I’m Done and Feel Like Giving up

[Ginger38]

I just don't know how much longer I can do this. I am really really struggling with foods. I’ve been really trying to stick to the gluten free diet all the time… I’ve only messed up a couple times, which is a huge improvement for me. I have insulin resistance and have issues with my blood sugar bouncing around. Since going gluten free my A1C jumped up just over the diabetic level. So I’m trying to make changes to bring that back down but the struggle is real!!!! I don’t know what to eat, how to eat and there is like nothing that is quick and easy. I’m a single parent and have a very demanding job so I don’t have a ton of time to do cooking at every meal. I need some easy meals and quick fixes that meet a a lot of dietary needs needs… I need a lot of protein due to my sugar issues but I also need carbs. I have found that the gluten free breads and things are not filling and are just empty carbs basically and a lot of times they make my sugar go high and then bottom. If it’s good for me sugar wise I can’t have it bc of gluten.. if it’s gluten free I can’t have it bc of sugar issues. I’m so tired of fighting this battle and to be honest I feel like giving up!!!! I’ve gotten so annoyed and depressed over my foods  lately I went several days and just didn’t eat much of anything … this is way harder than I’d thought it be… especially breakfast and lunch 

[AlwaysLearning]

Soup. I make big batches of it and freeze most of it. Two big pots nets me about 20 servings.

Yes, you do have to take a couple hours to make them in the first place, but if you can get the kids to help out on the prep, you may be able to reduce that. And it can be super healthy, so worth the effort.

The ones I make most often are kind of similar. Vegetable soups but heading in two different directions.

Soup 1: Black beans and rice based:
• Beef stock
• One onion and fresh garlic sauteed before adding to the pot.
• Black beans, soaked the night before (or cooked a little longer, starting them earlier by themselves)
• Celery, red pepper, carrots, lots of corn (I use frozen). You can vary the veggies to include ones you like
• Mushrooms
I normally start the cooking while I'm still cutting things up, starting with the ingredients that will take the longest to cook, like the carrots.
If you want to add some umami flavor, I recommend using just a little bit of dried, sun roasted tomatoes, cut up tiny.
Use spices to your taste. Salt, definitely. I've tried using the shawarma mix they use to flavor gyro lamb. Very tasty. I've also gone a little spicier with white pepper or cayenne pepper. Start with less, you can always add more.

Soup 2: Vegetables, chicken, and egg noodles - or just vegetables
• Chicken stock
• One onion and fresh garlic sauteed before adding to the pot.
• Split peas, soaked the night before (or cooked a little longer, starting them earlier by themselves)
• Celery, red pepper, carrots, cauliflower (not too much) or green beans, potatoes if you don't use noodles. You can vary the veggies to include ones you like
I normally start the cooking while I'm still cutting things up, starting with the ingredients that will take the longest to cook, like the carrots.
You can do just the veggies, or add chicken, or add chicken and noodles. I make my own egg noodles. If your kids are old enough, they might have fun helping to make them, setting aside little mountains of dough to dry a bit before dropping them in the pot. 
Use spices to your taste. Salt, definitely. I normally use the green spices, like herbs de provence. Very tasty. 

But the best things about these soups is that you can make them from ingredients that store well. Carrots and celery last a long time in the fridge, potatoes a long time in the cupboard. I'll cut up and freeze red or green pepper, cauliflower and mushrooms soon after I buy them. Split peas or black beans are dry goods that last for ages, just like the rice. The beef and chicken stocks are canned and will last for ages as long as they aren't opened. Canned chicken, other canned or frozen veggies. And onions and garlic can last for months on your counter.

But I mention this because having an option that you can make after you've run out of all of the other groceries in your fridge is incredibly helpful. You can go from having a fridge and freezer that feel practically empty to feeling full. Also, if you make your soups rather thick, it can be like condensed soup. They take up less space in your freezer and require fewer containers. Then you add more water when you heat them up.

