Feeling Left Out.

[bburmeister0407]

I am curious to see if anyone else feels the same way:

 

I was diagnosed with Celiac last week and I have been gluten-free for about a month now. I live with 2 roommates who have no food issues. I have a hard time finding food that I can eat at a grocery store that I can afford and forget eat out with my roommates. I almost feel like the gluten-free lifestyle creates this "left out" feeling in my life. 

 

Any tips?

[shadowicewolf]

I am curious to see if anyone else feels the same way:

 

I was diagnosed with Celiac last week and I have been gluten-free for about a month now. I live with 2 roommates who have no food issues. I have a hard time finding food that I can eat at a grocery store that I can afford and forget eat out with my roommates. I almost feel like the gluten-free lifestyle creates this "left out" feeling in my life. 

 

Any tips?

Yep.

 

You can make many of your favorite foods gluten free.

 

Eat before hand and go out and be with your friends. You do not need to eat out to have fun.

[notme]

you are pretty new - give it a little time and you all will get used to it.  it's a new normal, for sure.  most of us carry a snack bag or lunchbox with safe stuff to eat in it - i take mine, usually has snacks, a drink, sometimes a whole dinner or lunch depending on how 'spontaneous' i feel like being.  that way, we can go pretty much anywhere and i won't starve to death and they can do whatever they want regarding their meals.  tacos (corn tortilla shells, seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, etc) can be made very easily and cheaply - actually, plenty of things can be made gluten-free.  if you visit the 'what's for dinner' chat on the cooking/baking section, you may be encouraged to see what we can eat!  and your friends won't even know they're eating gluten-free   it really helped me that i knew how and liked to cook.  if you don't, that would be my #1 tip for you:  learn to cook    ((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) cheer up, sweets!  welcome to the forum

[Adalaide]

When you say that you have trouble finding food that you can eat and afford it sounds like you're shopping the gluten free section of the grocery store. That's the first instinct and first mistake most people make. It's just a bunch of overpriced, nutritionally defunct crap that no one needs and that won't help your body heal or help you feel good. It is better instead to focus on whole foods, meat, vegetables, fruits. And when it does come to boxed foods, instead of shopping for specifically gluten free foods, shop for mainstream foods that happen to be gluten free which means they'll be a reasonable price. One example is Chex. I live with three non-gluten free people, and there would be blood if someone ever touched my Chocolate Chex. B-L-O-O-D!

 

Most of us have learned to carry snacks with us. Then we can go out with our friends and enjoy their company, which is the point of going out with them right? And we won't be hungry. With time you'll become proficient at learning how to eat out. Things like how to choose a restaurant, how to order, how to spot red flags and just say not eating here. None of us learned it overnight or without incident.

 

You get used to it. There are some basic things that all of us can do, and some things are about how to fit this into our lives. You'll learn how this fits you and your friends and how to get along, and you'll do it much faster than you think.

[nvsmom]

Ditto the others. It will take you more time to get used to it all. It is a bit weird bringing food places at first but within a few months, you get used to it. Perhaps put the money you were spending on eating and drinking out towards some gluten-free treats for yourself?

 

Hang in there. 

 

 

One example is Chex. I live with three non-gluten free people, and there would be blood if someone ever touched my Chocolate Chex. B-L-O-O-D!

 

 

They make Chocolate Chex!!!??? Ugh! Why don't they sell it up here??  

[bburmeister0407]

Ditto the others. It will take you more time to get used to it all. It is a bit weird bringing food places at first but within a few months, you get used to it. Perhaps put the money you were spending on eating and drinking out towards some gluten-free treats for yourself?

 

Hang in there. 

 

 

 

They make Chocolate Chex!!!??? Ugh! Why don't they sell it up here??  

Ha! I prefer the Honey Nut gluten-free chex.

 

Dumb Question: Do places you have a problem with you bringing your own food? I hate being a bother so I try to make time to go home and eat before meeting up with anyone, but I also dont want places to think that I am loitering buy not buying any product.

[nvsmom]

Dumb Question: Do places you have a problem with you bringing your own food? I hate being a bother so I try to make time to go home and eat before meeting up with anyone, but I also dont want places to think that I am loitering buy not buying any product.

