Gluten Free 4Wks Feel Like I Am A Bottomless Pit Now.

[1stcrzyday]

Hello, Just wondering if anyone is experiencing constant insatiable appetite.  I have been diagnosed with Celiac's been gluten-free for 4 wks now.  All I want to do is eat.  Even after eating big meals, still want to eat especially something sweet.  ugghhh.  Before Celiacs I ate pretty healthy didn't eat a lot of bread, cakes etc.  but now I feel like I need to eat every 1hr or so.   Definitely putting weight on, even though still active and have actually upped my work out intensity.  Seems like food is constantly on my mind.  I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this or is this just a mind game, now I know I can't have certain things so my brain is focused on food period..  Thanks for any comments. 

[ndw3363]

When I finally went gluten-free, I was extremely underweight (which is what brought me to the diagnosis in the first place).  After I went gluten-free, I felt the same as you are describing.  My body was FINALLY absorbing what I was putting it in and it couldn't seem to get enough.  I rewarded it with a treat or two, but be aware that you are healing...a lot of us now have more intolerances than we did initially.  Keep the snacks and meals healthy and with whole foods (avoiding processed stuff whenever possible) - you will level off after a bit.  I gained weight initially as well, but I desperately needed to.  Now that I'm at a weight I like, I don't have a problem keeping it steady.  I eat a mostly protein/veggie diet with very little carbs/sugar - workout 3-4 times per week.  I do a lot of weight training now which has kept my metabolism humming along. 

 

I also found that when I first went gluten-free, my body was craving everything it couldn't have - and I mean CRAVING!!  But I fought back and didn't give in - in time that will stop.  Beware though that when (not if unfortunately) you get your first heavy accidental glutening, you will crave all of that bad stuff again (a lot of us have even had extremely vivid dreams about it).  That's actually one of the ways I know I've ingested a tiny bit of accidental gluten - I only have dreams of eating pizza or the like when that happens...so weird!  Welcome to the club and happy healing!!

[nvsmom]

I was hungrier the first few months too and I let myself indulge. Unlike ndw3363, I was a bit above my ideal weight and I ended up losing weight (about 15lbs) in the first few months, which I can only attribute to the inflammation and swelling going away.

 

After about 3 or months my appetite fell right off.  I eat a LOT less now than I did before. I usually only eat off a salad plate... and I appear to be gaining weight.  LOL

 

My advice would to be aware of your cravings and try not to satify them with junk food everytime. A sweet fruit smoothy might do it for you one time, or an apple with peanut butter.... I know, I know, easier said than done, right?  LOL

 

Best wishes.

[june27]

I have been gluten-free for just over a year.  I have been slightly over my ideal weight for the past 5 years or so, and that has not change since my diagnosis/diet change.  During the first few months of gluten-free, I was ravenous!!  I would eat a big dinner, and then an hour or two later, would eat a large "snack".  As I was eating this much, I was not gaining any weight, so I just assumed that my body needed more nutrients.  After I began to heal, my appetite leveled out.  I am still happy to graze most of the day, but I don't feel like I am starving myself if I don't

[Takala]

Try eating a bit more "good" fats and proteins, less "white" carbs and starches, and adding a calcium/magnesium/D mineral supplement and a gluten free vitamin supplement with the B complex.   Fats can be used to satiate hunger, and they provide a slow burning fuel, and when combined with the proteins will not spike your blood sugars, so you don't get into the dreaded spike/crash/burn blood sugar loop. 

 

It's not imaginary, some of us are more carb- intolerant than others. 

[JNBunnie1]

Try eating a bit more "good" fats and proteins, less "white" carbs and starches, and adding a calcium/magnesium/D mineral supplement and a gluten free vitamin supplement with the B complex.   Fats can be used to satiate hunger, and they provide a slow burning fuel, and when combined with the proteins will not spike your blood sugars, so you don't get into the dreaded spike/crash/burn blood sugar loop. 

 

It's not imaginary, some of us are more carb- intolerant than others. 

What she said.

 

Also, certain foods are more filling than others. Chicken thighs with sweet potato and broccoli

will keep you full longer than chicken breast with white rice and a salad, for example. Can you

say pot roast?

[Adalaide]

I was constantly hungry after I went gluten free. This eventually leveled off. I also find that if I get glutened I will be constantly hungry for about 2 or 3 weeks after. I get the most unbearable stomach pains unless I am pretty much always munching away on something. If that happens I try to keep healthy(ish) snacks available so I have something to eat that won't make me look like I ate a blimp. I super crave the sweets though, and will do something like pull out a cookie a day from my freezer or something which I made myself and I figure won't break the calorie bank.

[1stcrzyday]

Thanks everyone, really glad I am not totally losing my mind.  Hopefully my appetite will level out here soon,  just really frustrating for now.  Will try more of the good fats and lots of healthy snacks to munch in the meantime.   Thanks again...