[DontEatFrenchFries]

Current grad student here with no time to cook and limited kitchen. Right now, my life is all about frozen food. I fill my fridge with frozen gluten-free meals and it’s not the healthiest but it’s a meal that I didn’t have to cook. 
 

As far as filling grains that taste good, I try to stick to naturally gluten free grains, mostly potatoes because you can boil a bunch on Sunday and easily add them to meals throughout the week. Also rice, quinoa, beans. When there is time to bake, gluten free corn bread recipes are actually really good.

I also make sure every meal also has some sort of fat/protein like meat and cheese. I’m a believer that celiacs deserve extra meat and cheese so I shamelessly buy delicious fancy cheese that I can throw on anything and instantly make it filling. 

Forget gluten free diet, think paleo diet with less restrictions  It is hard at first but it gets easier over time. 

Edit: Also you can boil a bunch of eggs on Sunday and add those to snacks/meals and they’re surprisingly filling!

[Ginger38]

18 hours ago, AlwaysLearning said:

Soup. I make big batches of it and freeze most of it. Two big pots nets me about 20 servings.

Yes, you do have to take a couple hours to make them in the first place, but if you can get the kids to help out on the prep, you may be able to reduce that. And it can be super healthy, so worth the effort.

The ones I make most often are kind of similar. Vegetable soups but heading in two different directions.

Soup 1: Black beans and rice based:
• Beef stock
• One onion and fresh garlic sauteed before adding to the pot.
• Black beans, soaked the night before (or cooked a little longer, starting them earlier by themselves)
• Celery, red pepper, carrots, lots of corn (I use frozen). You can vary the veggies to include ones you like
• Mushrooms
I normally start the cooking while I'm still cutting things up, starting with the ingredients that will take the longest to cook, like the carrots.
If you want to add some umami flavor, I recommend using just a little bit of dried, sun roasted tomatoes, cut up tiny.
Use spices to your taste. Salt, definitely. I've tried using the shawarma mix they use to flavor gyro lamb. Very tasty. I've also gone a little spicier with white pepper or cayenne pepper. Start with less, you can always add more.

Soup 2: Vegetables, chicken, and egg noodles - or just vegetables
• Chicken stock
• One onion and fresh garlic sauteed before adding to the pot.
• Split peas, soaked the night before (or cooked a little longer, starting them earlier by themselves)
• Celery, red pepper, carrots, cauliflower (not too much) or green beans, potatoes if you don't use noodles. You can vary the veggies to include ones you like
I normally start the cooking while I'm still cutting things up, starting with the ingredients that will take the longest to cook, like the carrots.
You can do just the veggies, or add chicken, or add chicken and noodles. I make my own egg noodles. If your kids are old enough, they might have fun helping to make them, setting aside little mountains of dough to dry a bit before dropping them in the pot. 
Use spices to your taste. Salt, definitely. I normally use the green spices, like herbs de provence. Very tasty. 

But the best things about these soups is that you can make them from ingredients that store well. Carrots and celery last a long time in the fridge, potatoes a long time in the cupboard. I'll cut up and freeze red or green pepper, cauliflower and mushrooms soon after I buy them. Split peas or black beans are dry goods that last for ages, just like the rice. The beef and chicken stocks are canned and will last for ages as long as they aren't opened. Canned chicken, other canned or frozen veggies. And onions and garlic can last for months on your counter.

But I mention this because having an option that you can make after you've run out of all of the other groceries in your fridge is incredibly helpful. You can go from having a fridge and freezer that feel practically empty to feeling full. Also, if you make your soups rather thick, it can be like condensed soup. They take up less space in your freezer and require fewer containers. Then you add more water when you heat them up.

Thank you 

[Ginger38]

13 hours ago, DontEatFrenchFries said:

Current grad student here with no time to cook and limited kitchen. Right now, my life is all about frozen food. I fill my fridge with frozen gluten-free meals and it’s not the healthiest but it’s a meal that I didn’t have to cook. 
 

