Full Version: Can't Stop Binging On Gluten!
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I've been diagnosed with celiac disease for almost 5 years and I've never stayed true to the diet. I immediately starting binging on gluten right when I got diagnosed with celiac disease... my excuse was "tomorrow I will start being gluten free and eating healthy so I can overeat today". Five years later and 100 pounds heavier, I'm completely done. I can't stop eating and am completely lazy. It's affected my social life, my school work, and everything else. I used to be up for anything and be so energetic, now I am self-conscious and afraid to go places because I am scared I will get sick. I have a gym membership but never go because I'm too depressed and have no motivation. I need help or some kind of boost to help me out. I don't know if anyone else has dealt with the situation of binge-eating on gluten because you have been told u can never eat it again but it's obviously a problem for me. I don't know what I'm looking for here, maybe some inspiration or knowing that I'm never alone? I'm only 20 years old and feel like this is so stupid I am already dealing with physical issues like possible diabetes. Thanks for reading
Rachel! Stop eating Gluten! You are going to kill yourself! The effects may not happen tomorrow or in five years or even ten...but eventually down the road it is likely that you will have long term problems develope from eating gluten. You have got to stop planning your future diet and start living cause guess what? Tomorrow is Today! It's will power that is going to get you through this and you have to make the decision to start living a healthier life. You will find this web site to be very helpful and supportive. I hope you decide to stop eating gluten today.
You definately need to follow the diet and probably need labs to see if you have any deficiencies from damage done while you are eating gluten. You could try and find something else to focus on. There are a lot of support groups out there maybe you can find one and get some ideas on how to cope and eat. There are a lot of good things to eat and with a little planning you can make a lot of good food. I originally lost 10 lbs before being diagnosed and since gluten free I have gained it all back. I am appx 30 lbs overweight, so I am not starving by any means. 
I am treating some vitamin deficiencies now and gaing a lot more energy. I feel like I can start doing some exercise now to help burn off the extra pounds.
I am treating some vitamin deficiencies now and gaing a lot more energy. I feel like I can start doing some exercise now to help burn off the extra pounds.
I've fallen into that rut as well...the whole "I'm going to binge today and do better tomorrow" routine. It is a vicious cycle that you should take care of asap...it could have really detrimental long term effects.
Rachell, do you not feel pain after eating gluten?...........don't you get a foggy head?.. or headaches?
or stomach pains?... or bad gastric?
Cause I can assure you, if you keep on eating gluten, you will regret it, you will end up with all the above and maybe worst...
You don't want to put yourself through that do you?.........having to go through pain and agony and mind altering problems , even from a simple accidental glutening?................
It's hell............and I can promise you , you will not get a moments rest from it.....
Maybe it is easier for me to stay the hell away from gluten, because of all the damage and pain it has caused me..and continues to cause me, even looking at a picture of wheat gives me the heeby jeebeys.... I hate it, because of what it has done to me...IT IS POISON!..........
Maybe each time you grab for the gluten goodies.... picture it as a nail in your coffin?... not as yummy food... but as nails...placing you one step further to bigger problems.........
Please sweetie..........look at the posts here, the pain and agony so many endure..........Why do you want that for yourself?..........
And when you look at gluten free stuff.........just tell your mind that it tastes great , and there is worst things you could have to eat.....instead of yummy fruits and vegetables and meat!... it's crunchy full of goodness...
Please Rachell... be kind to yourself...........
I must say though, when my family sit there and eat all the things I once enjoyed, I do get a little jealous, but that soon disappears when I think about the pain it causes me...........just replace the want and need with the thoughts of most excruiating pain ............because that is what will happen if you eat gluten!
or stomach pains?... or bad gastric?
Cause I can assure you, if you keep on eating gluten, you will regret it, you will end up with all the above and maybe worst...
You don't want to put yourself through that do you?.........having to go through pain and agony and mind altering problems , even from a simple accidental glutening?................
It's hell............and I can promise you , you will not get a moments rest from it.....
Maybe it is easier for me to stay the hell away from gluten, because of all the damage and pain it has caused me..and continues to cause me, even looking at a picture of wheat gives me the heeby jeebeys.... I hate it, because of what it has done to me...IT IS POISON!..........
Maybe each time you grab for the gluten goodies.... picture it as a nail in your coffin?... not as yummy food... but as nails...placing you one step further to bigger problems.........
Please sweetie..........look at the posts here, the pain and agony so many endure..........Why do you want that for yourself?..........
And when you look at gluten free stuff.........just tell your mind that it tastes great , and there is worst things you could have to eat.....instead of yummy fruits and vegetables and meat!... it's crunchy full of goodness...
Please Rachell... be kind to yourself...........
I must say though, when my family sit there and eat all the things I once enjoyed, I do get a little jealous, but that soon disappears when I think about the pain it causes me...........just replace the want and need with the thoughts of most excruiating pain ............because that is what will happen if you eat gluten!
Morning
Well, at 67 years old and un dx'd for 20 years.............I'd do anything to have know obese people could be celiac..........course at that time they'd never heard of celiac
I have a friend who has had 2 rounds with celiac related cancer...........
I pray your reconsider your decision.
Judy
Well, at 67 years old and un dx'd for 20 years.............I'd do anything to have know obese people could be celiac..........course at that time they'd never heard of celiac
I have a friend who has had 2 rounds with celiac related cancer...........
I pray your reconsider your decision.
Judy
You sure must not have the gastric issues I have when glutened. I can't IMAGINE eating gluten on purpose. When I was diagnosed, I sort of OD'd on the foods I COULD have cause I was so upset at all the foods I could no longer have... and gained about 30 lbs.
I'd only repeat what everyone else has said. Even if you don't have the immediate physical reactions to eating gluten... you're CERTAINLY doing damage to your body!
Maybe there's a gluten free organization if your local area? Meeting other peeps w/ Celiac might help a lot.
I'd only repeat what everyone else has said. Even if you don't have the immediate physical reactions to eating gluten... you're CERTAINLY doing damage to your body!
