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!).
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