Gluten free

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/129-gluten-free You might like to join this group. They can probably answer your questions.

Thank you for posting this. For some reason I didn't see this listed as a board so even after almost a month didn't know about it.

I'm 19 and have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease for 7 months. The hardest transition you will have is reading labels and eating out. Anything that is Teriakyi contains gluten because it generally is made with a soy sauce that contains wheat. Sushi places you cannot have fake crab as it contains fillers, so make sure you ask at any place if it is real seafood or not. You must also avoid ( which you probably know) anything deep fried, as well as cooked in a communal fryer. For example, McDonalds french fries are safe as they have their own dedicated deep fryer, but Wendy's cook their fries in the same as chicken fingers, etc, therefore not safe. If you're just starting out gluten free I found eating basic foods was the easiest way to transition myself into these habits. Basically fruit, veggies and meat. The best gluten free bread that's grocery store bought is Glutino Genius, in my town it is found at a local SuperStore. Costco sells Mary's Gluten Free organic crackers that are made from seeds, and are really good. A lot of Red Mill and Glutino products you can't tell that they are gluten free and are very good, such as already made cookies and mixes. A cheaper way to making pasta is going to a bulk store and buying rice pasta, rather than boxes found in the gluten free isle. Anything like Quaker Granola Bars are NOT safe. It is easily cross contaminated. Sorry that this is a lot thrown at you but hope this helps

Wow... more good info... thank you. I am gluten SENSITIVE but not completely intolerant apparently. I can tolerate it in minor doses, just not all the time. It's been a journey the past month to see what my triggers are but I'm starting to narrow it down. Your post has helped. Thank you!

Do you have a Trader Joe's where you live? They have an immense selection of GF products at great prices, and the staff will walk you through it. Best grocery chain there is...

I found out I have Celiac disease in November of last year, and I can relate to the feeling of not being able to eat anything. It has taken me a long time to figure out all of the hidden sources of gluten, with a lot of getting sick along the way. Knowing/learning how to cook has been my biggest advantage. Most raw ingredients (aside from the obvious - wheat flour, barley, rye, and in my case also oats) are naturally gluten free. As far as packaged foods go, I don't take a lot of chances. I try not to eat anything that doesn't expressly say "gluten free" right on the package - there are just too many hidden sources of gluten and cross contamination issues. GF products are hit or miss, and I'm sure everyone has their favorites. I like the Udi's brand GF multigrain bread (their bagels and desserts are also amazing) and I like the Glutino brand for crackers. Quinoa pasta is the best texture wise that I have found and there is also a brand sold at Walmart (called Heartland I think?) that is a close second.

Going out to eat is a whole 'nother animal. Chipotle is my ultimate go-to. Everything except the flour tortillas is GF. And they make it right in front of you, all you have to do is ask them to change their gloves to prevent cross contamination. A lot of places have GF options or GF menus. There is a really cool app if you have a smartphone called 'Find Me Gluten Free' that will search for GF restaurants near you.

You really DO have to read the labels carefully. Gluten is found in wheat and wheat products, but they can be found in surprising places as well. This link helped my diabetic, gluten intolerant father understand what to be careful about, so I think it'll help you too: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/gluten-free-diets/what-foods-have-gluten.html In my opinion, it's best to prepare your meals yourself and use gluten free substitutes whenever possible. I buy my gluten free products from Gluten Free Palace. They have a wide variety of gluten free products right from breads to gluten free gift baskets. Take a look. You might find something interesting.
http://www.glutenfreepalace.com/Gluten-Free-Gift-Baskets-s/317.htm

http://gluten.lovetoknow.com/Other_Names_for_Gluten