Maybe there's a gluten free organization if your local area? Meeting other peeps w/ Celiac might help a lot.
Rachel:
Please get your butt over to a meeting of Overeaters Anonymous.
https://www.oa.org/
One hour is not asking too much - please give it a try!
Please get your butt over to a meeting of Overeaters Anonymous.
https://www.oa.org/
One hour is not asking too much - please give it a try!
Hey Rachel- I too was going to suggest you see someone. It might help you understand why you won't follow the diet.
If you're 20 years old and feel like that (no energy, motivation, depressed, weight gain and possible diabetes) it CLEARLY is affecting you!
Think of it as an addictive behavior- and you are certainly NOT alone in that. Please get help!
If you're 20 years old and feel like that (no energy, motivation, depressed, weight gain and possible diabetes) it CLEARLY is affecting you!
Think of it as an addictive behavior- and you are certainly NOT alone in that. Please get help!
Hi Rachel
I want to add that depression and anxiety are common symptoms of Celiac (I had/have both), and very possibly once you adhere to the gluten-free diet 100%, you may find that you will begin to have more motivation to stick to it.
Please, begin the diet in earnest now--get help if you need to. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 49, even though I had symptoms for well over 20 years. The sooner you go gluten-free, the less chance you have of developing related problems.
We're here to help.
I want to add that depression and anxiety are common symptoms of Celiac (I had/have both), and very possibly once you adhere to the gluten-free diet 100%, you may find that you will begin to have more motivation to stick to it.
Please, begin the diet in earnest now--get help if you need to. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 49, even though I had symptoms for well over 20 years. The sooner you go gluten-free, the less chance you have of developing related problems.
We're here to help.
Thanks everyone, I had no idea that so many people would have responded so quickly, and it definitely makes me feel like I'm not alone. My sister has Celiac Disease too and she deals with it amazingly. I never had the immediate symptoms of eating gluten right away until just this year and it's been going on for a couple of months. I am definitely listening to what you guys said, even if it made me a little teary-eyed, because at 20 years old I guess I wasn't really thinking about the long-term affects of what I'm doing today. I'm sure 30 years from now I would have looked back and kicked myself in the butt. The whole cancer thing scared me to death, seeing as cancer already runs in my family. Thank you so much for all the support.... and the kick in the butt. I didn't realize how much that would help.
I didn't realize how much that would help.
One of the problems with this disease is that when it damages the lining of the intestines it also leads to nutrients not being absorbed properly by the body anymore, and the lack of those nutrients can make one act in ways that they wish they weren't. The cravings are quite "real," not imaginary and not a matter of willpower so much as eating the foods that don't do this and that work better for people who metabolize simple, easy to digest carbohydrates differently than the general population. You may also want to start taking a gluten free B complex multi vitamin, and a calcium and a magnesium supplement. I swear, based both on my research and personal experience, the B complex and the calcium and magnesium all interact and they will help kill these cravings. Doctors have now also said to increase the Vitamin D levels, also, because the previous RDA have been too low. (have been told this by my own doctor)
You've seen those skinny people who eat a lot of carbs and are hyper..... that's not us.
There's a subset of people, who get what is called "insulin resistance," and gain a lot of weight from yo- yoing back and forth on high carb starvation diets, that can do better on proteins, good fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and maybe some dairy and some starchy vegetables and a little bit of grains, maybe. Their bodies convert extra sugars to fat on the body more easily. That could more likely you.
Some of the diets that tend to fight this reaction to carbohydrates are ones like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Atkins, South Beach, Zone, they tend to be the meat and veggies type diets with fat. And when I say fat, I mean things like Olive Oil and Avocados and Nuts, Coconut milk, real dark chocolate and oils, etc. This might not sound attractive at first, but it depends on how you cook with it. The fanciest, classic restaurants actually serve a lot of food like this. The problem with American cooking is that it tends to be a lot of gravy and breading and fried bread and fried grains. Atkins took a lot of criticism about his diet, especially the "intro phase", but the one thing you notice on one of these meat and veggie type routines is that when you eat fats, you don't get hungry, because fat is the slow burning fuel that lasts the longest.
Females also are (unfortunately) to fear "fat" in the diet and to eat lots of grains and carbohydrates by our culture, which is geared towards less exercise and much access to fast food that is full of sugars, corn syrups, and simple carbohydrates. When you eat simple carbs combined with fats and sugars, that is the fastest way to put on weight. Your blood sugar immediately spikes up, you feel sated for a little while, and then it crashes, and you feel like you MUST eat sugars or carbs like bread, immediately, to bring it back up again.
People don't even know to eat VEGETABLES these days, several servings a day, to help kill hunger pangs. And real fruit instead of junk. But if you eat too much fruit, the fructose levels can cause too much problems with the way calcium is regulated, which is why you also need magnesium to regulate this.
Another problem is when you gain a lot of extra weight in the form of body fat, you actually have to eat less to maintain it, and exercise less, than muscle weight. So it is not your imagination that you might be eating less than thinner people right now. This can change as you try to exercise a bit more as you start to feel better.
You've seen those skinny people who eat a lot of carbs and are hyper..... that's not us.
There's a subset of people, who get what is called "insulin resistance," and gain a lot of weight from yo- yoing back and forth on high carb starvation diets, that can do better on proteins, good fats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and maybe some dairy and some starchy vegetables and a little bit of grains, maybe. Their bodies convert extra sugars to fat on the body more easily. That could more likely you.
Some of the diets that tend to fight this reaction to carbohydrates are ones like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, Atkins, South Beach, Zone, they tend to be the meat and veggies type diets with fat. And when I say fat, I mean things like Olive Oil and Avocados and Nuts, Coconut milk, real dark chocolate and oils, etc. This might not sound attractive at first, but it depends on how you cook with it. The fanciest, classic restaurants actually serve a lot of food like this. The problem with American cooking is that it tends to be a lot of gravy and breading and fried bread and fried grains. Atkins took a lot of criticism about his diet, especially the "intro phase", but the one thing you notice on one of these meat and veggie type routines is that when you eat fats, you don't get hungry, because fat is the slow burning fuel that lasts the longest.
