Newly Diagnosed And Starving...help Please

[valeriek]

I was just diagnosed and I am lost. I cant even figure out how to use this site. I hope someone will get my message and help me. I am going to put up my email address because I dont understand how to see if any one responds to me. Any way what can I eat. I have been eating raw spinach for a week and I am starving. ok my email is

chrisvalk@nc.rr.com.....if someone could help me figure out this site I would be so grateful.

[Lisa]

Valerie, so glad that you found us.

Lisa

[nikki-uk]

I was just diagnosed and I am lost. I cant even figure out how to use this site. I hope someone will get my message and help me. I am going to put up my email address because I dont understand how to see if any one responds to me. Any way what can I eat. I have been eating raw spinach for a week and I am starving. ok my email is

Hi Valerie and welcome

Looks like you posted this message ok so your doing something right!!

It can feel terribly overwhelming at first,....but take heart!...it does get easier with time.

It's easier to keep things plain at first.

Plain meats, potatoes, veg, fruit and rice are all good starting points.

A key thing to staying gluten-free is to always read the ingredients, but suprisingly this will become second nature to you!!

I'm afraid as I'm in the UK I can't help with any lists of OK items (I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction)

Your knowledge of what's ok will build up gradually...until you find yourself AN EXPERT!!

You'll also become more adventurous with your cooking (plenty of recipes on here!)

Please, ask any questions you need to....there's a wealth of knowledge here

Good luck

[blueeyedmanda]

Hi Valerie!

It is very overwhelming in the begining-but it gets much better. This board is such a great resource. Not only have I found the knowledge to start a new life but I found an amazing support group who are always here to help me.

I hope this helps a little.

[elye]

Hi, Valerie!

Yes, it is overwhelming at first......I remember those days very well, and I am also a type one diabetic, so I went from one restrictive diet to the inclusion of another - -thought I could never do it. But Nikki is right....it absolutely gets easier. And again as Nik said, plain, unprocessed foods at first: meats, fruit and vegetables, rice, corn......when you step back a bit, there really is a lot of choice!

So glad you've found us here. This is a terrific site with SO many voices of wisdom and support. Ask any question - -there will always be someone here who can answer it!

[ravenwoodglass]

I was just diagnosed and I am lost. I cant even figure out how to use this site. I hope someone will get my message and help me. I am going to put up my email address because I dont understand how to see if any one responds to me. Any way what can I eat. I have been eating raw spinach for a week and I am starving. ok my email is

chrisvalk@nc.rr.com.....if someone could help me figure out this site I would be so grateful.

I am glad you found us. As mentioned fresh fruit and veggies, single ingredient frozen, plain rice, white or wild, fresh meats, chicken and fish, beans etc are all safe.

Some quick prepared foods that are safe are:

Dinty Moore Beef Stew (says it right on the can), Hormel makes some prepared roasts, beef and pork that are safe, they also say gluten free make sure they are the AuJus. Hormel also makes some luncheon meat that comes in a brown package, those are also marked gluten free. Rice Chex is gluten free and will say so on the box. This is a new formula so make sure your market does not carry the older ones. Most cereals are off limits because of the barley malt or added wheat starch.

Delmonte veggies and fruits are all gluten free. They also have some pasta sauces that are safe. I believe it is the meat flavor that are not.

If you live in an area that has a Wegmans market they label all their gluten free stuff so that makes it easy to shop.

Thai Kitchen rice noodles are safe, I love them. They also make some 'kits' that are gluten free, just make sure it says so on the box.

I hope this helps a bit.

[RiceGuy]

Fortunately, most foods do not naturally contain gluten. Processed foods however, are a different story. As others have stated, you'll get the hang of it, and you've come to the right place for help!

Here is a list of many delicious gluten-free recipes:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Gluten%252dFree-Recipes/

[Darn210]

Hi Valerie, welcome to the board . . . there are lots of caring people here with a lot of good information to share.

Here is a site that I found helpful

Open Original Shared Link

This is a list of companies that do not hide gluten ingredients in their labeling. By law, wheat has to be called out on the ingredient list. However, rye, barley and oats do not (when lumped into something like "natural flavors"). This list of companies will list rye, barley and oats so you can just read the ingredient list to determine if gluten is in the ingredients.

