Scared To Eat

[clhsc]

I got my test results back and they were fine. I have been gluten free (other than accidentally or lapse of reason) for a while now so it's what I expected. I tried going to dinner for my mom's birthday the other night. It didn't go well and now I am scared to eat with out having a bathroom nearby, preferably mine. So for the past few days I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch and very little for dinner. I am scared to eat because my stomach has been so sensitive lately. I am losing weight again even though I need to be gaining it. I drank an Ensure today and it made my stomach hurt. Not gluten hurting, but like maybe I ate something that didn't settle well. I am so frustrated! How can I get over this problem?

I need some advice because I am feeling so down on myself right now. The holidays are normally so hard with all the food, but I am just not hungry. I have been taking my vitamins everyday, but had to cut them out because they are high in iron and I have a colonoscopy scheduled for next Monday. I am still taking my B12 and Calcium though and trying to drink some milk. But all I want is coffee (b/c I am exhausted) and water. I really need to gain weight (I am 5'4" and weigh 100 lbs) because none of my clothes fit me anymore. They are so baggy on me and make me look even more skinny than I am. Any suggestions to help me put on a few pounds? Thanks in advance!

[CarlaB]

I would eat meat and veggies. I found I had to cook my veggies till they were soft so they didn't bother my stomach. Many, maybe even most, celiacs have lactose intolerance in the beginning because the part of the villi that digests milk is the first part to get damaged. I'd wait a few months to have dairy. Just take it very easy ... I'm thinking things like boiling chicken with some veggies ... maybe a little rice. I'd stay away from processed foods. I used to react to anything processed, and still mainly avoid it, but can tolerate it once in a while. Meat and veggies. Boring, I know, but at least you'll be eating.

[Sweetfudge]

I second that! Try eating veggies and meat. Rice is very good too. You can make a soup - like chicken and rice, or a beef stew. Soups are very filling and easy comfort foods. When I was first diagnosed, I tried to eat very little fat, and cut out dairy completely (it was so hard!). I ate chicken and rice nearly every day. As far as a dairy replacement, I recommend Almond Breeze chocolate drink, which isn't milk, but tastes good. Don't drink Rice Dream, it DOES have gluten in it. Potatoes are good comfort foods as well. I would cheat and use a little bit of butter on mine Try to stay away from things that can upset a stomach, like spicy foods, and hard to digest foods (beans, fats, etc). Hang in there! Just don't starve yourself! I know it's hard being underweight...I was for a long time. Now I'm a bit overweight 5'4" and 138 lbs...I was once as thin as you things will normallize though. Just give it some time, and keep nourishing your body.

[Sophiekins]

The first thing is to get you eating again - if you can persuade your body to eat something, then you can start to re-introduce other foods which will help you gain weight. This is my favourite starter when I don't feel like eating (I once went five days without eating anything because I couldn't face eating. . .not recommended. . .the longer you don't eat, the harder it becomes to start): Cook some brown rice, sprinkle some sugar on top (sounds weird, but trust me, it tastes good and the mix of fibre, starch and sugar will sit okay), add milk if you are managing milk (but don't sweat if you aren't, it's just as tasty without) and enjoy. Start with small helpings, and drink fruit juice every few hours to remind your body what it feels like to eat - dilute with water if you really don't want to eat (as much as 1 part juice, 3 parts water). I always find that sweet goes down better than protein when I'm not feeling like eating, and that once I manage to start eating, gradually I can re-introduce more foods. And cut out the coffee - I know it's tempting, but the caffeine and acids are REALLY hard on your digestion and you're trying to pamper your digestion right now. When you feel exhausted and are tempted to reach for the caffeine, have a glass of juice instead and a tiny piece of good-quality dark chocolate (none of that filled stuff. . .pure chocolate will tweak your blood sugar and your magnesium levels) with some carbs - plain rice or rice cakes or gluten-free crackers - if possible. When you are ready to move on, re-introduce vegetables first, and then add a teeny bit of cheese or low fat white meat and switch to full-fat milk (it will take a while to get used to the flavour. . .if you've been drinking skim, drink semi-skim for a while and then step up to full-fat. . .it's better COLD than room temperature). Some of your exhaustion is from the caffeine, and some of it is from the not-eating. . .if you MUST have caffeine, opt for black or green tea with milk and sugar. . .and try and get plenty of sleep (duh, I know).

[Guest cassidy]

I feel for you. First of all, I made a committment to myself that I would never eat food I wasn't comfortable eating. I don't care if people are well-meaning and try to go out of their way to make me something - if I don't feel comfortable - I'm not eating it. I don't usually eat in restaurants and I bring my food when I eat with my family. This is really reduced the number of times I have gotten glutened.

What did you used to like to eat? I really don't like meat and veggies aren't that appealing so when I don't want to eat, those are not good choices because they don't really sound good. Pasta was always my thing. I could eat it no matter what. I really love Tinkyada now. I would recommend finding something you like and trying that, even if that is all you are eating for a few days, it is better than nothing. I like the Pacific chicken broth and I put the pasta and some cheese in that and make a sort of soup. Sometimes that is all I can make myself eat.

