Break Down

[happy4dolphins]

HI,

Geesh, I"ve been trying to stay gluten free since Nov 2005. I do good for a while, I"ve gone a week 1/2 w/out gluten that I know of and then I crack. Well, three days ago we went to Fazolis (speghetti) and I had a grilled chicken salad. It wasn't good or filling and I finally went up and ordered a small speghetti with marinara sauce and ate it like my puppy eats his food. ALL GONE, 10 seconds flat. GIGGLE! AND I had two bread sticks with garlic! OOHHH YAAAA!!! AND a coke!

Well, next day, I'd been trying not to stop anywhere fast food, but I was craving those salty fries. I kept distracting myself and doing other things. Finally by lunch, jr. cheeseburger delux (onion, lettuce, tomato) and fries. OH YAA!!

Needless to say, my bowels for the last few days haven't been happy and lots of pain shortly before movement. Also Major depression and emotional mess.

I am weaing off of Prednison as well and that throws me for a whirl too.

I did post my latest blood work on the other board. It was my rheumy that suggested a gluten free diet and it has helped a lot of things I think. I just get so bent out of shape at times.....................!!!!!!!!!!! Now the week before hubby and I went to the grocery store and I just started crying again. Some times I just don't buy anything and then I don't have anything to eat...grrrrrrr.....................

Nicole

*rheumy suggested a gluten free diet Nov 2005 (one day before thanks giving)

[francelajoie]

I think you really have to choose the restaurants you go to.

I try to stay away from Italian restaurants. Outback is a really good place to go.

As for fast food, Wendy's has a bunch of stuff you can eat. I like the cheddar and broccoli baked potato and a side salad or chili. I once in a while ask for a burger made with no bun. Eat it with a fork and a knife. You get the full flavor but not all those extra calories from the bread. Finish it up with a frosty and you're good to go.

[cgilsing]

Hi Nicole,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble right now! It's really hard to get this diet under control I know! Especially right now, when you are already glutened and having emotional symptoms from it. I have a lot of emotional symptoms when I'm glutened too. I just had a bad episode at Christmas and immediatly fell into depression. It's hard to see the bright side of anything at that point. However, if you do let yourself heal you will find that the immediate gratification of a hamburger and fries isn't nearly as rewarding as feeling good! I made it a goal to "re-create" whatever I was craving at home an that helps me through. Tinkyada makes a great pasta that doesn't taste funny at all! If you have some on hand the next time you want pasta really bad you can go home and make yourself some and it won't hurt you. Same with hamburgers....you can make them at home and have a kinnikinnick hamburger bun with it. It's not as convienent, but in the long run it's worth it! {{{{hugs}}}}

Christine

[jenvan]

Nicole-

Have you been formally diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance? Or did your rhemy suggest it based on symptoms? You haven't been trying to be gluten-free for very long...I wonder if you have been able to find some good products in that time? There are some great ones out that--delicious! As Christine said--Tinkyada pasta is great. I love Alexia fries too. Are there certain things you crave or is it always different? If its certain things we can try and help introduce you to some good gluten-free 'replacements' for them. This is a huge help I think. If you aren't feeling so deprived, you may not be some tempted. Also, as France mentioned, eat out at places where you have options and can be more satisfied with your selections and less likely to deviate from the diet. PS--I'm sure its hard to be encouraged in your position right now, but many people started the diet off how you have before they were able to stick to it.

[Guest nini]

I think you have to find a way in your mind to make it so that you are not even tempted to eat gluten at all. For me I have a mantra that "gluten is poison" that I just repeat over and over to myself if I find myself driving by Krispy Kreme and the HOT DONUTS light is on... OMG! My willpower def. gets tested then! But I've been gluten-free now for 3 years and haven't cheated. It takes some getting used to, but you have to focus on what you CAN have, not what you can't. and realize that you do feel better when you eat gluten-free.

I couldn't find what your test results were... were you tested for Celiac? Even if test results are negative that doesn't mean a thing. The tests can never ever completely rule out celiac. The only true and reliable testing method in my humble opinion! is how does your body respond when you go gluten free and then how does it respond when you eat gluten? Even people who think they are asymptomatic usually find that there is at least ONE symptom they can pinpoint when they have been "glutened"

We can help you find what foods are edible that you CAN have and I agree that you will be less likely to break down if you don't feel deprived. Find all the yummy foods that you CAN have, and allow yourself to enjoy those!

Some great awesome gluten free foods... STEAK!!!! Mashed Potatoes!!!!! Corn on The Cob, Rice with REAL BUTTER!!!!! most CHOCOLATE!!!!! CHEESE!!!!

[kevsmom]

I think you really have to choose the restaurants you go to.

I try to stay away from Italian restaurants. Outback is a really good place to go.

As for fast food, Wendy's has a bunch of stuff you can eat. I like the cheddar and broccoli baked potato and a side salad or chili. I once in a while ask for a burger made with no bun. Eat it with a fork and a knife. You get the full flavor but not all those extra calories from the bread. Finish it up with a frosty and you're good to go.

You're right about Outback. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about the gluten free menu.

Be careful when you eat at Wendy's.

I always ask them to change gloves before they make my food. The gloves that they had on before making our order were handling the buns, then then handle your potato. Do they use tongs to pick up the lettuce and tomato for your burger? If not, they are contaminated. Also, the last time I checked, none of Wendy's salad dressings were gluten free.

Cindy

[ravenwoodglass]

"You're right about Outback. They are very helpful and knowledgeable about the gluten free menu."

Most but not all of them are, glutening have occured to my DS. He will no longer eat there. We have to be very careful in any restaurants. You don't know how long ago and how throughly your waitperson was trained.

"Be careful when you eat at Wendy's.

I always ask them to change gloves before they make my food. The gloves that they had on before making our order were handling the buns, then then handle your potato. Do they use tongs to pick up the lettuce and tomato for your burger? If not, they are contaminated. Also, the last time I checked, none of Wendy's salad dressings were gluten free."

And most restaurant s give NO instruction on the dangers of crosscontamination or the problems of food sensitive or allergies. I know I sound paranoid but I was a chef for years, I know what goes on in kitchens behind everyones back. I would not eat out anymore for a million dollars - well maybe for a million, but no less