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Making Food For Others


Melissa.77

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notme Experienced

hey, melissa - hang in there - you might have withdrawal symptoms before you start feeling better.  most of us quit dairy in the beginning. i did for about 6 months to give damaged villi healing time.  eat simply, that is your best bet.  i went crazy at first, trying to substitute 'familiar' foods - i finally just (mostly) ate boar's head turkey on udi's bread lolz not very exciting but it works.  it is still my "go-to" when my insides are feeling wonky  :)  and feeling better is gradual.  i think one day i woke up and said "WOW.  I FEEL GREAT!" not realizing i was feeling better and better every day.  have your vitamin levels checked - i have to supplement with D and B12 - you might want to look into a gluten-free multi-vitamin.  as you heal, you will absorb more of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to thrive.  when i was first diagnosed, i caught every flu, cold, etc - my hair was brittle and i had rash after rash.  could not keep weight on at all.  my nails broke easily and i woke up every day thinking about taking a nap.  i am about 2 1/2 years in and happy to say that for the first time in since i can remember, i have gone the whole winter without so much as a cold.  i didn't even get a flu shot!  so, there is proof that my antibodies are staying busy keeping me well instead of attacking my insides/gluten.  stay around here and you will get alot of helpful advice!  this place and these people are priceless.  i would have done much worse (maybe not even stuck to the diet - it's hard!!) without all the tips/tricks i have learned here.  good luck and ask away - the only stupid question is the one not asked :)


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Melissa.77 Rookie

Well thank you and I have been eating simple. I pretty much live off of boneless skinless chicken on grill and potatoes and veggies. I make enough the night before for lunch the next day. I never was into breads but I did love pasta so its hard. I think the hardest thing is having 4 kids and hubby that dont need to do this and just making their foods make me very sick. Im not sure what to do about that but I will have my kids checked out too. Thanks for the help

Gemini Experienced

Look, guys, if some of you don't quit with the misinfo on the USDA "natural flavors" loophole, which allows gluten in barley and rye byproducts, and from processed starches and other grain byproducts which may not be gluten free, to be applied or used as flavoring or seasonings,  you are going to inadvertently make somebody sick.   USDA does not care at all about gluten free labeling according to a statement I have read from the current Secretary Vilsack, he says companies following VOLUNTARY food labeling for the top 8 allergens is enough and does not think the USA needs stricter standards.  Never assume. We do not have gluten free labeling standards here at this time, April 2013, in the United States. 

We may not have official gluten free labeling but what we do have, or most of us do, is a brain.....which can easily be used to figure out what is safe and what is not.  It requires some research and learning but we do not need the government to figure out what is safe for us.  Peter gave the correct information on Natural Flavorings so listen to Peter!  :rolleyes:

Melissa.77 Rookie

Im just so hoping this all will get easier with time. Im not a patient person and being swallon like im 9 months pregnant is so not feeling good. I cant even fit into my own clothes. Im stressed to max

kenlove Rising Star

It really does get better Melissa. Each of us takes a different amount of time to heal. Although I had  trained as a chef I had not worked at it in 30 years until I came down with celiac about 8 years ago or. Having it really awakened me and my family and forced me to change for the better.  If cooking for your family makes  you sick I"m sure they will adjust. Try some different  gluten free pastas for them. Let yourself get creative with gluten-free cooking. There are many cook books out there and recipes online. Its a challenge but you can make it fun for you and your family.

good luck

 

 

 

Im just so hoping this all will get easier with time. Im not a patient person and being swallon like im 9 months pregnant is so not feeling good. I cant even fit into my own clothes. Im stressed to max

Juliebove Rising Star

Well thank you and I have been eating simple. I pretty much live off of boneless skinless chicken on grill and potatoes and veggies. I make enough the night before for lunch the next day. I never was into breads but I did love pasta so its hard. I think the hardest thing is having 4 kids and hubby that dont need to do this and just making their foods make me very sick. Im not sure what to do about that but I will have my kids checked out too. Thanks for the help

Buy gluten-free pasta.  Tinkyada is very good!  Just be sure not to overcook it and if you use a plastic strainer, you'll need to buy a new one.  My Italian husband never noticed that I had changed the pasta.

