Relenting Over Destitute Fate

[Idahogirl]

I'm new here, and just starting the gluten-free diet. I have so much to learn! Does anyone know about whether maltodextrin is safe? I read that as long as it is in the US, it is gluten free. It is in everything! Also, I found that the cereal I was eating has different ingredient listing in the bigger quantity (Malt-o-meal Cocoa Dyno Bites-small bag seems to be gluten-free, but jumbo size has different ingredients, and is not gluten-free) Anyone else experienced this? Maybe the new labeling requirements going into effect (in US) in '06 will help.

Does the diet get easier? We went to a harvest carnival at my kids' school last night, and I realized that I could not eat anything we might win at the cake walk! And the thought of never having biscuits and gravy is almost too much for me to take! Not to mention about 1,000 other things I can no longer eat!

I know that some restaurants may have gluten free selections, but how do I know if the only thing that excludes something from having a gluten-free label is one thing I could easily pick off? Example: salad with breaded chicken strips, which could be picked out.

I just have to remind myself that at least I can eat-there are people who have to have their food given to them through tubes. We can always find someone who has it harder than us!

[Guest nini]

First of all, you can't just "pick off" the gluten containing foods. That would be dangerous.

Secondly, you can have biscuits and gravy again, just gluten free versions. I found an awesome biscuit mix by 1-2-3 Gluten Free, Southern Glory Biscuits, a little pricey but they freeze well and you can get Road's End Gluten Free Gravy Mixes... they have several really good ones. And there are plenty of gluten-free sausages to mix into the gravy. AND you can always make gravy from scratch after making your sausage and using the grease and cornstarch and whatever else you like in your gravy that is gluten-free.

Third, Malt o Meal changed their ingredients so you may have found some older bags from before they added gluten to the ingredients this past summer.

and of course, it does get easier. You will find things that you love just as much as your old gluten favorites. it just takes a little time to figure it all out.

welcome to the board! this is a great source of info

[KaitiUSA]

I'm new here, and just starting the gluten-free diet.  I have so much to learn!  Does anyone know about whether maltodextrin is safe?  I read that as long as it is in the US, it is gluten free. 

Does the diet get easier? 

I know that some restaurants may have gluten free selections, but how do I know if the only thing that excludes something from having a gluten-free label is one thing I could easily pick off?  Example: salad with breaded chicken strips, which could be picked out.

Maltodextrin is fine in the U.S. They have to put if it is not safe on the label...that is for all brands.

The diet gets so much easier..I was overwhelmed at first with everything but I found it is not as limited as you may think at first and there are great substitutes for things we can't have.

If you need some lists that will make life a bit easier you can email me for them.

You can't order anything with gluten like chicken strips on a salad and then pick them off because a considerable amount of gluten will contaminate your food and then damage you once you eat it.

[jenvan]

i would highly recommend you read 'wheat free, worry free' by danna korn. excellent resource--will give you a big overview and details of the disease, diet etc. it will educate you greatly. you can order it on amazon or in most bookstores.

[Idahogirl]

Thank you so much for the advice! I went out to dinner for the first time last night, and it was horrible. Even though I called the night before to check on their menu, they were out of baked potatoes , and the waitress couldn't say whether the mashed potatoes had extra ingredients ("we don't add anything, they're out of a bag"). Everyone else's food looked and smelled so good! I did end up eating healthier, though, since my choices were limited to corn and carrots for side dishes. Am I supposed to check on everything that says "natural flavoring" or "artificial flavoring"? It seems that every label has that!

I think I am going to run to Wal-Mart and buy every bag of Cocoa Dyno Bites with the old ingredients I can get my hands on!! Why did they have to add gluten??? That's the best cereal ever!

I read somewhere else on here that the four stages after dx are denial, anger, grieving and then acceptance. I was in denial for the last few years, now I am feeling a mixture of the second two.

Lisa

[Idahogirl]

Does anyone know of a good gluten-free ranch dressing? I like the kind that you get at the deli as a dip, rather than tangy kind. I don't have a lot of money for "trial and error", so any suggestions would be great! Thank you!

[Guest nini]

I like Newmans Own Ranch Dressing. My daughter likes Annie's Naturals Cowgirl Ranch (it's a little too tangy for me), Kraft Ranch is also gluten-free

[Idahogirl]

Thank you! I can't imagine having to eat salad with Italian dressing for the rest of my life!

[laurelfla]

i thought i had moved into acceptance but am now undeniably back into anger.

you are right, way too many things contain natural or artificial flavors. labels suck.

i do have one bright thought: Envirokidz Koala Crisp cereal. it tastes great to me, doesn't even have that weird whang to it that i've found in some other rice cereals.

good luck!

[Idahogirl]

So you do have to check every time it says natural or artificial flavoring????

[Guest nini]

Post Cocoa Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles are gluten free!

[floridanative]

So you do have to check every time it says natural or artificial flavoring????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I understand (which isn't much at this point) you should check anything that says natural flavors. About artificial flavors, I'm thinking that gluten is a natural protein which should be safe. Please correct me anyone if I'm wrong. Thanks!

[nogluten-]

Does anyone know of a good gluten-free ranch dressing?  I like the kind that you get at the deli as a dip, rather than tangy kind.  I don't have a lot of money for "trial and error", so any suggestions would be great!  Thank you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Heres a Ranch Dressing like Outback's:

Recipe: Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

1/2 Cup Sour Cream

1 Tbsp. prepared Horseradish

Dash cayenne pepper

Dash salt

Dash black pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

You might find some good recipes here too:

Open Original Shared Link