As far as filling grains that taste good, I try to stick to naturally gluten free grains, mostly potatoes because you can boil a bunch on Sunday and easily add them to meals throughout the week. Also rice, quinoa, beans. When there is time to bake, gluten free corn bread recipes are actually really good.

I also make sure every meal also has some sort of fat/protein like meat and cheese. I’m a believer that celiacs deserve extra meat and cheese so I shamelessly buy delicious fancy cheese that I can throw on anything and instantly make it filling. 

Forget gluten free diet, think paleo diet with less restrictions  It is hard at first but it gets easier over time. 

Edit: Also you can boil a bunch of eggs on Sunday and add those to snacks/meals and they’re surprisingly filling!

Thanks! What kind of frozen meals do you buy? We don’t have a huge selection of gluten free where I live. 
I love meats and cheese, will have to look into the paleo diet. I’m not familiar. That’s where I get stuck with meat bc I have to cook it somehow. 
yes I used to have eggs on hand but I get burnt out and sometimes my belly doesn’t like eggs 🤷🏼‍♀️But prob need to start back eating them more often 

[TrishaRabbit]

I found that having 1 tbls Apple Cidar Vinegar in water in the morning helps keep my blood sugar more balanced ...if you hate the taste ACV comes in capsules and gummies.

[MADMOM]

On 3/11/2022 at 12:09 PM, Ginger38 said:

I just don't know how much longer I can do this. I am really really struggling with foods. I’ve been really trying to stick to the gluten free diet all the time… I’ve only messed up a couple times, which is a huge improvement for me. I have insulin resistance and have issues with my blood sugar bouncing around. Since going gluten free my A1C jumped up just over the diabetic level. So I’m trying to make changes to bring that back down but the struggle is real!!!! I don’t know what to eat, how to eat and there is like nothing that is quick and easy. I’m a single parent and have a very demanding job so I don’t have a ton of time to do cooking at every meal. I need some easy meals and quick fixes that meet a a lot of dietary needs needs… I need a lot of protein due to my sugar issues but I also need carbs. I have found that the gluten free breads and things are not filling and are just empty carbs basically and a lot of times they make my sugar go high and then bottom. If it’s good for me sugar wise I can’t have it bc of gluten.. if it’s gluten free I can’t have it bc of sugar issues. I’m so tired of fighting this battle and to be honest I feel like giving up!!!! I’ve gotten so annoyed and depressed over my foods  lately I went several days and just didn’t eat much of anything … this is way harder than I’d thought it be… especially breakfast and lunch 

mission makes delicious gluten free wraps i use them in place of bread for tuna wraps turkey wraps and egg wraps - there are many gluten free products out there - don’t give up - it can be frustrating at first but i’ve even got my kids eating alot of gluten free things and they really can taste the difference and enjoy it -

[LindaLee68]

On 3/11/2022 at 12:09 PM, Ginger38 said:

I just don't know how much longer I can do this. I am really really struggling with foods. I’ve been really trying to stick to the gluten free diet all the time… I’ve only messed up a couple times, which is a huge improvement for me. I have insulin resistance and have issues with my blood sugar bouncing around. Since going gluten free my A1C jumped up just over the diabetic level. So I’m trying to make changes to bring that back down but the struggle is real!!!! I don’t know what to eat, how to eat and there is like nothing that is quick and easy. I’m a single parent and have a very demanding job so I don’t have a ton of time to do cooking at every meal. I need some easy meals and quick fixes that meet a a lot of dietary needs needs… I need a lot of protein due to my sugar issues but I also need carbs. I have found that the gluten free breads and things are not filling and are just empty carbs basically and a lot of times they make my sugar go high and then bottom. If it’s good for me sugar wise I can’t have it bc of gluten.. if it’s gluten free I can’t have it bc of sugar issues. I’m so tired of fighting this battle and to be honest I feel like giving up!!!! I’ve gotten so annoyed and depressed over my foods  lately I went several days and just didn’t eat much of anything … this is way harder than I’d thought it be… especially breakfast and lunch 

 

[LindaLee68]

Thank you for sharing this.  I’m at my wits end too!  I suffer from gluten sensitivity but also chronic idiopathic constipation.  Everything that’s gluten free as far as bread, pasta, etc. goes is made with constipating foods like rice, tapioca, millet, which would have me so constipated I would be in agony.  Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  
I really need help and no doctors or anyone else has been able to help me!

