Diagnosed Last Night

[AWebb85]

Hey everyone, I'm Aaron. I am 25 and live in Glendale AZ. I am new to the Celiac Family. Today was difficult looking in my fridge and pantry and realizing I can't eat almost anything in either. Happy to have a place where I can connect with similar people.

[Dixiebell]

Welcome to the forum! It is hard to start with but it will be second nature soon. Ask any questions you need. there are some very smart people here.

[Emilushka]

Hi! I'm also a relatively new member of the group. I got my results back on 9/10, and I've been gluten-free ever since. Almost a whole month.

My fiance eats gluten still. My strategy has been to separate our food out in the kitchen so that his food will not get crumbs on my food and I will have my own areas to maintain and stock. This means that I can easily see what I can and cannot eat, or what can and cannot go into something I am cooking. I find this really helpful.

If you're living with others who eat gluten, make sure you're not sharing nonstick pans, nonstick utensils, or wooden utensils. It's wise to invest in a rice cooker, your own toaster oven, and a good cast iron skillet (that will forever be gluten free).

My biggest recommendation: learn to cook WELL. If you can keep making tasty foods you like to eat, it'll feel like you're giving up a lot less. My sad days are when I think of what I can't have. My happy days are when I realize I just made something delicious that incidentally had no gluten - and it makes my body feel great to have the good stuff.

[lucia]

It's true what they say - the diet will fall into place for you after awhile. I went through the exact same process that you describe - going through my cupboards and ending up discouraged. I'd encourage you to take a look at the recipe section on the site and also maybe to search for "ideas for breakfast," "ideas for lunch," etc. It's helpful to draw on other people's experience when planning meals. Honestly, after a few months, I think the hardest thing about the gluten-free diet is eating outside of the house, but that's a whole other hurdle for you. Welcome!

[AWebb85]

Thanks for the kind words and information. I am starting to see just how many gluten free options there really are out there. My fiance is being very considerate and is going to try to only eat gluten free, at least at home. I am feeling a lot better about the whole idea and am excited to finally start feeling better!

[Foxx]

Thanks for the kind words and information. I am starting to see just how many gluten free options there really are out there. My fiance is being very considerate and is going to try to only eat gluten free, at least at home. I am feeling a lot better about the whole idea and am excited to finally start feeling better!

Welcome and, I am new here as well.

Wal-Mart has a list (on their site) that details all of the Gluten Free products they carry. Watch your mouthwash as well - Equate (by Wal-Mart) are processed on a line shared by gluten-based products; cross contamination is definitely a serous problem. Be sure to call the Mfg and ask for a product specialist.

Good Luck and keep your head up

[Rocknroll Celiac]

Hey everyone, I'm Aaron. I am 25 and live in Glendale AZ. I am new to the Celiac Family. Today was difficult looking in my fridge and pantry and realizing I can't eat almost anything in either. Happy to have a place where I can connect with similar people.

Yo man, i found out i was celiac when i was 25 as well. It's pretty tough at the start, especially having to explain to people who are offering to have you over for dinner that you're allergic to basically everything. If you know how to cook, it starts becoming pretty cool to throw your own dinners and thanksgivings and things. What's really interesting is how much you'll find out that you have to cook ALL THE TIME. It's kind of time consuming, makes you wonder what life used to be like before fast foods!

[dwillia75]

Hi and welcome! I was diagnosed when I was 50 after years and years of seeing specialists, having surgeries, and taking a LOT of medications. I never dreamed that the dreaded colonoscopy and endoscopy would have a benefit like this. I was in total shock (didn't know what gluten was) and had much to learn. Thanks to the Internet and some good books, I adjusted pretty easily. I almost immediately felt like a new and improved person once I quit eating gluten-foods. The health aspect outweighs my cravings for foods that I'll never eat again. Yes, I miss an occasional doughnut or biscuit, but Chebe, Open Original Shared Link and AllergyGrocer.com offer good gluten-free bread/pasta/homemade soup alternatives. I am going to take, after the holidays, a gluten-free cooking class at Viking Cooking School. I realize that I'm eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and not many gluten-free processed foods. They cost too much!