1 Week Into Celiac

[MissingWheat]

I have no idea whom this will reach, when or how it will be reached... I am willing to read and listen to any advice about this Celiac thing. I get lost in Whole Foods, I'm tired of yogurt and grits already.... Is there a way to find a support group in my area? I'm north of Dallas, Texas. I feel like my mind is racing all the time. I don't even know how to "post" stuff on this site! All I do know is that since eliminating gluten a week ago, I feel like a million bucks. But how am I supposed to live the rest of my life without donuts? I served lasagne to my husband and kiddos tonite and I ate a baked potato. I bought books at Barnes and Noble on what to bake and cook... I'm just so overwhelmed. I don't want this to be true.

I know I'm rambling and I'm sorry... I guess I just need a friend or two to help me sort this out... someone who has been there....

[lizard00]

I have no idea whom this will reach, when or how it will be reached... I am willing to read and listen to any advice about this Celiac thing. I get lost in Whole Foods, I'm tired of yogurt and grits already.... Is there a way to find a support group in my area? I'm north of Dallas, Texas. I feel like my mind is racing all the time. I don't even know how to "post" stuff on this site! All I do know is that since eliminating gluten a week ago, I feel like a million bucks. But how am I supposed to live the rest of my life without donuts? I served lasagne to my husband and kiddos tonite and I ate a baked potato. I bought books at Barnes and Noble on what to bake and cook... I'm just so overwhelmed. I don't want this to be true.

I know I'm rambling and I'm sorry... I guess I just need a friend or two to help me sort this out... someone who has been there....

HI and Welcome! Looks like you figured out how to post pretty well!

It's getting late here on the east coast, where I am, but:

Kinnickinnick makes donuts. I've not tried them, (I've never really been a donut person) but everyone on this site raves about them. You can find these at Whole Foods.

Tinkyada makes the best gluten-free pasta that I've tried... also available in lasagne. Make a lasagne with those noodles, your family will NOT notice. Then you can enjoy it, too.

The beginning can be very overwhelming and difficult, but you'll find that it's easier than you think. Many foods are naturally gluten-free, so try meats and veggies for you and your whole family rather than preparing food for them and you. Try not to overwhelm yourself with too much reading material at once. And feel free to ask any questions you can think of. We've all been where you are and that's why we stick around here!!

Take care,

Liz

edit: If you don't have success finding a support group from this site, check out celiac.org, they have contacts listed by state, broken down into regions. You may be able to find a group that way.

[mindwiped]

Take a deep breath. Now another. It will get better! For now, I would concentrate on naturally gluten-free foods your whole family can eat. Will your family eat tacos? Crunchy shell tacos (Old El Paso is General Mills and won't hide gluten) are gluten-free. Ground beef is fine, and use the Old El Paso spice packet, it's fine too. Lettuce, Cheese (if you tolerate lactose), beans...are all fine. Watch the label on your sour cream for 'natural flavor' Daisy Brand is safe. Chili (General Mills spice packet) is gluten-free-no crackers unless they are gluten-free. Indian Food is safe for the most part- no naan. There was a lady with a gluten-free daughter who did a crock pot blog every day last year, it's been a wonderful resource, and she names brands, so as long as you just do a quick double check, there's a wealth of gluten-free recipes.Open Original Shared Link

Also, you will need to take some time to make your kitchen safe to cook gluten-free in. There are a number of other threads about which pots/pans/utensils you need to keep/wash/get rid of. You need your own toaster, PB, butter, and any other condiment that you stick a knife into (anything that squirts or sprays without touching the gluteny surface is safe)

I'm so glad you're feeling better!! (Kinnikinnki makes donuts, but give yourself another week or two before you try them, they're good, but they're not fresh yeast raised glazed death donuts)

It gets easier, and soon you won't think twice about it. My DH was diagnosed celiac 8 years ago, and I found out last week that I'm probably off dairy for good (I do my challenge tomorrow), bless the people on here, they're helping me with the dairy, as well as all the gluten-free stuff. Keep asking questions, that's how you learn, and I think many of us here learned from someone 'paying it forward' from someone else, it's just my turn now.

