Going Gluten Free, part two

Going gluten free is a huge change your life. Here are a few more ideas of what to expect and how to cope.

(1) No guts, no glory - When you are gluten intolerant, your gut doesn't assimilate vitamins and minerals the way it should. The villi in the intestines have been flattened, rather than being free to release digestive enzymes like they should. The first few months to a year after going GF you should help your gut heal. It's very common for gluten intolerant people to be allergic to other foods too, especially lactose. If you can heal your gut, there's a big chance you won't be allergic to those other foods anymore.

My daughter couldn't tolerate lactose or corn (and some other foods which weren't as major.) We avoided those foods when she first went GF. However, she could tolerate homemade yogurt, and found that to be extremely healing and soothing to her tummy. After a few months of being GF and eating a lot of yogurt, she was able to tolerate any food she wanted (except gluten of course.)

If you have other food allergies, I'd suggest avoiding those foods as much as possible, and taking probiotics and/or eating homemade yogurt, kefir, and other foods with natural cultures in them (as tolerated by you) to help your stomachs heal.

(2) Contamination - When you are gluten free, you really have to be gluten FREE. You cannot eat anything with any gluten in it, and you can't eat anything that has been contaminated. Watch out for foods cooked in toasters/toaster ovens, grills, griddles, waffle irons etc. Be sure not to use cutting boards/knives that have sliced gluten breads. Wash dishes thoroughly with soap and hot water.

(3) Cheating - Don't do it! You'll feel it (unless you're one of those very few people who have no symptoms.) It's hard not to cheat, but this isn't like a diet, it's a lifestyle that dramatically increases your health.

(4) Should the whole family go GF? - Unless the whole family is gluten intolerant, it is very difficult to have the whole family eat GF. On the positive side of having the everyone GF, you will reduce contamination issues at home, and the person who eats GF won't feel singled out. On the negative side, eating GF can be very expensive if you're not careful and not everyone will want to never eat bread. If you do choose to have the whole family eat GF at home, they don't have to follow that rule outside the home. Our family isn't totally GF at home, but most of what we eat is GF.

(5) Dining Out - You've gotta be careful when eating out. It can be done, but contamination is always an issue. If you're used to eating out, you'll find that you will need to cut back drastically on that habit. There are some eateries that do offer GF options. The Spaghetti Factory does offer GF meals - if you call ahead. Always ask at restaurants and don't be surprised if they have no idea what you're talking about.

(6) Join a support group - It's helpful to network with others when you're gluten free! You can find all sorts of good info like foods that are officially GF, recipes, restaurants that are GF friendly, etc. GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) is one of the biggest nationwide support groups. There are also local chapters like this one in Utah.

(7) Read Labels - be sure to read every label! Gluten can hide in many places in processed foods, such as artificial colors/flavors, msg, food starch, etc. You have no way of knowing if gluten is in that product, unless the ingredients are basic and straightforward or it specifically says "gluten free" on the label. Many companies have begun to label foods as gluten free which has saved a lot of label reading time. Watch out for products that say they've been manufactured in a plant which also processes wheat.

(8) Plan ahead - This one is so hard for me, but you've got to do it. Whenever you go places, bring food with you because you don't know what you'll find! Menu planning is a must.

(9) Meal Ideas - Breakfast: You can buy cold cereals that are gluten free, but they are very expensive. Try instead fruit or green smoothies, blender waffles, yogurt, hot brown rice cereal, eggs, etc. Lunches & Dinners - Soups, salads, tortilla rollups, oriental, mexican, potatoes, meat, etc. Lots of ideas on my blog. Eat simply!

(10) Snacks & Treats - popcorn, peanut butter balls, smoothies, fruits & veggies, fruit leather, cheesesticks, nuts, ice cream (or coconut milk ice cream), chocolate, homemade pudding, flourless cookies, GF brownies, yogurt, fudge, etc...

There are still many tasty things you can eat, especially if you can get other allergies to clear up. You can still eat well, and you'll probably find you're eating healthier and feeling better than you ever have before. You can do it!