Just Found Out.......

[S-J-L]

That i do have celiac disease. Everyone thought so due to my really positive blood results, but my biopsies came back positive too

I have to ring my specialist tomorrow to discuss it and i am going to the doctors the next day.

At least now i know that i can feel better and feeling sick wasnt in my head.

[Ursa Major]

I know it is a shock. But try to think positive, because now you are going to get your health back!

Have you started the gluten-free diet already?

[S-J-L]

I have to go on a big shopping spree first cos i dont have much gluten free food. Im also down to see a dietician. Hard to know where to start.

[Ursa Major]

Well, the easiest and safest way to start is to just eat naturally gluten-free foods. Like potatoes, rice, meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and fruit. If you prepare them yourself you won't have to worry about what might be in them.

A lot of dieticians know less than you about eating gluten-free, and might even give you wrong advice. Some might be good, but many are a waste of money.

[S-J-L]

Its hard to know what to eat for lunch. Usually i would just have sandwiches and fruit. Im at university all day, so i cant cook.

Any ideas?

[MDRB]

Its hard to know what to eat for lunch. Usually i would just have sandwiches and fruit. Im at university all day, so i cant cook.

Any ideas?

Hi,

I usually take in a salad, gluten-free pasta or potato salad if you need something more filling. Also I carry around gluten free snack bars with me everywhere I go incase I get hungry and tempted.

You could try having your usual lunch but using gluten free bread, but to be honest, most gluten-free breads taste like a kitchen sponge. You could try rice or corn cakes or corn tortillas.

Good luck

[Joni63]

Its hard to know what to eat for lunch. Usually i would just have sandwiches and fruit. Im at university all day, so i cant cook.

Any ideas?

Hi,

When I'm out for the day I use Hormel Healthy Choice turkey and soy cheese on rice crackers. If you can pack a small carry around cooler with you, you will have lots of choices.

Fruit, salad, spam, Planters mixed nuts, peanut butter and jelly, soy joy bars or gluten free bars, rice chex made into a snack mix w/ nuts raisins, chocolate chips, gluten free pretzels. I never eat the bread unless I can toast it at home, but crackers do work in place of bread.

There are lots of choices. I'm sure you'll find what works for you.

[S-J-L]

Thanks for the ideas. Ive only been gluten free for a day now and am already finding it hard. Please tell me it gets easier?? The gluten free products ive tried are OK but its just not the same. Im getting cranky cos i feel so limited.

My doctor is looking into getting me a food subsidy which is good.

[MDRB]

Thanks for the ideas. Ive only been gluten free for a day now and am already finding it hard. Please tell me it gets easier?? The gluten free products ive tried are OK but its just not the same. Im getting cranky cos i feel so limited.

My doctor is looking into getting me a food subsidy which is good.

Yes it does get easier. Eating gluten free has become second nature for me. I still feel a bit frustrated not being able to eat out at many places or at other peoples houses, but this is a small frustration compared to how much better I feel without the gluten in my diet. It takes a while to adjust to the alternative foods, mainly because you will still be craving for the gluten. Stick with it, experiment with recipes and products, you will soon find favorites that you enjoy as much as or even more that the old ones.

[jparsick84]

Also, you might want to consider going to see a therapist or counselor. You are losing an entire way of life, and you're going to have to allow yourself to mourn it without wallowing. Eating gluten-free didn't start to get easier until I went to see someone - even just to talk to someone who will just listen, you know?

It does get easier, and more and more things are gluten-free all the time. Rice Chex JUST became gluten-free the other day, and remember fresh foods (meat, potatoes, fruits, eggs, veggies) are always safe if you prepare them yourself. And Cheetos and Fritos are both gluten-free, so you can still have friends over for a movie and serve "normal" foods.

The best advice I ever got was to remember that you're not normal, you're special. And being special is way better than just being normal.

Just take it one day at a time, keep a "good foods" list for meal inspiration, and remember you're not alone.