[Roda]

I do not cook two separate meals. Breakfast is pretty much what everyone wants. Lunch depends. My husband comes home from work to eat while I am usually sleeping( I work nights). My oldest eats lunch at school and my youngest eats lunch at daycare. On the days we are all home for lunch sometimes we all eat the same thing and sometimes not. I always make sure our supper is the same since this is the one meal we can count on all being together. There have been times when I am super tired from working the night before that we scrounge, but I always have things in the house that I can eat in those situations. I like to take leftovers and freeze them in single servings to have something quick for myself for lunch or otherwise. We always did cook and eat most of our meals at home so It really was not that big deal for our family. I just had to go through the pantry and fridge and get rid of things or lable them accordinly. I am currently the only one gluten free and I have a shared kitchen. I have a section of the counter that no gluten containing things can go on. The boys' have another section of the counter that they can make sandwiches, toast and other gluteny items. The stove is shared, but my husband is really good about cleaning it up and their section of the counter. We do share stuff in the fridge like condiments. I had him use up all the ones before gluten free and now we either by stuff in squeeze bottles or he uses a spoon to get the amount of something he wants out of a jar. He keeps his own container of butter for his bread and toast. So far this method had worked for us. I don't have any baking items that have wheat or other no no ingredients in the house. This was the one thing I would not compromise on. If I bake anything it is always gluten free, and no one else has complained yet. My husband made the comment I am going to have to cut back on "experimenting" with gluten free baking, because we both have gained some weight and neigher one of us need to.! It does take a little more time to meal plan than it did before, but it is worth the effort. I do miss the nights when I don't feel like cooking and get take out though. I did not replace my cookware as others have. I have caflon and none of them except two have teflon coatings. I did not replace the two that does, because I felt the were in excellent shape and I was willing to take the risk. I did get a separate toaster, which I have not used, got rid of my waffle iron, wooden spoons, and still don't know what to to with the baking stone.

Cecelia's Marketplace Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide is a good resource.

I used this book a lot when I fist started shopping. I still look at it often even now.

I hope this helps!

[TearzaRose]

Roda-

sounds like you have things under control in your house-yay! i'm only a week into being gluten free and my hubby is so incredibly supportive-it's almost supernatural....

anyway, a thought about your baking stone or other stuff you don't know what to do with anymore-do you have freecycle in your area?

it's a great way to know where your stuff is going and a great place to get stuff-all FREE. just an idea. just go to freecycle.org and it should lead you through the process of signing up and finding one in your area.

[happygirl]

No more separate meals. Post meals that you want to make for your family, and we'll help you with replacements. No sense in recreating the wheel if someone has done it before! (ditto on Tinkyada pasta - replace all your old pasta with this!)

There are three main national Celiac groups that have branches across the country. Look to see if there is one close to you.

Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) www.gluten.net Open Original Shared Link

Celiac Disease Foundation www.celiac.org Open Original Shared Link

Celiac Sprue Association www Open Original Shared Link

[ang1e0251]

I believe you could still use your pizza stone if you use a piece of parchment paper on it first. I know, that's not the whole point of using the stone, but you do what you gotta do.

I agree with the advice already given. One meal for the whole family, do not sit there like a martyr with your sad baked potato. I also only cook gluten-free. DH could care less. When he cooks, he cooks gluten-free for me too.

Hang in there, you'll get it. In another month, you'll really feal like an old hand at this!!

[MissingWheat]

I believe you could still use your pizza stone if you use a piece of parchment paper on it first. I know, that's not the whole point of using the stone, but you do what you gotta do.

I agree with the advice already given. One meal for the whole family, do not sit there like a martyr with your sad baked potato. I also only cook gluten-free. DH could care less. When he cooks, he cooks gluten-free for me too.

Hang in there, you'll get it. In another month, you'll really feal like an old hand at this!!

Okay guys!!! I can't cook on my stoneware or use my wooden spoons????!!!!!! I had no idea!!!

[Takala]

Who wants to be the first to tell her to replace the toaster ?

And the lasagne pan for the next one that's made without the wheat in it ?

And to check out her lipstick ingredients ? I guess I just volunteered.

Your mind will quit with the jackrabbiting around once you get your exposure to hidden gluten down and under control.

do not sit there like a martyr with your sad baked potato....

That's a great line. Of course, if it's Wendy's fast food, or nothing, it might be the only viable option at that time....

I went to a county fair last fall and there was a baked potato booth, they humored me when I asked to read the sour cream ingredients and plunked what must have been a 3 gallon bucket of the stuff in front of me after the cashier yells "SHE NEEDS TO SEE THE SOUR CREAM LABEL !" and the ingredients were .... drum roll.... "fresh cream."

Soon I was eating a potato the size of my purse for dinner.

[The Kids Folks]

Welcome aboard! It does seem overwhelming at first, but hang in there. Soon, it won't feel any different! In the beginning we pretty much avoided the bread products, but now DH has become quite good at making bread in the bread machine. Our whole house eats gluten free - including any guests that we might have over for dinner and no one can tell the difference!

I agree with the others on finding the mainstream gluten free foods! We also do a lot of baking - two great flours to try are Tom Sawyer's Gluten Free flour (you buy this on line - just google the name) and I have read on this site that folks like Better Batter Flour as well - we haven't tried it yet - but plan on it in the future. We bake all our regular recipes with the gluten free flour - making sure of course that all of the ingredients are gluten free! We've made choc chip cookies, brownies, cupcakes etc!