Females also are (unfortunately) to fear "fat" in the diet and to eat lots of grains and carbohydrates by our culture, which is geared towards less exercise and much access to fast food that is full of sugars, corn syrups, and simple carbohydrates. When you eat simple carbs combined with fats and sugars, that is the fastest way to put on weight. Your blood sugar immediately spikes up, you feel sated for a little while, and then it crashes, and you feel like you MUST eat sugars or carbs like bread, immediately, to bring it back up again.
People don't even know to eat VEGETABLES these days, several servings a day, to help kill hunger pangs. And real fruit instead of junk. But if you eat too much fruit, the fructose levels can cause too much problems with the way calcium is regulated, which is why you also need magnesium to regulate this.
Another problem is when you gain a lot of extra weight in the form of body fat, you actually have to eat less to maintain it, and exercise less, than muscle weight. So it is not your imagination that you might be eating less than thinner people right now. This can change as you try to exercise a bit more as you start to feel better.
I'm not going to lie, I'm a little freaked out by how perfectly u just described me haha I am on a prescription for Vitamin D from my doctor, and have been told that I have Metabolic Syndrome. Which is insulin-resistance. Wow. U summed me up to a T right there lol
QUOTE (Roda @ Mar 9 2009, 05:55 AM) 
You definately need to follow the diet and probably need labs to see if you have any deficiencies from damage done while you are eating gluten. You could try and find something else to focus on. There are a lot of support groups out there maybe you can find one and get some ideas on how to cope and eat. There are a lot of good things to eat and with a little planning you can make a lot of good food. I originally lost 10 lbs before being diagnosed and since gluten free I have gained it all back. I am appx 30 lbs overweight, so I am not starving by any means. I am treating some vitamin deficiencies now and gaing a lot more energy. I feel like I can start doing some exercise now to help burn off the extra pounds.
I am treating some vitamin deficiencies now and gaing a lot more energy. I feel like I can start doing some exercise now to help burn off the extra pounds.How did you gain that 30 lbs? Was it just simply from going gluten free and there was nothing you could do to stop it? I was just diagnosed today. I have hypothyroidism and I already have a very tough time keeping weight off. But I do...by excercising like a maniac and eating really healthy... all I need now is to gain more weight out of nowhere and not be able to do anything about it.
QUOTE (Jamie @ Mar 9 2009, 06:56 PM)
How did you gain that 30 lbs? Was it just simply from going gluten free and there was nothing you could do to stop it? I was just diagnosed today. I have hypothyroidism and I already have a very tough time keeping weight off. But I do...by excercising like a maniac and eating really healthy... all I need now is to gain more weight out of nowhere and not be able to do anything about it.
Well first thing get your thyroid straightened out because losing weight when you're hypothyroid is dang near impossible. You can cut your calories/carbs drastically and maintain though.
Next I'd avoid the gluten free replacement products. They're worse than what they replace as far as starches and sugars. Concentrate on eating whole foods. Avoid starches and sugars. Eat non-starchy veggies, low sugar fruits like unsweetened berries, meat, fish, eggs, nuts. That should put the brakes on weight gain and when you get your thyroid issues worked out you should lose weight. Make sure you get plenty of protein and fat too. Protein and fat keep you full a loooong time and don't spike your blood sugar or make you over-secrete insulin like cereal or something starchy does. That just sets you up to be hungry in short order.
I know about binge eating...I do it as well, but not with anything that contains gluten. I do miss the doughnuts though.....
Imagine yourself on the toilet (sorry for the visual, but it will become clear here in a minute.)
You start sweating, A LOT!
You can feel massive gas bubbles going through your colon.
Ringing in your ears.
Then all of a sudden, you hit your head on the concrete floor in the bathroom, not knowing where you are or what your name is to say the least. You've passed out, and it will take 3 days to recover from this episode because you had 1/4 piece of bread (or the equivalent there of).
Not to mention if there is a mess or not afterwords.
This is what you have to look forward to in about another 3-5 years if you don't stop. If you can't find a support group in your area, Please call Jenny Craig or weight watchers, they have groups every where and with your dietary requirements can modify anything and find you a support group you can go to. Even if you have to pay a little bit, It is much better than the alternative.
Imagine yourself on the toilet (sorry for the visual, but it will become clear here in a minute.)
You start sweating, A LOT!
You can feel massive gas bubbles going through your colon.
Ringing in your ears.
Then all of a sudden, you hit your head on the concrete floor in the bathroom, not knowing where you are or what your name is to say the least. You've passed out, and it will take 3 days to recover from this episode because you had 1/4 piece of bread (or the equivalent there of).
Not to mention if there is a mess or not afterwords.
This is what you have to look forward to in about another 3-5 years if you don't stop. If you can't find a support group in your area, Please call Jenny Craig or weight watchers, they have groups every where and with your dietary requirements can modify anything and find you a support group you can go to. Even if you have to pay a little bit, It is much better than the alternative.
Rachel, I was just diagnosed Celiac. But I've been a compulsive overeater/binge eater for 30 years. Telling me I couldn't have something would lead to deprivation, then a binge. Over and over again. What helped me was the bulletin boards on www.something-fishy.org, said to be the best eating disorder website around. Yes, you are eating disordered. Don't wait until you have type II diabetes, like I do. It takes a long time to recover emotionally from the need to binge. Start today.
