LauraTX

I don't know if any of the WA locations of Gluten Intolerance Groups are within a reasonable distance of you, but check out their page with local group listings.  If you find a lot of other people, you can start your own branch.  Open Original Shared Link

Have you contacted the manufacturer?  That is the best way to get accurate information.

I couldn't agree with you more.  If I am going to someone's house I will tell them to just pick me up a good looking Amys dinner that says gluten-free on it and it really simplifies things. They are readily available at most chain grocery stores.  I used to take them to work, and we only had fridges to keep our lunches in, and they all heated up and tasted great when thawed to a refrigerated temperature.  That was before my diagnosis, and after when I discovered my favorite frozen dinners were still okay to eat, I was stoked!

Celiac has turned me into an awesome cook!  I can make all kinds of things for myself now that I used to just go buy.  It also makes me really pay attention to what I put in my mouth, and has pushed me to eat healthier overall.

I went to a Jimmy John's sub place the other day. They do much like Chipotle does and prevent CC. You have to order an Unwich and I think the ham sub. I think the beef has gluten in it or is CC'd during processing or something like that.

My husband's work moved to a new location, and there is a Jimmy Johns nearby.  Tried it out and I never thought a lettuce wrap sandwich could be so satisfying, I was pleased.  They move with lightning speed there so I had to make them pause to hear my spiel!  LOL

That way we don't waste the corn tortillas, even though they were only $1.39

.........

We also will do a pulled chicken bbq in the crock pot and have it over a potato with a side of sauteed zuchinni (cheap this week, usually make a slaw with this dish)

I do that with tortillas, too.  They do freeze, but in the original flimsy bag packaging, they don't last more than a few weeks.  I freeze small quantities of everything since I cook for two!  Also, may I have that chicken recipe?  I do shredded bbq pork in the crock pot.  Just throw in a pork roast, and some bbq sauce, low for 8 hours and enjoy.  I am hungry now.

Is there a type of quinoa that is better than another?  I really need to find an oatmeal substitute.

I find that usually Bobs red mill has the best price per ounce.  They also have a solid gluten-free claim on theirs and some brands lack that.  Those zip top packs can be cheaper but there isn't a lot in there.  Bobs red mill is pre rinsed, and some others are, too, but you definitely always need to rinse your quinoa either way to get rid of the bitter stuff that clings to the outside.  If the method of cooking calls for soaking, toss the soaking water before cooking.

Chex makes oatmeal?????

 Yep, it is new!  See this thread: https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/108191-chex-gluten-free-oatmeal/

I'm just not going to pay someone to tell me what to eat. My kids are all grown up and I had enough of that from them when they were toddlers thank you very much.

LOL,  I hear that from every mother I know!!

The picture of you son in a state of absolute joy just made my day.  I am so happy you guys had a good experience!!!  I want to go meet gluten rock stars now!!! LOL

Good to hear you have a solid diagnosis.  If you feel like you are getting a bit of a knee jerk reaction, it is because the people here feel very passionately about making sure everyone has the info that can make them the most healthy    Some have even converted from the dark cheater side after they kept getting sick!  But there are no off limits questions  

I was a huge carb addict and when I first had to go gluten-free I had the worst time ever.  Before diagnosis all I ate was pasta, bread, breaded stuff... it was terrible.  Eventually, everyone's timeframe is different, but you will just wake up and realize you are over the hump of terribleness.  And although it may take a good while to heal up, there WILL be a revelation point at some time in your future where you feel better, and it will all be worth it!   You can make your own awesome gluten-free cookies, we can give you recipes Just hang in there 

Sorry about the debate sparking up there, Dania.  I think it is great you are going to go get testing done.  Let us know if you need help figuring out results or need to talk a doctor into something, great tips abound here.

I don't get the meal planning websites.  I guess they are good tools for some people who are totally unfamiliar or they wouldn't make any money, but why not just make what you like, and if you really need help, just search "Meal Planning Template" and there are a lot of free downloads you can print off.  And tons of free recipes online!  No harm in trying for free, though, as said above.

Have you been diagnosed with Celiac disease, or are you eating gluten free for another reason?

With Celiac and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance (NCGI for short), the gluten-free diet needs 100% commitment.  There are great gluten-free alternatives to things like cookies... it is just a matter of getting through the transition.

Welcome to the Silly Yak Club!  Usually with a solid celiac diagnosis, which it seems like you have, they tell you to go gluten-free right away.  Better to follow what was told to you in case they want to do further testing, though.  You can take this time to learn and ease into the gluten-free lifestyle, and once you get the order, it is strictly gluten-free from then on!  We have a great bunch of people here with a lot of helpful ideas, so please feel free to ask anything!  If you read a post that has whether or not something is gluten-free on it, pay attention to the date because this forum has been around a long time,and products can change over time.

Welcome to our new friends!  If you want, go ahead and make an new post to introduce yourself and how you got diagnosed and stuff, in the Coping With section.  

Open Original Shared Link

Link to the Dallas page.  New location this year, should be better. 

