Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Perel.
Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In August 2019, I had a panic attack driving to work. I had never had one before and it was an extremely weird feeling. In the weeks following, I went to see several doctors for what I thought was vision problems, acid reflux, anxiety and more. I wasn’t myself cause I had no appetite, didn’t want to eat and just wanted to lay in bed. Fast forward to November 2019 and I took myself to the ER cause I was having really bad stomach pains consistently. The doctor gave me some medicine to help the pain and referred me to a gastroenterologist. A few days later, I saw one, and they ran additional labs. One week later, I got the call that I was positive for Celiac Disease. My first thought was Why Me?, I’m scared to have a colonoscopy and how am I going to survive. For those that don’t know, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that attacks your intestines and you can’t digest gluten. You must adhere to a gluten-free diet as there is no cure. From that day on in November, I have stuck to a gluten-free diet. I started by cleaning out my whole kitchen, wiping down all surfaces in my home and buying gluten-free cookbooks. There was lots of research, questions, Google searches over the first few months and I really was put to the test when I traveled to India and Singapore in early 2020. Then, Covid hit. I was furloughed from my job for 90 days and at the time, I was posting a ton of food pictures on my Instagram. My friends suggested I start a separate page, and in April 2020 Plating with Perel was launched. My goal with starting my page was to raise awareness for Celiac Disease and give gluten-free cooking a great rep. I’ve got my page to over 4,000 followers today by following something I’m passionate about and helping raise awareness for the Celiac community. When I started this journey, I never would have thought I would be at where I’m at today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. I was at my all-time low in late 2019 prior to being diagnosed. With Celiac Disease comes over 300 symptoms including anxiety and depression. I have worked hard to get these under control, but they do come up from time to time. It’s all about coping and staying positive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Plating with Perel is the name of my food blog. It is a collection of gluten-free photos, reels, and videos highlighting recipes from a gluten-free home cook (me). Living with Celiac Disease, I want to highlight gluten-free food and show you can make any dish gluten-free. I’ve had a passion for food since I was young and being diagnosed right before/during Covid gave me a reason to highlight it. I draw inspiration for all my dishes from childhood memories and love travels. There is always a story behind every dish.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You can do anything you put your mind to! In a little over two years, I have gone from a food page with nothing to over 4,000 followers, dozens of partnerships/collaborations, and even a TV show. I tell friends and family do what you’re passionate about and follow through, and if your heart is in the right place, you will succeed.
Contact Info:
- Email: ryanperel@comcast.net
- Website: Platingwithperel.com
- Instagram: Platingwithperel