Yeah, getting off the forbidden gluten is rough. I've been gluten-intolerant for years and just recently been diagnosed as full-blown Celiac. My problem was, I knew I needed the test earlier. My mother was diagnosed about 4 or 5 years ago, and kept telling me to get checked. I kept saying, I'll do it later, I can't afford the tests, I'll miss my favorite snacks too much (and YES, there ARE gluten free doughnuts!!! ) Recently, I went into the ER for some extremely concerning abdominal problems. About an hour after checking in and letting the doctor know what was up, he checked into my medical history with other incidents of me visiting the ER. He came back in and told me that I needed to start the gluten-free diet OR ELSE. I was reminded then that my muscle and joint pain, severe abdominal stress, headaches, and everything else, was attributed to the Celiac. Things my mother had been warning me of for years. I also found out that Celiac could potentially cause infertility. My husband and I have been trying for 2 years to have a child, and the one time I was able to get pregnant, I miscarried because of unrelated health issues.
I'm twenty three years old, and up until I started the diet full-time, I felt fifty. Even though it has only been a short time since the official diagnosis and my body is still re-aligning itself, I have had more energy, and I have been far less irritable and depressed. My husband is even considering getting checked because his mother is gluten-intolerant as well.
Do yourself a favor, honey. Go on the damn diet. What is there to lose?
) Recently, I went into the ER for some extremely concerning abdominal problems. About an hour after checking in and letting the doctor know what was up, he checked into my medical history with other incidents of me visiting the ER. He came back in and told me that I needed to start the gluten-free diet OR ELSE. I was reminded then that my muscle and joint pain, severe abdominal stress, headaches, and everything else, was attributed to the Celiac. Things my mother had been warning me of for years. I also found out that Celiac could potentially cause infertility. My husband and I have been trying for 2 years to have a child, and the one time I was able to get pregnant, I miscarried because of unrelated health issues. I'm twenty three years old, and up until I started the diet full-time, I felt fifty. Even though it has only been a short time since the official diagnosis and my body is still re-aligning itself, I have had more energy, and I have been far less irritable and depressed. My husband is even considering getting checked because his mother is gluten-intolerant as well.
Do yourself a favor, honey. Go on the damn diet. What is there to lose?
I am was a HUGE believer of the "I will start tomorrow, so let me be at my worst today" routine. In fact I was like that until a week ago today. I finally had it and I am now 1 week gluten free. I think alot of it for me was laziness. I wouldnt make myself lunch, dinner etc so it was going to the store and finding stuff that was quick and gluten free. That 9/10 times turned into I reallllly want a sub so I'll really be gluten free tomorrow. It was killing me inside. It wasnt even the effects from the bread. It was my criticisim for being so lazy and selfish even. I now make myself breakfast (which is often cut up fruit or yogurt) lunch (leftovers or salad with a small bag of utz chips) and dinner (im not big into meat, so i usually cook with lots of vegetables. eggplant is my alltime favorite) I even made my first Gluten Free cake & icing which came out fantastic! My mother loved it and said it was better than regular cake. Everyday is still a struggle but I try to keep myself busy. At work I make sure there is nothing that has gluten in it (except my 4 yr old nieces snacks, i dont touch them) because work was my biggest problem with gluten. I have a boring desk job so whats better then eating snacks all day? At home I keep myself occupied by cleaning. I HATED cleaning with a passion but lastnight I found myself watching TV and re organizing my dressers. Throwing stuff away I dont need. With 4 other people in my house in which none of them are G/F it is extrememly hard seeing the pizza, cookies, cakes, chips that I cant have. But I gotta do it. I want to be healthy.
I just wanted to say, Takala, your advice was excellent! I agree 100%!
There are some control issues as well, regardless of the Celiac. I have suffered from binge-eating-disorder for the last 3 years. This came after a 100# weight loss. With the thought of not "being able" to eat certain foods, I would end up binging on something else to satisfy the craving, then going back and binging on the "forbidden" food anyway. The following day I would hardly eat anything to make up for all those calories. No one ever knew. It wasn't until I ate every single brownie I made for my daughter's Valentine's day party the next day that I forced myself to admit I have a problem. I hid it so well that my dh didn't even believe me because someone with an eating disorder must be morbidly obese or super skinny-and he NEVER saw me binge. But, once I was able to admit to myself that I had a problem, I was able to move forward and deal with it. I can't say that it's 100% ok 100% of the time, but I am now aware of what's going on and am able to stop myself (if I want to 
)
I think admitting you have a problem is your 1st step to heal. I think you are very courageous.
)I think admitting you have a problem is your 1st step to heal. I think you are very courageous.
Yesterday my sister brought home pizza rolls & bagel bites. I was SO tempted to eat them. But I didnt! Thats when I thought..Hey this could really work! Its all about self control...which I had none of a week ago. As of now, I think I may have a little.
Good for you. Self control is a huge step. I consider myself to be very in control but I haven't taken charge of my weight for awhile. It's just laziness and not wanting to work that hard.
I would prefer to cross my arms and blink and be skinny!
I would prefer to cross my arms and blink and be skinny!
Rachel,
A lot of your issue could also be that when you were diagnosed you were still a teenager (15 yrs. old?). Now that you are older, and responsible for your own well-being, it appears as if you are starting to take charge of your health. I am confident that you will find, as most of us already have, that eating gluten-free becomes easier and easier the longer you do it. The best thing is that more and more food manufacturers are starting to make gluten-free products - General Mills has already converted several of their Chex Brand cereals to gluten-free, and I read just the other day that Betty Crocker will be introducing gluten-free cake and cookie mixes this summer!
If it helps at all, I, too, am significantly overweight - have been ever since I was an adult (scrawny kid, though!). When our youngest daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease last April, I decided that our home was going to be gluten-free - she has Down syndrome, so I wanted her to be able to go to the pantry and/or refrigerator and pick out whatever she wants to eat without worrying that she will get hold of something "unsafe". After reading all of the yummy foods that are "allowed" on a gluten-free diet, I knew that I wasn't going to be deprived one bit.
Here's the surprising (and totally unexpected) part - in the past 10 months, since being on a gluten-free diet, I have LOST 38 pounds WITHOUT EVEN TRYING. No kidding! The ONLY thing that I have eliminated from my diet is gluten. Who knew that one simple change could make such a huge change in a person's life? I had no idea how BAD I had been feeling until I gave up gluten, either. My bet is that if you pay attention to your body, you will find the same thing as well.
