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Should I Cheat On My Gf Diet?

Kateteich

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Kateteich Newbie
Kateteich
Posted

Ok, like I said earlier today, I'm 9 days gluten-free.  I feel better honestly, but I'm wondering if I need to go "cold turkey" gluten-free, or if I can "ease into this eating thing"

 

What I'm really asking is "Can I cheat on this diet, and how sorry will I be when I do?"

 

I almost caved the other day when my co-workers were all eating pizza and cookies.... I know I will break down at some point.

 

How much wheat is too much?  After all, I ate wheat products for 50 years, and I have only been sick for 10 years....

 

- Any advice?

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GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Don't cheat. Even if you do not have obvious symptoms when you accidentally encounter gluten during these early days, intentionally ingesting gluten will delay healing and can cause more problems down the road.

Celiac centers recommend those with celiac disease ingest less than 20ppm.

Edited to add...above is if you have celiac disease.

Also...we all eat yummy pizza, baked goods etc...ours our simply not destroying our small intestine :D

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Have you been diagnosed with Celiac disease, or are you eating gluten free for another reason?

 

With Celiac and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance (NCGI for short), the gluten-free diet needs 100% commitment.  There are great gluten-free alternatives to things like cookies... it is just a matter of getting through the transition.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

If you are just doing the diet for fun or something... Cheat all you want. I would just appreciate it if you wouldn't go to restaurants and say you need the gluten free meal and then eat the non- gluten-free bread or dessert. That just makes it harder for us Celiacs that need a restaurant to take us seriously.

If you have Celiac disease, then cheating is bad....really bad. I would think feeling sick for 10 years would be enough? You would be tired if it?

Open Original Shared Link

The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage your intestine. This is true for anyone with the disease, including people who do not have noticeable symptoms. It can take weeks for antibody levels (indicating intestinal damage) to normalize after a person with celiac disease has consumed gluten. Depending on a person’s age at diagnosis, some problems, such as delayed growth and tooth discoloration, may not improve.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I just cut to the chase on this "should I cheat?" question:

 

 

NO!

Kateteich Newbie
Kateteich
Posted
  • Author

Ok, like I said earlier today, I'm 9 days gluten-free.  I feel better honestly, but I'm wondering if I need to go "cold turkey" gluten-free, or if I can "ease into this eating thing"

 

What I'm really asking is "Can I cheat on this diet, and how sorry will I be when I do?"

 

I almost caved the other day when my co-workers were all eating pizza and cookies.... I know I will break down at some point.

 

How much wheat is too much?  After all, I ate wheat products for 50 years, and I have only been sick for 10 years....

 

- Any advice?

Thanks again, and I' m sorry if that question offended some, but I am sure I am not the only person that wonders these things, No this isn't a Fad diet for me. I have probably had this disease for 10 + years! but I was only diagnosed 9 days ago. I finally got so bad that I went to a

Gastrointerologist, and he had me tested for celiac's, the tests came back positive 9 days ago.

Anyway, I'm going to try my best, and thank you all for the wonderful advice!

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

Thanks again, and I' m sorry if that question offended some, but I am sure I am not the only person that wonders these things, No this isn't a Fad diet for me. I have probably had this disease for 10 + years! but I was only diagnosed 9 days ago. I finally got so bad that I went to a

Gastrointerologist, and he had me tested for celiac's, the tests came back positive 9 days ago.

Anyway, I'm going to try my best, and thank you all for the wonderful advice!

Those first weeks are the hardest, plus some people have a withdrawal (from the sugars or starches... I don't know) which makes one feel worse with extra fatigue headaches and such. Add to that the fact that you probably are not feeling a whole bumch better yet, and the first month is tough.

 

Stay gluten-free. You'll be happier in the long run.  Best wishes.

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user001 Contributor
user001
Posted

I actually agree with Karen about the eating out thing.

 

If you think you have celiac disease then go back on gluten and get tested, get the endoscopy. See what 50 years of gluten has done to your gut. That really brought it home for me. If you don't have celiac disease then cheat all you want, I suppose? But I wouldn't until you know your status. If people think this disease is a breeze, it's not. So get diagnosed so you know if you have to commit for life. 

 

I really eat quite a bit of delicious foods, but only in my safe, gluten free apartment. Going out is usually a nightmare, but cheating sets me back too much.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I actually agree with Karen about the eating out thing.

 

If you think you have celiac disease then go back on gluten and get tested, get the endoscopy. See what 50 years of gluten has done to your gut. That really brought it home for me. If you don't have celiac disease then cheat all you want, I suppose? But I wouldn't until you know your status. If people think this disease is a breeze, it's not. So get diagnosed so you know if you have to commit for life. 

