Kansas

I think the whole world be better off gluten free.  A long time ago we had hogs being produced on our farm.  If we wanted a better price, we added wheat to their diet to fatten them out.  I am sure the meat wasn't improved but it put more dollars in my pocket at sale time. We are an obese nation, I think gluten being in everything processed is the culprit, plus I think a lot of the auto-immune diseases are because of gluten.   I personally like my gluten free diet.

Everything you "give up" will certainly be worth it.  The girlfriend can still use her cookbooks and continue to cook, she will just become more creative.  I just had a lovely Thansgiving with all the tradional foods and served 16 people, everyone loving what was served.  The pay off of being gluten free and regaining your health is so worth it!  You probably have more symptoms than you know that will dissappear after going gluten free.  It won't hurt you to give the diet a try, no processed foods for a couple months, I would also cut out dairy.  For Christmas I would give myself and girlfriend seperate cooking utensils, keeping them locked up from the gluten ones.

I would not let this disease rob you of anymore than what it already has!  It has taken away your love for food, but I be darned if it would destroy my relationships with hubby or famiy, social situations. I just read another thread of how it has robbed a person of everything, so very sad.  I am very sensitive, so I would not eat anyone's else dinner, but fix and take mine own.  I have done this several times and no one has even noticed.

Raven,
I have been learning/lurking for the past three years, and when I see your posts, I know I can rely on what you have written.  You will probably never know just how many people you have helped!  Please know that I care, I have an 18 year old mutt dog that saved my life when my son was killed.  I do have a supporting family, but it was that little dog that really listened and was there for me, or maybe I allowed her to see how much I was hurting. She does understand.  I am so sorry for your loss.  You are family!