[trents]

4 minutes ago, LindaLee68 said:

Thank you for sharing this.  I’m at my wits end too!  I suffer from gluten sensitivity but also chronic idiopathic constipation.  Everything that’s gluten free as far as bread, pasta, etc. goes is made with constipating foods like rice, tapioca, millet, which would have me so constipated I would be in agony.  Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  
I really need help and no doctors or anyone else has been able to help me!

Start taking a magnesium supplement and experiment with the dosage until you reach the point where you're having too many BM's and then back off a bit.

[plumbago]

In general, I follow the plate method which is, for every meal (including breakfast), half of my plate is vegetables, one quarter is a protein and the remaining quarter is a carb or starchy carb like potato or rice, etc. Vegetables are a carb, it's true, but for the most part, those carbs are "free." And I don't mean to leave out the good fats, which are often incorporated for me in the protein portion. Personally, I find that this way of eating keeps me fairly regular (sorry if TMI), and I also don't bring more than a day's worth of dessert into the house, in order to limit sugar consumption. For a weird heart thing, I also take a mag supplement, and if the above-mentioned diet didn't do it (keep me regular), the addition of the mag certainly does. But do not listen to us randos on the 'net and rush out and add things like vitamins and minerals without first consulting with a trusted medical provider. Good luck!

[Wheatwacked]

On 3/13/2022 at 5:15 PM, trents said:

Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  

BECOMING NUTRITARIAN: THE “EAT TO LIVE” 6 WEEK PLAN   https://hellonutritarian.com/nutritarian-eat-to-live-plan/

[Donna-1]

Ginger, maybe it would be helpful to consult with a nutritional counselor who can help you come up with meals and snacks that will satisfy your palate as well as your celiac and diabetic requirements.  It shouldn't take more than one or two consultations.  And I do think they can help you with options that do not require much effort.  I don't bake anything and rarely even use my stovetop yet I manage my dietary requirements and restrictions and keep my A1C and celiac under control.  I admit it was not easy at first.  I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2013 and it took a couple of years to figure out what I could eat and make all the necessary adjustments.  Now, I don't even think about it anymore.  I have not knowingly eaten gluten in at least 5 years and no longer experience the daily diarrhea and stomach pain I endured for decades.  I don't eat fast food, I don't go to restaurants, and I rarely eat at friends' houses.  But freedom from pain is well worth it.

[MADMOM]

i agree - i’ve been on this journey for 13 months now and at first felt frustrated having to read labels and felt limited to what i could enjoy but after several months i found so many great options and i have gotten so much healthier and gotten my levels almost under the normal range after only 8 months of eating gluten-free ( i will be checking my levels again soon).  my blood work was perfect - iron level in normal after 48 years of being anemic - vitamin b and d levels all normal as well - you will find that there are so many gluten-free options out there - even frozen pizza and pretzels - don’t give up!  your health is most important 

[Celiawithceliac1]

On 3/11/2022 at 12:09 PM, Ginger38 said:

I just don't know how much longer I can do this. I am really really struggling with foods. I’ve been really trying to stick to the gluten free diet all the time… I’ve only messed up a couple times, which is a huge improvement for me. I have insulin resistance and have issues with my blood sugar bouncing around. Since going gluten free my A1C jumped up just over the diabetic level. So I’m trying to make changes to bring that back down but the struggle is real!!!! I don’t know what to eat, how to eat and there is like nothing that is quick and easy. I’m a single parent and have a very demanding job so I don’t have a ton of time to do cooking at every meal. I need some easy meals and quick fixes that meet a a lot of dietary needs needs… I need a lot of protein due to my sugar issues but I also need carbs. I have found that the gluten free breads and things are not filling and are just empty carbs basically and a lot of times they make my sugar go high and then bottom. If it’s good for me sugar wise I can’t have it bc of gluten.. if it’s gluten free I can’t have it bc of sugar issues. I’m so tired of fighting this battle and to be honest I feel like giving up!!!! I’ve gotten so annoyed and depressed over my foods  lately I went several days and just didn’t eat much of anything … this is way harder than I’d thought it be… especially breakfast and lunch 