Boost and ensure sometimes don't sit well with me. I would stay away from chemicals and anything procesesd because it will probably be hard on your system. I definitely can't have more than one boost a day and I can't have that the same day as carnation instant breakfast or it will go right through me. I don't know if it is all the extra vitamins.

Make sure you always have safe food with you so you know you will be able to eat without a problem. Leftovers are great because if you ate them the night before without a problem, then you may have more confidence that you can eat them out the next day without a problem.

If you want coffee then make it a high calorie, fattening coffee drink - you can afford the calories.

It will get easier and good luck!

[clhsc]

Thanks for the help! I was a huge pasta eater before. Being fresh out of college and broke it was a good move for me. Since going gluten free I was mostly eating chicken, pork, turkey, veggies, rice, salads, and Puffins cereal. That was about it. I don't eat a lot of "junk" because I just feel gross afterward. I am going to try to make myself eat some rice for lunch today.

I already have had my cup of coffee this morning and it's not sitting well for me. I am going to cut out the coffee for a while, at least until I am feeling better. I have got to eat because I have exams coming up in the next week or so. I have got to feel better so I can do well.

Should I continue drinking the Ensure for the added calories or not?

[tarnalberry]

If you can handle dairy, then I'd say leave in the Ensure, but if you can't deal with dairy, or know that it's bothering your stomach, leave it out. It's pretty individual what will settle our stomachs... Heck, it varies for each of us from time to time too. Good luck figuring out what works for you. (Rice and chicken broth works for me fairly often.)

[clhsc]

I haven't had my afternoon coffee and so far so good. Maybe my stomach is just too sensitive right now. I had some rice crackers at lunch and feel okay. Hopefully I will feel like eating dinner tonight.

[sunshinen]

milk was a killer for me at first. even small amounts would do me in. pain-ful!

coffee often causes a burning, ulcer-like feeling. if that's the problem, then you also want to avoid a lot of acidic juices until the irritation heals.

digestive enzymes seem to really help me, and okra and cabbage juice are supposed to help heal, as well.

[missy'smom]

Before I was gluten-free and before I found out about Celiac's I depended on Chamomile tea in the mornings. It was all I could get down for braekfast for two years. I swear by it. It really helps me. Even still when I slip up and have problems. Sometimes I add a little honey and or lemon depending on my mood.

[IrishKelly]

I got my test results back and they were fine. I have been gluten free (other than accidentally or lapse of reason) for a while now so it's what I expected. I tried going to dinner for my mom's birthday the other night. It didn't go well and now I am scared to eat with out having a bathroom nearby, preferably mine. So for the past few days I haven't eaten breakfast or lunch and very little for dinner. I am scared to eat because my stomach has been so sensitive lately. I am losing weight again even though I need to be gaining it. I drank an Ensure today and it made my stomach hurt. Not gluten hurting, but like maybe I ate something that didn't settle well. I am so frustrated! How can I get over this problem?

I need some advice because I am feeling so down on myself right now. The holidays are normally so hard with all the food, but I am just not hungry. I have been taking my vitamins everyday, but had to cut them out because they are high in iron and I have a colonoscopy scheduled for next Monday. I am still taking my B12 and Calcium though and trying to drink some milk. But all I want is coffee (b/c I am exhausted) and water. I really need to gain weight (I am 5'4" and weigh 100 lbs) because none of my clothes fit me anymore. They are so baggy on me and make me look even more skinny than I am. Any suggestions to help me put on a few pounds? Thanks in advance!

I can almost guarantee that DAIRY IS YOUR CULPERATE!! Do you have alot of excessive gas?? Try a dairy free and gluten free diet for two months and then see what happens...you'll be suprised . Oh, and start taking L-Glutamine and Digestive Enzymes if possible...these are natural supplements...see my newest post regarding them.

[clhsc]

Well, like an idiot I had a bite of a Crunch bar thinking rice and chocolate would be fine. Who the heck puts wheat gluten in a chocolate bar? These people should be punished!

So I am back to not feeling well (again). This is just getting ridiculous! Guess it's back to plain rice again.

[KaitiUSA]

You know I really do feel for you because I was in that exact same situation. Anytime I ate I felt bad but anytime I didn't eat I felt bad. Sometimes at first people have a problem with dairy so that may be an issue as well. Most people with celiac have a problem with another food too at the time of diagnosis.

[tarnalberry]

It's a reminder that you have to read the ingredient label EACH TIME, EVERY TIME. You can't make any assummptions about ingredients. I know, it's hard to get used to, since it's so very different from how things used to be, but you'll get there.

[CarlaB]

Sorry you're feeling bad again. The thing with crispies is that a lot of them have malt. There is a brand available at Wild Oats and probably other health food stores that is gluten and casein free called Tropical Source. They have a candy with rice crispies in them that do not have malt.

