NoGluGirl

Dear sarad1,
             You are so welcome!    I know what you mean.  I have a belief that no one should be deprived of comfort food!  It is surprising what we are able to eat sometimes.  Thank goodness for the internet!  Celiacs would starve without it.  I want to make this as easy as possible for others, because the transition is so overwhelming.  Feel free to ask questions anytime!  

                Sincerely,
                       NoGluGirl
P.S. If you need a recipe for chocolate chip cookies like Tollhouse cookies, just ask!  I am working on a cookbook.

I have to say, I am very proud of him, he has not had any gluten all day, and for him that is pretty much a miracle!  I tried to tell him that there are so so many things that he can still eat and it's not like he has to go without anything.  Not to mention, he actually likes the gluten-free tapioca bread that my step son eats....so what's the big deal?  I guess it's just the idea of it!  Thanks for your reply, I really hope my hubby sticks with it, and finds out what is wrong with him!

   Dear sarad1,
       Congratulations to your hubby!    Since he has been such a good boy, I have a little present for you and him to make things easier.  Also, I wanted to remind you to be careful with your lipsticks and such.  If you eat gluten and are not a Celiac or gluten intolerant, he can become ill from kissing you.    This disease really can be difficult to deal with at times.  There is somuch you have to think about.  The list below will surprise your husband, because there are a lot of options!

     I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself in August of 2006. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!
1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.
2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.
3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.
4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.
Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:
Condiments:
Smart Balance Margarine*
Crisco Shortening
Crisco Oil
Pompeiian Olive Oil
Great Value soy sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)
Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce
Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Pace Picante Sauce
Ortega Salsa
All Classico Red and *White sauces
All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations
Welch's Grape Jelly
Cool Whip*
Philadelphia Cream Cheese*
Miracle Whip
Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*
Snack Foods:
Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam’s Club)
Lay's Stax Potato Chips (Do not get any other kinds, these are the only ones made on dedicated lines)
Act II Microwave Popcorn
3 Musketeers candy bars *
Butterfinger candy bars*
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups*
Meat and Protein :
Eggs
Great Value Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Extra Lean ground beef
Carl Buddig lunchmeats all are safe
Kraft Cheese Shredded or sliced (Kraft is a great company, they never hide gluten in their labels. If it does not say wheat, barley, oats or rye, then it is not in there!)*
Jell-O Gelatin Cups (Will clearly label gluten if present, due to it being a division of Kraft)
Jell-O Pudding Cups (Will clearly label gluten if present, due to it being a division of Kraft)
Cereals:
Cocoa Pebbles
Fruity Pebbles
Dora The Explorer Cinnamon Stars
Seasonings:
Durkee Cinnamon-ground
Durkee Ginger-ground
Durkee Chili powder
Durkee Vanilla Extract (in fact, all of their liquid flavorings, food colorings, and extracts are g.f.)
Emeril's Essence - Asian, Italian
Ortega Taco Seasoning (In fact, since they are under a very strict labeling policy, all of their products are gluten free at this time)
Miscellaneous:
Ortega Taco Shells
Starkist or Great Value Tuna
Butter Buds
Great Value Soy Milk
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Apples
Pears
Carrots
Great Value Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Del Monte Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Ore Ida Tater Tots
Ore Ida French Fries
Hormel Chili
Hormel Spam
Hormel Turkey Spam (Oven Roasted and Smoked)
Hormel Pepperoni
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
Jimmy Dean Fresh Taste Fast Sausage (links, rolls, and patties)
Plumrose Bacon
PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray (all except for PAM for baking; it has flour)
Beverages:
Diet Rite
Folgers Coffees (all including Cappuccinos)
Luzianne Tea (We get decaf)
Arizona Teas
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
Some Household Items that are safe include:
Cascade Dishwashing Detergent
All Laundry Detergent
Wisk Laundry Detergent
Dawn Dish Soap (all including the Power Disolver)
SoftSoap Hand Soaps
Murphy's Oil Soap
Hygiene, Cosmetics, and Beauty Items:
Dove Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, and Styling Aids (Will clearly label gluten if present)
Crest Whitening Expressions Toothpastes
Biotene Mouthwash (all)
Suave Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, and Styling Aids (Will clearly label gluten if present)
Maybelline (Gluten is clearly labeled when present)
CoverGirl (Gluten is clearly labeled when present)
Wet'n Wild (All except for one of the mascaras)
Olay Quench Body Lotion
Crest WhiteStrips
L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoos and Conditioners (Clearly label gluten if present)

* Includes dairy
         I hope this helps!
              
