Kassia

My route to a gluten-free world started at severe acid reflux. While my doctor says it's celiac based on the blood test, my endoscopy was negative. Still, can't argue with results...including the blissful lack of acid reflux attacks. Your life sounds a bit like mine, except my doctor finally had a lightbulb moment when it came to testing for celiac. I personally...

This is hard because every family is different. That being said: plain mashed potatoes are gluten-free. Turkey, especially if your husband is cooking, is gluten-free (though I suggest, if not buying a fresh turkey, to check the ingredients since frozen are often brined). Veggies: unless they're topped with something, generally safe. Basically, if you are...

I went from barely able to drag myself out of bed exhausted to completing a marathon a year later -- that's the difference going gluten-free made in my life. Granted I walked that marathon (after the husband's knee surgery and extensive recovery, I decided my knee tendons didn't need the misery of running). Since then, I've done several half marathons with...

While I'm a fan of Udi's whole grain sandwich bread, I'm a bigger fan of rice paper wraps. Since going gluten-free, I find I don't think "bread" the way I used to. This is good because it means I'm not craving something I cannot have. But I've always been a huge lover of spring rolls (theory: my body was always guiding me toward foods that didn't want to...

Honestly? Time. I find myself envious of all the great gluten-free baked goods people prepare, and I wonder they have the time to do it. These recipes seem to be labors of love, but I'm genuinely curious to know how to make the whole process of gluten-free baking fit into a full-time job and insane lifestyle. Eating gluten-free isn't hard; baking is. ...

From your doctor's perspective, not having celiac *is* good news. From your perspective, it's bad news. But based on your initial post, you are much improved on a gluten-free diet. If you take a step back, you'll realize your doctor -- who may not have the best bedside manner -- is telling you that while you may not have celiac disease, you may have non-celiac...

It seems there are a couple of issues at play here: your desire to get diagnosed coupled with your (legitimate) worries about going back on gluten for a diagnosis; your lack of insurance because these tests can get pricey; and, finally, the skepticism of your friends. The bottom line is that you know how being gluten-free feels, and you know how you feel...

To me, this is the key point. After my blood test, I told my doctor I wanted the endoscopy to be certain, I wanted to know, all that. I had that procedure the day before Thanksgiving. And, from a gluten perspective, I partied on Thanksgiving. I eliminated all gluten the next day. My life changed. And my doctor -- hard to reach on the best of days -- never...

For what it's worth, my journey started with severe acid reflux. Not the normal kind (of course not!), it happened once a day, around the time I arrived at the office. Convenient. I went through over a year of tests, more tests, medications (prescription and OTC), more tests, food elimination (coffee, sniff), and more. Yet, I was completely useless for at...

I'm a massive fan of roasted veggies (I still like steamed vegetables, of course). Roasting at about 450 with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out all kinds of amazing flavors. They get caramelized and are sooo good. I'm convinced you haven't lived until you've had roasted Brussels sprouts. Also, when I say things like this, my mother pretends...

This is fantastic. I remember the day I woke up and felt...rested. It was notable because I hadn't felt that way in, well, forever. Glad to hear you're walking and losing weight. I walked a marathon a little over a year after eliminating gluten. Couldn't have done that before. Your de-glutening of your kitchen interests me because I took some time before...

I agree with those who suggest contacting the caterer in advance -- chances are they're already doing special meals for other people (diabetics, vegetarians). At least you'll be able to know what's on the menu in advance, and make plans accordingly. I attend a lot of conferences, and find my meal strategies depend on the type of event and what's being served...

Okay. First: I think living a gluten-free lifestyle is a serious challenge for anyone who doesn't have to do it. It's not a lot of fun, and as w8in4dave mentioned, it requires constant vigilance. Second, and I think we can all attest to this, going gluten-free is not a free pass to weight loss. If only! I would strongly suggest seeing your doctor and...

We were in Milan in March of this year, and I was so pleased with how easy it was to eat. Our hotel offered gluten-free products as part of their "continental" breakfast -- granted it was just breads and crackers, but coupled with yogurt and meats and cheeses, I was happy. I've never been big on breakfast foods -- clearly my body knew something way back when...

My advice is to take a deep breath. This is hard (this hard for people who have been gluten-free for a while). You don't need to rush to the store. Take your time, read the Newbie section, read some blogs, and discover what being gluten-free means. The advice to start with whole foods (the actual foods, not the store!) is great. Fruits and veggies are naturally...