Gluten-free

First of all: Ignore everything Dr. Oz says. He's a quack and says anything anyone who is giving him a fat cheque wants him to say.

Secondly: Gluten-free is seriously hard. You basically have to eliminate all grains from your diet, and if you ever eat something, it's best to bake it yourself so you know it really is gluten free! The rewards from doing it, if gluten does really cause you problems, are definitely worth the efforts! Eat more veggies. It'll make for a good substitution.

Now, before anyone flames on this post: I do realize not all grains contain gluten, but all of the common ones do. If you want to start using other grains, it becomes incredibly expensive and, IMO, not worth the cost. Just cut out grains entirely.

its easy. You can buy gluten free oats and eat lots of veggies fruit and rice, quinoa stuff like that.
Rice cakes or gluten free bread. Not that hard once you get used to it.

I have to stay gluten-free and dairy-free or I suffer the consequences. Both of those foods trigger migraines, digestive problems, and hormonal problems for me. It takes attention to detail to fully eliminate the offending food from your diet but in my experience it's been worth it. My best friend has Hashimoto's and ended up with the same dietary changes needed.

You're welcome to look through my diary for ideas. There are PLENTY of things to eat that do not have gluten.

I cut out dairy as well and strive to be gluten free and vegan. Its just normal now not really so hard once you get the hang of it.

Secondly: Gluten-free is seriously hard. You basically have to eliminate all grains from your diet, and if you ever eat something, it's best to bake it yourself so you know it really is gluten free! The rewards from doing it, if gluten does really cause you problems, are definitely worth the efforts! Eat more veggies. It'll make for a good substitution.

It's not that hard! There are lots of gluten free options. I suspect it depends on where you live. I've found some decent breads by Canyon Bakery at my local Whole Foods (they do contain fiber) so if you want sandwiches, you can do that. I also eat Van's Waffles and a few others that are gluten free and they aren't bad. Pamela's makes some nice gluten free mixes that are easy to use to make waffles and stuff if you want to go the home made route. You'll need to weigh and measure which is why I prefer to buy the gluten free waffles pre-made. It's convenient. Don't be scared by going gluten free...it's just a matter of planning and reading labels. They even make gluten free pasta's that are quite good.

The hardest part will be doing lunch. I solved that by doubling up my dinner cooking (larger portions) so that I could take the leftovers to work the next day. They sell a mini-crockpot at Target (online at Walmart) and it's just enough for a small lunch. I fill it up with rice, leftover chicken, pasta, frozen veggies and sometimes some seasonings and by lunch, it's hot and good to go. You just need to plug it into an extension somewhere at the office and you'll not have to worry about lunch time. I find big bags of veggies at Costco (and BJ's) and basically, the crock pot steams them beautifully after a few hours. If you love rice, this is super easy and I've actually had some fun experimenting with seasonings.

Do you have a grill? If yes, even a George Foreman is fine, just grill an extra chicken breast for lunch. Buy a rice cooker and you're set for rice...

As for other grains, yep - avoid them. I buy Mill's Gluten Free Oats (only use equipment in gluten free fields - no wheat grown there at all) which are nice. For snacks, there are Rice type chips that are very tasty. Avoid Quinoa as some people have a reaction to it. I would be careful of restaurants. There are some who claim gluten free but that doesn't mean they have the same manufacturing processes as a factory. There have been problems in the past going that route. I generally only go to restaurants that include steak and maybe a baked potato and veggies. It's harder to mess up dishes if there are no sauces. I like Outback Steakhouse - but look at their 500 calorie menu. You'll go WAY over if you order a potato. Sob.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll see that you will have a ton of energy once you start eating veggies, fruits and you're off the gluten.

As for Dr. Oz - don't be put off by those who despise the man - it seems like around here you mention the man's name and suddenly a ton of people will come out and post like 30 posts about how much they despise him. Sigh. It's like a hobby for them. We all have our opinions. Wink. If you want more advice on Gluten free, there is a forum here dedicated to that if you look under groups.

P.S. The above was not an invitation to a shooting fest...for those who are too serious, I was lightly making a joke and not requesting a citation style oriented discussion on the merits of the man.

Hi,
are house is going gluten free, I do make my own cookies and baked goods it is much cheaper.I personaly like the gluten free all purpose flour it works very well. I get mine from Bulk Barn if you live in Canada .I do make my own bread ( did end up buying a bread machine ). if you do like pasta I suggest you go to an orentail market , that is where i get mine because 1) because I can the same stiles of noodles, but for one third the price.

Good luck have any other questions just ask or friend me.

8 0)

76birdy76

I'm not even going to read the other posts or I will likely flip out....

You can look at my diary. I am completely gluten-free and I do not eat any grains, legumes, artificial sweeteners. I limit fruit and natural sweeteners, and dairy. Dairy doesn't work well for everyone, but I seem to be ok with the full fat types such as cheese and cream. I have a high fat, moderate protein, low carb food plan.

I changed my diet for my health first and foremost. I was VERY sick. No doctor has told me to eat this way but I have done lots of research and have past experience with a similar way of eating. I've also observed my Inuit neighbours and what they were eating when they were healthy and what they are eating now while disease rates are increasing. Within two weeks after changing my diet I was no longer sick (and I'm talking some serious, life threatening illnesses!) and now, 11 weeks later, I have lost 23 pounds without ever being hungry or feeling deprived.

The only time I find it "hard" is when I am away from home as wheat, sugar, or artificial sweeteners seem to be in everything and most people don't eat like I do. But there is always something that I can eat, even if it's only some raw veggies and cheese. I can eat just about any kind of salad; hold the croutons.