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Newly Diagnosed! Help!

bjn12670

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bjn12670 Rookie
bjn12670
Posted

I was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I feel extremely overwhelmed and am quite honestly afraid to eat anything. Does anyone have any recommendations on books, websites, lists, etc. to help me start my journey on finding out what I can eat and what I can't eat? I know to watch for "wheat" on labels, but are there other ingredients I should watch for? I saw that some spices have gluten in them. Do they state that on the label?

Any insight would be so helpful. I feel grateful that such forums exist. :(

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confused Community Regular
confused
Posted

The first thing to do is to take an deep breath and relax. Next is to do as much readin on this forum as possible and ask as many questions as you want.

There is a book gluten free for dummies that you can read. Also Dr. Green write an really good book (the name just slipped my mind, but someone will recommend it).

It is best to just eat basic when first diagnosed. I would eat meat, fruits and veggies for the first couple of weeks til you get used to reading labels and everything.

paula

Krystle56 Newbie
Krystle56
Posted

I'm newly diagnosed too! (As of last Tuesday, 6 days ago) I think I know how you're feeling...I felt like I was the weirdest person ever and totally abnormal. This website is going to make you feel so much better. I was scared to eat anything too but the foods you CAN have out number the ones you CAN'T. You will start feeling better in no time! :)

If you are looking for a book, the one by Dr. Green is called Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic. I believe this is the book that the pervious poster was talking about...?? I just order it on (Company Name Removed - They Spammed This Forum and are Banned) a few days ago but haven't recieved it in the mail yet. This website is fantastic for helping to cope.

Something I did to help me with my initial grocery shopping and was I went out to yahoo.com or google or whatever you use...and type in things like "Kraft gluten free foods" or "Heniz gluten free foods" or "ore ida gluten free foods" and you can find lists of foods that are gluten free that will be on your stores shelves. I printed a whole BUNCH of stuff off and put it all in a binder.

This is the "safe" food list: https://www.celiac.com/categories/Safe-Glut...3B-Ingredients/

And this is the "unsafe" food list: https://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1/Unsaf...ents/Page1.html

Both those lists came right from celiac.com and should be pretty up to date!

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Hi bnj! Welcome to this site. Everyone here has been in your shoes and we can help you make the gluten free transition.

I recently had a chance to review the Triumph Dining - "The Essential Gluten Free Grocery Guide". I was quite impressed and sure wished that it was available when I were newly diagnosed. The Guide lists over 30,000 main stream grocery products. Information on the Guide can be found on wwwtriumphdining.com. Lists are great in the beginning, but it's not too good to depend on them in the long run because ingredients do change and they may become out of date.

People with Celiac Disease cannot have wheat, barley, malt, rye and most oats. Wheat, one of the 8 recognized allergens, must be listed if it's an ingredient. Barley, malt, rye do not have to be listed. Sometimes, depending on the product, they can be hidden in species or natural flavors.

I won't throw too much at you at one time. But, this is a great site for most of the information that you will be needing during this transition.

I know that you are overwhelmed right now, but trust me, it will get better. And welcome again.

bjn12670 Rookie
bjn12670
Posted
  • Author

Sorry, I was kind of impersonal, wasn't I? My name is Becki.

Thank you so much for the book recommendation. I am going to order it tonight. I think it will be very helpful. I have also been on the internet alot and trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. Fortunately, there is so much information and support. I feel like I am welcomed into a huge family all trying to help each other. I am looking forward to our "chats" and learning as much as I can. I am on the road to recovery.....

Did you meet with a dietician after you were diagnosed?

Hi bnj! Welcome to this site. Everyone here has been in your shoes and we can help you make the gluten free transition.

I recently had a chance to review the Triumph Dining - "The Essential Gluten Free Grocery Guide". I was quite impressed and sure wished that it was available when I were newly diagnosed. The Guide lists over 30,000 main stream grocery products. Information on the Guide can be found on wwwtriumphdining.com. Lists are great in the beginning, but it's not too good to depend on them in the long run because ingredients do change and they may become out of date.

People with Celiac Disease cannot have wheat, barley, malt, rye and most oats. Wheat, one of the 8 recognized allergens, must be listed if it's an ingredient. Barley, malt, rye do not have to be listed. Sometimes, depending on the product, they can be hidden in species or natural flavors.

I won't throw too much at you at one time. But, this is a great site for most of the information that you will be needing during this transition.

I know that you are overwhelmed right now, but trust me, it will get better. And welcome again.

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

Welcome, Becki! I didn't work with a dietician but I have a good friend with celiac disease & she was a big inspiration and help to me. This website has been the most helpful to me. I agree with you that it's like a big ol' family and how great that they support you and believe in you!

I will second the advice to start with simple basic foods for awhile till you get the hang of it. I tried to make something new or try a new food every week while I was so new. That didn't overwhelm me and I had a few days to make a shopping list and remember what I was to look out for. I also carried a list of no-no's in my purse at all times. I also only ate corn tortillas in place of bread for a long time till I felt adjusted.

You'll be fine and I promise it will get easier. Ask anything you want here, if one person doesn't know the answer, another will. Happy GFing!!

The One Apprentice
The One
Posted

paula, the book by Dr Green is called Celiac Disease: a Hidden Epidemic, if that's the one you're talking about, I have it right in front of me! ;) it is a great book and I highly recommend it. You can rent it from a Library if you dont want to buy it.

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curlyfries Contributor
curlyfries
Posted

Here is a list of companies that will state on their label if any gluten ingredients are present...

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