 

I really eat quite a bit of delicious foods, but only in my safe, gluten free apartment. Going out is usually a nightmare, but cheating sets me back too much.

 

 

She had already said she has diagnosed celiac (see above) 

 

"Thanks again, and I' m sorry if that question offended some, but I am sure I am not the only person that wonders these things, No this isn't a Fad diet for me. I have probably had this disease for 10 + years! but I was only diagnosed 9 days ago. I finally got so bad that I went to a 

Gastrointerologist, and he had me tested for celiac's, the tests came back positive 9 days ago. "

luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

I'm with the others... cheating is never a good thing. When I was diagnosed 2 years before, and had the occasion to eat a huge hunk of (real) bread  it was a no-brainer... keep the kids safe!! 

user001 Contributor
user001
Posted

Was it endoscopy or blood or both? I feel that the endoscopy really made it real for me, because the doc could tell how bad it was.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Was it endoscopy or blood or both? I feel that the endoscopy really made it real for me, because the doc could tell how bad it was.

 

 

? I do not know why it should  matter. She has a celiac DX and she should not cheat. Period. 

user001 Contributor
user001
Posted

? I do not know why it should  matter. She has a celiac DX and she should not cheat. Period. 

oh ok, because that was why my doctor urged me to have the endoscopy even though my antibodies were off the charts. I just assumed it was standard procedure.

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Good to hear you have a solid diagnosis.  If you feel like you are getting a bit of a knee jerk reaction, it is because the people here feel very passionately about making sure everyone has the info that can make them the most healthy  :wub:  Some have even converted from the dark cheater side after they kept getting sick!  But there are no off limits questions :)  

 

I was a huge carb addict and when I first had to go gluten-free I had the worst time ever.  Before diagnosis all I ate was pasta, bread, breaded stuff... it was terrible.  Eventually, everyone's timeframe is different, but you will just wake up and realize you are over the hump of terribleness.  And although it may take a good while to heal up, there WILL be a revelation point at some time in your future where you feel better, and it will all be worth it! :)   You can make your own awesome gluten-free cookies, we can give you recipes :D Just hang in there  B)

Serielda Enthusiast
Serielda
Posted

Maybe it's because I am still learning. But if you was diagnosed with  celiacs, you need to be gluten free and please for the love of all that is holy say no. I know what that first few days and weeks are like quite vividly. It really wasn't that long ago and I am still in early months of this.  My answer would be oh dear god no, do not do it at all. It can take a small amount and you are ill for  weeks to months stacking toward years  trying to heal from it.  However from what I hear few years ago things was beyond depressing on trying to  work around this nightmare but things have gotten better.  I understand one can feel deprived and hate feeling left out. I have a friend with ADHD, his dr.'s have requested for him to make lifestyle changes, that makes him feel alienated by not taking part in some things.Our peers and fitting in and approval can be a real joy squealing about how awesome things are that we can't do. My friend always does fall off the wagon and his work performance still suffers. With myself I know better as I do not like what feeling glutened feels like. It feels bizarre and well freaks me out by how horrible I feel.  I am not trying to enable anyone, but I will state this. If I did not have to do this and be so critical on everything I eat or drink or how clean the items are ( yes improperly washed items in kitchens can nail you too) .  For myself after diagnosis it wasn't just going on a diet, because diets allow for cheating and do complete a life cycle on how long you are on it. For one who is  gluten intolerant or has celiacs its not a diet but a whole lifestyle change. 

Ok, like I said earlier today, I'm 9 days gluten-free.  I feel better honestly, but I'm wondering if I need to go "cold turkey" gluten-free, or if I can "ease into this eating thing"

 

What I'm really asking is "Can I cheat on this diet, and how sorry will I be when I do?"

 

I almost caved the other day when my co-workers were all eating pizza and cookies.... I know I will break down at some point.

 

How much wheat is too much?  After all, I ate wheat products for 50 years, and I have only been sick for 10 years....

 

- Any advice?

user001 Contributor
user001
Posted

Good to hear you have a solid diagnosis.  If you feel like you are getting a bit of a knee jerk reaction, it is because the people here feel very passionately about making sure everyone has the info that can make them the most healthy  :wub:  Some have even converted from the dark cheater side after they kept getting sick!  But there are no off limits questions :)

 

I was a huge carb addict and when I first had to go gluten-free I had the worst time ever.  Before diagnosis all I ate was pasta, bread, breaded stuff... it was terrible.  Eventually, everyone's timeframe is different, but you will just wake up and realize you are over the hump of terribleness.  And although it may take a good while to heal up, there WILL be a revelation point at some time in your future where you feel better, and it will all be worth it! :)   You can make your own awesome gluten-free cookies, we can give you recipes :D Just hang in there  B)

I have the most amazing brownie recipe that im fine tuning if you like that sort of thing. also coconut macaroons.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Thanks again, and I' m sorry if that question offended some, but I am sure I am not the only person that wonders these things, No this isn't a Fad diet for me. I have probably had this disease for 10 + years! but I was only diagnosed 9 days ago. I finally got so bad that I went to a

Gastrointerologist, and he had me tested for celiac's, the tests came back positive 9 days ago.

