Buying processed, ready-made gluten free meals. When I first got diagnosed with Celiac, we beelined to Wegmans, found the gluten-free aisle, and pretty much bought out the store. Pizzas, frozen foods, etc. Being overwhelmed, this seemed the simplest thing to do. But guess what? To make these items tasty without gluten, the manufacturers need to add a lot of other garbage which is a lot less healthy, and more fattening, than gluten. And if you’re freshly diagnosed, your insides are a mess. Go naked. Which means just stick to meat, veggies and fish with no sauces for a bit, with the occasional treat. Your intestines will thank you for it.
Assuming something is gluten free just because it says it is. Check the ingredients. Ask the waiter a thousand questions. You’ll be surprised what you find. You have to be your biggest advocate.
Not being patient. Once I went gluten free, it took me two years to start feeling decent again. Some people feel better immediately…I didn’t. But stay the course, let your insides heal, and eventually things will turn around.
Cheating…even a little. Since I was diagnosed, I have not cheated one single time. And when I go thru a stretch of a few months where I feel good, a thought may creeep in saying “c’mon…it’s just one slice of pizza”. But I’ve never succumbed and you shouldn’t either. Not only can it set you back months, but even if you don’t feel it, you’re doing damage to your body and eventually it will catch up to you.
Assuming you’ll lose weight going gluten free. Simply going gluten free is not a diet plan and it pains me to no end that gluten free has become the “in” diet. Eating healthy and exercise, like since the beginning of time, is the only healthy way to lose weight.
Thinking your life will never be the same again. Well, actually it won’t be, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It is a HUGE adjustment going gluten free, but at the end of the day, it’s a manageable disease, you don’t eat a lot of crap that’s not good for you and there are always so many people much worse off than you.
Do you have more suggestions? Leave a comment and I’ll keep adding items to the list.
This one is from jbg…
Not adjusting your food shopping budget. It seems we almost doubled our grocery bill when I was diagnosed. We were certainly not expecting this. We needed to cut back in other places.
And this one just in from samanthaK…
Going out to eat soon after being diagnosed. Don’t do it. Assume you’ll be eating at home for the first few month’s so you have full control over what you eat. Let yourself heal.
And this from Esther…
Assuming that personal care and beauty items are safe. The first time I went to get my hair cut after going GF, I thankfully remembered to ask my stylist about her products just before she started to wash my hair. Everything she had in the shop contained gluten, from the shampoo to the styling gels. I’ve also found gluten as an ingredient in hand soap, deodorant, and even in an all-natural hair spray.
How about not adjusting your food shopping budget. It seems we almost doubled our grocery bill when I was diagnosed. We were certainly not expecting this. We needed to cut back in other places.
(slapping my forehead) How did I forget that one?? In addition to the food, we had to buy new pots and pans, silverware, a toaster, utensils. My god, it was like a second mortgage payment that first month. Thanks for the input…will add to the list.
My biggest mistake was going out to eat soon after being diagnosed. Most restaurants don’t have a clue (IMHO) and you are just taking a chance. Let yourself heal first and then venture out to eat carefully.
Absolutely Samantha. And on that point, I find the nicer restaurants tend to be more knowledgeable and accommodating. And naturally, more expensive.
The thoughts about cheating with a slice of pizza have crossed my mind too! In fact, there are some days I cannot concentrate on work because all I can think about is the pizza I want but can’t have. I can’t even walk down the same side of the street as my favorite pizza place. But I have NOT cheated, even once (no matter how much I’ve been tempted.
Sometime I think that if I had the money, I’d commission some expert baker to replicate REAL New York pizza dough (a pizza Manhattan Project!) There are no g-free pizzas that come anywhere near real New York pizza.
Sigh.
“A Pizza Manhattan Project”…I love it. I think it would be more challenging than the original Manhattan Project.
Keep up the good discipline. Your villi will thank you for it.
As a dude, perhaps this was never an issue for you, but a newbie should never assume that personal care and beauty items are safe. The first time I went to get my hair cut after going GF, I thankfully remembered to ask my stylist about her products just before she started to wash my hair. Everything she had in the shop contained gluten, from the shampoo to the styling gels. She ended up just wetting my hair and cutting it without any products. Lame! I’ve also found gluten as an ingredient in hand soap, deodorant, and even in an all-natural hair spray.
Good one Esther. I’ll add it to the list. Thanks.
Don’t you have to ingest gluten to be affected? Why would shampoo be an issue?
I have long hair, so it is definitely an issue for me. There have been many times that I step out into the wind and end up with hair in my mouth. I certainly don’t want the risk that my hair may still have remnants of shampoo with gluten. For someone with short hair, this may not be as big of an issue, although other cosmetics like lipsticks and hand lotions could still be a problem.
In addition, some celiacs have skin issues when it comes to gluten so they need to be careful.
Believe it or not there are many places out there making GF pizza these days, however there has to be cross contamination. Being baked in regular ovens and using the paddle they just used on the GF pizza, etc… you still need to be careful..Even the regular flour dust flying through the air. My biggest mistake was thinking that if I can’t eat this or that, I will make it GF…. I used Jules Flour Mix like it was going out of style, and baking all kinds of cookies and cakes and bread and of course, pizza…. well about 20 pounds later, hahahaha!!! So, here’s a great recipe for a GF pizza crust. Steam cauliflower until it’s tender enough to mash, add some spices, like garlic, onion, oregano, some hot pepper flakes, or whatever you like, and an egg. (I have made it without the egg also.) Flatten it onto a pizza stone, or a baking pan, and bake for about 20 minutes… then add your sauce and veggies and cheeses, I use tomato slices, sauteed onion, garlic, and zucchini and spinach…mozzerella and fresh shredded parmesan, and bake again until done. Be careful not to make the edges too thin, or they will get over done, but even so, it tastes great!!! It doesn’t get too firm, so you can’t pick it up like pizza, but I found if you make the crust the day before and let it sit, it’s a bit firmer. It tastes great whichever way!!
Sounds awesome Marcia. On my serious “to-do list” is to learn to get creative in the kitchen. I am so lame when it comes to making my own meals.
Everyone should post favorite recipes, would that be ok?? Then we can learn new tricks! I have a great muffin recipe made in about 3 min from start to finish!
Hey by the way, the math is getting harder.
That would be great. Bring it on. Maybe I’ll create a separate post asking for people’s favorite gluten free recipes.
The math is random…but that’s funny.
Gluten Free Muffins in a Minute
1/4 C of Flax meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 large egg
1 tsp butter
1 packet of stevia… (optional)
I usually add a little nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in there also and instead of butter I use sour cream or greek yogurt… You can’t seem to mess it up. I put walnuts in it, and sprinkle some on top. If it seems too thick add a tsp of water..
Pour into a mug or a small bowl, and microwave for about a minute.. with the extra stuff I let it cook for 1 1/2 min… turn over and enjoy!!
I like to split and toast it with almond butter or what ever strikes your fancy. I
ENJOY!!!
Looks great Marcia. Will try it out.