How Long Until The Gluten Craving Goes Away?

[luispgsf]

I have been gluten free for two months now. I am felling much better, both physically and mentally. The first three weeks were easy, but then I started craving for gluten. There were times when the desire for bread or pasta was incredible strong and it took a lot of willpower to continue gluten free. Now after two months, the craving is not as strong, but its still there. Sometimes I even dream that I am eating a toast or something.

I used to smoke and going gluten free is a lot like quiting smoking. It takes discipline and wilpower, at least for me. My question is how long until this craving for guten will go away? Is there any way you can diminish it?

[Emilushka]

I'm close to your boat. I dream about pastas and cheeses (I'm gluten- and dairy-free). I can't fight the dreams, but I do fight the daytime cravings by avoiding triggers and finding interesting foods that are naturally gluten-free. That seems to be the best that I can do at this point.

I'd love to know how long it takes to stop dreaming about the things you can't have, though. We finally bought the vegan "cheese" today because I miss cheese so terribly. We'll see how that goes. The Katz Bakery rugelach were a great way to replace my cinnamon roll craving (I melted some Earth Balance over the top to make it gooey like a normal cinnamon roll).

But the cheese ... what kills me is the cheese.

[cassP]

OMG i TOTALLY relate to both of u!!!!!

i COMPLETELY agree that it's almost as hard as quitting ciggs. i actually quit ciggs in january, now back on it, and trying to quit again.. i find Gluten, Cheese, and Coffee JUST RIGHT BELOW Nicotine addiction

i TOO have some lactose intolerance- but IM STILL eating cheese everyday!!! i sometimes feel like i cant enjoy a meal without cheese

anyways- yes- i think the gluten thing is a lot like ciggarettes- in that i can share with you (and i believe) that on some level- the cravings will NEVER go away.

HOWEVER- it's been 3 1/2 months 100% gluten free for me- and for the first time (even tho i still some days want a pizza or hamburger bun)-> i am experiencing a negative reaction to my cravings- it is the strangest thing and something i never thought i would feel... im actually getting random cravings for bread- where i can smell it- but simultaneously i get extremely nauseaus!!!! this is great!! i think my mind is finally catching up to my small intestine!! so, yes- there is hope!

i hope to do this again soon with ciggarettes i remember after 2 months- i would finally get to where i thought i wanted a ciggarette- but then it made me feel sick- i just have to get over that crappy hump again

who knows when i'll be able to conquer cheese or coffee

[gaingus]

I've been on the diet for around two or three years now. I agree completely that it dose easier over time however, I haven't noticed it totally go away. I still have the ocassional craving, and it is usually for foods that I have not found a replacement for yet.

We are getting lucky that there are many different companies out there that make gluten free foods that are much better than what some of the (for lack of better terms) older people on the forum. Even since I started I have noticed many great changes to the food.

Just like quitting anything addicting, you have to take it one day at a time. I have quitted smoking myself so I can sympathize with that as well. Give it time and soon you will be able to face and control the cravings.