Is It All Or Nothing?

[misgiss]

We are Americans living in Japan right now, and let me tell you, it is sooooooooooooo frustrating trying to go gluten-free in a foreign country. That said, I've read many many times that even one tiny crumb can ruin a gluten-free day, week, etc. But isn't going gluten-free as possible better than have a gluten-heavy diet?

My MIL has shipped us some gluten-free food, but it's pretty expensive to buy the food AND have it shipped over here. Not many websites weill ship internationally.

Is it worth the effort if we can't be 100% gluten-free?

TIA

[Mango04]

I think it's worth the effort. I'm not sure what's available in Japan as far as naturally gluten-free foods, but is there a place where you can buy rice, veggies, fruit and meat? Can you focus on stuff like that, or are you in a situation where you have to eat out a lot?

[Lister]

also are you or your family celiac or just intollarent or allergic?

[tarnalberry]

Going gluten-free doesn't have to be that difficult - if you're willing to adapt to what the situation around you gives you. That may mean only eating natural, whole foods - produce, gluten-free grains, meats, etc., but I know you can get those in Japan as well.

You really do need to be completely gluten free.

[angel-jd1]

Also, if you happen to be stationed in Japan due to the Military (you didn't say why you were there, just thought it might be military). The grocery stores on base usually sell some gluten free items, or at least I have been told that they do.

-Jessica

[Smunkeemom]

I think it's def. worth it to go 100% gluten free. I have been trying to focus on all the foods that are naturally gluten free since I don't like the "gluten free alternative" to a lot of stuff. Fruits, veggies, meats, it's all good.

The only thing that's getting me through these first couple of weeks gluten free though is I keep repeating to myself "gluten is toxic" so when you really think about it, is a little poison okay?

[TCA]

To give you an idea of how careful you need to be, my son has been glutened accidentally when 1) a dog licked him on the mouth after eating at my parents' house 2) using not gluten-free hand soap before eating 3) eating icing out of a container that was used on a cake, yet had no visible crumbs. These are all things we learned the hard way, but it's just amazing how little it takes to set him off.

I remember you posting before, but I forget your child's age. A freind of mine that is gluten-free gets a lot of stuff from the commisary (sp?) here, but I don't know if they would carry the same items there.

I'm sure rice flour is common there. maybe you could give baking gluten-free stuff a try? There are a lot of recipes on here. I hate that it is so expensive to ship.

Have you been able to get a real diagnosis or are you doing a diet trial?

[Nic]

My 5 year old is Celiac and he eats a lot of the gluten free specialty foods. But, my father is also a Celiac and chooses not to eat the gluten-free pastas, breads, baked goods, etc. He eats food that are naturally gluten free. For example, meats, chickens, fish (not breaded of course), veggies (not in a sauce of course ), potatoes, rice, and fruits. Don't forget about breakfast foods like eggs and bacon. He also eats ice cream as dessert (check to make sure that it is gluten-free). These types of foods are available everywhere. I know it is hard when it is a child, my son is not much into meat and potatoes (unless they are mashed) but try to be creative.

Nicole