according to a blogger who's taste-tested them all

1.10.19
Jackie was featured in amNewYork, sharing five of her favorite gluten-free spots in NYC, how Gluten Free Follow Me was born in NYC, and more! In honor of National Gluten Free Day on January 13th.
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Feature in VoyageLA Magazine

12.17.18
Meet Trailblazer Jackie McEwan. Jackie was featured in VoyageLA Magazine with a full interview, sharing more details on her journey, how Gluten Free Follow Me started, and everything in between!
9th Annual Gluten Free Awards

Top 25 Gluten-Free Influencer in 2019

8.6.18
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted one of the top 25 gluten-free influencers in 2019, for the 4th year in a row, via the 9th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
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Vitacost Influencer Spotlight

6.29.18
Jackie was featured on Vitacost’s Influencer Spotlight. She shares more about her journey, how she stays inspired, what she typically eats in a day, her exercise routine, and more.
California Pizza Kitchen Logo

Video with California Pizza Kitchen

6.25.18
Jackie filmed with California Pizza Kitchen in their Innovation Kitchen, making and eating gluten-free Cauliflower Crust Pizza and other delicious gluten-free items with Executive Chef Brian Sullivan.
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Video Segment from Brandless Pop-up with Purpose

5.4.18
Gluten Free Follow Me’s Jackie McEwan and Nima Labs CEO Shireen Yates talk about what it’s like to go gluten-free at the #BrandlessLife Pop-up with Purpose in LA.
Bluehost Spotlight Awards 2018

1st Place for 2018 Bluehost Spotlight Awards

5.2.18
Gluten Free Follow Me won 1st place for the 2018 Bluehost Spotlight Awards. Entries were judged on overall creativity and originality; overall look, design, grammar, and professionalism; and the use of WordPress themes, plugins and technology.

Guest on Wellness Realness Podcast: The Truth About Entrepreneurship and Working from Home

11.13.17
We talk about Jackie’s website relaunch, what it’s like redesigning a site, and how her brand has grown in such a short time. We discuss what it’s like being an entrepreneur working from home and how that differs from working in an office. We talk about the misconceptions about people who work from home, efficient ways to schedule your time, and the importance of movement. Jackie shares her experience working in banking versus working for herself from her apartment. We talk about social media time, social media advertising, and generational differences when it comes to social media…
The Chef and The Dish logo

How to Up Your Culinary Game

9.12.17
Jackie and other home cooks share their favorite kitchen tools to up your culinary game.
8th Annual Gluten Free Awards Logo

Top 20 Gluten-Free Blog in 2018

9.5.17
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted one of the top 20 gluten-free blogs in 2018, for the 3rd year in a row, via the 8th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
Jackie was interviewed by NBC for Celiac Awareness Month

Live TV Interview on NBC10 Philadelphia

5.23.17
NBC10 is recognizing Celiac Awareness Month by giving tips to fight symptoms with a gluten-free diet. Jackie Aanonsen McEwan of Gluten Free Follow Me and CEO of The Rachel Way Gluten and Dairy Free Pantry Heather Gannon are in our NBC10 studios to tell us more.

Guest on Wellness Realness Podcast

4.23.17
Jackie discusses what it was like to jump from a job in finance to building her own brand, the differences between California and New York, and how she manages the entrepreneurial lifestyle. We discuss stigmas that come along with blogging and the differences for men and women in the workplaces. Jackie also shares her personal story about how she found out she has Celiac, how she dealt with it, where gluten is hiding, her favorite places to eat, and more…
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Guest Blog Post on on Dining Out Gluten-Free

2.3.17
I’m pretty excited to welcome a good friend & really fun guest blogger today, everyone meet Jackie! She’s the super talented blogger and resourceful mastermind behind Gluten Free Follow Me; a comprehensive dining guide that’s meant to make gluten-free dining effortless & conveniently easy for all. She’s eaten her way through some of the best restaurants …
Christina Rice Wellness Logo

Christina Rice Wellness Interview on GFFM

1.4.17
This week I’m over-the-moon excited to be featuring a gluten-free goddess who has saved my butt countless times – Jackie Aanonsen McEwan! If you’re not familiar with Jackie, she’s the creator of Gluten Free Follow Me, a gluten-free gal’s bible when it comes to eating out and finding the best restaurants in New York, California, and a ton of other places …
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Guest Blog Post on Tips for Saving $ on an Allergen Free Diet

