New Celiac- How Strict?

[AudreyL]

I was just diagnosed with Celiac disease yesterday and I am trying my best to start the gluten free diet immediately. My doctor said it was not necessary for me to meet with her but I have questions. I know that I cannot have gluten and that it is pretty strict. I am confused about cross contamination mostly. If a product “may contain” wheat does that mean I definitely cannot eat it? For example, I was saw hummus today that said it “may contain wheat” but it also said it “may contain” fish, soy, egg, milk, shellfish, peanuts, and treenuts. Do I have to avoid products even like this one? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I’m trying to get the rules right from the beginning so I don’t start off with bad habits. Thanks!

[MichelleSC]

Yes, you have to avoid those products as well. Sorry! If it was just a gluten intolerance, you could get away with it. Cross contamination is going to be the biggest cause of issues, as you get better and better at identifying foods you can eat. Think of it this way: all it takes is ONE molecule of gluten hitting your lips. That’s it. So cross contamination is huge, for those of us with actual Celiac Disease. 

[squirmingitch]

1 hour ago, AudreyL said:

I was just diagnosed with Celiac disease yesterday and I am trying my best to start the gluten free diet immediately. My doctor said it was not necessary for me to meet with her but I have questions. I know that I cannot have gluten and that it is pretty strict. I am confused about cross contamination mostly. If a product “may contain” wheat does that mean I definitely cannot eat it? For example, I was saw hummus today that said it “may contain wheat” but it also said it “may contain” fish, soy, egg, milk, shellfish, peanuts, and treenuts. Do I have to avoid products even like this one? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I’m trying to get the rules right from the beginning so I don’t start off with bad habits. Thanks!

Welcome to the club you never wanted to be a member of. 

First & foremost, there are NO dumb questions especially when you are brand new to all of this. The learning curve for the gluten free diet is quite steep and you will make mistakes. When it happens, don't dwell on it & flail yourself; just learn the lesson & move forward. 

The best place for you to start would be to read our Newbie 101:

This will help you tremendously!

[Ennis-TX]

Til you learn to read labels, and learn about the iffy foods we suggest a whole foods only diet, and keeping a food diary. Remove dairy and oats for while also, damaged villi from this disease mean you will not break down lactose well, and oats are very commonly contaminated and some react to them regardless. Whole food meals like omelettes, stews, soups, sheet pan, and crock pot meals are simple go to. You need to do some cleaning out of the kitchen replacing certain appliances, utensils, scratched pots/pans as covered in the 101 thread. You will often find other foods that offend you, certain safe brands to stick to, and get a regime down in time.

Few simple starters, nordicware microwave cook ware will save you at first from having to buy a ton of new things and cheap as they are you can throw them away if you mess up. Also a lifesaver if you have to travel and need to cook while at a hotel. They make omelette makers, rice cookers, steamers, grill plates etc.
Freezer Paper/butcher paper line your prep surface for a safe area and easy clean up.
Foil line baking dishes, sheet pans, cookie sheets for again safe area and easy clean up
Crockpot liners are great for the same above reasons.

OH and not to fret about missing a ton of foods here is a great list, I update a few times a year with a new list here is the last one.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/121148-gluten-free-food-alternative-list-2018-q2/