Meet Your Celiac Disease Dietitian:
Feriha Bilgen, MPH, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian. Gut Health Specialist. Advocate for clear, compassionate care and optimized wellness.
If you’re looking for a dietitian who gets the real-life challenges of gluten-free living and meets you with both empathy and expertise—you’re in the right place.
From Overwhelm to Empowerment: Why I Do This Work
Hi, I’m Feriha—a registered dietitian with over 5 years of clinical experience and a lifelong connection to Celiac Disease.
My journey began when I was 14, after my mom was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. We were told to “just avoid gluten,” but without guidance or labeling laws, we were left navigating a world full of hidden gluten with zero support. Even after going gluten-free, my mom still struggled with symptoms—and routine follow-ups left us with more questions than answers.
That experience lit the fire in me: no one should have to figure this out alone.
Today, I use a blend of evidence-based care and real-life tools to help others transition, heal, and thrive in a gluten-filled world.
My Professional Experience
From Pediatrics to Palliative Care—And Everything In Between
I’ve worked across the full spectrum of life—from infants and toddlers to pregnant women, aging adults, and even hospice patients. My background includes:
Critical care, inpatient, and palliative/hospice nutrition
Pediatric and maternal nutrition (from picky eating to prenatal care)
Complex GI disorders, chronic condition management, and gut health
Outpatient counseling where real-life meets real results
Wherever you are in your journey—I’ve probably supported someone just like you.
Feriha Bilgen, MPH, RD, LD - Founder of Celiac Wellness Simplified
“You’re the expert in your life. My job is to bring clarity, clinical insight, and compassion—so you can stop second-guessing and start thriving.”
My Nutrition Philosophy: Grounded, Practical, and Whole-Person Focused
I don’t believe in fear-based restrictions, one-size-fits-all plans, or trendy tests that promise more than they deliver.
I believe most people with Celiac Disease are given vague advice—if any at all—and left to figure it out alone. That leads to wasted time, poor nutrition, and unnecessary stress, not just for the individual, but for their entire household.
So here’s how I approach it:
We start with education.
Understanding gluten-free labeling, cross-contact, and how to build a safe gluten-free life is foundational. When you know why you're doing something, you're more likely to stick with it—and less likely to panic every time you see a mystery ingredient.We prioritize quality nutrition.
A gluten-free version of the Standard American Diet isn’t enough. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years in, we focus on improving diet quality—not just swapping gluten-free bread for regular bread.We meet you where you are.
Whether you're navigating picky toddlers, postpartum shifts, aging parents, or managing multiple chronic conditions, we adapt our strategy to your life stage. I’ve supported clients across the entire lifespan—from early childhood through older adulthood—and I bring that lens of nuance and compassion into every session.We focus on real-life wellness.
Sleep, stress, mental clarity, weight management, and metabolic health are all part of your gut health story. I care about your labs—and your lived experience.
“You’re in the driver’s seat—not gluten. When you have the tools and knowledge, you steer your life with confidence.”
A Practical Approach to Gluten-Free Wellness
We believe in flexible, sustainable eating that supports gut health, energy, and long-term well-being.
Here’s what that looks like at Celiac Wellness Simplified:
We take a food-first approach to nutrition.
Supplements are used when needed—to prevent deficiencies or support healing—not as a replacement for a balanced diet.We honor your dietary preferences and culture.
We tailor our guidance to fit your lifestyle—within the context of evidence-based nutrition. We don’t promote extremes, because lasting wellness is built on balance.We emphasize real, minimally processed foods.
Many gluten-free products are highly processed or low in nutrition. We’ll help you move toward whole food meals that are simple, satisfying, and supportive of long-term health.We prioritize nutrient-dense choices.
That includes high-quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and naturally gluten-free whole foods to support healing, fullness, and strength.We draw from Mediterranean-style principles.
This way of eating emphasizes vegetables, legumes, healthy fats, and mindful eating—without rigid rules.We apply gentle lower-carbohydrate strategies when helpful.
Especially for clients navigating blood sugar issues, energy crashes, or metabolic health goals.We support healthy weight management when needed.
With practical, personalized tools—never guilt, shame, or extreme restriction.
Feriha Bilgen, MPH, RD, LD - Founder of Celiac Wellness Simplified
A Few Fun Facts About Feriha
📍 Located In: Orlando, FL ☀️
🍽️ Food You Could Eat Forever: Stuffed Grape Leaves
🥕 Go-To Snack: Celery & Carrots with Hummus
☕ Beverage of Choice: Double Espresso with a dash of condensed milk
🚶♀️ Favorite Movement: Walking & Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do)
🌍 Dream Destinations: Italy, Spain, Panama, Turkey—Anywhere with a Beach!
✨ Let’s make your gluten-free journey simple, nourishing, and stress-free!
Download Your Free Guide:
EDUCATION
University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI
Master of Public Health in Human Nutrition
School of Public Health Dietetic Internship
University of Florida | Gainesville, FL
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science
CERTIFICATIONS:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Certificate of Training in Treating Gluten-Related Disoders
Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Certificate of Training in Diabetes Mellitus
REGISTERATION & LICENSURES:
Florida Health: ND 9683
Ready to Work with Someone Who Truly Gets It?
If you’ve made it this far, you already know: managing Celiac Disease takes more than cutting out gluten.
It takes clarity, support, and someone who understands both the science and the lived experience.
At Celiac Wellness Simplified, I bring together clinical expertise and real-world perspective to help you feel confident, nourished, and empowered in a gluten-filled world.
What’s Next?
Explore the Celiac Wellness Simplified Mission and Method
Learn more about our philosophy, values, and the FAST Method that guides every service we offer.
Understand Why Working with a Celiac Dietitian Matters
Get clarity on what sets a Celiac Disease trained dietitian apart—and why it can change everything.
Start With the Gluten-Free Foundations Program
If you're newly diagnosed or still unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this step-by-step program is for you.