Fairly New To Gluten Free

[lttlems-sunshine]

As stated in the topic title, I'm fairly new to the gluten free. I am not officially diagnosed by a doctor but honestly I don't trust them. *shrug* A few months after I had my son, I started to notice bowel issues that were increasingly becoming worse. It started out with a few bouts of pretty horrid D and stomach cramps. Over the next year and a half, it was up to about 8 times per day that I was dealing with this issue. It was sudden onset and I would become very ill. It was embarrassing to say the least trying to hide this problem with coworkers, friends, boyfriend, etc. I was convinced it was IBS and had resigned myself to this being my life. I had completely dismissed the Celiac option because the symptoms didn't coincide with the consumption of gluten (silly me.) In December 2010 (roughly 3 months ago) I spent an entire weekend accidently not eating gluten. I had read an article about Celiac's at work the week before and when I noticed I'd felt wonderful all weekend, I finally put the pieces together. At that point, I completely eliminated it from my diet and haven't looked back. I feel so normal every single day now and I love it. Shopping and planning meals was difficult at first but I've made my own little niche of it and it's pretty much a breeze now. Honestly, it is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. Since I can't consume the sweets that always seem available, the experience has really lit a fire under my butt on losing weight and becoming healthy. I've lost 22 lbs since my diet switch and I eat a lot more fresh fruits and veggies because those are pretty much the only snack foods available that aren't gluten loaded. My family and boyfriend are amazingly supportive; my stepmom always makes sure there is a gluten free food option when I'm at their house. Me and my boyfriend experiment with local restaurants and we have a regular pizza place, mexican restaurant, and even an italian food place that offer great gluten free options. That is my story and I just wanted to share and say hi!

[eatmeat4good]

Hello and welcome!

Well, you ARE Little Miss Sunshine aren't you? That is the sunniest introduction I have ever read. I'm so glad you found that eating gluten free works for you and you have the support that you need. It is refreshing to read your words. I have a hard time not focusing on the "lost years" so I'm going to take a dash of your spirit from this post and try to be grateful that I too, feel "wonderful" most days. Well, at least way better than I was in the gluten years. Your words and your attitude are inspiring. Thank you

[wannabhealthy]

Hello and welcome!

Well, you ARE Little Miss Sunshine aren't you? That is the sunniest introduction I have ever read. I'm so glad you found that eating gluten free works for you and you have the support that you need. It is refreshing to read your words. I have a hard time not focusing on the "lost years" so I'm going to take a dash of your spirit from this post and try to be grateful that I too, feel "wonderful" most days. Well, at least way better than I was in the gluten years. Your words and your attitude are inspiring. Thank you

I am encouraged by her words too. Must say I'm still waiting to feel better. I've cut as much gluten from my diet that I am aware of, and still suffer. I just found out that the skin care products and makeup I'm using likely have gluten and have to start all over. I'm researching products and while some claim to be gluten free, they contain tocopherol (vitamin E) and so I'm wondering if I can trust them! I've sent e-mails to several companies to ask the source of the Vit. E.....is there anything else I need to think about that I've likely missed? My vitamins all claim to be okay as well. Sure want to feel better. Have dark puffy circles under my eyes all the time, am always tired, never sleep all night and have had restless legs syndrome for many years. A doctor told me it was the result of my hypothyroidism. It's a lot worse when I have to sit at work all day. I stretch and stretch and take Advil to try to relax them so I can get to sleep. Any support would be very much appreciated! I appreciate having this forum to come to!!

[frieze]

I am encouraged by her words too. Must say I'm still waiting to feel better. I've cut as much gluten from my diet that I am aware of, and still suffer. I just found out that the skin care products and makeup I'm using likely have gluten and have to start all over. I'm researching products and while some claim to be gluten free, they contain tocopherol (vitamin E) and so I'm wondering if I can trust them! I've sent e-mails to several companies to ask the source of the Vit. E.....is there anything else I need to think about that I've likely missed? My vitamins all claim to be okay as well. Sure want to feel better. Have dark puffy circles under my eyes all the time, am always tired, never sleep all night and have had restless legs syndrome for many years. A doctor told me it was the result of my hypothyroidism. It's a lot worse when I have to sit at work all day. I stretch and stretch and take Advil to try to relax them so I can get to sleep. Any support would be very much appreciated! I appreciate having this forum to come to!!

inre: restless legs, research foods for upping your magnesium intake, and,

believe it or not try a bar of ivory soap under your mattress.

also make sure you are not anemic.