 

No dumb questions here.    Most places don't have a problem with food brought in, at least in my experience.  I usually make a point of ordering a drink when I do that rather than my old standard of water. That seems to be enough when I am with "normal" diners. I rarely take my family out to eat because 4/5 of us eat gluten-free so it just isn't practical - especially with kids who are picky eaters.

 

Most of the time I go out now, we do something that isn't food based (like a hike or movie) or just go out for coffee. It's just easier that way.  

[bburmeister0407]

No dumb questions here.    Most places don't have a problem with food brought in, at least in my experience.  I usually make a point of ordering a drink when I do that rather than my old standard of water. That seems to be enough when I am with "normal" diners. I rarely take my family out to eat because 4/5 of us eat gluten-free so it just isn't practical - especially with kids who are picky eaters.

 

Most of the time I go out now, we do something that isn't food based (like a hike or movie) or just go out for coffee. It's just easier that way.  

I would love to do that...unfortunately I live with two gluten eaters and food has always been a huge staple for us. I love cooking, but they like to go out more than stay home, so I either end up going out and not eating or staying home and excluding myself. 

[GottaSki]

I would love to do that...unfortunately I live with two gluten eaters and food has always been a huge staple for us. I love cooking, but they like to go out more than stay home, so I either end up going out and not eating or staying home and excluding myself.

Welcome!

Early days are tough...and learning to order out safely is one of the most awkward things. Since you love to cook...take food along for now. Your friends and loved ones will become comfortable quickly with this. Simply tell your server you are unable to safely eat off their menu and that you brought your own...keep it simple and be sure to order a drink.

As time passes...all this will become easy...for now look for ways to join in while keeping the explanations simple.

Also, there are some places to eat out safely...again as you learn you may become more comfortable ordering out, but it is not essential to joining in. If you do encounter friends that are not comfortable with you bringing your own...simply explain that you want to join them without the worry of becoming ill.

Hang in there

[Adalaide]

No dumb questions here.    Most places don't have a problem with food brought in, at least in my experience.  I usually make a point of ordering a drink when I do that rather than my old standard of water. That seems to be enough when I am with "normal" diners. I rarely take my family out to eat because 4/5 of us eat gluten-free so it just isn't practical - especially with kids who are picky eaters.

 

Most of the time I go out now, we do something that isn't food based (like a hike or movie) or just go out for coffee. It's just easier that way.  

 

I do this too, for two reasons. I feel like it's plain rude to not order something, so I get a drink and tip appropriately. Second, if I can't treat myself to dinner the place at least usually serves fancy drinks! I can usually find something to drink that's in the $3-5 price range which is still a boatload cheaper than dinner but I still get to feel spoiled.

[NoGlutenCooties]

When you say that you have trouble finding food that you can eat and afford it sounds like you're shopping the gluten free section of the grocery store. That's the first instinct and first mistake most people make. It's just a bunch of overpriced, nutritionally defunct crap that no one needs and that won't help your body heal or help you feel good. It is better instead to focus on whole foods, meat, vegetables, fruits.

 

Ditto - and very well said!!  I have friends who insist I need to check out the gluten-free isle at Wegman's.  I didn't eat boxed, over-processed crap before I knew I had Celiac.  Why the heck would I start eating it now just because it's stamped "gluten-free"??  One of my friends is convinced that if it doesn't say "gluten-free" on it, then it can't possibly be gluten-free.  As if a vegetable needs a gluten-free stamp on it.

[Tess68]

I would love to do that...unfortunately I live with two gluten eaters and food has always been a huge staple for us. I love cooking, but they like to go out more than stay home, so I either end up going out and not eating or staying home and excluding myself. 

 

Welcome!

Early days are tough...and learning to order out safely is one of the most awkward things. Since you love to cook...take food along for now. Your friends and loved ones will become comfortable quickly with this. Simply tell your server you are unable to safely eat off their menu and that you brought your own...keep it simple and be sure to order a drink.

As time passes...all this will become easy...for now look for ways to join in while keeping the explanations simple.

Also, there are some places to eat out safely...again as you learn you may become more comfortable ordering out, but it is not essential to joining in. If you do encounter friends that are not comfortable with you bringing your own...simply explain that you want to join them without the worry of becoming ill.

Hang in there

Lisa! Help!

