Trying To Cope

[Raquel]

I have been Gluten free for 2 years now, and I find it harder and harder to find foods that are actuallly Gluten Free, it seems impossible to actually stay away from everything w/ gluten in it. Yesterday I just realized that miracle whip and just about every salad dressing has gluten in it. I literally cry when I go grocery shopping, I live in a somewhat small city and don't have a lot of options for where to shop, I'm also fresh out of colllege and on a VERY TIGHT BUDGET, I need help and I'm not sure what to do anymore, anyone w/ suggestions would be very helpful. They sure don't make things easy for us do they??

Thanks, Raquel

[Lisa]

Babe:

After the realization or what you have to deal with, it does get easier.

You don't have to buy gluten free prepared food, but buy natural. All veggie, meats, seafood are all gluten free, and there is a ton of junk food that is gluten free. I can fill you in on seasonings that makes it all taste better and yet, gluten-free.

Take a deep breath, back up, and we will get you started. If you have questions about brand named products, just ask. Soon you will know what to buy and what not too.

Keep an open line here and ask away. We have a lot of good folks here, with a lot of knowledge.

btw- Hellman's is the best ever.

Hope this helps

Lisa

[CarlaB]

Raquel,

I don't think that Miracle Whip has gluten in it .... I'd have to see a jar to be sure, but it's a Kraft product and Kraft will list any gluten ingredients very clearly. For example, if something has modified food starch from gluten, Kraft will label it modified food starch (wheat). With Kraft, you can very easily buy salad dressing and other products and feel safe.

All fresh, whole foods are naturally gluten-free -- meat, chicken, fish, fruit, veggies, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, etc.

Many chips are gluten-free. I like Ruffles. Lays Stax are all gluten-free. Most corn chips, including Fritos.

This should give you a good variety. If you have a specific product you are wondering about, please ask!

[Raquel]

these are all helpful, but it's things like cream of mushroom soup, that i used to use to make casseroles, and other cream soups, the simplicity of throwing in a pizza, breaded foods like chicken nuggets and cheese curds, all the things i love. My boyfriend and I live together and he's not very understanding at all, he buys and eats what he wants, if I cook i have to make two seperate meals, one gluten free and one regular. we also eat out a lot (more than we should) and that is so hard too, it's such a hard disease to live with after growing up eating whatever i wanted to. My family is very supportive, but they all live 2-3 hours away now. I try to buy fresh fruits and veggies, but they don't last long and I usually only get to the store once every two weeks when I get paid. I have a busy fast paced job and am usually exhausted when i get home from work, so it's hard to cook meals that are fast, easy and gluten free. Everyone says oh it must be a good diet not eating bread and pasta, but like you said so many junk foods are gluten free, i find that that's all i eat lately cuz it's easier thank cooking. I used to love to cook for my family, now the thought of cooking depresses me, especially holiday meals. I think the hardest thing is not having anyone to talk to about it, i don't know anyone else w/ the disease, no one else seems to understand, they all say the same thing. I'm glad i found this website though, it makes me feel better to talk to other people coping with this and get help and ideas. Thank you to everyone who listens and replies.

Thanks,

Raquel

[KaitiUSA]

Do you have the list of mainstream brands that will not hide anything as well as the Delphi List? These things make it alot easier and can help as a guideline. There is actually alot of good stuff we can eat. There are alot of good specialty products which were not available a while ago. Now, many of the specialty products actually taste really good. If you need help just email me and I can send you these things...for everything that contains gluten there is a version that is gluten free

[tarnalberry]

You'll find that a lot of mainstream stuff *is* gluten free, you just have to know what brands to buy. So, it will get easier, but there's a learning curve.

Additionally, as you learn fast ways to cook or save yourself time on cooking, you can depend less upon preprocessed, packaged foods, which can change ingredients at any time, and rely more upon your own cooking.

Some things you can do to do more home-cooking, that your boyfriend will still eat:

1. Cook things that are naturally gluten free, or very nearly so. (Examples: chicken rice soup, pork stir-fries, chili.)

2. Cook in large quantities and refrigerate or freeze for leftovers. This particularly works well on weekends, where you can spend two hours preparing meals for the week.

3. Cook large portions of "bases" to use in creative ways in different dishes. (For instance, rice - can use for that stir-fry, or in a casserole, or in a 5 minute soup. Same thing with chicken, for sandwhich wraps with lettuce, that soup, a bean salad, and so on.)

4. Buy foods that are easy for *you* to prepare. I like tomatoes, but cherry are the easiest to pop in my lunch at work and just snack on - no prep time required.

5. Figure out what works for you for "scrounge" nights. Apples and peanut butter, and carrots and hummus are things I like to have.

It'll take some time to adjust. Until then, it might feel really really stressful. But your boyfriend *can* and will deal with either eating gluten free food or cooking his own when you two have a meal together. (Sorry, pet peeve of mine.)