Still trying to figure out the pizza thing - but still not too bad since we've only been gluten free since October 08!

Good luck and good health!

The Kids Folks

[mimommy]

Hi. I just wanted to say that you will survive this "meltdown"! You will (I promise) find great new ways to have delicious meals. And even get some cool new kitchen utensils Your family will adjust and so will you. We have all been there and have found our way here. You will find you've come to the right place for friendship, advice, recipes and info. Hang in there. Don't eat something you don't really want--you'll never stick with it that way (like ANY dietary/lifestyle change you have to enjoy it to be successful.)

I remember trying all the different brands of gluten-free breads with our daughter. During one particular 'experiment' she quietly began to cry and I said, "what's wrong,baby?" She said, "It tastes BAD, Mom." I told her she never had to eat it again, come heck or high water I would find something yum for her. Speaking of yum, Celiac Specialties makes awesome doughnuts!

You have come to the right place, and we all know what you are going through.

[nw0528]

Yikes! If I can put my lasagne pan through the dishwasher, would I still need to replace it??? I hadn't even thought of that!

Nicole

Who wants to be the first to tell her to replace the toaster ?

And the lasagne pan for the next one that's made without the wheat in it ?

[MissingWheat]

Welcome aboard! It does seem overwhelming at first, but hang in there. Soon, it won't feel any different! In the beginning we pretty much avoided the bread products, but now DH has become quite good at making bread in the bread machine. Our whole house eats gluten free - including any guests that we might have over for dinner and no one can tell the difference!

I agree with the others on finding the mainstream gluten free foods! We also do a lot of baking - two great flours to try are Tom Sawyer's Gluten Free flour (you buy this on line - just google the name) and I have read on this site that folks like Better Batter Flour as well - we haven't tried it yet - but plan on it in the future. We bake all our regular recipes with the gluten free flour - making sure of course that all of the ingredients are gluten free! We've made choc chip cookies, brownies, cupcakes etc!

Still trying to figure out the pizza thing - but still not too bad since we've only been gluten free since October 08!

Good luck and good health!

The Kids Folks

Hi There!

I would love a good choc chip cookie!! The irony of all of this is that my husband works in the corporate maketing division of Pizza Hut! Perhaps I need to tell the "powers that be" there that we need a gluten free pizza option!!! Hmmmm... I may be on to something!

[zero]

Hi There!

I would love a good choc chip cookie!! The irony of all of this is that my husband works in the corporate maketing division of Pizza Hut! Perhaps I need to tell the "powers that be" there that we need a gluten free pizza option!!! Hmmmm... I may be on to something!

As I am reading your post I am eating Mi-Del chocolate chip cookies. I have become addicted to them unfortunately. Another good chocolate sweet tooth desert is Frankly Natural Bakers Gluten-Free Misty Mint Brownies.

[The Kids Folks]

Hi There!

I would love a good choc chip cookie!! The irony of all of this is that my husband works in the corporate maketing division of Pizza Hut! Perhaps I need to tell the "powers that be" there that we need a gluten free pizza option!!! Hmmmm... I may be on to something!

Hi-

We just use the Nestle Toll house cookie recipe on the chip bag with Tom Sawyer Gluten Free Flour. My 7 yr old DS decided that we needed to add Nestle white chocolate chips as well - The cookies come out awesome! (you might need to bake them a bit longer than the recipe calls for so just watch your first batch). Just make sure that all of your ingredients are gluten free!! There is nothing better than a fresh warm gluten free chocolate chip cookie! You can order the Tom Sawyer Gluten Free flour online. It works just like regular flour cup for cup - so no science experiment in the kitchen trying to get the right mix. DS even won 3rd prize in a cub scout baking contest with his gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!!

I love the idea of talking to Pizza Hut to get a gluten free pizza crust!! Imagine actually getting pizza for take out!!

Enjoy!!

The Kids Folks

[mindwiped]

I'd bought DH Whole Food's house brand chocolate chip gluten-free cookies as I saw the posts, so I turned and asked how they were. In his exact words, 'They're decent', which for week old cookies, and from a grouchy morning bear, they're pretty good fresh, especially if you warm them up again.

[CeliacMom2008]

Chocolate chip cookies...we have two mixes that we love. Whole Foods 365 Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix (available at Whole Foods, big surprise by the name, huh!). These are crispy and very yummy. The second is a softer cookie by Gluten Free Sensations. Available online from glutenfreesensations.com. The Whole Foods ones have the chips already added. With the Gluten Free Sensations ones you add your own chips (or M&Ms - YUM!). I've never served the Whole Foods ones outside of our immediate family (not because there's anything wrong with them, just haven't had the reason to). We have made the Gluten Free Sensation ones for all sorts of gluten eaters and they are always loved and no one knows they are gluten-free unless you tell them. I've even had people tell me they prefer them over their cookies.