It can seem over-whelming at first, but you'll be surprised at how quickly you come up to speed.

[valeriek]

ok I think I might have it figured out. But why last week when diagnosed I was like ....no big deal. Now I am sitting here crying like a baby. What is wrong with me? I am so hungry but when I try to eat I feel sick. I got mashed potatoes, green beans and corn from Boston Market and I tried to eat but felt sick. I really feel weird and dizzy and emotional. Thanks for all your help

[Darn210]

ok I think I might have it figured out. But why last week when diagnosed I was like ....no big deal. Now I am sitting here crying like a baby. What is wrong with me? I am so hungry but when I try to eat I feel sick. I got mashed potatoes, green beans and corn from Boston Market and I tried to eat but felt sick. I really feel weird and dizzy and emotional. Thanks for all your help

Because you are in shock and you are mourning your "lost food" . . . it's a big deal and it's OK to be emotional - it will pass. My daughter was 6 when she was diagnosed and she didn't truly understand the ramifications . . . so being the good mother I am, I cried for her . . . I cried because she wasn't ever going to get to eat cheesecake and she didn't even like cheesecake and now that we are coming up to two years into this . . . it's pretty much "hell yes she can have cheesecake, I just have to make a little bit different crust!!!" . . . and by the way, she still is not interested in cheesecake

[Mtndog]

ok I think I might have it figured out. But why last week when diagnosed I was like ....no big deal. Now I am sitting here crying like a baby. What is wrong with me? I am so hungry but when I try to eat I feel sick. I got mashed potatoes, green beans and corn from Boston Market and I tried to eat but felt sick. I really feel weird and dizzy and emotional. Thanks for all your help

Hi Valerie- Wecome and (((((HUGS))))

It's really tough at first. The first month I lived on peanut butter. It's probably the reality sinking in that you have a disease that won't go away- a lot to swallow since we can't swallow a pill and make it all go away. It's a lot to process.

Some suggestions that others have given you.

1. While you're healing, eat mellow. Make your own potatoes, rice, veggies and meat when you have the energy. Keep it plain so you don't have to worry about gluten. You could make a grilled chicken and rice with a veggie you like and just use some salt and butter.

2. Veggies, fruits, meats are all naturally gluten-free.

3. Eat frequentl, small meals because chances are your body needs t heal, recover and get nutrients.

4. Get outside and get some fresh air- if you feel up to it go for a walk. No matter what- do something nice for yourself EVERY day- a bath, a walk, buy yourself some flowers, a nice candle. And breathe!

5. Depending on where you live and when you're up to it- go to a Whole Foods, health food store and look at the gluten-free options- you will be cheered immediately.

Remember- you only have to do this one day at a time-heck, one meal at a time!!!!! And we ARE here! PM me or email me through the board ANY time. Best, Beverly

[Darn210]

ok I think I might have it figured out. But why last week when diagnosed I was like ....no big deal. Now I am sitting here crying like a baby. What is wrong with me? I am so hungry but when I try to eat I feel sick. I got mashed potatoes, green beans and corn from Boston Market and I tried to eat but felt sick. I really feel weird and dizzy and emotional. Thanks for all your help

As far as feeling sick after eating at Boston Market . . . there is always the possibility of cross-contamination (called cc on this site) at restaurants. There is also a chance that you may be reacting to dairy. Many celiacs may have problems with dairy (lactose intolerance) . . . for most it is a short term problem until their intestines heal. If you notice problems when eating dairy, you may try a lactaid tablet or you may want to avoid dairy for a couple of months. The symptoms can be similar.

[Durntootinnoglutin]

ok I think I might have it figured out. But why last week when diagnosed I was like ....no big deal. Now I am sitting here crying like a baby. What is wrong with me? I am so hungry but when I try to eat I feel sick. I got mashed potatoes, green beans and corn from Boston Market and I tried to eat but felt sick. I really feel weird and dizzy and emotional. Thanks for all your help

Val....food is a deeply emotional factor, it's the stuff we are utterly dependant upon for life. To find there is something out of whack with the way your body can use it does make an emotional impact. Mostly it's fear. Fear of a great change or even dealing with the question if the quality of life will be so changed it won't be enjoyable anymore.

