Just Getting Started With Gluten-free Lifestyle

[chronicbabe]

Hi there, I am just getting started with the gluten-free lifestyle. Although I don't have celiac disease, I've decided to try going gluten-free for a month to see if it helps my fibromyalgia and asthma. I'm looking for tips, and could use your advice! Thanks in advance for your tips! Best wishes - Jenni

[AndreaB]

Jenni,

That is a good idea. Gluten can cause a lot of different problems. I have a book called Dangerous Grains (I think it on Amazon) that list 150 different illnesses/diseases that respond to a gluten free diet.

You should notice improvement, but don't know if a month is a very long trial. If you're willing to give it 6 months you might have a better indicator of whether it will help.

If not, then I'd suggest further testing. We can give you ideas at that time if necessary.

Welcome aboard.

[Guest j_mommy]

Label reading is huge! I would print off the forbidden food list from teh homepage of this site and take it grocery shopping with you!

I now eat lots of friut and veggies....I love rice cakes!

This board is awesome!

Living Gluten Free for Dummies by Dana Korn is a great book! Has some started recipes ect! You can get it on amazon..cheap!

Good Luck

[Susanna]

gluten-free newbie tips--OK, if you wanna give it a go, here are some ideas:

1. People around you will eat treats you can't have and you will feel sad and isolated. Strategy: stock your car, office, purse, backpack, secret drawer at home with gluten-free treats you can reach for any time you are feeling deprived. This really helped me. I recommend Baby Ruth Bars, Snicker Bars, Lara Bars, Dove Dark Chocolate, meringue cookies, macaroon cookies (read labels), Butterfinger, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. You get the idea.

2. Know that it will take time (months, probably) to figure out what to eat (it took me 6 mos.) and during this time, it'll be kind of a daily challenge to plan meals. Every time you go to the store it'll be a challenge to choose groceries. Strategy: plan on an hour--don't bring kids or friends. Go the bathroom before you start grocery shopping. Bring your reading glasses--read every label. The good news is, THIS GETS MUCH BETTER OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS AS YOU GET USED TO THE DIET.

3. It may take a while for your symptoms to resolve--I actually think you need to commit to more like a 3-month trial if you really want to see if the gluten-free diet is helping. My friend had knee pain and swelling, but she is not celiac, and both resolved when she cut wheat out of her diet. Anyway, the point is, you are going to have to be patient with your body--some people feel better immediately after going gluten-free, but most of us take longer than that. Don't give up if you don't see instant results. Strategy: Maximize your general health by getting enough rest, water, exercise, and limiting stress.

4. Accept right now that it will be YOUR job to teach those around you about your diet

[Guest j_mommy]

Here's another.....if you were a KitKat eater.....glutino makes a break bar and a big break bar...tastes pretty close. I save them for "special" occassions as I am making ahuge effort to eat healthier. But good for "those" days!

[NoGluGirl]

Hi there, I am just getting started with the gluten-free lifestyle. Although I don't have celiac disease, I've decided to try going gluten-free for a month to see if it helps my fibromyalgia and asthma. I'm looking for tips, and could use your advice! Thanks in advance for your tips! Best wishes - Jenni

Dear chronicbabe,

I have a little present to welcome you to the forum! 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

[alamaz]

When cooking meals, cook more than you would normally. This way you can have leftover and./or freeze some dishes for weeks when your tight on time. Most or all of your food at first should be whole foods - fresh veggies and fruits, meats, fish. Try to stay away from processed foods and hidden gluten.

[sfm]

When cooking meals, cook more than you would normally. This way you can have leftover and./or freeze some dishes for weeks when your tight on time. Most or all of your food at first should be whole foods - fresh veggies and fruits, meats, fish. Try to stay away from processed foods and hidden gluten.

I definitely agree with that!

When I cook dinner, I always make extra. Lots of times I can take it to work for a more interesting lunch that week.

Sheryll