I used to be a wimp and try to explain why the diet.  Now I just say "No,
thank you.  I can't eat that."  I hide food in my car, purse, wherever, and
don't need to go hungry just because the food offered isn't my type.  If
people don't understand the term "gluten free," I just tell it's complicated
but extremely important for me to follow my diet.  I can't expect to educate
the whole world, and I have better ways to spend my time.

Patty (San Francisco)