All fast food has Pattie’s you can buy (no bun) with cheese or plain. 
If you’re diabetic carbs are probably the worst thing for you except fruit (fruit is also fast and easy) 

look into dr Ken Berry he’s on YouTube.

 

hope you feel better soon!

[trents]

11 minutes ago, Celiawithceliac1 said:

All fast food has Pattie’s you can buy (no bun) with cheese or plain. 
If you’re diabetic carbs are probably the worst thing for you except fruit (fruit is also fast and easy) 

look into dr Ken Berry he’s on YouTube.

 

hope you feel better soon!

You are ignoring the likelihood of cross contamination. If those burger patties are cooked on the same grill as pancakes, breaded fish or chicken patties, etc. and handled with the same spatulas and utensils then they will pickup some gluten. It might not be enough to cause you a celiac reaction (a noticeable one, anyway) but for more sensitive celiacs it will truly make them ill.

[Celiawithceliac1]

4 minutes ago, trents said:

You are ignoring the likelihood of cross contamination. If those burger patties are cooked on the same grill as pancakes, breaded fish or chicken patties, etc. and handled with the same spatulas and utensils then they will pickup some gluten. It might not be enough to cause you a celiac reaction (a noticeable one, anyway) but for more sensitive celiacs it will truly make them ill.

I am a sensitive celiac. I ask how they cook the meat.

five guys cooks meat on its own grill same with McDonald’s (ask always since many are different) In and Out and Wendy’s. 
 

Wendy’s has been amazing for me personally they cook in front of you if you go to the counter. 
Aside from that quick foods (hard boiled eggs, fruit, dehydrated meat, veggies like baby carrots) 

6 minutes ago, trents said:

You are ignoring the likelihood of cross contamination. If those burger patties are cooked on the same grill as pancakes, breaded fish or chicken patties, etc. and handled with the same spatulas and utensils then they will pickup some gluten. It might not be enough to cause you a celiac reaction (a noticeable one, anyway) but for more sensitive celiacs it will truly make them ill.

I’m a celiac who can’t even eat any processed certified gluten-free foods as many contain some level of gluten below 20ppb and many are made with grains that effect people who are gluten sensitive. 

[MADMOM]

3 minutes ago, Celiawithceliac1 said:

I am a sensitive celiac. I ask how they cook the meat.

five guys cooks meat on its own grill same with McDonald’s (ask always since many are different) In and Out and Wendy’s. 
 

Wendy’s has been amazing for me personally they cook in front of you if you go to the counter. 
Aside from that quick foods (hard boiled eggs, fruit, dehydrated meat, veggies like baby carrots) 

I’m a celiac who can’t even eat any processed certified gluten-free foods as many contain some level of gluten below 20ppb and many are made with grains that effect people who are gluten sensitive. 

there are tons of clean food you can eat - i’ve got my kids eating some gluten free foods and they love it - it’s really not that bad 

[Ari70]

On 3/13/2022 at 4:09 PM, LindaLee68 said:

Thank you for sharing this.  I’m at my wits end too!  I suffer from gluten sensitivity but also chronic idiopathic constipation.  Everything that’s gluten free as far as bread, pasta, etc. goes is made with constipating foods like rice, tapioca, millet, which would have me so constipated I would be in agony.  Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  
I really need help and no doctors or anyone else has been able to help me!

