Kind Of New To This, But Still Not Sure Where To Start

[christyb]

I was definitely diagnosed with celiac back in March. After a month or so of denial, I begrudgingly started a gluten-free diet, except I didn't (and still don't) know what to eat. So since about April I've been living on gluten-free lemon wafers and gluten free crackers w/pepperoni. I hate the taste of the store bought gluten-free stuff and just am so lost and don't know where to start on meal planning. Can anyone help me? I feel like I've been floundering for months with this. I'm totally overwhelmed. I feel like the doctor said "here you have celiac, don't eat anything with gluten and you'll be good to go", that's no help. Thank you for any help you can give.

[MaryJones2]

I think these sites are particularly helpful when you are just starting out.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

https://www.celiac.com/ (This forum is a part of celiac.com)

[RiceGuy]

Firstly, welcome, and you're not alone in how you feel.

Keep in mind that most foods are gluten-free already. You have tons of variety available to you. Perhaps the best advice is to start with the basics - veggies, fruits, beans, meats, nuts, seeds, etc. Even most grains are gluten-free, so you've plenty of choices there too. Though there are many delicious prepackaged gluten-free breads, cereals, snacks, etc, there are also many that you will likely not enjoy. Everyone seems to have their own preferences. But when starting out on the gluten-free diet, it is often suggested not to try immediately replacing all your gluten-filled favorites. It is also common to have gluten withdrawal, so you may crave it, and the gluten-free equivalents might not taste as good now as they will later on.

Some things you can make very easily and without a steep learning curve are stews, casseroles, pasta dishes (using gluten-free pasta), and of course the meat and potato type dishes, such as roasts and such. Rice and corn are just two of the many gluten-free grains, and I'm sure you're already familiar with those. Once you get comfortable preparing meals without gluten, you might want to explore some of the other naturally gluten-free grains like Kasha (roasted buckwheat), millet, amaranth, teff, etc.

There are a bunch of gluten-free recipes you can look through, of which I'm sure you'll find many to enjoy:

Soups and such:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Gluten%25...s-%26-Chowders/

American foods:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Gluten%25...national-Foods/

I'm sure you'll get many replies with all sorts of yummy meal ideas. The members here are very helpful. You've come to the right place.

[ShayFL]

Yes, you can look at this as an opportunity to learn about new foods that you may not be used to eating. There are a lot of delicious foods out there. Our family loves the buckwheat. I add cracked pepper and sea salt and it is yummy.

If you hate to cook, there is still hope for you. Some pre-cooked meats are gluten-free. You just have to read labels and sometimes call the company. OR you can get to know your oven. Plain chicken breasts with salt pepper and a drizzle of olive oil is easy and tastes great.

Plain meats are gluten-free.

Salads are gluten-free.

Baked potatoes are gluten-free. Pop one in the microwave. Sweet potatoes are good this way too.

Corn on the cob is gluten-free. Boil for 2 or3 minutes and enjoy!

Veggies are gluten-free. You could buy an inexpensive steamer and have fresh steamed veggies.

Fruits are gluten-free.

Most nuts are gluten-free. But read the labels to make sure there are no additives or flavorings.

Eggs are gluten-free. Super easy to make for breakfast with pre-chopped veggies thrown in makes a good BF.

[purple]

HI. I am fairly new too. I have learned to cook the old favorites only gluten-free versions. Some things freeze well so cook extra and freeze some for a fast meal. Tonight I made too much rice so we had sweet and sour chicken and a new recipe. A stir fry with pea pods, oranges and pineapple. I froze 2 servings of each. This gives you variety to choose from and something for a "picky" eater to choose from. Always cook extra taco meat for tacos/nachos and freeze some for a fast lunch. Waffles are fast either homemade or Van's. Toast them and get creative on how to top them. Ex: pb and banana or sliced apples, hot fruit filling, spaghetti sauce with meat or meatballs, berries and jam, make french toast or grilled sandwiches, etc. You can use many things for crumbs for chicken strips or meatballs. Ex: rice chex, gluten-free cereal, leftover gluten-free bread turned into crumbs, potato flakes, ranch doritoes, etc. We think we are limited but really we learn to be more creative. Think of it as a new hobby that is good for you rather than a burden. You also can eat an entree before going to a restaurant and then order a salad or a trip to the salad bar, ice cream or whatever you know is gluten-free and you can still go out and its cheaper too.

[Live2BWell]

I am new to the forum too, and new to the concept of Gluten Intolerance/Celiac [i have not been diagnosed yet, but I am almost certain I'm dealing with it.]

I empathize with your denial/diagnoses blues - and I haven't even been diagnosed yet, but the whole concept does feel paralyzing, doesn't it?

I don't have much advice to offer you, but having read this thread it seems as though it may not be just as limiting as it seems.

Take care

[luvs2eat]

Bread was the first thing I missed and tried to find/recreate. Unfortunately, most of the already prepared breads aren't so good. There are some really good bread mixes on the market (Pamela's, Gluten Free Pantry) that are available in many stores and make a good bread for sandwiches. Also... look for brown rice pastas... I tasted a good many before finding it and it's closest to the old pasta I remember.

It is daunting at the start, but you'll be amazed to find what you CAN eat. Ya just gotta do things a little differently, that's all.