[Guest jhmom]

A gluten free diet is hard at first and yes it's not as convienient as regular food but you can do it. Here are some quick meals that my family eats:

Ortega taco mix and shells

Prego traditional with corn pasta

Progesso creamy mushroom is gluten free ( I use it for chicken and rice)

of course all of the fresh meat, veggies and fruits

dried nuts and fruit (be sure to read the labels tho, a lot of them sneak in gluten)

gluten-free pizza, I like to use gluten-free bread slices and spread spag sauce, sprinkle moz cheese and pepperoni

cook a roast in a crockpot add veggies

As far as the holidays last year I made gluten-free dressing, mac n cheese, etc they were yummy! Here are some website with great recipes:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

I hope these suggestions help!

[tarnalberry]

Yeah, with a little time for creativity or looking up recipes, holidays don't have to be a problem at all. I usually do all the thanksgiving and christmas cooking (gluten free, dairy free, very low fat (much of it), and picky-eater compliant), not to mention lots of other dinner parties. Everyone loves the food. I wouldn't advise it right off the bat, of course, if you're not a big fan of cooking and looking forward to the challenge, as it takes a fair amount of prep, but it's definitely doable!

[Raquel]

thank you for all the great replies and suggestions, it's good to know that there are other people who are living this way and that it is possible, it's hard giving up a way of life you're used to and changing your favorite foods, and giving them up. I give all of you a ton of credit! I'll definetly try harder and search for more ideas. Can anyone tell me if there is a certain amount that is okay, such as a season packet that contains modified food starch, by the time you use that in a food is there such a minute trace that it probably wouldn't hurt, or is even that little bit too much?? any info would be great, thank you all for your time and ideas, I really appreciate it and keep them coming please!!

Thanks,

Raquel

[tarnalberry]

any amount is too much, but modified food starch isn't always made from wheat (in the US, it isn't even normally made from wheat).

[CarlaB]

A little bit is NOT okay. They now have to label whether a product has wheat, so if it says "modified food starch" look at the allergen statement, if it does not say "wheat" the food starch is from corn or potato and it's okay.

Look in the health food section for boxed soups ... I believe some of those could substitute for your cream of mushroom ... but read carefully.

If you made something like grilled chicken, broccoli, and rice, I don't see why you would have to make something different for your boyfriend ... also, when I make pasta, I use Tinkyada and make it for the whole family. I agree with Tiffany, if he doesn't like what you prepare, let him make his own!

[Raquel]

I don't mean to make my boyfriend sound like an incensitive jerk, he really isn't, I think it's just as hard for him to cope with this as it is for me, we try to make meals that we can both eat, it's stuff like pasta dishes, (alfredo, spaghetti) and stuff like that that i have to make two kinds of noodles for. I felt like I was doing really good for a while, but it always seems like i find something else that I can't have. Also I really like the Ener-G White Rice Bread, and every store in the city i live in all of a sudden stopped ordering it, i've talked to one of them and they are supposed to be getting some in, but we'll see. all that stuff is so expensive, they really need to work on making this diet affordable!! anyway thanks again for listening and responding.

Raquel

[NoGluGirl]

I have been Gluten free for 2 years now, and I find it harder and harder to find foods that are actuallly Gluten Free, it seems impossible to actually stay away from everything w/ gluten in it. Yesterday I just realized that miracle whip and just about every salad dressing has gluten in it. I literally cry when I go grocery shopping, I live in a somewhat small city and don't have a lot of options for where to shop, I'm also fresh out of colllege and on a VERY TIGHT BUDGET, I need help and I'm not sure what to do anymore, anyone w/ suggestions would be very helpful. They sure don't make things easy for us do they??

Thanks, Raquel

Dear Raquel,

I can relate. I just found out I have gluten intolerance about two months ago. The good news is, more manufacturers are willing to tell you about their gluten free products than you would expect. Del Monte just sent me a list. And, Kraft has one as well. According to what I understand, Miracle Whip is gluten free. It is on the safe list. Kraft also has fat-free mayo that is g.f. I am on an extremely tight budget, too. I just long for things with taste! I miss flavor! I miss tacos, pizza, etc. There are a lot of things we can have that I did not know about, though. Go to blogs and click on Amanda's Mommy's blog. She has a list of an unbelievable amount of things you never would have expected us to be able to have.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[kbtoyssni]

I like to keep frozen peas and corn around for when I've run out of fresh veggies and don't have time to run to the store.

I'm also in love with corn tortillas. I buy packages of 36 for $1.16 at my local Cub foods. I use them in place of bread for sandwich-like wraps, for tacos, for quesedilas (which I make several times a week - I know it's not the healthiest to be frying cheese in tortillas all the time, but it's so quick and cheap).

Watch the store ads. Canned veggies go on sale a lot so stock up when they're cheap.

I would not make a second meal for your boyfriend. He can eat what you eat, gluten free won't hurt him, but having to cook a second meal is hurting you. It increases your risk of cross contamination plus it's just exhausting and will only lead to resentment. If he wants gluten-foods, he can make them himself.

If you're cooking, I'd recommend making more than you need for one night. Leftover rule when you work all day. I often make up enough rice to last me the entire week.

[tarnalberry]

I don't mean to make my boyfriend sound like an incensitive jerk, he really isn't, I think it's just as hard for him to cope with this as it is for me, we try to make meals that we can both eat, it's stuff like pasta dishes, (alfredo, spaghetti) and stuff like that that i have to make two kinds of noodles for.