I have had chronic constipation since 2 invasive operations on my intestines in 1984.  Appendicitis and Paratoniticis (probably misspelled that)  I have to go through the lax list depending on what I had used until it stopped working.  Uts cringe worthy I admit.. castor oil became my go to.  I went 28 days a couple of years ago. Hospitalized 2 times and even they couldnt make me go.  We did colon prep twice and it stubbornly went right around my poo.  Dr diagnoised me "full of $h!t."  Was horrible! (In 2019 they had to do scar tissue removal and my intestines were adhered to my abdominal wall.)

My next step if Im beyond Castor oil is Linzess.  When it starts, stay near the bathroom.  That med is like, "hey lady, you had to poop 30 seconds ago."

I have NOT checked these with Celiacs since Im new to this club.

[Ari70]

On 3/13/2022 at 4:09 PM, LindaLee68 said:

Thank you for sharing this.  I’m at my wits end too!  I suffer from gluten sensitivity but also chronic idiopathic constipation.  Everything that’s gluten free as far as bread, pasta, etc. goes is made with constipating foods like rice, tapioca, millet, which would have me so constipated I would be in agony.  Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  
I really need help and no doctors or anyone else has been able to help me!

My reply said 28 days.  Thats a typo. It was 18 days.  Sorry

[LindaLee68]

On 3/13/2022 at 5:15 PM, trents said:

Start taking a magnesium supplement and experiment with the dosage until you reach the point where you're having too many BM's and then back off a bit.

Thanks Tessa!  Just recently I began using Calm which was suggested by a friend.   It definitely helps, but sometimes I find that nothing works for a number of days.  That's when I have to take a prescription laxative called Linzess.   Let me tell you, this med is only effective on occasional use, as my GI doc warned me.  So it's for the times when I feel as if I'm in labor, it gets that bad!

When it does work, I'd better be home and 😕 near a toilet, or wearing Depends,  because itcausess one to poop without any control.   I actually got a UTI from wearing a diaper and having an accident.  The bacteria that caused the UTI was E-coli!  

This has altered my life beyond description, and although I'm 68, I'm still full of enthusiasm for life, for my Buddhist spiritual practice, and for continued learning until the end!

 

[LindaLee68]

On 3/23/2022 at 7:37 PM, Ari70 said:

My reply said 28 days.  Thats a typo. It was 18 days.  Sorry

I have to deeply thank you from the bottom of my heart!  I'm new to sharing about such things and your response to my cry for help lifted my spirits enormously!  I kinda wondered about the 28 days, so thanks for clarifying that for me too.

What I loved about your response was your humor, because my method of coping is utilizing my sense of humor.  The part that mostly cracked me up was about the Linzess!  I've learned that it needs to be fresh or it doesn't work, that if used daily it will simply cease working, and what you mentioned.  When it works I feel no sense of urgency, (which I feel to a painful point most of the time), it just sort of happens without my even knowing.  I have thrown away many sheet sets and tons of underwear as well.  I even ended up with a UTI, and the bacteria was E-coli!  Not COOL!

My final thought, for now, is that doctors have a tendency to treat women my age complaining of anything that sounds like IBS like hysterical, and we aren't taken seriously enough!  Any thoughts?

[MADMOM]

11 minutes ago, LindaLee68 said:

 

take magnesium glycinate 100 mg a day it does not cause stomach issues - i bought a bottle on amazon for 16 dollars gluten free 

[Wheatwacked]

A ten-ounce bottle of liquid magnesium citrate costs <$2.00. One ounce has about 100 mg of magnesium (11% of 1.75) grams. Added to a glass of water it tastes like lemonade (I especially like the cherry flavor). The RDA is 420 mg magnesium with no upper limit from food sources.  Web MD:   magnesium citrate oral

 

[LindaLee68]

I’m ridiculously grateful for the help I am getting from this format.  
The last couple days have been more painful than ever.  I have a GI  and a GYN appointment coming next week but I believe I’ll be at the ER before the appointments. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but it’s become an 8 on the 1-10 pain scale!   It sure feels good having people who understand!