Elizabeth Hasselbeck

[Sam Caine1]

Thank You Elizabeth for bringing this topic out of the closet.

After my last visit to my doctor for my 3 month diabetes check-up, I returned home more frustrated than ever. After three years of changing and refining my eating to reflect the most "healthy diet" I could follow, I stll didn't lose weight and the doctor was recommending more medication.

I prayed that morning for help, because I no longer knew what to do and the additional medication was making my face rashy.

I turned on "the view" to find you talking about Celiac disease and decided to try going gluten-free. It wasn't hard, as I was getting tired of all that wholesome whole-grain bread that was suppose to be making me "healthy".

I made a list of the foods I liked, that were not wheat, barley, etc as well as the ones you listed and began looking for recipes I could cook. Within 6 weeks I have lost 15-20lbs, dropped my sugar levels so much, that my doctor has recommended cutting medication, below what it was before the rashy face; and I have a new lease on life. I can't believe the energy levels. I guess because I have had to deal with this for so long, I just got used to being tired and thought it was normal or because I was old. Except for the wheat, I was already eating well: 2-3 fruits, 4-5 Vegetables, proteins and good fats, I just had to figure what kind of complex carbs I could eat. I found they mostly come down to Root vegetables, Squashes, Corn, Beans and Rice. This is of course before I learned about all those other flours, mixes and desserts available. I now understand why I was so drawn to asian and mexican cooking. So, I've begun to look up some of those old recipes.

I thought I would crave the bread so I started my day with a high protein breakfast over the next few days and found that I not only lost my cravings for wheat I lost my cravings for sugar. I also found my natural hunger levels and found myself putting the fork down sooner. Hurray! I can't remember doing that ever. I have compusively dieted since I was a teenager only getting bigger each time. This is the first time in my life that I'm not afraid of food. I don't know if there is any proof for my theory, but I actually think the diabetes may have resulted, because the sugar has been the only thing getting though my digestion.

Has Elizabeth influenced you decision to go gluten-free?

[angel-jd1]

Thank You Elizabeth for bringing this topic out of the closet.

After my last visit to my doctor for my 3 month diabetes check-up, I returned home more frustrated than ever. After three years of changing and refining my eating to reflect the most "healthy diet" I could follow, I stll didn't lose weight and the doctor was recommending more medication.

I prayed that morning for help, because I no longer knew what to do and the additional medication was making my face rashy.

I turned on "the view" to find you talking about Celiac disease and decided to try going gluten-free. It wasn't hard, as I was getting tired of all that wholesome whole-grain bread that was suppose to be making me "healthy".

I made a list of the foods I liked, that were not wheat, barley, etc as well as the ones you listed and began looking for recipes I could cook. Within 6 weeks I have lost 15-20lbs, dropped my sugar levels so much, that my doctor has recommended cutting medication, below what it was before the rashy face; and I have a new lease on life. I can't believe the energy levels. I guess because I have had to deal with this for so long, I just got used to being tired and thought it was normal or because I was old. Except for the wheat, I was already eating well: 2-3 fruits, 4-5 Vegetables, proteins and good fats, I just had to figure what kind of complex carbs I could eat. I found they mostly come down to Root vegetables, Squashes, Corn, Beans and Rice. This is of course before I learned about all those other flours, mixes and desserts available. I now understand why I was so drawn to asian and mexican cooking. So, I've begun to look up some of those old recipes.

I thought I would crave the bread so I started my day with a high protein breakfast over the next few days and found that I not only lost my cravings for wheat I lost my cravings for sugar. I also found my natural hunger levels and found myself putting the fork down sooner. Hurray! I can't remember doing that ever. I have compusively dieted since I was a teenager only getting bigger each time. This is the first time in my life that I'm not afraid of food. I don't know if there is any proof for my theory, but I actually think the diabetes may have resulted, because the sugar has been the only thing getting though my digestion.