You CAN change, you CAN adjust, you CAN empower yourself, and you CAN enjoy living with it. Become a food warrior by educating yourself. This is a good place to do it.

Don't let this thing lick you when it is really a matter of adjustment, letting go of what harms you and replacing it with what is good for you.

If you can, talk yourself into gratitude, think, you have been diagnosed, you now have the means to better your condition then what it was before diagnosis.

There is a plethora of food out there awaiting you, and the creative combinations you can make of it, and the self reliance you will develope by taking charge of your own well being.

A pep talk? You betcha....am thinking a good many of the people here have suffered in varying degrees what you are feeling right now. I know i did. Don't just hang in there, start taking charge.

In the meantime a big thought hug to you.

[Judyin Philly]

WELCOME VALERIE

I see you found out how to work the forum and find your new 'helpers'

We've all been where and you are and I promise it does get easier with time and we're here to help.

I dito all others said.

My first piece of advice is try to cook simple at home and don't eat out until you have a least a few weeks under your belt.

My advice is 'keep it simple the first week or 2' with just simple meat, fish, vegs and fruits and try to not have dairy those first weeks

i know others have said this but if I'd done this in the beginning of my 3 1/2 years being here, i could have found out the things that really agreed with me and those that didn't.

hang in there.

that list of good companies is really helpful i think

Judy

[mamaw]

Hi I just sent you a private e-mail to your addy.. Let me know if you receive it.

blessings

[GF-Noob]

Valerie...I was diagnosed last week.....we can be celiac buddies!

When I got the call from my doctor I:

1) Cussed....a lot. hahaha...it was obscene.

2) Started thinking of all the things I couldn't eat

3) Cried

I starved for about a day. Then I went to a natural food store and bought myself some gluten free snacks. And then I figured out what yummy things I can still eat (Heellloo chocoloate covered strawberries!)

I picked up some books about the disease and my diet...trying to learn as much as possible.

I'm stilled pissed though. hahaha. Especially when people say "It could be worse! At least you just have to change your diet!"

I want to punch them.....they can eat all the asiago bagels they want!!! They'd be crying too if they were in the same place.

Anyway....you are NOT alone. Let me know if you ever want to talk....maybe we can trade tips about what food is good and what sucks...etc.

*hugs*

[DakotaRN]

I very new at this too but once you get past the anger etc. , you will find there are a lot of wonder ful recipes available. I thought that I wouldn't be able to ever eat my favorite foods. That isn't true the recipes may be different but the end product is very good. I have tried recipes from this site and have really liked them.

Just take one day at a time. The support here is wonderful. Hang in there.

[valeriek]

Valerie...I was diagnosed last week.....we can be celiac buddies!

When I got the call from my doctor I:

1) Cussed....a lot. hahaha...it was obscene.

2) Started thinking of all the things I couldn't eat

3) Cried

Hey Celiac Buddy

Wow you were just diagnosed last week like me. I know this really sucks. Believe me I cussed so much I think jesus came down and slapped my ass. Oh well. So where are you from. I live in Raleigh. I dont know how to add you as a friend. I can hardly figure out this website. So what do you eat now? I got some rice chex....yeh. They are actually good. Thanks for writing me.

I starved for about a day. Then I went to a natural food store and bought myself some gluten free snacks. And then I figured out what yummy things I can still eat (Heellloo chocoloate covered strawberries!)

I picked up some books about the disease and my diet...trying to learn as much as possible.

I'm stilled pissed though. hahaha. Especially when people say "It could be worse! At least you just have to change your diet!"

I want to punch them.....they can eat all the asiago bagels they want!!! They'd be crying too if they were in the same place.

Anyway....you are NOT alone. Let me know if you ever want to talk....maybe we can trade tips about what food is good and what sucks...etc.

*hugs*

[GF-Noob]

I'm from Chicago. I actually used to live in Atlanta and visited Raleigh before.