12.19.16
Gluten-free and other allergen free foods can be more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. However, eating with an allergy does not need to break the bank. I can help you save money with some easy strategies …
7th Annual Gluten Free Awards

Top 30 Gluten-Free Blog in 2017

12.31.17
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted one of the top 30 gluten-free blogs in 2017, for the 2nd year in a row, via the 7th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
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Easy Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes

11.23.16
We love sweets, and we seriously feel for our gluten-free friends who struggle to appease their sweet tooth in a world where so many desserts have gluten. Luckily, there are now tons of delicious gluten-free desserts to choose from…
Hilary's Eat Well a gluten-free brand

Guest Blog Post on Bread Swap

11.2.16
It is great having allergen free bread options, but it’s also healthier to avoid bread even if it is gluten-free. It is cleaner to use a vegetable, or fruit substitute. Here are some of my favorite bread substitutions – they are so good that you won’t miss out on that slice of bread…
Good Housekeeping Magazine and their logo

8 Gluten Free Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following

5.31.16
We have collated our favourite 8 Instagram accounts that focus solely on gluten-free dishes, whether that be recipes created by the Instagrammer, or their top restaurant picks. You’re welcome…
Hilary's Eat Well a gluten-free brand

Guest Blog Post on Allergy Free Weddings

4.7.16
Do you have allergies and are either getting married or attending a wedding soon? I can help you out! Allergies tend to be more stressful during parties and events because you usually don’t have as much or any control over the food…
Hilary's Eat Well a gluten-free brand

Guest Blog Post on Dining Out Gluten-Free

3.2.16
I love eating out and finding good food! I share my tips on how to dine out gluten-free in a safe and delicious way…
7th Annual Gluten Free Awards

Top 30 Gluten-Free Blog in 2016

12.31.16
Gluten Free Follow Me was voted one of the top 30 gluten-free blogs in 2016 via the 6th Annual Gluten-Free Awards, presented by the Gluten-Free Buyers Guide.
The Daily Meal Logo in NYC

15 Great Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants and Bakeries in New York City

8.26.16
Gluten Free? Follow Me! There are SO many gluten-free friendly restaurants and bakeries in NYC. Your issue shouldn’t be finding gluten-free things to eat – it should be deciding where to go to first! I detail and rank 1,000 gluten-free friendly eateries in NYC…

When and how did you find out that you had to follow a gluten-free diet?


Nine years ago, my sports doctor had all of his patients take a food intolerance test, and gluten came up in my test results. I was like, what’s gluten?! Looking back, my diagnosis made a lot of sense because I would get sick at least once a week in college. In college, I would eat stir fry on Sundays (using gluten-filled soy sauce) and always felt nauseous. I would get sick after eating my favorite sandwich at Cosi and thought it was food poisoning. I went to the Emergency Room at a nearby hospital a few times because I couldn’t keep any food or water down. I had these reactions throughout college but no one ever brought up gluten as a reason for my sickness. I normalized these reactions because they had unfortunately become normal to me. Gluten sensitivity/intolerance and celiac disease were not as wide-spread as they are now. Looking back, it seems silly that I never pressed doctors on what was making me sick but gluten wasn’t in the forefront of my mind or their minds.

I was incredibly overwhelmed when I finally found out that gluten was making me sick. I didn’t even realize I was sick! I had recently moved to New York City and was so excited to eat out at all the restaurants. I went to a few gastroenterologists and found out I didn’t just have a gluten intolerance – I also had celiac disease.

What made you decide to start Gluten Free Follow Me?

My diagnosis forced me to rethink what I was eating because I had to immediately cut gluten out of my diet. My first thought was that I had just bought a Costco-size of Quaker Oat’s instant oatmeal packets which I kept in my desk at work (oats need to be certified gluten-free in order to be safe).

I did a ton of research on what foods had gluten in it, what foods were gluten-free, and all the grey areas in between. The gluten-free diet has become much more popular in the past few years, but it wasn’t as prevalent eight years ago so it was challenging. I wished there was ONE guide that had everything I needed to know about following a gluten-free diet.