                    Sincerely,
                          NoGluGirl

Dear Casey,
         The test results do not always show anything.  I have Celiac, but I was seronegative.  Blood tests are often negative in the most severe cases, according to new research by Dr. Kenneth Fine.  Your daughter is smart!  She already knows that bread is making her ill.

    
        I have some wonderful news for you.  Just because your husband is Celiac, does not mean that you have to buy everything at the healthfood store.  Money has always been tight for us.  Naturally, I have found a number of ways to remedy that.  Believe it or not, there are many things we can have at the regular store!    Only buy what you absolutely have to at the healthfood store.  

         Something else I would like to mention is your husband and child can get sick from cross-contamination.  This means if you touch bread or crackers, then touch their food, they can get sick.  A microscopic amount is all it takes to make me violently ill.  Unfortunately, my parents just treat me like a lunatic, then complain I whine about being sick, they cannot get in the bathroom, and cannot figure out why I do not just go out and get a job.    Dear God, these people are idiots!  So are many doctors.  They tell Celiacs they are just crazy, or something of the sort.

         I also should tell you that it is not your fault and you are trying.  Your husband and daughter are lucky to have a wonderful, considerate person such as yourself in their life.  In order for them both to be well, it is necessary that you analyze some items you may not have thought of.  First of all, you need new cookware and utensils.  Gluten hides in cracks and scratches.  Wooden utensils particularly need to go.  Wal-Mart has a great four piece set with a dutch oven, two different sized saucepans, and a skillet for only $22.88, so if you would like, I can send you a link.

       Other items such as toiletries and cosmetics are often forgotten about.  Toothpaste, mouthwash, hair styling products, aftershave, shaving cream, handsoaps, lotions, medications, and even your cosmetics can gluten your husband and child.  Do not worry, I know of the brands that clearly label ingredients, and I can ease your mind about that.    I want to make this as easy a transition as possible for everyone.  It is okay to be frustrated, angry, or sad.  Have a good cry if need be.  This is a lot to deal with.

     Okay, now I have a present to welcome you to our forum.  I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself in August of 2006. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!
1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.
2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.
3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.
4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.
Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:
Condiments:
Smart Balance Margarine*
Crisco Shortening
Crisco Oil
Pompeiian Olive Oil
Great Value soy sauce
Heinz Ketchup
Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)
Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce
Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing
Pace Picante Sauce
Ortega Salsa
All Classico Red and *White sauces
All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations
Welch's Grape Jelly
Cool Whip*
Philadelphia Cream Cheese*
Miracle Whip
Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*
Snack Foods:
Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam’s Club)
Lay's Stax Potato Chips (Do not get any other kinds, these are the only ones made on dedicated lines)
Act II Microwave Popcorn
3 Musketeers candy bars *
Butterfinger candy bars*
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups*
Meat and Protein :
Eggs
Great Value Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Extra Lean ground beef
Carl Buddig lunchmeats all are safe
Kraft Cheese Shredded or sliced (Kraft is a great company, they never hide gluten in their labels. If it does not say wheat, barley, oats or rye, then it is not in there!)*
Jell-O Gelatin Cups (Will clearly label gluten if present, due to it being a division of Kraft)
Jell-O Pudding Cups (Will clearly label gluten if present, due to it being a division of Kraft)
Cereals:
Cocoa Pebbles
Fruity Pebbles
Dora The Explorer Cinnamon Stars
Seasonings:
Durkee Cinnamon-ground
Durkee Ginger-ground
Durkee Chili powder
Durkee Vanilla Extract (in fact, all of their liquid flavorings, food colorings, and extracts are g.f.)
Emeril's Essence - Asian, Italian
Ortega Taco Seasoning (In fact, since they are under a very strict labeling policy, all of their products are gluten free at this time)
Miscellaneous:
Ortega Taco Shells
Starkist or Great Value Tuna
Butter Buds
Great Value Soy Milk
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Apples
Pears
Carrots
Great Value Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Del Monte Canned Fruits and Vegetables
Ore Ida Tater Tots
Ore Ida French Fries
Hormel Chili
Hormel Spam
Hormel Turkey Spam (Oven Roasted and Smoked)
Hormel Pepperoni
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
Jimmy Dean Fresh Taste Fast Sausage (links, rolls, and patties)
Plumrose Bacon
PAM Non-Stick Cooking Spray (all except for PAM for baking; it has flour)
Beverages:
Diet Rite
Folgers Coffees (all including Cappuccinos)
Luzianne Tea (We get decaf)
Arizona Teas
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
Some Household Items that are safe include:
Cascade Dishwashing Detergent
All Laundry Detergent
Wisk Laundry Detergent
Dawn Dish Soap (all including the Power Disolver)
SoftSoap Hand Soaps
Murphy's Oil Soap
Hygiene, Cosmetics, and Beauty Items:
Dove Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, and Styling Aids (Will clearly label gluten if present)
Crest Whitening Expressions Toothpastes
Biotene Mouthwash (all)
Suave Soaps, Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, and Styling Aids (Will clearly label gluten if present)
Maybelline (Gluten is clearly labeled when present)
CoverGirl (Gluten is clearly labeled when present)
Wet'n Wild (All except for one of the mascaras)
Olay Quench Body Lotion
Crest WhiteStrips
L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoos and Conditioners (Clearly label gluten if present)

