Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

What Is With People?

Lexi

By Lexi
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Lexi Enthusiast
Lexi
Posted

So, I just have to vent for a minute. I went to my in laws for Easter, and there were a lot of my husband's family members there. They all know that I have Celiac Disease (and other food allergies). I usually bring some of my own food to make it easier on everyone. I always bring my own dessert because I KNOW it is safe. Anyway, as soon as I get it out of my bag, everyone starts gathering around me to see what I am eating, and they have to ask 20 questions about it. Also, I feel like everyone is watching me to see what I am going to put on my plate. If I don't take something, they always say "oh, that should be ok for you to eat" because everyone thinks if it doesn't specifically say wheat, then it is ok. It's really getting old!!!!! I'm so tired of explaining it, so I usually just don't say anything - but it's hard to hold my tongue at times. I saw a cute t-shirt online, and I sware I am going to wear it to the next family gathering. It says "Kiss My Gluten Free Ass" - funny!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

they're probably trying to not leave you out, and your food might look really good! :)

reminds me of this weekend - I made breakfast (eight strawberries and two bananas, chopped up, a handful of chopped pecans, handful of chopped walnuts, and a bit of shredded coconut. all topped with hemp milk. quite tasty. my husband - in a friendly tease, not mean spirited at all, called it "freaky hippie granola". :D)

samcarter Contributor
samcarter
Posted

I know what you mean. We were supposed to go to my inlaws' this weekend, for Easter dinner. DH had already told them that we were bringing the ham, because he knows that gluten can hide in seasonings, and I know what to look for.

So my MIL calls me back when DH is at work and says "I was hoping to talk you out of bringing the ham." I told her, very sweetly, that i wouldn't DREAM of asking her to spend extra time in the grocery store reading labels and worrying about whether the company used gluten in the glaze, and that it would make me feel ever so much better about imposing on her with our company if we brought the ham. :D

She also always asks, about a billion times, "You're bringing your own bread, right?" I haven't bothered with gluten free bread in a while. The only good tasting ones are the ones I bake, but it takes for-freaking-ever. I'd rather just use gluten free crackers or tortilla chips honestly. Which I do, which irks her, for some reason, because while everyone else is eating a sandwich for lunch I'm eating tuna salad with tortilla chips. Whatever.

I think she thinks it's like a wheat allergy--my SIL has that--where they just avoid wheat, not barley or other things. Oy.

bigbird16 Apprentice
bigbird16
Posted

I like to think it's jealousy, because dang my gluten-free food looks and tastes good! :D

Love the shirt!

SGWhiskers Collaborator
SGWhiskers
Posted

Around my family, the meal inspection and food questions are out of curiosity and conversation. They are curious about what I can and can't eat just like I ask a friend about their new "Raw" diet, or vegetarian dish. (Not that ours is the same thing). It is just different from what I'm used to and I'm curious and fishing for ideas. It is like asking a single friend about her weekend out. Just trying to imagine spicing up my world.

Of course I also get the occassional "I don't know how you do it," but that seems more of a way to end the food conversation than a dig.

Wenmin Enthusiast
Wenmin
Posted

I have the same issues, but at work! We get a 20 minute lunch period and I always tend to pack leftovers from the night before in microwavable containers. My colleagues tend to eat those pre-prepared boxed lunches (Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, etc). I never ate those when I wasn't eating gluten free. YUK!

Everyday one colleague in particular oogles over my lunch, saying I want what she's having. She even told me she jokingly told her husband that if she wins the lottery, she wants to hire me to cook full time for her family.......Just what I would want to do. I love to cook when I have time....

Consider yourself lucky to have something they all are drooling over!!!

Love the shirt idea.

Lexi Enthusiast
Lexi
Posted
  • Author

I could definitely relate to what you were all saying. I don't know why it bothers me so much. I do know that people are curious about the foods I eat. But when I do bring a gluten free dessert to a get together, very few people eat it, and there are always jokes made about it (that's just the way my family is). They would much rather have the gluten filled cake or pie. Ever since the Celiac Disease Diagnosis, I tend to get a lot of anxiety at all social functions. To tell you the truth, I would rather just avoid them. However, I have a lot of family members that live near me, and I have to do it for my 3 kids. I think I would be such a loner if I didn't have children.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mysecretcurse Contributor
mysecretcurse
Posted

That is very strange indeed. I don't know, this doesn't really happen to me. Usually my family makes food I can eat and they understand my disease, because I spent plenty of time educating them lol. ;) Also, I want that shirt! Where did you see it?

julirama723 Contributor
julirama723
Posted

My co-workers always stare and some always have to ask me "what are you eating today?" which for some reason, annoys the hell out of me, I think because it's a stupid question. If I'm sitting there eating a grilled chicken breast and green beans, isn't it *obvious* what I'm eating? It has nothing to do with being gluten-free. :)

I've never had complaints about my gluten-free foods brought to share with others. In fact, they always receive rave reviews! Of course, I don't eat "imposter" food (like gluten-free bread or crackers) but will make gluten-free desserts that everybody absolutely LOVES! My food is also dairy-free, but everybody loves the fact that I use coconut oil or ghee, because it tastes so darn good! My husband and I even have friends who love coming over for dinner because of our "gourmet cooking!"

samcarter Contributor
samcarter
Posted

I've thought about this a bit more, and I'm convinced people are so darn curious about what we're eating because gluten is so prominent in the average Western diet. Bread, pasta, cookies, cake....most people can't even contemplate eating a gluten free diet, so they wonder what's left. That's what my elderly neighbor said, when I told her I had celiac.

"What's LEFT for you to eat?" she wailed on my behalf.

Her husband said, "Dang, she can eat meat, fruits, vegetables, I guess whatever ain't baked in an oven!" I had to laugh.

Sweetfudge Community Regular
Sweetfudge
Posted
I've thought about this a bit more, and I'm convinced people are so darn curious about what we're eating because gluten is so prominent in the average Western diet.

I think this is probably close to the truth. I get annoyed by my inlaws and family gatherings, but I've learned not to let it bother me (as much...). They all know I'm only going to eat what I feel safe eating, and I'll provide myself with enough to eat.

My dad was teasing me last time I was in town. I had made some cookies to put out on the coffee table, and after my family devoured them, my dad said "You know, I used to feel sorry for you having to be on this diet. But it just forced you to become an amazing cook! I don't feel that sorry for you anymore."

I think if you could find a recipe to master, something that tasted as good as "the real thing" that might be an option, if you WANT to bring something to share w/ the fam. I usually will ask whoever is hosting what desserts they already have planned, so I make something that's not already there.

Hang in there :)

sneezydiva Apprentice
sneezydiva
Posted

I think a huge part of it is curiousity, especially if you've been gluten-free for awhile, and your health has obviously improved. It makes other people ask themselves if they could do what you're doing, and whether it would make them feel better. And pointing out other foods you can eat, it's more of a question for themselves, "Is that allowed?" I'm starting to see this with my inlaws, who have always been very supportive because my MIL has migraines triggered by certain foods. I think my MIL is on the cusp of trying to go gluten-free for herself, which IMHO, she should. I believe she does have gluten issues and possible celiac.

heathen Apprentice
heathen
Posted

Instead of seeing it as a swarming, you could see it as an opportunity to educate more people about what Celiac REALLY is. The same thing happens to me constantly--and letting my colleagues know that I'm ok with their asking questions has paid off. Another women in my class has been recently diagnosed, and she knew that she could ask me for help. We spent an afternoon after class at the local health food store going over what foods were good, etc.

yes, it's annoying to be the "freak show" at family events, but it's human nature to be curious about things that are different.

thleensd Enthusiast
thleensd
Posted

Yeah, as much as I like to be the center of attention :D I'm getting really tired of saying the word "gluten"...So while I contemplate my endless patience in educating the world about gluten and cross contamination and reaffirm the importance of talking to the world about what I CAN eat, I'll vent, too.

I went to a memorial service yesterday, and all that my friends wanted to talk about was gluten. Seriously! Um.... gals.... um.... yeah, see the flowers and the pictures up there? Are we really going to have this conversation for an hour right now?

So, I just have to vent for a minute. I went to my in laws for Easter, and there were a lot of my husband's family members there. They all know that I have Celiac Disease (and other food allergies). I usually bring some of my own food to make it easier on everyone. I always bring my own dessert because I KNOW it is safe. Anyway, as soon as I get it out of my bag, everyone starts gathering around me to see what I am eating, and they have to ask 20 questions about it. Also, I feel like everyone is watching me to see what I am going to put on my plate. If I don't take something, they always say "oh, that should be ok for you to eat" because everyone thinks if it doesn't specifically say wheat, then it is ok. It's really getting old!!!!! I'm so tired of explaining it, so I usually just don't say anything - but it's hard to hold my tongue at times. I saw a cute t-shirt online, and I sware I am going to wear it to the next family gathering. It says "Kiss My Gluten Free Ass" - funny!
mysecretcurse Contributor
mysecretcurse
Posted
I went to a memorial service yesterday, and all that my friends wanted to talk about was gluten. Seriously! Um.... gals.... um.... yeah, see the flowers and the pictures up there? Are we really going to have this conversation for an hour right now?

I could definitely see how that could get annoying, but it's also sorta cool that people are wanting to know about it! No one asks me about it. <_<

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Mari
      - Mari replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      21

      My only proof

      I think, after reading this, that you areso traumatized by not being able yo understand what your medical advisors have been what medical conditions are that you would like to find a group of people who also feel traumatized who would agree with you and also support you. You are on a crusade much as the way the US Cabinet official, the Health Director of...
    2. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      21

      My only proof

      Thus has got to STOP , medical bit believing us! I literally went through 31 years thinking it was just a food allergy as its downplayed by medical if THEY weren't the ones who diagnosed us! Im positive for HLA-DQ2 which is first celiac patient per Iran and Turkey. Here in the States especially in Cali its why do you feel that way? Why do you think your celiac...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Scott Adams's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      44

      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      @Scatterbrain, Thiamine Vitamin B1 and amino acid Taurine work together. Our bodies can make Taurine from meats consumed. Our bodies cannot make Thiamine and must consume thiamine from food. Meat is the best source of B vitamins like Thiamine. Vegetarians may not make sufficient taurine since they don't eat meat sources of taurine...
    4. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      21

      My only proof

      @Jmartes71, I went to Doterra's site and had a look around. The Doterra TerraZyme supplement really jumped out at me. Since we, as Celiacs, often have digestive problems, I looked at the ingredients. The majority of the enzymes in this supplement are made using black mold, Aspergillus! Other enzymes are made by yeast Saccharomyces! Considering...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Additional Concerns
      2

      Gluten Transfer from Biodegradable Tableware: What a New Study Found and Why It Matters (+Video)

      Thanks for mentioning this, and here is an older article on the topic:
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,543
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Jeanette K.
    Newest Member
    Jeanette K.
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Mari
      My only proof