[KaitiUSA]

Yes, never assume anything is gluten free without reading the label

[clhsc]

"Live and learn"... I just hate it has to be the hard way!

[BamBam]

I also learned the hard way and I will give you the same challenge I got from anothe gal here on the board- the challenge is basically "do not eat it unless you know it is safe." In the past I was eating things that you would think would be gluten free that were not but so many pre packaged things like sauces have wheat added as thickeners. Even a lot of the frozen mixes of meat and veggies add wheat as a preservative/thickener. Even some yogurts have gluten in them, it is just crazy!

Regarding the milk issue, I always thought I was just lactose intolerant, and I lived with problems all of the time, until last February a friend suggested I give up milk totally for a month or two, and 99% of my stomach/bowel issues just diappeared. Oh, I still have a bad day once in awhile, but my system was so messed up and the difference is just amazing.

For now just stick to plain meats, plain fish, plain veggies, plain fruit. The first few months is hard to be gluten free and/or dairy free but you will get the hang of it. The people on this board are awesome, and there are over 11,000 of us, so if you have any questions, just ask and someone will try and help.

BamBam

[clhsc]

It's going to be hard for me to give up dairy. But I am going to try it. Does anyone eat the soy cheese? If so which brand is the best? I love cheese and it's basically all I eat to get in extra calories.

Is Ensure okay? It says lactose and gluten free, but contains milk and soy.

[Looking for answers]

Don't shoot the messenger, but you might want to consider avoiding soy for a while too, at least until your stomach heals. I noticed that I'm just as sensitive to soy as I am to dairy, but I'm hoping that someday I'll be able to eat both again (with any luck!). If you want to try soy out, I can recommend the slices sold at Trader Joes--can't think of the brand right now, sorry. I HIGHLY recommend the rice milk cheese slices sold at Whole Foods--just be sure they're gluten free, though.

[clhsc]

Promise I won't shoot...

[bluejeangirl]

It's going to be hard for me to give up dairy. But I am going to try it. Does anyone eat the soy cheese? If so which brand is the best? I love cheese and it's basically all I eat to get in extra calories.

Is Ensure okay? It says lactose and gluten free, but contains milk and soy.

I'm with you clhsc I want to give up dairy because it gives me problems but it has only become annoying recently. I notice on days where I have cheese and put milk in my cereal I'll get the phlegm(sp) in my throat early in the morning and sometimes just start sneezing like crazy. When I go without it those symptoms go away. I was wondering about soy cheese to. Actually the only thing I'll miss is what to put on my pizza I have every sunday when we watch football. And I just got used to eating gluten free crust too. How do you have a pizza without cheese. !!!!!???????

I don't mind almond milk for my cereal.

I'll figure it out but would enjoy any suggestions.

Gail

[marciab]

I feel for you .. The food list I could digest was pathetic too. I'm 5'5" and I was down to 105 when I finally got things going the right way.

I could not handle ensure at all. Not even if I cut it in half with water. But, you might want to try it.

And I could not digest any vitamins at first. I am experimenting with Poly Vi Sol infant vitamins (gluten free). So far no pain ...

I ate a lot of baked potatoes with a good EVOO and salt. My daughter actually prefers her potatoes this way now. Just make sure it is a flavorful EVOO. Rule of thumb - If it comes in a big bottle, it is not that good. But you don't have to get the most expensive either.

Some easy to digest foods are applesauce, apples, pears, banans, plain yogurt (if you can have dairy), asparagus, papaya, mango, boiled or baked bland chicken, rice, quinoa, buckwheat and millet.

Avoid fruits and veggies with skins. Peel apples, etc.

Add a tiny amount of organic pb to your crackers.

The key for me was to eat something every 30 to 60 minutes at first. I think that is all

Good luck .. marcia

[jkmunchkin]

We all know how you feel, and have definately been there. If I do accidentally get glutened I find myself feeling like it's week 1 again, and afraid to eat.

You should always read labels before eating anything. For the 1st couple months this seems like the most annoying time consuming thing ever, but after awhile it becomes second nature. I now find myself flipping something over and reading the ingredients in one foul swoop as I pick the item up. It just becomes a natural thing to do. And with that, the fear of eating will also subside.

Because you're new to this, you're not confident in what you can and can't eat, but as you become familiar with everything this will go away, and before you know it you'll be writing this exact thing to someone else.

[clhsc]

Today is my first no-dairy day. Hopefully it will go okay. I am at least going to give it a week and see how it goes.

We are having our office Christmas party today and I hope that there will be something I can eat there. If not I think I might go home and try the potatoes that were suggested. They sound yummy!

I am going to make a gluten free dinner tonight. Any suggestions? Keep in mind, I am cooking for my non-gluten free boyfriend who is a down home southern guy who likes meat and potatoes. Actually, thinking about it - it's surprising we ever agree on anything to eat.