Has Elizabeth influenced you decision to go gluten-free?

Dear Sam-

Maybe I am missing something in your letter, but it sounds to me as if you are just trying this "gluten free diet' as a weight loss fad diet for you. The majority of folks here are on the gluten free diet because they have a genetic disease that requires they follow the diet. The gluten free diet is the only "cure" to getting rid of our symptoms. Please forgive me if I am missing something in your post about a diagnosis.

Elizabeth has not influenced me to "go gluten free". My test results influenced me, the pain I had, and the "wanting to get my life back", influenced me to go gluten free. I am glad that she is bringing some awareness to our disease, but I am not gluten free because of her.

-Jessica

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Dear Sam-

Maybe I am missing something in your letter, but it sounds to me as if you are just trying this "gluten free diet' as a weight loss fad diet for you. The majority of folks here are on the gluten free diet because they have a genetic disease that requires they follow the diet. The gluten free diet is the only "cure" to getting rid of our symptoms. Please forgive me if I am missing something in your post about a diagnosis.

Elizabeth has not influenced me to "go gluten free". My test results influenced me, the pain I had, and the "wanting to get my life back", influenced me to go gluten free. I am glad that she is bringing some awareness to our disease, but I am not gluten free because of her.

-Jessica

Oh, Jessica, you really are missing something!

Sam OBVIOUSLY has medical issues connected to gluten that were missed by his/her doctor (just like the rest of us)-- rash, overweight, and diabetes. Obviously, the gluten-free diet IS the only "cure" to getting rid of Sam's symptoms.

So what if Sam only tried the diet as a weight-loss cure, and only then discovered the relationship to other health problems? How many people here stumbled on the gluten-free diet after noticing that the low-carb diet made them feel better? Worse, how many people here noticed that they felt better on the low-carb diet, but never put it all together until they were diagnosed by blood work and/or biopsy?

Sam's doctor was not smart or savvy enough to order a gluten panel. Sam was inspired to try the gluten-free diet because of Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

Shame on you for missing that Sam, too, has "a genetic disease that requires that he (or she) follow a gluten-free diet.". Sam just found out a different way than you did. In my eyes, your missing it is worse than Sam's doctor missing it. You should know better.

[Michi8]

Welcome Sam!

I'm so glad you were able to find that a gluten free diet is helpful for you. It really is a shame that your doctor didn't recognize the connection between diabetes & celiac...but its good to hear that the doctor is recognizing how this change in your eating habits is helping. Does your doctor want to do any further testing for diagnosis, or is s/he willing to accept diagnosis based on diet?

Michelle

[angel-jd1]

Oh, Jessica, you really are missing something!

Sam OBVIOUSLY has medical issues connected to gluten that were missed by his/her doctor (just like the rest of us)-- rash, overweight, and diabetes. Obviously, the gluten-free diet IS the only "cure" to getting rid of Sam's symptoms.

So what if Sam only tried the diet as a weight-loss cure, and only then discovered the relationship to other health problems? How many people here stumbled on the gluten-free diet after noticing that the low-carb diet made them feel better? Worse, how many people here noticed that they felt better on the low-carb diet, but never put it all together until they were diagnosed by blood work and/or biopsy?

Sam's doctor was not smart or savvy enough to order a gluten panel. Sam was inspired to try the gluten-free diet because of Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

Shame on you for missing that Sam, too, has "a genetic disease that requires that he (or she) follow a gluten-free diet.". Sam just found out a different way than you did. In my eyes, your missing it is worse than Sam's doctor missing it. You should know better.

Dear Fiddle-Faddle...thanks so much for the public flogging. I do SO appreciate it. As I previously said to Sam....I appologize if I am missing something, but the way I am reading his/her letter is that they are on the diet as a fad. People here are not on the diet by "CHOICE" they are here because it is our way to avoid cancer, infertility, etc etc etc.....Didn't write my opinion to get your panties in a wad dear fiddle faddle. My appologies

-Jessica

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Jessica, I am sincerely sorry that I upset you.