notme Experienced

Well thank you and I have been eating simple. I pretty much live off of boneless skinless chicken on grill and potatoes and veggies. I make enough the night before for lunch the next day. I never was into breads but I did love pasta so its hard. I think the hardest thing is having 4 kids and hubby that dont need to do this and just making their foods make me very sick. Im not sure what to do about that but I will have my kids checked out too. Thanks for the help

if you are putting your food directly onto a pre-gluten-free grill, you might be cross contaminating yourself - put yours in tinfoil before putting on grates.  stop licking your fingers when you are making kids' food lolz that was one i learned the hard way.  tinkyada pasta is da bomb - i am also a huge pasta lover and tink comes pretty close - it even holds up well in pasta salads.  you can make their food (dinners, at least) gluten free with out that much change.   i will make most of the meal gluten-free (say, tacos) so:  meat <i season my own with onion & garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, etc s&p all gluten-free)  top with (now i can eat it) monterrey jack cheese, lettuce tomato, guacamole, salsa, sour cream.  i heat up some refried beans, and use corn taco shells, for example.  the husband wants rice a roni <not gluten free!  so i fix it and move the pot very farrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr away from the rest of the meal.  tends to remind him that he needs to be careful.  how old are your kids?  we also have 4, but the youngest is in last year of college already.  i think she and our son probably would test to be ncgi at least....  but their symptoms are minor to them maybe because their bodies are not damaged enough for them to care yet.  son had onset of type 1 diabetes at age 19 so he already struggles with his diet.  if they were young enough that i was still feeding them, i would feed them gluten-free anyway whether i had them tested or not.  i changed their diapers....  'nuff said lolz !  :D


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Melissa.77 Rookie

Thank you for all the tips it realy does help to hear from all the different views people have and tips. I think Im finaly comming around to the change. I even got hubby to make sons Bday cake as I was not doing it. As for myself I even made a apple crisp glutin free so I can have a treat to as well as some sorbiet ice cream yummy. Im learning slowly. I just cant stand feeling so horrible all the time so deff need to change. My dr said Im in bad shape left untreated for 30 plus years is not good. I have been sick since a very young child. So thanks all for the support

Ollie's Mom Apprentice

Torani flavored syrups are one example of a gluten-containing ingredient being part of "natural flavors" and not being otherwise declared. The FAQ page on their website lists the following flavors as containing gluten:

Bacon, Classic Caramel, Sugar Free Classic Caramel, Toasted Marshmallow and Sugar Free French Vanilla.

Here are the ingredients for the Classic Caramel: Pure cane sugar, water, natural flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness). I have one of the SF Classic Caramel and it does not say that it contains wheat or gluten anywhere on the package. But it does, according to their website.

I just wanted to repost this. It looks as though this is an example like Peter was looking for. It isn't "hidden" in that they clearly state on their website that these flavors contain gluten, but you'd NEVER know if you only looked at the label. So, on the label, it is hidden. It may be rare, but it does happen.

karichelle Newbie

I just wanted to repost this. It looks as though this is an example like Peter was looking for. It isn't "hidden" in that they clearly state on their website that these flavors contain gluten, but you'd NEVER know if you only looked at the label. So, on the label, it is hidden. It may be rare, but it does happen.

Exactly -- and it's the type of thing that makes me nervous about anything that lists "natural flavors." I read the label at the coffee shop, itched from it later, and found this on Torani's website. Reading the label did me no good.

Cookingpapa Rookie

I was hoping someone would repost this. I strictly avoid everything that says "natutal flavors" on the label because even though I am not gluten intolerant, my wife is. And seeing her in pain because I haven't been cautious enough doesn't work for me.

 

I'm not convinced that natural flavors are safe in the US even though Peter is very compelling in his arguments.

I just wanted to repost this. It looks as though this is an example like Peter was looking for. It isn't "hidden" in that they clearly state on their website that these flavors contain gluten, but you'd NEVER know if you only looked at the label. So, on the label, it is hidden. It may be rare, but it does happen.

psawyer Proficient

Cookingpapa, I am going to offer another avenue to relaxing about flavors.

There are a number of food manufacturers who have a policy that any gluten will be explicitly named in the ingredients list and never hidden. They include some of the largest companies in the business, and apply to all their brands and products worldwide.

Open Original Shared Link

With these companies, you don't have to call and ask. Indeed, if you call Kraft, the customer service representative will tell you to read the label. That is because formulas change, and the product you have may not match the current ingredients.

khrhyne Newbie

Well Hello everyone.

 

         Im a brand new memeber and have been reading all these post and just soaking it all in. Im having a hard time with all this at this point and assumeit will get easier at one point. I am a mother of 4 kids so making food for them has even been gettting me sick too does anyone know what to do in this situation. Im very stressed out with it all. I cant even get myself out of bed someday because im so sick or at times Im just depressed. Any Idea for help

Hi Melissa! I hope you are slowly figuring things out. I have found a wonderful gluten-free bread mix, and my kids even request it ("Mommy, could you make the gluten-free bread?"). I am not sure if I am allowed to mention the name here? Moderators, is that OK? I am getting my daughter tested this week as well, as she has tummy issues. Good luck!

mushroom Proficient

It is perfectly okay to mention a product you have enjoyed, so long as you are not associated with the company that makes it and do not have a pecuniary interest in the product. :)

stanleymonkey Explorer

Corn pasta is also good

heather806 Rookie

You'll be great at this after a bit of time and practice, Melissa! I only cook gluten free for my myself and my husband and when people come over.  I make a yummy tinkyada spiral pasta salad with mozarella and tomato and other stuff and people are always surprised it is gluten free. 

