Over-Indulging

[Huggenkiss27]

I'm recent to the world of gluten free (it's been about 5-6 weeks). Keeping my weight down has been a bit of a struggle and after this last round of being sick/major life changes I've put on about 15 pounds. Right now I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around all the things that I can not eat ever again. In doing this I'm eating way more gluten free things than I should be. I was never eating bread, cookies, muffins, ect and now that's about all I'm eating. And I'm trying to justify it! My normal diet was meats, veggies, fruits, quiona, and yogurts. I'm looking so hard for gluten free foods and wanting to eat/try it all. Luckily I'm not tempted to eat anything with gluten but it seems like I'm filling a void with food. I may just be mad about the diagnosis but I need to also remember that I am feeling so much better than I have in 15 years now that I'm gluten free.

Is it normal to be almost depressed after diagnosis? How did everyone deal with it? Will my urge to stuff my face with all the processed alternatives go away here soon? My pants can't handle it much longer!

[luvs2eat]

When I was diagnossed (10 years ago) the gluten-free offerings on the market were pretty bad. But I ended up gaining about 40 lbs. overindulging in foods I COULD eat (rice, homemade bread and baked goods, etc) to make up for all the foods I could no longer eat. Thankfully I'm not tempted by the majority of gluten-free processed foods and was able to drop 20 of those 40 lbs by eating way less carbs (bread, rice, etc) and way more veggies/fruits.

Good luck!

[Adalaide]

Oh gosh, I ate everything I could get my hands on. Just because I could! I'm much better now after a few months. At first though it was part of how I coped, which wasn't healthy but it kept me from going crazy. I found out I could eat something so I'd eat it. Not because I wanted it but just sort of to because I needed to feel like I could eat things. Now I am much more responsible six months in.

[Huggenkiss27]

So it sounds like I'm pretty "normal" so far, lol!

  On 7/16/2012 at 5:02 PM, Adalaide said:

Oh gosh, I ate everything I could get my hands on. Just because I could! I'm much better now after a few months. At first though it was part of how I coped, which wasn't healthy but it kept me from going crazy. I found out I could eat something so I'd eat it. Not because I wanted it but just sort of to because I needed to feel like I could eat things. Now I am much more responsible six months in.

[dani nero]

It is normal to rebel and want what is forbidden. Don't worry you'll get used to how things have changed and find you rhythm again in time. Before eating just sit for one minute and tell yourself that you are eating this because you chose to, and if you don't feel that you did choose to eat that food then don't it is also normal to feel more hungry than usual in the beginning because your body is starting to heal and wants all the nutrition it can get.

As for feeling depressed, can be due to gluten withdrawal. Give it a few months. It took me 4 months to get over withdrawal symptoms.

[LauraB0927]

I was told that the gluten we were consuming before diagnosis acts on opiate receptors in the brain similar to drugs and other bad things for us. So I'm guessing that once we stop "feeding" those opiate receptors, our body tries to make up for the loss with other foods that aren't so great for us. This could also have an impact on you feeling depressed too. (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!) I know I crave carbs (rice and pasta) more than ever now and have to limit myself to gluten free pasta no more than twice a month (I'm terrified of putting on more weight). I can definitely understand your struggle and it sounds like your normal diet is fantastic! Maybe give yourself one or two days a week when you treat yourself to a gluten free replacement treat? (Corny, I know, but I constantly set up reward systems from myself) Hope this helps!!!

[nvsmom]

I'm 3 weeks into my gluten-free diet and I can really relate. I've been having a few cookies every evening just because I can. I don't like most of the store bought gluten-free baked goods so I haven't indulged in the other areas much... I do find I want stuff just because I'm not supposed to have it... kind of like my elementary aged boys. I need to limit what I bring into my house or I go way overboard.

I also find that I am quite grumpy and tired. By the end of the day, I want to avoid all people... I would avoid me if I could.

Best wishes to you. I hope you are feeling a lot better soon.

[WitsEnd]

That's exactly what I did as well for about 8 Weeks after going gluten free. For the past 2 weeks I have eaten mostly whole foods and I feel better than ever. I actually feel good for the first time in 1.5 years! I think processed foods have a place in this world but definitely in moderation.