However, I firmly believe that what you wrote to Sam was not only grossly unfair, but it may very well have scared off any other reader who was inspired by Elizabeth Hasselbeck to try the gluten-free diet. What if your criticism of Sam for starting the diet for "less" than medical reasons results in someone--perhaps even Sam--not further investigating gluten intolerance?

I stand by what I originally wrote. I don't believe ANYBODY has the right to judge the reasons for a person's finding out that they are gluten-intolerant.

[Ann1231]

Thank You Elizabeth for bringing this topic out of the closet.

After my last visit to my doctor for my 3 month diabetes check-up, I returned home more frustrated than ever. After three years of changing and refining my eating to reflect the most "healthy diet" I could follow, I stll didn't lose weight and the doctor was recommending more medication.

I prayed that morning for help, because I no longer knew what to do and the additional medication was making my face rashy.

I turned on "the view" to find you talking about Celiac disease and decided to try going gluten-free. It wasn't hard, as I was getting tired of all that wholesome whole-grain bread that was suppose to be making me "healthy".

I made a list of the foods I liked, that were not wheat, barley, etc as well as the ones you listed and began looking for recipes I could cook. Within 6 weeks I have lost 15-20lbs, dropped my sugar levels so much, that my doctor has recommended cutting medication, below what it was before the rashy face; and I have a new lease on life. I can't believe the energy levels. I guess because I have had to deal with this for so long, I just got used to being tired and thought it was normal or because I was old. Except for the wheat, I was already eating well: 2-3 fruits, 4-5 Vegetables, proteins and good fats, I just had to figure what kind of complex carbs I could eat. I found they mostly come down to Root vegetables, Squashes, Corn, Beans and Rice. This is of course before I learned about all those other flours, mixes and desserts available. I now understand why I was so drawn to asian and mexican cooking. So, I've begun to look up some of those old recipes.

I thought I would crave the bread so I started my day with a high protein breakfast over the next few days and found that I not only lost my cravings for wheat I lost my cravings for sugar. I also found my natural hunger levels and found myself putting the fork down sooner. Hurray! I can't remember doing that ever. I have compusively dieted since I was a teenager only getting bigger each time. This is the first time in my life that I'm not afraid of food. I don't know if there is any proof for my theory, but I actually think the diabetes may have resulted, because the sugar has been the only thing getting though my digestion.

Has Elizabeth influenced you decision to go gluten-free?

Elizabeth has no influence on anything I do! I guess I don't understand your post either. Do you think you have celiac or are you using this simply for energy and weight loss? Even people without celiac find they have more energy without wheat (low carb anyone?). If you suspect celiac, you should discuss this with your doctor.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

If you suspect celiac, you should discuss this with your doctor. If you are using this for weight loss, then this board isn't going to be all you need probably since celiacs have more health issues as well as weight issues.

Since the doctor never even thought of celiac, it's likely that the doctor knows nothing about it, so discussing "suspicions of celiac" would be a waste. Personally, I think Sam needs a different doctor. My endocrinologist told me at my thyroid check-up that she screens all her diabetic patients for celiac now. IMHO, Sam's doctor is not up to par.

As for more health issues--hello, Sam has diabetes, which is very commonly linked with celiac disease. Obviously, Sam already has more health issues as well as weight issues (which, by the way, IS a health issue).

Please, folks, let's not scare off as-yet-undiagnosed celiacs or undiagnosed gluten-intolerant people just when they are discovering all about it!

We have no right to judge how they got here. They have just as much right to be here as any of us, and we should be welcoming, not snotty.

It totally shocks me that you guys would challenge and reject someone who is obviously gluten intolerant just because you don't like how he or she found out about the diet.

[Lisa]

I think it important to be inviting to anyone who inquires here. No mater what the reason , if a gluten free diet can make anyone feel better, I'm all for it.