You don't have to cook two kinds of noodles, though. One, you can be lazy, and serve pasta sauce over rice or potatoes instead. (Yeah, I like to cook, but I like to be lazy too. ) Two, you can just use gluten-free noodles. They are not awful, and you won't be subjecting him to anything bad, so it's not like he's getting the 'short end of the stick'. (I've fed them to my friends before and they totally didn't know until I mentioned it later. I've served various gluten-free noodles to my family on many occasions.) If cost is an issue, you can use rice noodles from the asian section of the market (or better yet, an asian market) which are generally fairly cheap.

(Not to mention that cooking two dishes dramatically increases your risk of crosscontamination. We've got lots of stories of "I totally forgot and tasted the kids pasta to see if it was done. I'm so sick!")

[babygirl1234]

it is hard to get things gutilen free or even find a store that has the cookies bread noddies or the waffels but you can get other things ive been gluten-free since i was 16 and my mom is affied to bake me anything because you have to make it gluten-free and if you dont do it right it goes in the trash lol or you by acct use something your not sup to that to has to be thrown out, its still hard to see someone eat pizza around me

[Guest AutumnE]

As someone else mentioned. Corn tortillas are great for roll up sandwiches. My husband who is extremely picky likes quinoa noodles and cant tell a difference much. I like kinnikinnick bread and bun mix. It makes 4 loafs of bread for around $7. I store it in the freezer in between loaves.

Here's a recipe I use frequently for cream of chicken/cream of mushroom/ cheese soup mix. I love this recipe because I make larger amounts of it and store it so it is conveinent almost as opening a can of soup.

Creamed soup base recipe----

1 cup non instant dry milk

1 cup white rice flour

2 tablespoons dried minced onions

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons gluten free powdered chicken soup base

cream of chicken- Blend 3 to 4 tablespoons of creamed soup base with 1/4 cup cold water. Add 1 cup of hot or cold water (or chicken stock) and cook stirring until the soup thickens. Use 3 tablespoons for thin soup or 4 for a thick soup.

Cream of mushroom- Follow guide to cream of chicken soup and add mushrooms (drained) after its thickened.

cheese soup-Follow instructions for cream of chicken soup, using 1/4 cup creamed soup base. Add 1/4 cup extra water. Stir in 1/2 to 2/3 cup of grated cheddar cheese before removing from the stove.

For green bean casserole I use potato chips instead of french fried onions.

I also have a recipe for onion soup mix if your interested.

[loraleena]

If you have a natural food store, try Annie's dressings (labeled gluten free or not) or Spectrum canola mayonaise.

[Raquel]

Thanks for all the great tips and advice, my boyfriend won't eat g.f. pasta though, i've tried that, he doesn't request that i make him separate meals i just do cuz he does a lot for me, he helps me out a lot financially and is really supportive of me most of the time, sometimes i just like to do something nice for him. It's so easy for me to cheat becuase unless i eat a lot of wheat like a peice of bread i don't feel any symptoms, after a while though i get really run down and weak and i know i've had to much. sometimes i wish i did get really sick so i would stick to it better. Any tips for eating out?? thanks again!

Raquel

How do I get to that Amanda's Mommy's Blog?? I'd like to check that out??

Thanks!

[Mango04]

Thanks for all the great tips and advice, my boyfriend won't eat g.f. pasta though, i've tried that

Have you tried Tinkyada? I don't think any gluten eater on Earth dislikes Tinkyada. It's seriously better than regular pasta.

[zena]

As someone else mentioned. Corn tortillas are great for roll up sandwiches. My husband who is extremely picky likes quinoa noodles and cant tell a difference much. I like kinnikinnick bread and bun mix. It makes 4 loafs of bread for around $7. I store it in the freezer in between loaves.

Here's a recipe I use frequently for cream of chicken/cream of mushroom/ cheese soup mix. I love this recipe because I make larger amounts of it and store it so it is conveinent almost as opening a can of soup.

Creamed soup base recipe----

1 cup non instant dry milk

1 cup white rice flour

2 tablespoons dried minced onions

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons gluten free powdered chicken soup base

cream of chicken- Blend 3 to 4 tablespoons of creamed soup base with 1/4 cup cold water. Add 1 cup of hot or cold water (or chicken stock) and cook stirring until the soup thickens. Use 3 tablespoons for thin soup or 4 for a thick soup.

Cream of mushroom- Follow guide to cream of chicken soup and add mushrooms (drained) after its thickened.

cheese soup-Follow instructions for cream of chicken soup, using 1/4 cup creamed soup base. Add 1/4 cup extra water. Stir in 1/2 to 2/3 cup of grated cheddar cheese before removing from the stove.

For green bean casserole I use potato chips instead of french fried onions.

I also have a recipe for onion soup mix if your interested.

[zena]

Autumn,

I was reading your post & was wondering where you find powdered chicken soup base? I went to all our Health food stores today & they acted like I didn't know what I was talking about. I also use a lot of cream of mushroom & chicken soups for cassaroles & you have the same receipe I have. This is my first post so I am learning.