Need a gluten-free role model? Meet NFCA Athlete for Awareness Peter Bronski! Peter was diagnosed with celiac disease almost 5 years ago. Now, he runs races to raise money for NFCA!

How long have you been gluten-free?

Coming up on 5 years, since January 2007

What's your favorite gluten-free food?

There are so many! But a good gluten-free pizza is always on my list.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done since going gluten-free?

I’ve met amazing people in the gluten-free community, and achieved more than I ever thought I could as an athlete. I competed in the U.S. national championship for Xterra off-road triathlons, and now compete in 50-mile ultramarathons. Before I went gluten-free, running 5 miles was a big challenge!

Describe your perfect gluten-free day:

Start the day with gluten-free Belgian waffles, some bacon, fresh fruit, and a glass of cranberry juice (my favorite). Then anything active – rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, trail running. Lunch is something easy on the go – a sandwich on gluten-free bread, slices of apple with peanut butter, carrot sticks. For dinner, a big bowl of gluten-free spaghetti with Italian meatballs. And of course, finish the day with a little bit of dessert… maybe a few gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies, or a slice of gluten-free blueberry pie. Yum!

What is your dream for the next generation of gluten-free kids?

My dream is to see the gluten-free diet become a “regular” lifestyle, instead of a “special” diet for those of us who can’t eat gluten. Whether you eat wheat, or if you’re a vegetarian, or if you’re gluten-free, we all eat what our body needs to be happy and healthy. I want to see gluten-free kids get the support they need – from family, friends, school – to live a great gluten-free life. (And it IS great!)

If you could tell gluten-free kids one thing, what would it be?

Going gluten-free is the start of great things for you! With your body and mind healthy, you’ll feel great and be able to accomplish so much!