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Home » Articles » The Kitchen
On going gluten-free...again (I could use your advice!)
by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix
Years ago, on the recommendation of some friends in the chronic illness world, I spent a month eating gluten-free.
It sucked.
It was so hard. At that time, the concept of eating gluten-free seemed nearly unknown. A few excellent resources existed, alongside a bunch of partial—and often incorrect—information.
None of my friends knew what the heck I was talking about when I described my experiment. Nearly none of the restaurants I visited had a clue how to feed me. (An example: At a local bar, I ordered a bun-less burger, explaining to the waitress that I was eating gluten-free. That I couldn't have wheat. Just meat and cheese, my friend. She brought it on slices of wheat toast instead. "You said no bun, but burgers aren't the same without something, and all we had was bread," she explained. Sigh.)
By the end of my gluten-free month, I was brain-fried when it came to ordering food at restaurants and reading labels. But lots of my chronic illness symptoms were improved.
Still, I didn't stick with it
I told myself it had just been an experiment to see what it was like for my fellow sick chicks with celiac disease. I told myself that it was too hard, that I couldn't live without beer and donuts and the ability to order whatever I wanted at restaurants.
Today, I'm preparing to go gluten-free again
From all points of the universe, I've been receiving signs that it's time to remove gluten from my life. I'm lucky—I don't have celiac disease, so minor amounts of contamination won't be a big deal—but I do have a bunch of illnesses that are inflammatory in nature.
Everything I've learned in recent years tells me this will be a good change. All my friends with similar health conditions who've gone gluten-free tell me I'll never go back. Health care practitioners of all sorts are encouraging me to go for it.
There are more resources than ever for gluten-free babes
This time, I'm bolstered by a plethora of awesome resources for those living the gluten-free lifestyle.
Gluten-Free Girl & The Chef has been a steady, strong resource, and I look forward to browsing years of recipes Shawna has posted.
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is overflowing with great ideas and support.
Many restaurants (including many national chains) now offer gluten-free menus, and many local restaurants will adapt their recipes to accommodate.
Hundreds of food manufacturers are creating gluten-free foods, and many grocery store chains even have gluten-free aisles.
The Celiac Chicks offer a hip take on living gluten-free.
Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and many other health food stores stock hundreds of healthy options. (And on a wide spectrum of affordability.)
And even better: I have loved ones who understand
Not that I want my friends to be sick, but a few have been diagnosed with celiac disease or wheat intolerance in recent years. They're offering advice on dining out, cooking, stocking my pantry and more. That's AWESOME. I'm also dating a foodie who I know can be flexible when it comes to shopping and cooking, something we love to do together, so I'm not too worried about inconveniencing my honey. That is ALSO AWESOME. My BFF's sister is a mom who manages a kitchen that feeds kids with complicated food needs, so my BFF totally gets it. Again: AWESOME. And I have a TON more friends online who also know what it's like and can offer help.
Have I mentioned that it's AWESOME to know I have support?
So I'm ready to get planning...and I could use your help
I'll be gathering tons of resources, recipes, advice and more. In particular, I'd love to hear how you:
- spot hidden sources of gluten
- plan for out-of-town travel
- enjoy dining out
- research before shopping
- find delicious new recipes
- research substitute ingredients and proportions
...and anything else you think is a great tip and trick. Add your advice in the comments below so everyone can share them!
And I'll keep posting about my experience, sharing what I learn.
The last time I did this, I was nervous. This time, I'm excited!
I think it will be difficult at times, sure. But I think it will be great for my health. In fact, I KNOW it will be great! Especially because I know I'll have great support.
Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge. I look forward to spreading the wealth in the coming months.
Posted: 10/29/2012 in The Kitchen | Also posted in: Coping
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