In March 2014, I started to post about some of the gluten-free foods I was eating on Instagram. Surprisingly to me, my posts were met with great reception. People I had never met were asking me for more tips on gluten-free friendly eateries, products, and recipes, and I was more than happy to continue to make these discoveries. I was getting so many questions that I knew I needed to put all this information in one place rather than just Instagram. I taught myself how to make a website, and I launched www.glutenfreefollowme.com in September 2014! I wish I had something like Gluten Free Follow Me to guide me through my new gluten-free diet eight years ago, but I’m glad I can be a guide for others now!

What is gluten?

Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in wheat and related grains, including barley, rye, oat, and all their species and hybrids. Gluten helps food maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together. Gluten can be found in many types of food – not just bread! Gluten is commonly found in breads, baked goods, soups, pasta, cereal, sauces, salad dressings, but there are so many gluten-free alternatives nowadays so it really isn’t hard to be gluten-free!

When I first went gluten-free nine years ago, it was challenging because it wasn’t popular then. You really had to do your own research and search for gluten-free items. Now, most supermarkets have an entire section for gluten-free items, and they label which items are gluten-free outside of that section.

Many mainstream products label their products as gluten-free if they are or have adjusted their products to make them gluten-free. The gluten-free diet has become more popular with greater public awareness and better diagnoses. More and more people are discovering that they have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. I’m glad that it’s become more acknowledged because it’s making people more mindful of allergies and thoughtful about what’s best for their body.

Why do some people avoid gluten and how does gluten affect them?

People react differently to gluten. My reaction to gluten is I have to throw up anywhere from three to ten hours after eating it. I definitely don’t miss the 3am trips to the bathroom after getting glutened at dinner. Thankfully this reaction hasn’t happened to me in a long time since I’m so careful. I’m very sensitive to gluten, so I will know if I ingest it! This is why I do a lot of research before eating out and ask questions regarding cross contamination and food preparation. Other symptoms can be bloating, skin rashes and red-like skin, digestive discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, headache, tiredness, weight loss, stomach aches, nausea, and more.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease and affects about 1% of the general population. Unfortunately, many people who have celiac disease don’t even know that they have it. I’m so thankful that I found out nine years ago because if it goes untreated, it can lead to malabsorption, osteoporosis, iron deficiency, other autoimmune diseases, and in general a reduced quality of life. Ladies, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, try going on a gluten-free diet. Many doctors now know enough about gluten’s impact to recommend this.

A lot of people, including me, forget that certain symptoms you have aren’t normal. You normalize it because it happens so much but you shouldn’t feel sick or uncomfortable all the time! I recommend taking a food intolerance test as a first step to see what comes up – the results may surprise you.

Many people feel better when they give up gluten, and they end up self-diagnosing themselves as it can be tough to diagnosis gluten sensitivity. If you feel better going gluten-free (just like with anything), then by all means, continue to do so! 

What do you eat for lunch when you’re not eating out at restaurants?

When I’m not eating out, my typical lunch is a big salad and omelet topped with lots of roasted veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, beets, Brussels sprouts, and squash. For dressing, I mix together apple vinegar, yellow mustard, and then whatever I have on hand such as balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar, honey dijon dressing, or another salad dressing. It’s so easy to make, and it’s healthy and delicious.

What are your go-to snacks?

I love berries, especially blueberries. And when cherries are in season, they’re my ultimate fave! I’m obsessed with healthy two ingredient pancakes – yup, just two ingredients! I make these all the time, and they’re too good. I also make my three ingredient chocolate mug cake all the time. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, but I also have a sweet tooth and love my chocolate & eat it daily

I have a blog post with easy & healthy snacks I love here. I’m also constantly trying new products which is fun and tasty! You can find 1,000 brands I’ve personally reviewed here and filter by Food Type and Dietary Restrictions to find the products right for you. I also bake a lot and love creating new recipes. 300+ recipes can be found here!

Do you ever miss gluten?

I miss it a bit when I’m out with a group of people and everyone but me is eating the bread from the bread basket. However, rather than filling up on the bread, I am able to eat more of the “real food” later on in the meal. When a restaurant does serve gluten-free bread, it makes me appreciate it even more. I definitely don’t miss my gluten reaction, so it’s all worth it in the end.