[Ann1231]

Since the doctor never even thought of celiac, it's likely that the doctor knows nothing about it, so discussing "suspicions of celiac" would be a waste. Personally, I think Sam needs a different doctor. My endocrinologist told me at my thyroid check-up that she screens all her diabetic patients for celiac now. IMHO, Sam's doctor is not up to par.

As for more health issues--hello, Sam has diabetes, which is very commonly linked with celiac disease. Obviously, Sam already has more health issues as well as weight issues (which, by the way, IS a health issue).

Please, folks, let's not scare off as-yet-undiagnosed celiacs or undiagnosed gluten-intolerant people just when they are discovering all about it!

We have no right to judge how they got here. They have just as much right to be here as any of us, and we should be welcoming, not snotty.

It totally shocks me that you guys would challenge and reject someone who is obviously gluten intolerant just because you don't like how he or she found out about the diet.

ff, you are over-reacting to my post just as you did Jessica's. All I said was she should talk to a doctor and that there is more to celiac than weight issues. My Dad died from cancers due to celiac, you don't have to get snippy with me about health issues and celiac. You should calm down and read the posts as they are, not as you seem to be seeing them.

[sunshinen]

I think it important to be inviting to anyone who inquires here. No mater what the reason , if a gluten free diet can make anyone feel better, I'm all for it.

Absolutely. Especially when it takes doctors an average of 11-13 years to diagnose. We have to take charge of our own health. If it works, it works. And this is a great place for anyone wanting to eat gluten free to share resources, tips, and experiences.

[sunshinen]

Thank You Elizabeth for bringing this topic out of the closet.

I prayed that morning for help, because I no longer knew what to do ...

...getting tired of all that wholesome whole-grain bread that was suppose to be making me "healthy". ...

I just got used to being tired and thought it was normal or because I was old.

...

not only lost my cravings for wheat I lost my cravings for sugar. I also found my natural hunger levels and found myself putting the fork down sooner.

Welcome to the club Sam! It all sounds very familiar. When I finally found out I had celiac, I had become so desperate for an answer, I was willing to try ANYTHING. Fortunately, when my doctor said he didn't know what else to try, I found a chiropractor who did, some food tests and ...viola.

I wasn't influenced by Elizabeth because I found out before I heard about her "coming out," but I'm glad she's out there helping to spread the word. Three in my family were in very bad shape before we found out the cause. It's so frustrating when what they tell you to eat is actually the problem. Especially when you work so hard to eat "right" and it just makes you worse and worse...

Congratulations on feeling better.

[Edited to add: My father and cousin both died young from what we now think were secondary conditions from undiagnosed celiac, so if you have not, you may want to consider some tests to find out if you have celiac or gluten intolerance as well as urge family members to be tested. It's a genetic disease that is potentially life-threatening, and many family members test positive even when they showed no symptoms.]

[Nantzie]

Welcome to the board Sam. I'm glad you're here. There is a lot of information in the archives of old messages. You might be surprised that some nagging health problems may start improving as you continue on the gluten-free diet. I found out about celiac because of struggling with IBS for years, but after being on the diet, all sorts of things improved for me, including headaches, fibromyalgia-type pain (to the point I could barely walk), energy, memory and concentration problems, hair loss, etc.

Some people stumble across celiac after trying a diet that takes out carbs or wheat products. For me it was the Six Week Body Makeover (no wheat or any other flour products), which was the only diet I ever tried that worked for me. When I went off of it (there was a death in the family and I no longer cared if I was overweight or not...) my health problems got worse, but I never connected it to my diet.

A couple years later I found out about celiac while trying to figure out my health problems. It made sense, partly because I remembered how good I had felt on the Six Week Body Makeover. I thought I was just feeling better because I had lost weight.

If I hadn't found out about celiac a couple years ago and the health ramifications of gluten that some people experience, then I probably would have stumbled across it just like you did.