* Includes dairy

      The reason I put asterisks by the dairy is because many Celiacs do not tolerate casein, a protein found in dairy.  For others, lactose is the trouble.  Many people can go back to eating dairy after their intestines heal.  You can eliminate them if you like.  However, if you just want to go without gluten first, that is helpful in itself.  I also would like to say you can get some wonderful cake mixes at www.choclat.com where they Chocolate Emporium sells gluten-free, casein-free chocolate and other candies.

           I hope this helps!

                     Sincerely,
                           NoGluGirl

It's sooo bizarre, even work seems to stress me out less...

  Dear JerryK,
             That is not too surprising, actually.  Anxiety disorders are even linked to gluten.  It may be some of my mother's trouble.  This affects you on so many levels, and the changes the diet brings are often surprising.  You never realize how psychologically and physically tortured you can be by food sensitivities or Celiac.  Way to go!  Keep up the good work!

  Dear Mtndog,
                 Yep, pooping to death is bad!  As far as the cookies go, I love to get them fresh baked right out of the oven!  They are so good!  I usually eat four at a time, which is not healthy!  However, I have a low fat recipe that is so good, and my best friend gave me the idea.  I just replace the shortening and the margerine with an 8oz. container of Cool Whip Free, and use Splenda for baking instead of the granulated sugar, and they are great!  My best friend taught me how to make these great cookies several years ago where you take any cake mix and add 1 egg and the Cool Whip, then roll it in a ball with 2 teaspoons, roll in some confectioner's sugar, then bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, and they are so good!  Since Cool Whip is low in fat, that makes it better!  You get to eat more!

                  Sincerely,
                          NoGluGirl

Dear JerryK,
              Congratulations!    We are so proud of you!  Stay away from the gluten cookies, though.  They hurt you.  I love cookies, too.  They are the only sweet besides chocolate I have difficulty resisting.  I would be more than happy to give you a recipe that your wife could make them for you.  My specialty is cookies.  Chocolate Chip are my favorite.  I am going to make some this week.

               I know how you feel with the heartburn.  I have to take Prilosec OTC twice daily.  Now I can actually skip a dose occaisionally and only take one.  Before going gluten free, that was a different story. I had such bad reflux, I was practically sleeping sitting straight up, and taking two Prilosecs, and avoiding chocolate, tomatoes, citrus, etc. and it just was unbearable.  

                                                NoGluGirl's Chocolate Chip Cookies
   2 Cups sweet rice flour
   1/2 Cup each light brown sugar and granulated sugar
   1/3 Cup each Smart Balance Margerine and Crisco Vegetable Shortening
   1 egg
   1/4 cup milk or soymilk such as Wal-Mart's Great Value
   1 teaspoon each Durkee Vanilla Extract, salt, Arm and Hammer baking soda, and baking powder
   1 1/2 cups Hershey milk chocolate chips or Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chips

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Spray cookie sheet with PAM (remember NOT PAM for baking, it has flour.  Original and the others are safe.)
3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons full on baking sheet two inches apart.  (Cookie scoops work well also.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on whether you want chewy or slightly crispy cookies.
5. Remove from oven.  Allow to set 3 to 5 minutes before removing to cooling rack or plate with spatula.
6. After that, taste one of those babies!  Fresh hot chocolate chip cookies are so good right out of the oven!  Repeat until dough is used up.

    Jerry, you are special.  You are the only person I have EVER shared my secret recipe with.  Please keep away from the gluteny goodies.  Remember, gluten = poison.  Please don't poop to death, we would all miss you!
              Sincerely,
                      NoGluGirl