Anyway, I'm going to try my best, and thank you all for the wonderful advice!

 

In my opinion you owe no one an apology.  You asked an honest question that has a simple answer.  Since you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease you must do everything you can to avoid gluten in this gluten filled world.  Once you learn, the world doesn't seem gluten filled...but the learning curve is tough.

 

Hang in there :)

Serielda Enthusiast
Serielda
Posted

Could you send me the recipe for the macaroons?  I love them and honestly the ones I do get that are gluten-free are a bit pricey at the grocery I go to by my house for a tiny tiny little bag of them. Thanks in advance.

I have the most amazing brownie recipe that im fine tuning if you like that sort of thing. also coconut macaroons.

BlessedMommy Rising Star
BlessedMommy
Posted

It will get a lot easier in time. Hang in there!

 

Others have given you great advice, the only part I would like to add to the original part is that celiac has a lot of disorders that go with it. You honestly never know what direction your symptoms can go. I never dreamed that I would have a mini-stroke on gluten!

 

These days honestly I can look at other people eating cake and it has no effect on me. None. In fact I'm glad that I have a medical excuse not to eat dessert at most places, it's probably what's kept me from gaining weight. LOL!

 

Stock up with some safe yummy gluten-free cookie ingredients and other staples and you'll get some safe treats figured out in no time. I feel that I've become a much better cook since I went gluten-free.

 

In fact, a few months ago, I brought gluten-free doughnuts to a gathering to share and my doughnuts got eaten a lot faster than the regular gluten ones.  :D

realityrain Newbie
realityrain
Posted

I cheated at the beginning. A lot. I wasn't yet diagnosed with Celiac but I knew gluten was a problem in my body. I still cheated. And I got really, really sick. Eventually it just wasn't worth it anymore. Three months ago I had to get very strict with my diet and figure out all of the foods that were causing me issues, not just gluten. It was very hard at first. About two weeks ago though, I told my mom that I felt like it was all of a sudden a lot easier and I was feeling so much better. She said that it was because I had finally made it to the other side. To the side of the disease where I didn't feel sick all the time, where I wasn't in pain, where I could think! 

 

It isn't easy to make it to the other side, everyone on this forum knows that, but once you get there it will be worth it! It has been worth it to me above and beyond, worth not eating what the others are eating, worth not being able to easily eat out, worth learning a whole new way of life. I too, have been sick for over a decade. You begin to think that being sick is normal but it's not. You can do this! 

user001 Contributor
user001
Posted

I cheated at the beginning. A lot. I wasn't yet diagnosed with Celiac but I knew gluten was a problem in my body. I still cheated. And I got really, really sick. Eventually it just wasn't worth it anymore. Three months ago I had to get very strict with my diet and figure out all of the foods that were causing me issues, not just gluten. It was very hard at first. About two weeks ago though, I told my mom that I felt like it was all of a sudden a lot easier and I was feeling so much better. She said that it was because I had finally made it to the other side. To the side of the disease where I didn't feel sick all the time, where I wasn't in pain, where I could think! 

 

It isn't easy to make it to the other side, everyone on this forum knows that, but once you get there it will be worth it! It has been worth it to me above and beyond, worth not eating what the others are eating, worth not being able to easily eat out, worth learning a whole new way of life. I too, have been sick for over a decade. You begin to think that being sick is normal but it's not. You can do this! 

That made me tear a bit. I'm still working on making it to the other side!

  • 1 month later...
MyCeliacKid Newbie
MyCeliacKid
Posted

I'm really disappointed your doctor didn't cover this better with you.

 

Celiac Disease doesn't necessarily begin at birth. You've "only" been sick for 10 years, most likely because that's when your trigger occurred. But it did, and you now have Celiac for the rest of your life. My daughter ate wheat great for 9 years of her life before it made her ill. That's how Celiac works: you have the genetic predisposition, and you have the gluten in your diet, and it lays in wait. Somehow (no one knows all the possible ways), a trigger or stressor occurs, and then the Celiac begins.

 

There is NO cheating on your diet. As her GE put it, if she even gets a single macaroni noodle, she will be sick. How much wheat is too much? Any amount.

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

Cheat = sick.   And you set back the healing process. 

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