Hi! I noticed your response to someone asking about Fibro and symptoms, I googled...Can you outgrow Celiac's...I got my answer ! But I also noticed this website. My husband Randy was diagnosed about 7 months ago, we changed his diet and yes he does feel better; no cramping, diarrhea, etc. But he is STILL having joint problems, sometimes dizziness, blurred vision, brain fog. He is very active works a physical job and I keep thinking maybe because he's starting to get older, he's 36? We've been to EVERY Doctor imaginable. Your symptoms and knowledge sounded so much like his, I am wondering if your joint pains stopped, did you have chest pains at all? (he had stress test also). We are learning everyday, everytime we food shop it's an education and a lot of money AND an hour or more, lol. If you could help me out at all you seem very informative! Thanks in advance!

Theresa

[GottaSki]

Lisa! Help!

Hi! I noticed your response to someone asking about Fibro and symptoms, I googled...Can you outgrow Celiac's...I got my answer ! But I also noticed this website. My husband Randy was diagnosed about 7 months ago, we changed his diet and yes he does feel better; no cramping, diarrhea, etc. But he is STILL having joint problems, sometimes dizziness, blurred vision, brain fog. He is very active works a physical job and I keep thinking maybe because he's starting to get older, he's 36? We've been to EVERY Doctor imaginable. Your symptoms and knowledge sounded so much like his, I am wondering if your joint pains stopped, did you have chest pains at all? (he had stress test also). We are learning everyday, everytime we food shop it's an education and a lot of money AND an hour or more, lol. If you could help me out at all you seem very informative! Thanks in advance!

Theresa

 

Welcome Theresa and Hubs

 

I sent you a PM, rather than respond on this thread.  

 

Hope it helps.

 

Feel free to start your own thread as there are many members that have experience with Fibro type and other autoimmune symptoms that remain after removing gluten.

 

Hang in there!

[BelleVie]

Ha! I prefer the Honey Nut gluten-free chex.

 

Dumb Question: Do places you have a problem with you bringing your own food? I hate being a bother so I try to make time to go home and eat before meeting up with anyone, but I also dont want places to think that I am loitering buy not buying any product.

 

I was sort of afraid of that at first too, but then I realized that it's my health, my safety at risk, and if the place that I'm in has a problem with that…well…I don't really care.  If I'm out with people, I normally order a drink or something, at least. I don't think anyone would consider it loitering if you are with other people. Now, if you were by yourself, crashing a table for the free water…that might be an issue, lol. 

 

I feel that celiac has actually done some good for my social/conversational skills. It can be easy to default into focusing on food when you are out with people, but now I have to focus on the social aspects, so I do my best to make it a fun experience for myself. I've gotten a lot more chatty, that's for sure. 

[1desperateladysaved]

I hope you will find (soon) that being gluten free is a small price to pay for a BIG improvement in health!  I felt overwhelmed at first, but now just glad for it.  I take hard boiled eggs, a piece of fruit, or a nut flour muffin along for snacks.  Meat and vegetables are good gluten free foods.  I had an advantage, having always cooked from scratch, but if my Dad can learn to cook at 83, I feel anyone can learn!

[MGR]

I thank you all for these tricks of the trade.. Two days ago I had a newby classic! I was invited at my bosses house for dinner, and although I had told her that I was celiac (-and we had already had the extensive conversation covering what I could eat), when I arrived there for dinner, what had they prepared? Of course, Lasagna!! And for dessert, brownies!! Luckily I took some gluten-free pasta and a packet of smoked salmon. I cooked the pasta there and my boss helped, however, before I knew it she had taken one of her wooden stirring spoons and stirred the pasta in the pot- I thought... It will be fine, it looks clean- by the end of the evening I already had a sore kidney and spent all night doubled up with tummy ache- the morning clutched to the wc - a new DH rash area appearing around my mouth... and I am still not 100%.. Lesson Learned- always take your own food already cooked from home!!

[moosemalibu]

Ha! I prefer the Honey Nut gluten-free chex.

 

Dumb Question: Do places you have a problem with you bringing your own food? I hate being a bother so I try to make time to go home and eat before meeting up with anyone, but I also dont want places to think that I am loitering buy not buying any product.

 

I go dining all the time with my coworkers and bring my Pyrex glass dish full of food. I have never had one person say a darn thing to me!