By the way, welcome! It really does get much easier. And I second, third, or whatever the vote for one meal. You can definitely feed your whole family very delicious meals that are gluten free. Many of the meals you already make are probably easily adaptable to gluten-free. Like the lasagna - we eat lasagna all the time. It's great to freeze the leftovers for a night when you need a quick meal or to put in a thermos for lunch. I usually chill it in fridge, then cut into individual size pieces, wrap in Saran Wrap, place in freezer bag and freeze. Just use Tinkyada lasagna noodles. We also like Ancient Harvest Quinoa pasta (but I've never seen lasagna noodles by them).

Let us know how we can help with your great new life!!

[hhdavid]

gluten-free Pizza at Pizza Hut? That would be a dream come true!

[TrillumHunter]

Delicious N Fit is gluten free restaurant in Plano. I haven't been there but I hope to when I go home in June. I grew up in Garland. The idea of having chicken fried steak in a restaurant makes me drool.

Hopefully, you live on the north side of Big D so you're not too far!

[MissingWheat]

Delicious N Fit is gluten free restaurant in Plano. I haven't been there but I hope to when I go home in June. I grew up in Garland. The idea of having chicken fried steak in a restaurant makes me drool.

Hopefully, you live on the north side of Big D so you're not too far!

I also heard of a place at 75 and Parker called Laura's... can't exactly remember the name... the card is in my car... but it is a completely gluten free store and restaurant... my GI doctor told me about it. His daughter has wheat intolerance.

[MissingWheat]

I am officially miserable. It almost seems like now that I have gone off wheat I'm sensitive to ice cream! What is that all about???

I'm away at a scrapbooking retreat and the caterer has been told of my "issue" but I feel nervous because I'm not in control of the preparation of my food! Breakfast is the hardest. Quiche tomorrow morning... no crust... hopefully it will be okay. I know this isn't my diary but I have nowhere else to vent. I feel like a bloated tick!!! The caterer made potato soup. I avoided the bread but I did put a little cheese and bacon on top! Honestly, I don't know what to eat anymore. I'd rather not eat anything if it means feeling like this!

[ravenwoodglass]

I am officially miserable. It almost seems like now that I have gone off wheat I'm sensitive to ice cream! What is that all about???

I'm away at a scrapbooking retreat and the caterer has been told of my "issue" but I feel nervous because I'm not in control of the preparation of my food! Breakfast is the hardest. Quiche tomorrow morning... no crust... hopefully it will be okay. I know this isn't my diary but I have nowhere else to vent. I feel like a bloated tick!!! The caterer made potato soup. I avoided the bread but I did put a little cheese and bacon on top! Honestly, I don't know what to eat anymore. I'd rather not eat anything if it means feeling like this!

Many of us find we need to avoid dairy for a bit because the same villi that are damaged by celiac also are responsible for the enzyme we need to digest dairy. You may want to delete dairy until you have healed a bit more and then add it back in starting with hard cheeses like cheddar and yogurt to see if you tolerate. It is very hard to deal with food that you have not prepared yourself. The precautions we need to take are not real well know with the general population. If anyone understands we do here. Do feel free to vent when you need to. We do understand and sympathize even when we can't help as much as we wish we could.

[nikky]

I have no idea whom this will reach, when or how it will be reached... I am willing to read and listen to any advice about this Celiac thing. I get lost in Whole Foods, I'm tired of yogurt and grits already.... Is there a way to find a support group in my area? I'm north of Dallas, Texas. I feel like my mind is racing all the time. I don't even know how to "post" stuff on this site! All I do know is that since eliminating gluten a week ago, I feel like a million bucks. But how am I supposed to live the rest of my life without donuts? I served lasagne to my husband and kiddos tonite and I ate a baked potato. I bought books at Barnes and Noble on what to bake and cook... I'm just so overwhelmed. I don't want this to be true.

I know I'm rambling and I'm sorry... I guess I just need a friend or two to help me sort this out... someone who has been there....

Hey! Welcome i dont know about any support groups in your area.. you could try looking on the internet though or asking if your doctor knows about any that are near you , but i do know about doughnuts, there is a great recipe at Open Original Shared Link just substitute the juvela mix for what ever flour mix your using.

As for still feeling terrible, many coeliacs find that when they eliminate gluten they still feel unwell, this is because at first it is difficult to digest lactose which is a protein found in milk and dairy products. Elimnating this for a little while and then gradually re-introducing it should help you feel better.

I hope you feel better soon, remember we are here if you need us and it does get better.

[mindwiped]

It's been another couple of weeks, how are you doing? Just wanted to check in and see if things had gotten better.