I plan my meals, it helps me not be in a bind since I can't exactly get delivery anymore, and it definitely saves on food costs which is a big need when you have to pay a lot for gluten-free food!  I just have a spiral notebook, and at the very top I write what I need to use up, and then I have a line for each meal to plan.  Under that I put my shopping list.  You can do any period of time, whatever it is between your shopping trips.  Looks kind of like this:

Use leftover chicken, cheddar, sweet potatoes

Sat Lunch: Burgers with sweet potato chunks and gbeans

Sat Dinner: Eat out

Sun lunch: Chicken Quesadillas

Sun Din: Pancakes, eggs, bacon

Mon: Grilled chicken w/ a veggie and rice

Tue: Chicken Stir fry (normandy veggie blend)

Lunches: Turkey Sammiches

List: Burger patties, cheese slices, white corn tortillas, gluten-free Bisquick, bacon, brown rice, frozen veggies- normandy blend and broccoli, carrots, lunchmeat  + whatever else I need floss, cat litter, etc

I keep a small dry erase board on the fridge to write things on to buy as they run out or are close to it.  Your first grocery shopping trip, I recommend just scouring everything in every aisle to see what the real selection is.  With time you will figure out what your pantry staples are and which gluten-free substitute products you want to keep on hand.  My gluten-free staples I keep on hand are gluten-free soy sauce, tinkyada pasta, gluten-free Bisquick and King Arthur Flour gluten-free baking mix, a loaf of gluten-free bread in the freezer, snyders gluten-free pretzels, and some snack bars for when I am out of the house.  I highly recommend buying from your local store if it is possible, so they keep stuff in stock.  Also, if you want them to carry a specific product sometimes you can make special requests.  Of course, sometimes it is just much more economical to buy staples online, but definitely try them first before you order large quantities.

Yes and I can't wait!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

I like it best over any other jarred alfredo.  The garlic one is really good.

Some of my favorite easy lunch ideas when there are no leftovers.... I usually make lunch just for myself on weekdays while the hubby is at work:

Pasta with veggies- Any veggie, meat, pasta, and sauce that go together, I make enough for leftovers for a few days so I just heat and eat.  Commonly made meatless

Chicken Nuggets are my go-to thing if I am rushed and dont have something planned.  I like Applegate and tyson but I like purdue simply smart strips the best since they have half the fat of some others and are a good value.  On the side I will just crack open a can of veggies and a can of beans and eat some of that.  Especially on days when I feel bad with my many conditions.

Frozen dinners- For when it is just me, I will sometimes treat myself with Amys frozen dinners.  Their gluten-free burritos are wonderful.  I also like the saffron road and evol ones.  I really haven't had a bad gluten-free frozen dinner but you definitely pay a premium.

Quesadillas or mini pizzas with tortillas. I use white corn and they don't taste really corn-y, and are much cheaper than the gluten-free specialty ones.  This brand- Open Original Shared Link of precooked fajita meat strips and some of their other things are great and are labeled gluten-free if they are.  They are normal prices 

Gluten free bread makes great grilled sandwiches since it usually needs to be toasted to taste good.  So grilled cheese, panini style things, or my favorite turkey with provolone always turn out good.  I will steam fresh or frozen veggies in a pyrex bowl with a lid and a few tblsp of water, usually are done in 5 minutes or so.  

I also love Amys soups.  They have a good amount of gluten-free ones, they will be clearly marked on the back of the can.  Good for a light meal or with a sandwich.

Snacks I like to keep on hand are fruit, Snyders gluten-free pretzels, popcorn, Vans cheesy crackers, and I make my own popsicles with a cheap mold and whatever juice I pick up. Other ideas are string cheese, nuts, lots of chips that are gluten-free, those little dove ice cream mini bars are gluten-free-they will list gluten source if it is an ingredient, I am sure others will add more ideas

Also here are a few threads I dug up for you that may be helpful!

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/104731-a-couple-new-to-me-lunch-ideas/

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/102778-please-helplunch-ideasi-need-them/

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/100334-work-lunch-ideas-help/

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/102544-gluten-free-snacks-to-go/

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/99276-easy-gluten-free-snack-ideas/

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/97027-super-easy-meal-ideas-anyone/

That is the plus side to gluten-free bread baking... just mix it and throw it in the pan!

LOL I submitted a comment saying that when I read it earlier.  Don't want someone to think they can buy that kind.  That author has been off on a few things lately.

I have heard her book is good, but I haven't read it.  Another good one that came out recently and many people on here have been recommending is Gluten Freedom by Dr. Alessio Fasano.  If you do go on a gluten-free diet, I highly highly recommend the Americas Test Kitchen gluten-free cookbook.  It is amazing and explains things very well.  

I've been eating the ones from Whole Foods (from Central America, I'm sure) and they've been great. The OP just wanted a safe way to eat cut pineapple without being glutened. The country of origin of the pineapple is off-topic.

Since the original question was thoroughly answered, and no one is being mean, etc.  I don't see it to be an actionable issue.  Users can also use the quote function to reply clearly to things on previous pages if they desire.

Now I really want pineapple.  Can't handle the acidity very well, though.  I also have a history of cutting myself badly when preparing melons, etc., so I am sure my husband would scream "NOOOOOOOO!!!" if I were to take a knife to a pineapple! 

Welcome, Valerie!

It sounds like you may have a Celiac diagnosis coming your way.  Before your endoscopy, go ahead and ask your doctor how many biopsies he/she will be taking of the small intestine.  The more the better- the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center recommends 6.

 (  Open Original Shared Link     and Open Original Shared Link for your reading pleasure)

Once you hear back about the results, let us know!  You may want to start reading through things now, and if you do indeed need to make the change to a gluten-free diet, we will be here to answer any questions you and your family have!    And don't worry about the endoscopy/colonoscopy.  Usually they put you to sleep and you wake up like nothing happened.

Laura