Brand New, Need A Few Answers

[stacyisgf]

Hi to all gluten-free's out there, I was just diagnosed with Celiac Disease-- +Iga after so many misdiagnosis of IBS. I'm 2 weeks knowing now and I feel soo much better!! I can't believe it! I have soo many questions...but first up, is there a good book source ( 1 book) that is like the bible of gluten-free that is good to have to flip and get the answer to anything gluten-free?? Also, I'm having a hard time knowing which seasonings are a problem, is there terms to look for like (garlic-powder) "powder" being the problem. Over all where is the best place to shop just gluten-free?? Help and thanks...

[psawyer]

Powder, as in garlic powder, means dehydrated. The moisture is removed--nothing is added. Powdered or dehydrated plants are gluten-free, as long as they weren't gluten grains to begin with. I have never seen wheat, barley, rye or oats sold as a "powder," and wheat would have to be explicitly declared in the US and in Canada.

Things like "garlic salt" may contain other ingredients besides dehydrated garlic and salt, so read the ingredients carefully. Again, wheat can not, by law, be concealed.

[GottaSki]

Welcome Stacy!

I think you've found the best place to get answers when newly gluten free. I read a few books when I was first dx'd, but really learned much more here. I can tell you that there are some good books, but definitely not one book that will tell you everything. You will learn as time passes - while the learning curve is tough, living gluten-free becomes much easier with time.

Check out the FAQs thread:

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/forum-5/announcement-3-frequently-asked-questions-about-celiac-disease/

The best place to shop gluten free is the outer perimeter of the grocery store - sticking to whole foods and avoiding processed foods during the early days is the best way to heal. That being said you can find "gluten free" items at any store - I like Trader Joe's, Amazon for cereals, pasta and baking supplies. Udi's bread is probably the easiest good gluten-free bread to find - there are some other very good ones, but some taste like drywall -- I know that dropping $5 on a loaf of inedible bread really ticked me off when first gluten-free. Many processed and snack foods are gluten free even if not labeled "gluten free" - when in doubt google the item -- the search usually brings you back here. The best way to assure something is gluten free is the website of the company that produces the item - if still in doubt - call or email them.

Good Luck to you

[Adalaide]

A note about bread. If you try gluten free bread and decide it sucks, don't have any for like 3 or 6 months and try again. While I didn't think it sucked, I was unimpressed with it. After not having any sort of bread for several months, when I finally had some again last week it was like mana from heaven. I prefer Rudi's to Udi's but apparently it isn't available everywhere. Be sure to check your stores for what is then like them on facebook and check their websites, you can find coupons that way.

Oh, and I guess I'll add that I was already a couponer shopping with a 3-ring binder but I printed out a list of ingredients to watch for. I also printed out lists for my favorite fast food places (and threw them all away except Wendy's) and a few other "survival" things I felt I needed. I keep that with me still in my Jeep and never leave home without it. I'll refer to it sometimes but after a few months you'll be a old hand and hardly need a list of what to look for on an ingredients list.

[stacyisgf]

Thank you all so much! It's so nice to know I have other's that are looking for the same things I am when shopping. Im getting there, I just bought rice milk for the first time, I must say it's not bad at all!! I think what happens is.....after you have been off the old way, you start liking th new way just because you need something to take it's place. I like the Udi's hamburger buns. I have chicken salad on it and that was a nice treat! I love Dr. Lucy's chocolate cookies. I haven't attempted any fast food yet, have no idea what I can get and where....if anyone has a tip...please share. Thank you all