You've got lots of friends and support on this network; keep us updated on your progress. You're going to do just fine!
Teresa Koch
Fort Worth, Texas
A lot of your issue could also be that when you were diagnosed you were still a teenager (15 yrs. old?). Now that you are older, and responsible for your own well-being, it appears as if you are starting to take charge of your health. I am confident that you will find, as most of us already have, that eating gluten-free becomes easier and easier the longer you do it. The best thing is that more and more food manufacturers are starting to make gluten-free products - General Mills has already converted several of their Chex Brand cereals to gluten-free, and I read just the other day that Betty Crocker will be introducing gluten-free cake and cookie mixes this summer!
If it helps at all, I, too, am significantly overweight - have been ever since I was an adult (scrawny kid, though!). When our youngest daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease last April, I decided that our home was going to be gluten-free - she has Down syndrome, so I wanted her to be able to go to the pantry and/or refrigerator and pick out whatever she wants to eat without worrying that she will get hold of something "unsafe". After reading all of the yummy foods that are "allowed" on a gluten-free diet, I knew that I wasn't going to be deprived one bit.
Here's the surprising (and totally unexpected) part - in the past 10 months, since being on a gluten-free diet, I have LOST 38 pounds WITHOUT EVEN TRYING. No kidding! The ONLY thing that I have eliminated from my diet is gluten. Who knew that one simple change could make such a huge change in a person's life? I had no idea how BAD I had been feeling until I gave up gluten, either. My bet is that if you pay attention to your body, you will find the same thing as well.
You've got lots of friends and support on this network; keep us updated on your progress. You're going to do just fine!
Teresa Koch
Fort Worth, Texas
Rachel:
Here's the deal. The bingeing you are experiencing can be a completely normal response to 1) your body not getting enough nutrients and wanting more, more, more food, and 2) the sense of deprivation that comes when we are denied something. I'm making a guess here, but I wonder if you have been dieting for a while. If you feel like your bingeing is out of control, the worst thing you can do is to try to go on a diet. I would recommend reading the book Intuitive Eating, and finding a fat-friendly therapist who specializes in Health at Every Size.
You need to get in touch with how your body feels and try finding a close bakery with fresh gluten free products (or one that delivers since they are all over the web now). You are also going to need to mourn the loss of things that you have to let go of. But this is all important to your long term health as others have noted.
Peace,
Kari
Here's the deal. The bingeing you are experiencing can be a completely normal response to 1) your body not getting enough nutrients and wanting more, more, more food, and 2) the sense of deprivation that comes when we are denied something. I'm making a guess here, but I wonder if you have been dieting for a while. If you feel like your bingeing is out of control, the worst thing you can do is to try to go on a diet. I would recommend reading the book Intuitive Eating, and finding a fat-friendly therapist who specializes in Health at Every Size.
You need to get in touch with how your body feels and try finding a close bakery with fresh gluten free products (or one that delivers since they are all over the web now). You are also going to need to mourn the loss of things that you have to let go of. But this is all important to your long term health as others have noted.
Peace,
Kari
Rachel
It really helped me to read about your issues and the responses. My son was diagnosed with celiacs about 1 year ago, he is now 16 years old. He is under weigh and has a a problem gaining weight. Although, I think he has the same problem as you with a different out come.
It really helped me to read about your issues and the responses. My son was diagnosed with celiacs about 1 year ago, he is now 16 years old. He is under weigh and has a a problem gaining weight. Although, I think he has the same problem as you with a different out come.
Rachel,
It's kind of interesting because I'm 19 and was recently diagnosed and wasn't that strict with my diet right away either. What got me being strictly gluten-free was my mother telling me that she would feel immense guilt if anything happened to me because of this because I inherited it from her. So, basically what gets me through it is my family, I want to be healthy for them and to be ther for them for a long time, and if I don't follow the gluten-free diet I know that that may not happen. What I suggest to you is to make small adjustments if it is that hard for you. And I will tell you that Enjoy Life products are very good as are Foods by George products. I would also suggest going online and learning more about the disease, the diet, and the different products that are out there. Once you get used to it it's not that bad, it will be difficult but some of the food is really good once you find what works. I hope this works for you and you can go gluten-free. I wish you the best of luck.
It's kind of interesting because I'm 19 and was recently diagnosed and wasn't that strict with my diet right away either. What got me being strictly gluten-free was my mother telling me that she would feel immense guilt if anything happened to me because of this because I inherited it from her. So, basically what gets me through it is my family, I want to be healthy for them and to be ther for them for a long time, and if I don't follow the gluten-free diet I know that that may not happen. What I suggest to you is to make small adjustments if it is that hard for you. And I will tell you that Enjoy Life products are very good as are Foods by George products. I would also suggest going online and learning more about the disease, the diet, and the different products that are out there. Once you get used to it it's not that bad, it will be difficult but some of the food is really good once you find what works. I hope this works for you and you can go gluten-free. I wish you the best of luck.
Rachel: I was diagnosed 3 years ago... and have spent the past 3 years living the "college lifestyle" and saying "I will start tomorrow." Over the past year, I started to become lethargic and somewhat depressed. That was the final straw to get me to switch. On Jan. 1st 2009 I went Gluten Free!
The biggest motivation you can have is seeing positive results... I don't sleep as much, I have lost a little weight, and I feel great!!! Once you see results, it will keep you going. It is time for you to just buckle down and do it! I tried many times, but stuck with it this time, and it is working! Every day gets better.
The biggest motivation you can have is seeing positive results... I don't sleep as much, I have lost a little weight, and I feel great!!! Once you see results, it will keep you going. It is time for you to just buckle down and do it! I tried many times, but stuck with it this time, and it is working! Every day gets better.
QUOTE (Switch2GF @ Apr 4 2009, 08:38 PM)
Rachel: I was diagnosed 3 years ago... and have spent the past 3 years living the "college lifestyle" and saying "I will start tomorrow." Over the past year, I started to become lethargic and somewhat depressed. That was the final straw to get me to switch. On Jan. 1st 2009 I went Gluten Free!