My george forman grill has been a life saver. I cook a few chicken breasts at a time with different seasonings. I cut it up and eat it in a salad (baby spinach with vinagerette) or maybe some rice. I let myself splurge on gluten free cookies too. I've spent time at the store just finding things I CAN eat and figuring out ways to still eat yummy stuff.

I had a company party today at my favorite pizza place...it was torture!!!! I was so tempted...but nothing could make me eat gluten knowing how awful it will make me feel.

I hope you are doing okay over there *hugs* You do have a trader joe's in chapel hill....they have some great gluten free stuff. They even have a list they can give you of all the food that is gluten free. Their trail mix is really good.

[UnhappyCoeliac]

Hello

Your staving because spinach isnt giving you enough calories.

You are also starving because alot of gluten free food is not high in fibre or in calories (Vegetables may be good for you but they dont fill an active persons stomach)

What I have learn t is you cannot get by being coeliac without

-gluten free pasta

-gluten free bread

These are the sort of foods that keep you fool. I have one or the other everyday. So gluten free carbs will stop the hunger and no you wont put on weight, if your hungry there is already a defict of calories!

I also have a gluten free burger with the lot twice a week refueling egg, meat, lettuce, Gluten-Free bun = win

[ranger]

I was just diagnosed and I am lost. I cant even figure out how to use this site. I hope someone will get my message and help me. I am going to put up my email address because I dont understand how to see if any one responds to me. Any way what can I eat. I have been eating raw spinach for a week and I am starving. ok my email is

chrisvalk@nc.rr.com.....if someone could help me figure out this site I would be so grateful.

dear val, Im pretty new to this, too. Best advice is to keep it simple at first. Do you have time to cook? Early on, I bought bread,pizza crust, ect. They were really bad! And, even though I was a good cook, my first attemps at gluten-free baking were really bad! The gluten-free flours just didnt act like flour. It took me a few attemps, but finally I was able to make good quality gluten-free food. My dh is not celiac and eats the same things I do, and is very happy with it. In fact, most of the time, he doesnt realize that we're eating gluten-free. I get a lot of recipes on-line, some from cookbooks, and some are just old recipes I've always used, but tweaked. I know it looks awful right now, but I can tell you that I eat very good, very often, and very varied. I dont't miss gluten at all. And I don't miss running to the bathroom all day, either! Hang in ther, Susan

[Robin63]

Hey there, I hope you are doing okay. I also was just diagnoised with Celiac in Oct.08. It has been a hard 4 months, learning all of the do's and don't's . My Doctor was absolutely no help whatsoever. I had battled stomach issues since I was 6yrs old and anemic most of my life. I had been diagnoised with everything from IBS to Diverticulosis to Colitis. I went to a gastro. doctor about 9yrs ago and ended up having my gallbladder out. It was diseased and only 10% functioning. I thought that would be the end of the stomach issues and pain. Not true. It only got worse. For about 4 years now it got almost intolerable. I started researching my symptoms, and found that Celiac and gluten intolerence kept coming up. I figured its only a diet modification and so I semi=tried it. I did give in and go back to the Gastro. Doctor and told him what I had done. He ordered the blood test even though he knew I had gone off of most gluten. It came back neg. as well as the endoscopy biopsy. He suggested I go on a Completely Gluten Free Diet. This has been a whole new world of pain free, bloat free, mostly symptom free for me. I am 45yrs old and have lived with this almost all of my life. As a child they ran so many test and found nothing. I was skinny and had stomach aches that hurt so bad. I have felt very blessed to have had a diagnosises after all these year. It is very tough but very worth it. Eating out is not very safe, but I take my chances on occasions. The true diagnosises was the skin outbreaks. It did not show in my blood work, but I have DH and that proves enough to me. I also am almost symptom free and that is to me another positive. The diagnosised is very hard but the trial of the diet is 100%. IT IS A DIET YOU CANNOT CHEAT ON> I was just visiting your area and just got back today. I have a brother that lives in Raleigh. I am about 2 1/2 hours away. He lives on Pat's Branch Drive. Get some gluten free pasta and bread. Find a health food store that has gluten free foods. I just found in Roanoke today at one of the Health Food stores, Corn Dogs and Breaded Chicken Strips. Kroger has a good Gluten Free Section. Hope this helps. Robin