Sticking With It

[hacilar666]

I was diagnosed over a year ago. I have been gluten free and enjoying it and found some great alternatives, but this last week I have been so fed up with all the things I can't eat and how hard it is to maintain. If I'm out late at night I can't just stop at a fast food joint and get something quick. I can't have the cookies my friends make. I can't have crusty sourdough bread. Those are the things I really miss. I finally gave up and indulged in allsorts of gluten-filled delights at a dinner party and now I'm paying for it. I have terrible intetinal pains and I know I'll be in an impenetrable fog tomorrow at work especially since I'm not getting sleep, but I just don't know how strong I can be. I try so hard to be careful about cc and eating good things, but then I get accidentally glutened anyway. I'm feeling really worn out and frustrated with the gluten-free lifestyle. I think the hardest part is snacks and instant lunches and the need for food on the go. Does anyone have any suggestions to make this easier?

[GFNoleGirl]

I was diagnosed over a year ago. I have been gluten free and enjoying it and found some great alternatives, but this last week I have been so fed up with all the things I can't eat and how hard it is to maintain. If I'm out late at night I can't just stop at a fast food joint and get something quick. I can't have the cookies my friends make. I can't have crusty sourdough bread. Those are the things I really miss. I finally gave up and indulged in allsorts of gluten-filled delights at a dinner party and now I'm paying for it. I have terrible intetinal pains and I know I'll be in an impenetrable fog tomorrow at work especially since I'm not getting sleep, but I just don't know how strong I can be. I try so hard to be careful about cc and eating good things, but then I get accidentally glutened anyway. I'm feeling really worn out and frustrated with the gluten-free lifestyle. I think the hardest part is snacks and instant lunches and the need for food on the go. Does anyone have any suggestions to make this easier?

I definitely know how you feel. It is really hard when everyone else is enjoying food with ease and you have to stay away from almost everything. I have my ups and downs, but I find it better if I just keep telling myself that the consequences are just not worth it ( I am sure you are feeling it now). I have found some gluten-free snacks in Publix. They have a Organic section. Also for snacks, I usually have raisins, Tostito corn chips, fruit (fruit cups are easy to take with you) and Nut Thins are really good and great for snacking! For lunches I have been making chicken salad, or a corn wrap with cheese, ham or turkey. Salads are kind of easy once you find a gluten-free dressing (Newman's Own has several gluten-free dressings). Gluten-free food on the go is kind of hard to find, but these foods I find pretty fast and easy to make. I call myself "the bag lady" now because when I go out anywhere I make sure I have something I can eat in my purse. You never know when you will be stuck with absolutely nothing you can eat! I hope this helps!

[Phyllis28]

gluten-free NoleGirl "the bag lady" has it correct, always have food with you. Other strategies for food on the go are:

1) Research the fast food restaurants in your area Chick-fil-a and Wendys both have gluten free menus

2) Know where you can get a safe meal or even a partial meal such as a baked potato.

3) Carry gluten free salad dressing and know where you can get a safe salad. I make my own salad dressing from rice vinegar, sunflower oil, ground oregono, salt. pepper and garlic powder. It does not need to be refrigerated. I keep one serving (about 2 oz) in my purse in a leak proof container

4) Plan, when possible - If I know I am going to be out for an extended period of time I pack a meal and snacks in a soft sided lunchbox with blue ice. I simply bring out my own meal while everyone else orders their food.

Hope you feel better soon.

[missy'smom]

We all feel like that sometimes. I don't have a problem most of the time because I'm not around people when they're eating but it's hard at potlucks and when my family eats really good stuff in front of me(which thankfully doesn't happen often). They had a pizza the other day that looked SO good. In situations like that I want to grab a piece and say"the hell with it" but I was very sick for so many years and saw family members really suffer, that I just look away and don't act on it. I know that having my health now and as I age is worth it.

Wendy's chili is gluten-free and they are located on the routes I take when I am out so it's my "tide me over 'till the next meal" thing if I need it. I'm not crazy about it but it serves it's purpose. I always have a larabar in my bag. Planning ahead is key for me as is having a few coping strategies. I like to eat on somewhat of a regular schedule so I loosely schedule my day around meal times. I'll often run a few errands, come home, eat and go out again for more errands in the afternoon if need be. I take food everywhere. Plan what I'm bringing the night before. We have suitable containers, silverware just for the lunches(real or disposable)ice packs, and lunchboxes and reusable lunch bags on hand. When I have time I make and freeze main dishes that can defrosted and slightly warmed, just to freshen, put in the container and eaten without warming-up(eaten at room temp). I add some rice from the automatic rice cooker(minimal effort) and add fresh veg and fruit. It takes me about 10 min. in the morning to throw a lunch together. The contents vary but the method is fairly consistant so I can do it even when I'm slow and groggy in the am. If you're a salad person, come up with a few basic salads, varying the toppings and meats, you can prep the toppings the night before and cook and freeze some meats(grilled or breaded chicken or steak) ahead of time. Buy some small containers and fill them with dressings in advance and keep a stash. Then just assemble in the am. That could be your basic method. The standard American sandwich, chips and fruit lunch is easy not only because it requires little or no cooking but also because it is a method, the ingredients vary a little but the method is consistant so requires less mental energy.

I make and freeze choc. cupcakes, unfrosted and brownies, cut up. I grab pretzels and put some in a ziplock as I'm heading out the door sometimes.

There are some indian and thai instant meals if you have access to a microwave or hot water when you are out. Tasty Bite is one of the Indian ones, Some of them come with a rice and a curry in the box.

I preprep pizzas. I buy Kinnikinnick premade pizza crusts, put sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on then place on a baking sheet and freeze until sauce is no longer wet. Wrap individually and put back in the bag. When ready just pop into a preheated oven. Can do this in the am for a lunch to go.

Print out the gluten-free menues from websites and put them in a folder and keep in the car. I use a portfolio with clear plastic pages that you can slide the print out down into.

Im sure I could list many more things. Hang in there and take care of yourself.

[ericajones80]

Wendy's chili has been a fast food staple of mine

[Jestgar]

Instead of stopping at a fast food place I stop at a grocery store and get some meat and cheese to eat. Bonus if they have some gluten-free crackers or rice cakes.

[Hummingbird4]

Wow - some great ideas here! THANKS!