Prayers needed

[Shanon]

New at gluten free lifestyle. Prayers needed. Every time I start gluten free I fall off bandwagon. I need to be gluten free for health reasons. And I’m Blood type O. That blood type shouldn’t have gluten 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum @Shanon!

Blood type eating plans have dubious scientific support: 

"A naturopath called Peter D’Adamo popularized the idea that a diet based on blood type could help a person achieve good overall health and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.

However, research on the effects of a blood type diet is scarce, and the studies available have not proven its effectiveness. For example, the authors of a 2014 studyTrusted Source concluded that their findings did not support the claims that a blood type diet provides specific benefits." https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319303

Do you see a pattern in the kinds of situations that cause you to fall off the bandwagon? Are you largely asymptomatic when you consume gluten and seem to get away with it at the time?

[Scott Adams]

Welcome to the forum! 

Is there something in particular that makes you fall off the wagon with your gluten-free diet? For example, do you miss a particular food? Does this happen at restaurants, or parties, etc?

Hopefully your family and friends can support you as well.

[Shanon]

Some restaurants do not have gluten free items 

 

[trents]

6 minutes ago, Shanon said:

Some restaurants do not have gluten free items 

 

Some foods are naturally gluten free and by the nature of what they are should not suffer from cross contamination. For instance: a hardboiled egg, a baked potato, fresh fruit, steamed broccoli. The lack of a gluten free menu does not equate with lack of gluten free options if you  take this into consideration. Also, you can request from the chef that your food choices be cooked on clean surfaces, clean pots and pans and handled with clean utensils. Explain to the restaurant staff that medically you must avoid gluten. This approach does require extra effort on your part when ordering and a certain amount of assertiveness but it's a matter of taking control of the situation for your own health and safety. Friends, family and coworkers will get used to it after awhile. 

[Paula McVicker]

On 6/26/2024 at 2:03 AM, Shanon said:

New at gluten free lifestyle. Prayers needed. Every time I start gluten free I fall off bandwagon. I need to be gluten free for health reasons. And I’m Blood type O. That blood type shouldn’t have gluten 

So you fell off the band wagon - it happens but not because you are weak willed, it's because society does not cater for your needs!

This is where you need to stand up & demand that you are respected, heard & have a right to food that is good for you. Just like everyone else!

Yes we're a minority but it doesn't mean we deserve less.

If an establishment won't accept you as a diner then don't give them your money, time or patronage. Encourage your family & friends to boycott such establishments whether you are with them or not. Maybe then these so called "fine dining for all" /"family friendly" type of places will sit up & take notice!!!

Because we are family & we matter.

Coeliac lives matter!

If my family & friends are out dining without me, as can happen, they always look at the menus, question staff etc to ascertain if it is a place I could be safe & comfortable attending. If not, they let me & the restaurant know of it, & also whether or not they will be dining there again. I think this is great as it is a way of raising awareness. We've had some great discussions with restaurants, & their staff, who are genuinely interested in learning more & how best to adapt to include diners like ourselves. 

If I'm eating out & a restaurant or chef cannot cater for my dietary needs then I don't rate them much. Especially the chefs!!  If a chef cannot make a basic nutritious meal for me then they shouldn't be in a kitchen. Yes we all know how much cheaper & cost effective it is for these establishments to make standard gluten rich food. They have a profit to make. But should this be at the cost of your health?!

I'm the only one amongst my family & friends that is a Coeliac, & I've learned over the years that only those who respect & care about my well being are worth having in my life. Do the same for yourself - develop a strong support system around you. And yes initially they'll be shy about standing up for you in public but with practice they'll feel empowered on your behalf. Strongest allies you'll ever need.

So, don't punish yourself for getting waylaid. Explore why this happens. Put in place alternatives to the way you previously did things. Your life & needs have changed. Adapt & improve them as best you can.

Remember this is your new lifestyle - not a diet in the general sense of the word - but a lifestyle that is going to keep YOU healthy, fit and well & YOU deserve that type of lifestyle 💓 

Good luck on your journey 

[KathleenMK]

It is hard find gluten-free options that are a as tasty as your old favorites. When you find them ,stock up. We found gluten-free oreos are just as good as the originals. Try to concentrate more of the naturally gluten-free foods which will be those healthier veggies and lean proteins than standard gluten filled starches. I think we are eating healthier in general to fit Hubby's gluten-free diet, but I know those baked goods are so tempting. Best to not have those around if they cause you to cheat.