 

If you happen to live where they have Wegman's -- I made the wegmans gluten-free brownies tonight and holy cow I have to stop myself from eating the whole batch!!  So good.  Nobody would know the difference.  Your kids can still enjoy the traditional "sweet treats" -- you just have to be a little creative and find brands that work for you.  I wish I had some vanilla ice cream to put on these brownies....yum!   (I am mostly eating healthy but sometimes you gotta have a treat) :)

 

I still have some non gluten-free items in the house so my husband can make a regular sandwich or whatever for himself but we have separate items like butter tubs etc to help avoid cross-contamination. 

 

You can do this! :)

Lisa Mentor

I just wanted to repost this. It looks as though this is an example like Peter was looking for. It isn't "hidden" in that they clearly state on their website that these flavors contain gluten, but you'd NEVER know if you only looked at the label. So, on the label, it is hidden. It may be rare, but it does happen.

That is old information, and their website is out of date.  Caramel coloring/flavoring and vanilla flavoring  are no longer considered to contain gluten.

Ollie's Mom Apprentice

That is old information, and their website is out of date. Caramel coloring/flavoring and vanilla flavoring are no longer considered to contain gluten.

Can you provide a source for this?

psawyer Proficient

Caramel color is one of those celiac urban myths that just won't go away.

Here is Shelley Case's take on it, from Gluten-Free Diet A Comprehensive Resource Guide:

Although gluten-containing ingredients (barley malt syrup and starch hydrolysates) can be used in the production of caramel color, North American companies use corn as it has a longer shelf life and makes a superior product. European companies use glucose derived from wheat starch, however caramel color is highly processed and contains no gluten.

[Emphasis in original]
Melissa.77 Rookie

Well Im still not all the way there but am learning slowing some of the secrets in glutin free eating. love the support here

Melissa.77 Rookie

I have a question to anyone out there that may be able to answer it. How does anyone afford to shop glutin free is there a good place to shop that is affordable. I have a house of 5 and my pockets aren't deep enough to afford the cost of glutin free foods. Help

tarnalberry Community Regular

Don't buy processed gluten free foods. Use whole, naturally gluten free foods. Beans, lentils, rice, corn, buckwheat, quinoa, eggs, fruits and vegetables that are in season, lots of root veggies and winter squash when in season. Small amounts of meats or fish.

There are lots of blogs with inexpensive, whole food recipes. We do dinner with a family once a week, and for the six of us, the full cost of dinner runs between $15 and $30 (usually when we do salmon fillets ;) ), including two to three leftover servings for lunch the next day.

What sorts of foods do you usually eat and are willing to eat?

notme Experienced

i usually 'splurge' on:  bread, pasta, (i still use lactaid, but i probably don't need to) i have no reaction to boar's head cold-cuts, so i buy a little for me and a cheaper brand for everybody else, pizza crust, burger/hot dog buns <so, still bread items..  the 'fake' soy bragg's enzyme sauce, certain flours <and that you will collect different ones over time.  i don't use pre-mixed - just combine depending on what i'm making.  if i find (omgosh, udi's cinnamon buns on the reduced rack for a dollar a package, HELLO i bought all of them haha :) ) a deal on something i will load up the freezer.  if you're not feeding everyone gluten-free, just use (say) one burger bun for you and feed the rest regular wheat buns.  that saves me $$ i eat my sloppy joe on my expensive bread and he can eat his on the cheap-os.  everything else i can usually fake lolz :D  and a few years ago, we started planting veggies and can them ourselves.  that way, i know exactly what sort of (vinegar, NATURAL FLAVORINGS LOLOL etc) are going into our food.   if i make a bunch of something and freeze it, i have a dinner for myself if everyone decides they really need to eat kentucky fried chicken or whatever.  or if i have to run out the door, i usually have something to chuck into my backpack so i won't starve to death.  i swear, sometimes, i won't be hungry until i leave the house!!  i think my car makes me hungry haha

karichelle Newbie

That is old information, and their website is out of date.  Caramel coloring/flavoring and vanilla flavoring  are no longer considered to contain gluten.

Are you stating that Torani's website is out of date? If so, what is your source?

 

Open Original Shared Link Under product-related questions.

psawyer Proficient

Are you stating that Torani's website is out of date? If so, what is your source?

It may be based on outdated thinking about certain ingredients. I already responded here regarding caramel color.

 

http://www.celiac.ca/index.php/about-celiac-disease/what-to-eat/'>Here is a link to the Canadian Celiac Association page that lists vanilla as safe.

 

As testing technology has advanced over time, some things, like these, that were once feared to contain gluten have now been scientifically shown not to contain it.

