I know it's been a while since I last posted. I finally have some time off of school, and am ready to get back to writing. I have been planning on writing a "How To" guide on getting started. So, here it is!
There are many different methods to start weening yourself off gluten. Going cold turkey is not recommended, as there is a greater chance of falling back off the wagon, not to mention the side effects of detoxing (dizziness, fatigue, headaches, feeling "drugged", powerful cravings for foods you can't eat, etc.). One source I read said to remove gluten in three stages: remove it one meal per day for up to two weeks, then remove it from a second meal for up to another two weeks, then remove it altogether. I've also seen some much more complicated methods, but I needed something much easier, since I am not a fan of change.
I needed baby steps. So, my doctor and I developed a method that would work for me. I gave myself a four week phase-out. Week one I cut out the big sources of gluten- specifically breads and pastas. Week two I gave up crackers and gluten-filled snacks. Week three was the hardest. In that week, I abandoned sweets made with flour and other sources of gluten. I think I was more worried about not wasting all of my girl scout cookies than I was about not being able to eat other desserts. Finally, in week four, I gave up the more random sources of gluten: sauces, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and whiskey), commercial salad dressings, etc.
I was proud of myself, because I stuck to this pretty religiously. It also really helped to go through my pantry, week by week, and label the foods that I could no longer eat. It was like Christmas for my roommate as she inherited all of my Cheez-Its, Goldfish crackers, and other snacks and foods that were now off-limits for me. Then I had to stock my pantry and fridge. That is something I am still trying to get better at. I went to Whole Foods, and they have a TON of GF foods, including a whole GF section, and purple labels all over the store marking which foods are GF. Plus, when I went to check out, the cashier noticed all of my Gluten Free purchases, and handed me a list of all the foods in the store that are GF friendly.
I received the same treatment at Trader Joe's. I even had an employee offer to be my personal shopper and guide me through the store making suggestions. She gave me the GF list that they have, and showed me how to look at their labels, which is super easy because all foods in their store that are gluten free have a big G on the front. Plus, Trader Joe's is WAY cheaper than Whole Foods. I also realized that my local Pick 'N Save has a gluten free aisle.
Overall, I have struggled a little bit, especially during Teacher Appreciation week at work when parents brought in all sorts of treats that I wasn't allowed to eat, but I have also been pretty successful at sticking to my diet. I have found straying from my diet, even a little bit, isn't worth the side effects. I have noticed that my body is more sensitive to the negative effects of gluten, now that it is out of my system.
If anything, the diet has made me into a better, more creative cook, and that is certainly a great thing. Plus, I am eating healthier, in general. Instead of copping out with mac and cheese, or something totally processed, I have been pretty much sticking to fresh ingredients, and incorporating more fruits and veggies into my diet. I still miss bagels and bread (I have yet to find good substitutes that actually taste like the real thing), but I find that I am craving those foods that I can't eat less and less.
One final motivational thought: If I can do this, than anyone can. No joke! I hate change, and I hate diets. I am lazy when it comes to changing my ways. I think knowing my health was at risk made it easier and gave me more motivation, but also having so many resources available, and so many sources for GF foods, has made this a pretty smooth journey so far. I still make mistakes sometimes. Just yesterday I had a bloody mary, and forgot that the only vodka I am allowed to have is potato vodka. But, seriously, if you are considering this diet, I would encourage you to talk to your doctor, get his or her advice on if it's a good idea. If so, then go for it! You have nothing to lose, except maybe some health issues and a few pounds (not that you need to! I mean, you look great!).
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Bright Side
Things I can still eat (and couldn't be more happy about):
- Eggs
- Cheeseburgers (on a gluten free bun)
- Veggies (thank goodness I am a veggie lover)
- Cheeeeese!
- Rice
- Soy Sauce (GF sauce, that is)
- Popcorn
- Chex
- Potatoes
- Cottage cheese
- Chicken
- Steak
- Lobster and other shellfish
- Peanut butter
- Spices/seasonings (I love seasoning up my food)
- WINE! (Wine makes it all taste so much better)
I just went on my very first gluten-free shopping trip. It was quite a bit more expensive than my usual grocery shopping trips, but I came away with myriad gluten-free products, and PLENTY of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. I have to admit that I didn't know where to start, or what to stock up on, but thanks to 5dollardinners.com and their gluten free meal planning calendar and shopping list, I had a great idea of where to start. I also took the suggestions of some friends and went to Whole Foods. They make it so much easier to find the gluten-free options. Not only do they have an entire GF section, but they also have purple labels throughout the store to denote which foods contain no gluten. Plus, when I went to check out, the cashier noticed my many GF products, and gave me a lot of advice, including foods that he has found that he likes better than others. He even went as far as to get me a list of all the products that Whole Foods has that are gluten-free. Overall, I felt like it was a very successful trip.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
I can't have WHAT!?
Some of the things I will miss the most:
- Cookies (Specifically Girl Scout Caramel Delights)
- Brownies
- Bagels
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Lunch Meat (I love me a good turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread)
- Ranch Dressing
- Croutons (What will become of my salads?)
- Imitation Crab Meat (Guess I'll have to settle for the real thing... sigh)
- Pretzels (Warm, soft ballpark pretzels)
- Brats (Another ballpark favorite)
- Beer (Baseball season is really starting to look bleak)
- Chicken Strips
- French Fries and Potato Chips
- Chip Dip
- Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Garlic Bread
- Bleu Cheese
- Flour Tortillas
- Cheez Its
- Whiskey (BY FAR the one thing I will miss the most!)