The biggest motivation you can have is seeing positive results... I don't sleep as much, I have lost a little weight, and I feel great!!! Once you see results, it will keep you going. It is time for you to just buckle down and do it! I tried many times, but stuck with it this time, and it is working! Every day gets better.
The biggest motivation you can have is seeing positive results... I don't sleep as much, I have lost a little weight, and I feel great!!! Once you see results, it will keep you going. It is time for you to just buckle down and do it! I tried many times, but stuck with it this time, and it is working! Every day gets better.
I have those symptoms right now... and have for about a year. Being depressed and tired just makes me want to eat gluten. It's an endless cycle that needs to end
It is hard to get started but you can do it, Rachel. We'll back you. I'm starting Atkin's diet today. It was really scarey to me to give up sugar but I know I need to. It isn't as hard as I thought. I've been sweetening my tea with stevia and that helps.
You are on the right track by talking to us. Keep posting and we'll keep posting back. You're not alone.
You are on the right track by talking to us. Keep posting and we'll keep posting back. You're not alone.
Thank you so much everyone for your support. Your stories and inspiration have really really really helped me think more about the future rather than sticking with what I want to do today. As of now I am, let's see... 11 minutes gluten free? haha I know that sounds stupid... and I'm already wanting to eat gluten, but I am not going to. I'm done with it. I think saying it here will help me have more support and help me keep with it. My first challenge will be on Thursday... I have a date and we're going out to dinner. I am hoping to tell him about my options before we pick the place to go to, because I know a few places with gluten-free menus. Like Outback Steakhouse and Pf Changs. Both delicious! Anyways, thank you so much again, and I can't wait until tomorrow when I can tell you guys, I'm ONE DAY gluten free! (I know it's bad that I've had this disease for five years and going an entire day without gluten is a real step for me) But, you have to start somewhere like you guys have told me. Thanks again.
Rachel,
Please work hard to find some gluten free treats that satisfy that craving when it hits. You shouldn't have to fight impulses all the time; that's a losing battle. Just about every food can be converted to gluten-free. That's how I stay on track.
Please work hard to find some gluten free treats that satisfy that craving when it hits. You shouldn't have to fight impulses all the time; that's a losing battle. Just about every food can be converted to gluten-free. That's how I stay on track.
QUOTE (Rachel Keating @ Mar 8 2009, 10:47 PM)
I've been diagnosed with celiac disease for almost 5 years and I've never stayed true to the diet. I immediately starting binging on gluten right when I got diagnosed with celiac disease... my excuse was "tomorrow I will start being gluten free and eating healthy so I can overeat today". Five years later and 100 pounds heavier, I'm completely done. I can't stop eating and am completely lazy. It's affected my social life, my school work, and everything else. I used to be up for anything and be so energetic, now I am self-conscious and afraid to go places because I am scared I will get sick. I have a gym membership but never go because I'm too depressed and have no motivation. I need help or some kind of boost to help me out. I don't know if anyone else has dealt with the situation of binge-eating on gluten because you have been told u can never eat it again but it's obviously a problem for me. I don't know what I'm looking for here, maybe some inspiration or knowing that I'm never alone? I'm only 20 years old and feel like this is so stupid I am already dealing with physical issues like possible diabetes. Thanks for reading
Please.......... you've got to stop eating gluten!!!! I am a fat person with celiac disease. I've been avoiding gluten for about 1 year now (except when I've accidently ingested hidden gluten) I've never been a heroin addict but I have friends who are ex-junkies and there is an analogy to gluten addiction like heroin. It has happened to me when I ate bread and pasta (especially) in the past. I'd pass out on the couch like I was super drunk or stoned, and then 2-3 hrs later I'd binge again on large amounts of gluten and /sugar and act really bitchy to anyone who looked at me wrong. This needs to be treated like an addiction. I'd talk to an m.D. and maybe look into going Overeaters Anonymous. Please get help. Food addiction is a disease. You are very young and you are killing yourself. I'm 20 years older than you and I have higher risks and health problems in connection with eating gluten. You still have chance to avoid further consequences of eating gluten. Good luck
So I've been totally gluten free for, two days now? I haven't really noticed a difference yet. But I went to a family party for Easter today and I was a little nervous because family parties are hard for me to stay gluten free. But, I was so surprised to find that my Aunt and cousins had all contributed to make me and my sister (who is also gluten free) and entire meal and snacks for us. We had gluten free turkey, stuffing which was amazingggg, cookies, rice crispies, chips and dip, and fruit and vegetables with gluten free dip. It was so awesome!
So I ate McDonalds today. Honestly I don't know why. Because it wasn't even that good. So that was really pointless I just got it because at work we all got McDonalds and ate together. I should have just packed something that's my problem. But I decided that I wouldn't be like I usually am and say "I'll start tomorrow" and binge for the rest of the night. Instead, I've been drinking a lot of water and ate some fruit. I'm pretty proud of myself even if I did eat gluten today. I think that this accident will give me more motivation to not eat gluten because I realized that it's so stupid and not even worth it. it was a good day!
it was a good day!
Wednesday will be ONE MONTH since I last ate Gluten!!!! I am so proud of myself..I never thought Id be able to do this. I lost 10 pounds too Yesterday was my first Holiday experience without Gluten...and it was hard, but okay!
Yesterday was my first Holiday experience without Gluten...and it was hard, but okay!
So, every time I start eating gluten free I get really bad stomach aches in the first week or two. Is this due to a drastic change in diet? I know that when you drastically change your diet it can put your digestive system through a funk but it really stinks! It stinks that now that I'm deciding to be healthy that my body is hating me. It just me mad that being gluten free is supposed to make me feel better and now I'm having to have these terrible stomach aches! Although when I was eating gluten I was still having bad stomach aches but it would be like feel sick for a week then have a "week off" of stomach aches. Anyways, just wondering what people's input on that would be. Still holding strong. Even though a day might still not be that much but oh well.
