So you just got the word you have to go gluten free for life. I assume you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy. My condolences. As if your life wasn’t challenging enough, you just got it kicked up a notch.
Right now, your head is spinning. What do I do? Where do I start?
Take a breath…relax…I promise you, while not easy, you can and will do this.
But before you go crazy emptying the gluten-free shelves at your grocery store (a typical newbie reaction), you need to mentally accept that you can never have gluten again. I will say it again…you can never have gluten again…ever.
It stings, doesn’t it?
When I was first diagnosed five years ago, I remember telling Mrs. Dude that I can’t make any promises I won’t cheat. It just seemed so overwhelming. And permanent. And not knowing too much about the disease, I figured the occasional slice of pizza couldn’t possibly harm me. Thankfully, I educated myself, I never caved and this has allowed me to heal.
But I know not everyone’s will-power may be up to the challenge. Take my advice. Give yourself time.
You’re pissed…and rightfully so. It’s ok to be angry. It’s ok to mourn the loss of your old life. It’s ok to long for the care-free days when food and spontaneity could be used in the same sentence. Be angry. Be sad.
But then move on. Look forward and not back. You have to or you’ll lead a miserable, bitter life. You can’t have gluten. Oh well. Face it…there are worse things in life. Much worse.
You have to rise to the mental challenge or you will never succeed in going gluten free. A friend of mine recently stated over dinner that my disease must be great for my will-power. It is indeed. Once you get it through your head that you CAN do this, it really gives a jolt to your self-confidence that you can carry over to all aspects of your life.
So for the next few weeks, focus on brain-training. And I promise, eventually your mindset will shift and you will indeed transition from “I can’t have that???” to “I don’t want that.”
And once you achieve that, you’re half-way there.
Somebody who's been gluten-free since 2007 due to a diagnosis of Celiac disease, where the doc said my numbers were "off the charts". Someone who can steer you in the right direction when it comes to going gluten-free. And someone who will always give you the naked truth about going gluten free.
I’m so greatful for your knowledge. And since I’m newly diagnoised this series will be sooo helpful. I’m still going through the “I can’t have that” stage.
I was not tested on corn allergy but can there be such also? and what about yeast? I’m veg. but still loved all my sweets . and loved a good croisant veggie sandwhich.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Just be patient Heather. The shift WILL happen over time.
I’m reticent to give advice on other allergies…sorry. I’m sticking to what I know.
I am 63 and was diagnosed a year ago. Looking back, I realize I have had Celiac all my life. So much makes sense now. Needless to say, a lot of damage has been done. I will not go into all my issues, but right now I am dealing with SIBO. I have about 5 foods I can handle at the moment. The other day I did not bring enough food with me to work. There was soup in the kitchen. My Boss suggested I have some. When I said no without even looking to see what was in it. (I knew it was per-packaged) she told me I was “unreasonable”. This is someone who has known me since long before my diagnosis and knows how rotten I feel. Just wanted to rant. Thanks for listening
I think your boss is the unreasonable one…and then some!
You’re welcome to rant any time you’d like.
My name is Nicole I am 16 years old and my sister diagnosed with the Celiac Disease .
She 25 years old , she started the GF Diet about 3 years ago . Im really sad/upset that she has it because she has change ever since she found out she had it . She went through a stage of depression for year or so . She lost a lot of weight during that time and she would be sad … She still has a generous and wonderful heart.. but something inside her has change . She cried a few days ago because she found out that she couldn’t make a spanish desert that she loved so much . It hurts to hear that she cries for “food”… see how that sounds .
I just wish there was a way I can comfort her … even though she lives miles away now ….
I hope there is a cure and FAST ! Any advice , anyone … ?
Thanks for reading .
You’re such a sweet sister Nicole.
Not sure how I can help but three years is a long time to be suffering emotionally from this. I know it’s a standard answer but I would recommend having her talk to somebody (therapist) so she can deal with her feelings.
Once she accepts the loss…it becomes a heck of a lot easier.
There will be no cure any time soon so the best path to happiness is acceptance.
Please keep us posted on her progress.
GD
Thank you for all your fantastic information. I’m one of the newbies since my diagnostic just came in a month ago. Every day I learn something new. It is good to everyday check your blog and your tweets because it makes the learning experience easier. You also give us a heartfelt support which I appreciate. It has been very difficult for my fiancée. He is having a problem understanding the concept of me being celiac or even accepting it. But the support you give all of us it’s enough for me. So I thank you very much for being there always.
You are quite welcome Socorro. Hang in there. It gets easier. And get your fiancee on board…asap.