Ok, so this is not a complete list of things I can't have, just things I will really miss. I know there are many gluten-free versions of the foods (and drinks) listed above, but I know they will not taste the same. However, it is a small price to pay for good health. In my next post, I will switch to a more positive outlook and post the things I CAN have. For a more complete list of foods to avoid, visit this For Dummies website:
OR About.com's article on foods to avoid:
Also, check out the Dos and Don'ts of Gluten Free Eating:
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A blog? Is that even a real word?
I mean, really. I always laughed when I heard people talk about blogs. It sounded like something you would find in your bathtub drain. I never understood the purpose. But, as time went on, it became a word I heard frequently. And I began to hear stories about how blogs have helped people. I am still a complete virgin to the blog world, but thought I'd give it a try. My reason? My whole life and diet are about to get a complete overhaul, and I wanted a way to document the process. Plus, writing it all down means I actually have to stick with it.
I have always had seasonal allergies, but didn't get tested to find out what they were until a couple years ago. Even after testing, and taking allergy meds every day, I still didn't see much improvement. Yes, I am that girl. The one who is always fighting a sinus infection, or who always has a stomach ache. I am also the girl who is always hurting myself. I am told regularly that I should write a book about all of my mishaps. Instead, I think I'll settle with a blog.
Anyway, it wasn't until a recent visit to my chiropractor that it finally became clear why I am never 100% healthy. We were talking about my frequent ailments, and I mentioned my allergies. She then said that there is a chance that my grass allergy may also be a wheat allergy, and since I always eat wheat and grain products, my body is always fighting off an allergen. She suggested I try to go gluten-free for three months to see if my overall health would start to improve.
I walked out of the office terrified of the changes I would have to make, and even sought out a second opinion from my allergist. Through him, and some internet research, I found out that, yes, grass allergies can be linked to wheat allergies, especially in someone who has type O blood. "Holy crap!" I thought, "I have type O blood!" So, I began to think that maybe this whole gluten-free thing may actually benefit me.
Ironically, just the weekend before, I had been talking to someone who had recently gone wheat free and was telling me all about the benefits and suggesting that I give it a try. I had thought that yes, it did seem to have a lot of benefits- weight loss, better digestive function, overall bettering of health, not to mention the benefit have becoming a better cook thanks to all the practice I'd be getting. However, the thought of having to actually cook all of my meals, and the expense that goes with that, seemed like too big of a mountain to want to climb right that moment. I though, "Yeah, I'll do that... when I am motivated to do it. Maybe in a month or two."
Well, folks, that was five days ago, and having had the epiphany since then, that I may actually have a sensitivity or an allergy to wheat, I have decided to strap on my hiking shoes and climb that mountain. So this, my friends, is my way of journaling this adventure. I know it won't be easy, and I know I will need a little support and a lot of resources, but I am making this happen. It is now Wednesday, and I am finishing out the week by eating the rest of my bread and other grains I will miss, and in that time I am making a list of things I can and cannot have. This weekend, I will grocery shop and restock my refrigerator and pantry with gluten-free products, and I will begin the process of cooking and eating only GF foods.
I will keep you posted as I go. Hopefully, through this process, I can also help someone else who is thinking about going gluten free and doesn't know where to begin. I will share my resources, success stories, challenges, and anything else I just want to get off my chest. Hope you'll follow along!
I have always had seasonal allergies, but didn't get tested to find out what they were until a couple years ago. Even after testing, and taking allergy meds every day, I still didn't see much improvement. Yes, I am that girl. The one who is always fighting a sinus infection, or who always has a stomach ache. I am also the girl who is always hurting myself. I am told regularly that I should write a book about all of my mishaps. Instead, I think I'll settle with a blog.
Anyway, it wasn't until a recent visit to my chiropractor that it finally became clear why I am never 100% healthy. We were talking about my frequent ailments, and I mentioned my allergies. She then said that there is a chance that my grass allergy may also be a wheat allergy, and since I always eat wheat and grain products, my body is always fighting off an allergen. She suggested I try to go gluten-free for three months to see if my overall health would start to improve.
I walked out of the office terrified of the changes I would have to make, and even sought out a second opinion from my allergist. Through him, and some internet research, I found out that, yes, grass allergies can be linked to wheat allergies, especially in someone who has type O blood. "Holy crap!" I thought, "I have type O blood!" So, I began to think that maybe this whole gluten-free thing may actually benefit me.
Ironically, just the weekend before, I had been talking to someone who had recently gone wheat free and was telling me all about the benefits and suggesting that I give it a try. I had thought that yes, it did seem to have a lot of benefits- weight loss, better digestive function, overall bettering of health, not to mention the benefit have becoming a better cook thanks to all the practice I'd be getting. However, the thought of having to actually cook all of my meals, and the expense that goes with that, seemed like too big of a mountain to want to climb right that moment. I though, "Yeah, I'll do that... when I am motivated to do it. Maybe in a month or two."
Well, folks, that was five days ago, and having had the epiphany since then, that I may actually have a sensitivity or an allergy to wheat, I have decided to strap on my hiking shoes and climb that mountain. So this, my friends, is my way of journaling this adventure. I know it won't be easy, and I know I will need a little support and a lot of resources, but I am making this happen. It is now Wednesday, and I am finishing out the week by eating the rest of my bread and other grains I will miss, and in that time I am making a list of things I can and cannot have. This weekend, I will grocery shop and restock my refrigerator and pantry with gluten-free products, and I will begin the process of cooking and eating only GF foods.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)