Wednesday will be ONE MONTH since I last ate Gluten!!!! I am so proud of myself..I never thought Id be able to do this. I lost 10 pounds too Yesterday was my first Holiday experience without Gluten...and it was hard, but okay!
Super!! I'm so happy you lost weight doing it too!!
Yesterday was my first Holiday experience without Gluten...and it was hard, but okay!Super!! I'm so happy you lost weight doing it too!!
So, every time I start eating gluten free I get really bad stomach aches in the first week or two. Is this due to a drastic change in diet?
I'm no expert but I would guess you are going through witthdrawals every time you start and stop like that. And there is an easy solution....don't eat gluten ever again so you never have stomach aches from it.
I'm no expert but I would guess you are going through witthdrawals every time you start and stop like that. And there is an easy solution....don't eat gluten ever again so you never have stomach aches from it.
So, I've lost 5 pounds. I think that's pretty good for just a couple days being gluten free. Although five pounds could just be water weight but whatever lol I'll take it as doing good on being gluten free.
Rachel,
I have the EXACT same problem that you are going through. I have just recently found out I have to begin a gluten-free lifestyle and hearing that has sent me over the edge!
Because I have felt crappy for so long, (I have the same lack of energy and motivation that you do) I don't know what it's like to feel any different. I think that I am binging on gluten products simply because I don't know where to start? It's so new and overwhelming, my head is spinning!
I know how you feel and I'm sorry. It stinks big time!!! I'm hoping that I will be able to get a grip on it and figure out how to start this new lifestyle change. I'm looking forward to feeling like a normal person for the first time ever, and I'm 33. Oh....just an FYI....I too had a gym membership that I didn't use because of the lack of energy....cancel it...it will save you some $$$
Take care and I hope that you start feeling better.
I have the EXACT same problem that you are going through. I have just recently found out I have to begin a gluten-free lifestyle and hearing that has sent me over the edge!
Because I have felt crappy for so long, (I have the same lack of energy and motivation that you do) I don't know what it's like to feel any different. I think that I am binging on gluten products simply because I don't know where to start? It's so new and overwhelming, my head is spinning!
I know how you feel and I'm sorry. It stinks big time!!! I'm hoping that I will be able to get a grip on it and figure out how to start this new lifestyle change. I'm looking forward to feeling like a normal person for the first time ever, and I'm 33. Oh....just an FYI....I too had a gym membership that I didn't use because of the lack of energy....cancel it...it will save you some $$$
Take care and I hope that you start feeling better.
I actually understand what you are going through.
I am severely GLUTEN INTOLERANT along with other food intolerances and allergies but GLUTEN is the worst in terms of missing out of life issue and symptoms. Somehow soon after being diagnosed as WHEAT INTOLERANT I managed to stay off it for quite a while although I did consume some every now and then since I love Italian food and baked goods.
I only did this cos it was during the holidays and usually people do whatever they like.
Then back to so called 'reality' I began my strict GLUTEN FREE diet as during the short times I was off gluten my health and moods IMPROVED dramatically. It felt like a joke. Something I imagined would take a MIRACLE to happen, just became a reality with removing the G word out of my life. So for about half a year, I was reasonably on a GLUTEN FREE diet, only a moderate amount of gluten was consumed which did not cause severe symptoms.
Now comes the 'B' word.
BUT over the Easter, realising that my life would forever have to be like this and having tasted the best chocolate brownie ever (what a timing!). Gluten consumption became a regular thing. Thankfully(?) my symptoms are severe and involve digestion cock up so there is a physical limit to how much I can take within a day but ever since my gluten intake has become regular. It is not always my decision though. My family is in denial so most of the times I am FORCED to consume it but there are also times when I spot a gluten product in the kitchen and let myself go.
It is tasty, I can feel that.
Plus it might be worse for me cos although there are alternative products which are gluten free, I still can not have them cos they usually involve heavy reliance on RICE FLOUR, CHESTNUT or NUTS which I am severely allergic and intolerant to. LOL. This really means that I have to give up baked goods (especially) altogether.
I do have replacement / substitutes .. like chocolates or sweets but they will never fill you up cos they just are not the same. Plus you do not necessarily like them in the first place so ... psychologically it is unsatisfying.
I think you have to face your fears. Get a REALITY CHECK.
LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR.
Make others look at you.
Observe the reactions of the others.
Then with help of your loved ones, this SHOCK treatment would bring about a positive reaction.
I consumed on gluten earlier in the day.. it has been almost 12hours yet it is still indigested, causing stomach problems even now, my head is exhausted but if I sleep now I am going to be even more sick so.. lol. So I took it in to action and threw away all the SUBSTITUTE foods in the evening. By the looks of it, I am going to be heavily indigested up to tomorrow, so despite hate skipping meals, I am going to eat minimum amount of food and do lots of yoga then the following day eat healthily meaning OFFENDER FOODS FREE.
Let's do this. WE CAN DO IT.
I am severely GLUTEN INTOLERANT along with other food intolerances and allergies but GLUTEN is the worst in terms of missing out of life issue and symptoms. Somehow soon after being diagnosed as WHEAT INTOLERANT I managed to stay off it for quite a while although I did consume some every now and then since I love Italian food and baked goods.
I only did this cos it was during the holidays and usually people do whatever they like.
Then back to so called 'reality' I began my strict GLUTEN FREE diet as during the short times I was off gluten my health and moods IMPROVED dramatically. It felt like a joke. Something I imagined would take a MIRACLE to happen, just became a reality with removing the G word out of my life. So for about half a year, I was reasonably on a GLUTEN FREE diet, only a moderate amount of gluten was consumed which did not cause severe symptoms.
Now comes the 'B' word.
BUT over the Easter, realising that my life would forever have to be like this and having tasted the best chocolate brownie ever (what a timing!). Gluten consumption became a regular thing. Thankfully(?) my symptoms are severe and involve digestion cock up so there is a physical limit to how much I can take within a day but ever since my gluten intake has become regular. It is not always my decision though. My family is in denial so most of the times I am FORCED to consume it but there are also times when I spot a gluten product in the kitchen and let myself go.