One of the most exciting and unexpected benefits I had from the gluten-free diet was losing 30 pounds. Losing that weight impacted my life almost as much as the rest of it. Not only do I feel great healthwise, but I feel great image-wise.

Life is good.

Nancy

[Mtndog]

I think it important to be inviting to anyone who inquires here. No mater what the reason , if a gluten free diet can make anyone feel better, I'm all for it.

I agree! Welcome Sam- there is a lot if great info on the gluten free diet here. And the fact that you have diabetes is KEY. I'm sure you know that it is auto-immune and having one auto-immune disorder predisposes you to others. I'm glad it has helped you to feel better.

I had been gluten-free for 2 years before Elizabeth Hasslebeck "came out" (the term cracks me up- why would you be a "closet" celiac ) but am glad that news of the health benefits of the gluten-free diet are becoming mainstream as I think many people will find out that they are gluten intolerant.

My husband is not celiac but he eats mostly gluten-free ( I cook!) and when he does eat gluten, he complains of feeling overly full and bloated and sleepy.

[loraleena]

It sounds to me like trying the gluten free diet showed Sam that she did have gluten intolerance. Look at how her symptoms are disapearing and how much better she feels. Welcome and please ask lots of questions.

[Lisa]

It sounds to me like trying the gluten free diet showed Sam that she did have gluten intolerance. Look at how her symptoms are disapearing and how much better she feels. Welcome and please ask lots of questions.[/uoto

She or he, welcome Sam.

[MySuicidalTurtle]

I believe that being gluten-free can be a lifestyle choice. I support those who do not have Celiac Disease and go gluten-free whether for their health or for their friends/loved ones who has Celiacs. Good for you for finding the source of your problems, Sam! Good luck and do feel free to come here for recipes and other discussions, Sam Caine1!

[Rachel--24]

I believe that being gluten-free can be a lifestyle choice. I support those who do not have Celiac Disease and go gluten-free whether for their health or for their friends/loved ones who has Celiacs.

I agree. I dont have Celiac but have been gluten-free for 2 years now. I'm gluten intolerant (hopefully temporarily) due to other health problems.

It matters not how or why we came to be on this diet. I dont think the gluten-free diet is limited to only those who are sick, disabled, or diagnosed Celiac. It can be a lifestyle choice and I dont see anything wrong in that.

I did get the impression that Sam had health problems which led him/her to try the gluten-free diet.

I hope that anyone who is seeking advice, support or answers (regardless the reason for going gluten-free) finds this board to be a great resource.

Welcome to the board Sam.

[DingoGirl]

Very well said, Rachel. I have come to believe that many, many people, who are not Celiac, could dramatically benefit from a gluten-free diet. While I, like many of us, am not thrilled by erroneous reports on celiac disease, I think a sizeable portion of the population could see incredible results by eliminating the POISON.

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Sam,

I am so happy for you that the article helped you! However, I would like to point out some things they forgot to mention. You need new cookware, because gluten hides in cracks and scratches, even after being run in the dishwasher! You will also need new cooking utensils. Plus, cross-contamination is a concern. Many foods are not made in a dedicated facility or on dedicated lines, making them possible sources of gluten. Lay's (except for the Stax), Quaker, Bob's Red Mill, and Amy's Kitchen all have had reports of making people on the forum ill. I wanted to let you know, so you could avoid them.

