The diagnosis of celiac disease as a turning point in food choices and new foodways

This qualitative study aimed to understand how food choices and practices occur in the daily and social lives of people who have celiac disease (CD). Seventeen participants were interviewed. The Food Choice Process Model was adopted as a theoretical framework for the Content Analysis. Diagnosis was a turning point, that led to changes in the personal food choice systems, either abruptly or gradually. Having CD affected moments of commensality and generated constant negotiations for safe food choices. Health was the main determinant that guided food choices and practices, interrelated with the other four determinants: availability, cost, relationship management, and know-how.