It is tasty, I can feel that.
Plus it might be worse for me cos although there are alternative products which are gluten free, I still can not have them cos they usually involve heavy reliance on RICE FLOUR, CHESTNUT or NUTS which I am severely allergic and intolerant to. LOL. This really means that I have to give up baked goods (especially) altogether.
I do have replacement / substitutes .. like chocolates or sweets but they will never fill you up cos they just are not the same. Plus you do not necessarily like them in the first place so ... psychologically it is unsatisfying.
I think you have to face your fears. Get a REALITY CHECK.
LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR.
Make others look at you.
Observe the reactions of the others.
Then with help of your loved ones, this SHOCK treatment would bring about a positive reaction.
I consumed on gluten earlier in the day.. it has been almost 12hours yet it is still indigested, causing stomach problems even now, my head is exhausted but if I sleep now I am going to be even more sick so.. lol. So I took it in to action and threw away all the SUBSTITUTE foods in the evening. By the looks of it, I am going to be heavily indigested up to tomorrow, so despite hate skipping meals, I am going to eat minimum amount of food and do lots of yoga then the following day eat healthily meaning OFFENDER FOODS FREE.
Let's do this. WE CAN DO IT.
Rachel, God bless you. This is really hard, it's a huge change. Ask for help from your Maker if you believe in doing that. Ask for help from people in your life, and from friends you've yet to meet.
Is there a support group you can go to? It's great to be able to come here, but sometimes we need an in-person smile and hug, and to share a laugh with someone who's in the same boat we are.
I ate sugar and gluten from for two years back in the 90s, because I became convinced I had a candida problem. I had never heard of celiac disease. It was very hard! However, I came to love a lot of healthy things I would never have discovered otherwise. (Cashew butter, for instance. Yum.) And there are so many more gluten-free foods available now!
Even though I went back to eating gluten after two years, this period made me a much better cook, and more conscious of healthy eating. I'm currently waiting for a diagnosis, but if I get a yes I'm just going to renew this old way of eating and look forward ... let the healing begin. Not that I expect to be perfect... no doubt I'll fall off the wagon. But ultimately, I'm sure to be successful, and you have exactly the same capacity to succeed at this.
I promise, if you commit to it, you will discover a whole new world, new friends, new walking paths -- whatever. It's an adventure. Try and view it all as one big adventure. And you are in control, you are the one captaining the ship!
Instead of buying new clothes or makeup this month, or eating out, or whatever you use your discretionary income for, go into the grocery store and/or health food store and treat yourself to gluten-free foods, including ready-to-eat and mixes, and get to work in the kitchen. Think of all the actions you can take, dive in with gusto and begin to look at the possibilities of what you CAN eat and do, rather than what is off-limits.
Is there a support group you can go to? It's great to be able to come here, but sometimes we need an in-person smile and hug, and to share a laugh with someone who's in the same boat we are.
I ate sugar and gluten from for two years back in the 90s, because I became convinced I had a candida problem. I had never heard of celiac disease. It was very hard! However, I came to love a lot of healthy things I would never have discovered otherwise. (Cashew butter, for instance. Yum.) And there are so many more gluten-free foods available now!
Even though I went back to eating gluten after two years, this period made me a much better cook, and more conscious of healthy eating. I'm currently waiting for a diagnosis, but if I get a yes I'm just going to renew this old way of eating and look forward ... let the healing begin. Not that I expect to be perfect... no doubt I'll fall off the wagon. But ultimately, I'm sure to be successful, and you have exactly the same capacity to succeed at this.
I promise, if you commit to it, you will discover a whole new world, new friends, new walking paths -- whatever. It's an adventure. Try and view it all as one big adventure. And you are in control, you are the one captaining the ship!
Instead of buying new clothes or makeup this month, or eating out, or whatever you use your discretionary income for, go into the grocery store and/or health food store and treat yourself to gluten-free foods, including ready-to-eat and mixes, and get to work in the kitchen. Think of all the actions you can take, dive in with gusto and begin to look at the possibilities of what you CAN eat and do, rather than what is off-limits.
QUOTE (Rachel Keating @ Apr 7 2009, 11:15 PM)
Thank you so much everyone for your support. Your stories and inspiration have really really really helped me think more about the future rather than sticking with what I want to do today. As of now I am, let's see... 11 minutes gluten free? haha I know that sounds stupid... and I'm already wanting to eat gluten, but I am not going to. I'm done with it. I think saying it here will help me have more support and help me keep with it. My first challenge will be on Thursday... I have a date and we're going out to dinner. I am hoping to tell him about my options before we pick the place to go to, because I know a few places with gluten-free menus. Like Outback Steakhouse and Pf Changs. Both delicious! Anyways, thank you so much again, and I can't wait until tomorrow when I can tell you guys, I'm ONE DAY gluten free! (I know it's bad that I've had this disease for five years and going an entire day without gluten is a real step for me) But, you have to start somewhere like you guys have told me. Thanks again.
I am so tired of going out to dinner and looking at that bread and watching my husband eat it and I set there salivating wanting to eat, but I can't. Sometimes I do take a piece and than the next day I feel so bad, not only do I have stomach cramps, but I look bad also. My eyes look glades over and I feel tired...
I took someone's advice above and instead of spending my money on clothes (and shoes, they are my weakness!) I decided to go on a food shopping spree and see what kinds of gluten free things are out there. I'm realizing that not only do they DO have really good gluten free foods.... but i'm a pretty good cook!! I cooked my family dinner tonight, a gluten-free swiss chicken casserole out of this new gluten free cook book i got. They loved it! I'm definitely on the right track. Thank you again for the motivation, it helps me believe that I really can do this. And even though I still have no gone completely gluten-free, I am making the changes that lead to that and am on a better track now than I have been in over two years !
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