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This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


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Examples: • I wash my hands 20–30 times a day — before eating, after touching anything at home or outside, after using my phone/laptop. • I don’t let others touch my phone, and I’m scared to use my laptop because friends at school or my brother (who eat gluten) have touched it. And it annoys me a lot when others touch my stuff and feels like it got contaminated and is unsafe instantly. • I stopped eating while using my phone or laptop, afraid of invisible gluten being on them. • I wash my hands after opening food packaging (since it was on store cashier belts where gluten food is placed). • I avoid sitting anywhere except my bed or one clean chair. • I won’t shake hands with anyone or walk past people eating gluten. • At school, when switching classes, I wash my hands before getting out my laptop, again before opening it, etc. • I open door knobs with my elbows instead my hands   Job Concerns (Powder Coating, Sandblasting, Etc.) I’m working a temporary job right now that involves: • Powder coating • Sandblasting • Wet spray painting • Anodizing There’s also a laboratory. I don’t need this job, and my OCD makes me believe that dust or air particles there might contain gluten somehow. Should I quit?   Doctors Haven’t Helped My family doctor told me: “Asymptomatic celiac isn’t serious, if you have no symptoms, your intestines won’t get damaged, so you don’t need a gluten-free diet.” I knew that was wrong, but he wasn’t open to listening. I just nodded and didn‘t argue. My gastroenterologist (who’s also a dietitian) said: „If your antibodies are negative, there’s no damage. It might even be okay to try small amounts of gluten later if antibodies stay negative.“ Also said, pepper that says “may contain gluten” is fine if it only contains pepper. She was more informed than my family doctor but didn’t seem to fully understand celiac either.   Questions I Need Help With 1. Is it realistically safe to eat food my mom cooks, if we get separate pans/ and boards even if gluten is still used in the same kitchen? There will always be low risk of cc chances like that she will still touch stuff that was touched by her and my siblings after they ate gluten. And as there are gluten eaters in the house and she also prepares and eats gluten. So would opening the fridge then getting the food and touching the food be okay? So basically what i am doing, washing my hands multiple times while preparing food, she would only wash it once before, then touch anything else (for example water tap or handles) that were touched with gluteny hands, then also touch the food. I dont know if I ever could feel safe, I could try telling her how important cc really is. And I trust her so she wouldnt lie to me then be careless about cc, but idk how safe it really can be if she and everyone else keeps eating gluten and touching stuff in the house after eating. 2. Do I need to worry about touching doorknobs, fridge handles, light switches, etc. that family members touched after eating gluten? What about public places like bus handles or school desks? Or like if i went to the gym, I would be touching stuff all the time, so there will be small amounts of gluten and those would get transferred on my phone if I touch my phone while in the gym. But I want to knos if it would be enough to do damage. 3. Is an endoscopy (without biopsy) enough to tell if my intestines are healed? I’d pay privately if it could help and if i dont get a refferal. Or do i need a biopsy? 4. Could my job (powder coating, sandblasting, etc.) expose me to gluten or damage my intestines through air/dust? 5. Do I need certified gluten-free toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, or moisturizer? (For example: Vaseline and Colgate don’t contain gluten ingredients but say they can’t guarantee it’s gluten-free.) 6. Is spices like pepper with “may contain traces of gluten” safe if no gluten ingredients are listed? Or does everything need to be labeled gluten-free?  7. Is continuing to only eat my own food the better choice, or could I eventually go back to eating what my mom cooks if she’s careful? 8. is cutlery from dishwasher safe if there are stains? Stuff like knives is used for cutting gluten bread or fork for noodles etc. I often see stains which i dont know if its gluten or something else but our dish washer doesnt seem to make it completely clean. 9. I wash my hands multiple times while preparing food. Do i need to do the same when touching my phone. Like if i touch the fridge handle, I wash my hands then touch the phone. I dont eat while using my phone but i leave it on my bed and pillow and my face could come in contact with where it was.  10. Do i need to clean my phone or laptop if theyve been used by people who eat gluten? Even if no crumbs fall onto my keybaord, i mean because of invisible gluten on their fingers. 11. Does medication/supplements have to be strictly glutenfree? One company said they couldn‘t guarantee if their probiotics don’t contain traces of gluten.  12. I had bought supplements in the past, some of them say glutenfree and some of them dont(like the brand „NOW“ from iherb). I bought them and used them when i wasnt washing my hands so often, are they still safe? As I touched and opened them after touching door knobs, water taps etc. It was like a year ago when i bought those and even though i was eating gluten-free, I never worried about what i touch etc. I know this post is long. I’m just extremely overwhelmed. I’m trying to protect myself from long-term health damage, but the OCD is destroying my quality of life, and I honestly don’t know what’s a reasonable level of caution anymore. Thanks for reading.
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