Many of us also must avoid dairy. We are sensitive to casein, a protein in milk. Others do not tolerate lactose. If some of your problems are not gone, you may want to try and eliminate dairy. I have a severe reaction from a microscopic amount of gluten, so I have to be extremely careful. I had typical conditions of a Celiac's history. I have had Thyroid disease, hypoglycemia, severe Acid Reflux, IBS, and my gallbladder had to come out at 20! These are all typical with Celiac, as is anemia, which I also have dealt with. When I was a baby, I spit up every formula my parents put me on! The finally had to put me on 2% milk at 3 weeks old. I have other health issues aside from this, such as a systemic overgrowth of yeast, and possibly Lyme, Babesia (a Lyme co-infection) and vitamin deficiencies. The reflux used to be so bad I had to sleep sitting practically straight up until I went gluten-free last August. I do not get tempted to cheat, due to my violent reaction. If I am glutened, I break out in a sweat, become unbearably nauseated, have the intense need to have a bowel movement, start shaking, sometimes my hands go numb, and if I do not hurry up and swallow my anti-nausea medication, get dry heaves to the point I feel my insides are emploding. I am grateful I found out now, at 24 instead of later. The longer it takes for diagnosis, the more damage is done, which may not always be able to be reversed. We are so glad you joined us here! Welcome and feel free to ask any questions! Also, I have a present for you below!

I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself six months ago. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margerine

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and *White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip*

Philadelphia Cream Cheese*

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*

Snack Foods:

Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam

[Mtndog]

NoGluGirl- NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! Now THAT is a welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dally099]

hi, i just watched the clip online of her segmant on the veiw, i think she probably got sick after doing survivor, i think that any awareness for any health issues on day time tv is great, for some people this is what gives them the light bulb on certain issues, i know for us it was a tv special on autism 3 years ago that gave us a heads up on our son. i dont think anyone would do a gluten free "diet" as a fad diet for weight loss, elizabeth made a great point that some people accually gain weight when they realize all the food that they can eat!

[Judyin Philly]

NoGluGirl--

dito great welcome.

I hope you will approve that I did a copy of the great list you prepared.

I would like to post it on Daily Strength (with your name as creator of course) b/c some newbie just asked for a list.

Thanks for all your contributions to c.com.

I read all your posts but just don't respond much on line .

keep up the great work.

Welcome Sam.

Judy

[Nantzie]

Dear Nantzie,

I am so glad you mentioned the Six Week Body Makeover! I want to do that so badly! I do not have the money! Michael Thurmond makes sense in what he is doing. Diets are not one size fits all. It varies on the body. Certain foods help certain body types lose weight faster. I wish I could afford it!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

6wbmo is great. You can join the message boards there without buying it. It's a great group of people, kind of like here. Open Original Shared Link They have a rule that they can't discuss the specifics but you can get a vague idea of it by doing the body type analysis and then seeing what the people with your body type are eating for different meals. The basic food restrictions are no sugar, salt, wheat, dairy or oil. Then it's eating certain quantities of certain types of food at certain times of day. For example, I remember breakfast was 2 oz protein and 4 oz of fruit. Mid-morning snack was the same I think. Lunch was 2 oz protein, 2 oz allowed carb (rice or potato). Unlimited veggies at all meals. It doesn't sound like much food, but with six meals a day, you're eating every 3 hours or so, which gets to be too much after just a few days. It got to the point where I wasn't even eating the evening snack because I wasn't hungry.

When you order it they will do payments of 19.99 a month, which is how I was able to do it.

I checked ebay - they've got a bunch too. Open Original Shared Link

Nancy

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Mtndog and JudyinPhilly,

Thank you for the compliments! Judy, you can copy my list anytime you like! It is all about making things as easy as possible for everyone! We cannot spend our entire life in the grocery store or the kitchen! Lord knows, I spend half the day cooking and cleaning. I do not have a lot of cookware, and live with two non-gluten free people. So, it complicates things! This can be an overwhelming disease, but if I can make this easier for anyone, feel free to send the list to anyone you think needs it!

Dear Nantzie,

Thank you for the info! I was defrauded recently by an Internet company, and lost everything to them. If I am able to get my money back, I will spend some of it on the Six Week Body Makeover! I knew they had payments. It is just not affordable at the moment. I did get to do my body analysis online before. This plan would work for me, because I have to watch my fat due to gallbladder removal, and I have been trying to cut out the sugar anyway! I am Type C.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl