Newly Diagnosed With Some Questions

[Baxter]

I was just diagnosed with Celiac's last week, had never really heard of it until a few weeks ago when my doctor decided to test me due to anemia for which no one could find a cause. My doctor did not know much about it, told me to look up information online about what I can and cannot eat. My problem is this diet is already hard for me - I love bread & pasta! I didn't really have any symptoms other than the anemia, so changing my eating is not making me feel any differently which is going to make it even harder to stick to. Also, I am feeling hungry all the time, like I am missing something (which I know I am). Just wondering if this is a normal feeling when you're first diagnosed and if it gets better. I have found gluten free foods online & at the grocery store, so maybe it will get better after trying some of those. Any advice anyone has would be much appreciated - thank you!

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[tmbarke]

Baxter...........welcome to the world of Gluten Free

Chances are that when you're celiac - you're vitamin / nutrient deficient.

I'm assuming you've researched the whole Gluten Free / Celiac thing to find out the Celiacs have damage to their intestines and does not allow the absorption of nutrients.....so it makes sense if you're anemic.

Eat the basics....fresh fruit - fresh veggies - whole meats and milk

I take a multivitamin and vit D with B complex.........Nature Made Brand

Withdrawls will make you feel weak but you'll get thru it feeling healthier

Stay with it and you'll notice that anything you felt before gluten free will change for the better - it may take time depending.........but you'll get thru it.

They make gluten free pasta and plain rice is also safe.

Check out the forum for labeling and products and you'll find items that will be safe for you.

Where do you live? GR? Me too! Go to Meijers and they have a gluten free meijer brand list that will assist you in making the good choices.

Contact me if you'd like! I'll be a buddy for you.

Stay Strong - what have you got to lose?

[mamaw]

welcome

Being gluten-free is a lifestyle change so it does take time to asborb so much new info....I'm a gluten-free mentor and I'm the founder of a gluten-free ministry. Take one step at a time, don't try to learn everything in a week, month or a year. I've been at this for many years & find updated info daily so one never should stop investigating the gluten-free world.

Products today that are gluten-free may not be gluten-free tommorrow so become a label reader.

Hidden gluten can be found in soy sauce & malt products so two things to look out for.

Lachoy makes gluten-free soy sauce....

Also many celiac people are sensitive to dairy so I wouldn't go crazy with dairy products. Dairy is also broken down in the tips of the villi as well as gluten. milk is made for baby cows not humans (adults)!!!!!

My pet peeve is misinformation! I believe one does way better with little info compared to receiving misinformation & getting over-whelmed! If you can find a support group in your area join & seek out an older celiac to help you along. One that has stayed current & updated.....

Don't cheat once you begin your new lifestyle change.If you cheat once you will do it over & over. This happens alot when people have no per say sickness from eating gluten Ie: the Big D or vomiting & such.But no one can see damage happening inside their bodies.If you can't feel it, see it doesn't mean its okay!

Pastas! My favorite. I love Biaglut pasta. other favs are tinkyada, an easy find. LeVeneziane is another. These are closest to a wheat pasta.

Breads: Here's a few great ones: Udi's,whole foods( makes great grilled cheese & for stuffins).If you like to bake Pamela's has a good mix, Anna's bread mix, Sisters three bread mix & many more...

Joans gluten-free great bakes has wonderful bagels, english muffins, & pizzas

Everybody Eats has ficeille rolls & baguettes , yummy!!!!

Celiac Specialites has donuts to die for plus much more.

Bertille Buns has hamburger buns for sloppy joes, burgers, deli sandwiches.

The grainless Baker has graham crackers, rye bread & so many good things.

Here are a few gluten-free flour blends that are one to one ratio: Meister's gluten-free Flour, BetterBatter, domata living flour ( we love their seasoned flour), Jules flour, tom sawyer flour.

I taste test for many gluten-free vendors so we only use the best of the best!

Many of us order online as we have no where close to find gluten-free! The gluten-free trading company has a nice selection as well as (Company Name Removed - They Spammed This Forum and are Banned)

Most grocery stores carry a selection of gluten-free these days, usually the basic things.

Now days ther are hundreds of mainstream gluten-free items in your grocery store.

Honestly there is nothing that I can say I miss. Everything almost now has a gluten-free counterpart!

Also ther are so many places to find gluten-free menus today: Red Robin, Carrabas, Uno's Chicago Grill,Lonfhorn steakhouse, CHili's, Carino's, Pei Pe, Pf Chang's & many more. Dairy Queen , Wendy's, Arby's , Boston Market,, First Watch...

With your new dietary change you will need to pre=plan everything that involves eating ie: parties, dining out, work related eating traveling ... I suggest always carrying a bag of stable gluten-free foods in your car! We like crackers, jerky, cheese, fruits, protein bars, snickers,chips, pretzels..

All meats, fish , chicken are gluten-free as long as they have no coatings, marinades, pre-seasoned or rubs. Season yourself! fruits & veggies as well.....

Hope this helps. If you get to craving something just ask & I'm sure we all can tell you where to find a gluten-free to match your craving!

blessings

mamaw

[Baxter]

Thanks so much for all the recommendations - that's what I was looking for! I have begun to realize I will have to plan things out much more than I am used to but I guess once I get the hang of it, it'll be OK.

[mamaw]

Your welcome! Your right ---take your time & plan ahead......I feel many get over load & become angry & depressed. It is natural to go through a grieving process as well. Try to stay focused, it is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new healthy lifestyle. Mishaps will happen along your journey.... Acceptance & health will be the reward....

there are much worse things that you could have been dx'd with!

blessings

mamaw

[bellis]

I was just diagnosed with Celiac's last week, had never really heard of it until a few weeks ago when my doctor decided to test me due to anemia for which no one could find a cause. My doctor did not know much about it, told me to look up information online about what I can and cannot eat. My problem is this diet is already hard for me - I love bread & pasta! I didn't really have any symptoms other than the anemia, so changing my eating is not making me feel any differently which is going to make it even harder to stick to. Also, I am feeling hungry all the time, like I am missing something (which I know I am). Just wondering if this is a normal feeling when you're first diagnosed and if it gets better. I have found gluten free foods online & at the grocery store, so maybe it will get better after trying some of those. Any advice anyone has would be much appreciated - thank you!

.

I feel your pain! I used to make bread everyday. favorite hobby. well...was. I finally found bread recipes that are actually worth eating and the rice pasta's are not that different in texture and flavor. I am going on my 4th month gluten-free.I can tell you that i had no idea how bad i actually felt before until i changed my diet. I just thought i was normal and just excepted things the way they were. i hope you find that to be true. I have the Energy to play with my kids at night, my stomach seems to be able to tolerate things that i avoided before. Still some hurdles but over all i feel like a new person. Hang in there. You will feel the benefits soon. I'm new too but it gets easier everyday.

I have found that it is easier to eat the things you already love that are Gluten Free instead of trying to find the fake. Homemade veggie and Shrimp Tempura!!!! i can eat it everyday.