If you have to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons, please don’t cheat! You’re directly hurting your body, and it isn’t worth it!

Can your recipes be made vegan or dairy free if not already?


Usually yes! If you’re following a dairy free diet, make sure you use non-dairy butter, cheese, and milk. For milk, you can use nut & seed milks such as almond, cashew, hemp, flax, and macadamia milk. Or soy milk and coconut milk.

If you’re vegan, you can use an egg substitute. When baking, you can replace 1 egg with a flax “egg” which is 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp warm water, or a chia “egg” which is 1 tbsp ground chia seeds + 3 tbsp warm water. Ener-G and Bob’s Red Mill also make egg replacers.

You can also find all my vegan recipes by going to the Recipe section of my website and filter by Vegan there. And you can find vegan and dairy-free products I’ve tried by going to the Products section of my website and filter by certified vegan, vegan, vegan options, dairy-free, and dairy-free options.

Can your recipes be made paleo if not already?


Usually yes! If you’re following a paleo diet, you can use coconut sugar as a 1-to-1 substitute wherever it says sugar and then cassava flour as a 1-to-1 substitute wherever it says flour. You can also substitute coconut flour for flour but it won’t be a 1-to-1 substitute – it’s more like 1/4 cup coconut flour = 1 cup flour. You can substitute honey for white sugar, and substitute maple syrup for brown sugar. If you don’t want to use butter, than feel free to use coconut oil or ghee.

You can also find all my paleo recipes by going to the Recipe section of my website and filter by Paleo there. And you can find paleo and grain-free products I’ve tried by going to the Products section of my website and filter by certified paleo, paleo, paleo option, and grain-free.

How does your rating system work?


I personally review all of the eateries and brands on my website. I use a rating system from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. I base my ratings on taste, variety & abundance of gluten-free options, and safety.

Restaurant Ratings:

5 rating: incredible — the restaurant has so many delicious gluten-free options; I will go back or already have gone back several times

4 rating: very good — the restaurant has great gluten-free options; it’s a solid choice

3 rating: good — has some gluten-free options; not my first choice but I can find some things to eat

2 rating: not good — didn’t have much for us to eat; maybe 1 or 2 dishes/salads could be made gluten-free

1 rating: don’t go — this rating really doesn’t exist since it would mean they have nothing gluten-free for us to eat; I can’t even add them to my website

Brand Ratings:

5 rating: excellent — if the product is around me, I have to eat it/use it in that instant and/or use this brand all the time

4 rating: very good — I eat/use this brand a good amount

3 rating: good — it’s an option but not my first choice

2 rating: not good

    HAVE A QUESTION that wasn’t answered?
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    interested in collaborating or partnering?

    I love working with you! If you would like to partner, view my media kit, send me products, invite me to a restaurant or event, or something else, feel free to contact me.

    reach out to Jackie for more information >>

    interested in a 1-on-1 consultation?

    After many requests, I now offer 1-on-1 gluten-free consulting services! I want to help you understand how to follow a gluten-free lifestyle, enjoy eating gluten-free, and become a confident gluten-free advocate for yourself! I want to give you the resources and tools to live your best gluten-free life. Following a gluten-free diet can be difficult at times. I truly believe that knowledge is power. The more you know and understand, the easier it gets. You CAN enjoy eating and going out with family & friends!

     

    Consultation via Video:

    • $500 for one 60-minute video session
    • $1,300 for three 60-minute video sessions

    Before our video session, you will receive a comprehensive document that shares all you need to know about living gluten-free. We will go over this document, and you’re welcome to come with questions as well.

     

    Consultation via Emailing / Texting:

    • $350 for the ability to email/text me to ask specific questions for 1 month
    • $900 for the ability to email/text me to ask specific questions for 3 months

    Specific questions include asking whether a product is safe for you to eat, restaurant recommendations, recipe recommendations, what to eat at a particular restaurant, etc.

     

    Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a nutritionist or medical professional. The opinions and information herein are provided for educational and entertainment purposes, and in no way should be considered medical or professional advice. All opinions expressed are the opinion of Gluten Free Follow Me / Jackie McEwan.

    Comments or Questions?

    Please email me at glutenfreefollowme@gmail.com or fill out the form below!