      By Mari · Posted

      I think, after reading this, that you areso traumatized by not being able yo understand what your medical advisors have been  what medical conditions are that you would like to find a group of people who also feel traumatized who would agree with you and also support you. You are on a crusade much as the way the US Cabinet  official, the Health Director of our nation is in trying to change what he considers outdated and incorrect health advisories. He does not have the education, background or experience to be in the position he occupies and is not making beneficial decisions. That man suffered a terrible trauma early in his life when his father was assonated. We see now how he developed and worked himself into a powerful position.  Unless you are willing to take some advice or  are willing to use a few of the known methods of starting on a path to better health then not many of us on this Celiac Forum will be able to join you in a continuing series of complaints about medical advisors.    I am almost 90 years old. I am strictly gluten free. I use 2 herbs to help me stay as clear minded as possible. You are not wrong in complaining about medical practitioners. You might be more effective with a clearer mind, less anger and a more comfortable life if you would just try some of the suggestions offered by our fellow celiac volunteers.  
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Thus has got to STOP , medical bit believing us! I literally went through 31 years thinking it was just a food allergy as its downplayed by medical if THEY weren't the ones who diagnosed us! Im positive for HLA-DQ2 which is first celiac patient per Iran and Turkey. Here in the States especially in Cali its why do you feel that way? Why do you think your celiac? Your not eating gluten so its something else.Medical caused me depression. I thought I was safe with my former pcp for 25 years considering i thought everything I went through and going through will be available when I get fired again for health. Health not write-ups my health always come back when you're better.Im not and being tossed away at no fault to my own other than shitty genes.I was denied disability because person said he didn't know how to classify me! I said Im celiac, i have ibs, hernia, sciatica, high blood pressure, in constant pain have skin and eye issues and menopause intensified everything. With that my celiac nightmare began to reprove my disregarded disease to a bunch of clowns who think they are my careteam when they said I didn't have...I feel Im still breathing so I can fight this so no body else has to deal with this nightmare. Starting over with " new care team" and waisting more time on why I think I am when diagnosed in 1994 before food eliminated from my diet. P.s everything i went through I did write to medical board, so pretty sure I will continue to have a hard time.
    • knitty kitty
      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Scatterbrain, Thiamine Vitamin B1 and amino acid Taurine work together.  Our bodies can make Taurine from meats consumed.  Our bodies cannot make Thiamine and must consume thiamine from food.  Meat is the best source of B vitamins like Thiamine.   Vegetarians may not make sufficient taurine since they don't eat meat sources of taurine.  Seaweed is the best vegetarian source of taurine. Vegetarians may not consume sufficient Thiamine since few veggies are good sources.  Whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds contain thiamine.  Many of these sources can be hard to digest and absorb for people with Celiac disease.   You may find taking the forms of thiamine called Benfotiamine or TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) and a B Complex will give the benefits you're looking for better than taurine alone.  
    • knitty kitty
      My only proof

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jmartes71, I went to Doterra's site and had a look around.  The Doterra TerraZyme supplement really jumped out at me.  Since we, as Celiacs, often have digestive problems, I looked at the ingredients.  The majority of the enzymes in this supplement are made using black mold, Aspergillus!  Other enzymes are made by yeast Saccharomyces!  Considering the fact that Celiac often have permeable intestines (leaky gut syndrome), I would be very hesitant to take a product like this.  Although there may not be live black mold or yeast in the product, the enzymes may still cause an immune system response which would definitely cause inflammation throughout the body.   Skin, eyes, and intestines are all made from the same basic type of cells.  Your skin on the outside and eyes can reflect how irritated the intestines are on the inside.  Our skin, eyes, and intestines all need the same vitamins and nutrients to be healthy:  Vitamin A, Niacin B3 and Tryptophan, Riboflavin B2, Biotin B7, Vitamin C, and Omega Threes.  Remember that the eight B vitamins work together.  Just taking high doses of just one, vitamin like B12, can cause a deficiency in the others.  Taking high doses of B12 can mask a Folate B9 deficiency.  If you take B12, please take a B Complex, too.  Thiamine B1 can be taken in high doses safely without toxicity.  Thiamine is needed by itself to produce energy so every cell in the body can function, but Thiamine also works with the other B vitamins to make life sustaining enzymes and digestive enzymes.  Deficiencies in either Niacin, Vitamin C, or Thiamine can cause digestive problems resulting in Pellagra, Scurvy, and Gastrointestinal Beriberi.   If you change your diet, you will change your intestinal microbiome.  Following the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, a Paleo diet, will starve out SIBO bacteria.  Thiamine keeps bacteria in check so they don't get out of control as in SIBO.  Thiamine also keeps MOLDS and Yeasts from overgrowth.   Menopause symptoms and menstrual irregularities are symptomatic of low Vitamin D.   Doctors are not as knowledgeable about malnutrition as we need them to be.  A nutritionist or dietician would be more helpful.   Take control of your diet and nutrition.  Quit looking for a pill that's going to make you feel better overnight.  The Celiac journey is a marathon, not a sprint.   "Let food be your medicine, and let medicine be your food."
    • RUKen
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By RUKen · Posted

      The Lindt (Lindor) dairy-free oat milk truffles are definitely gluten-free, and (last time I checked) so are the white chocolate truffles and the mint chocolate truffles. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.