Gluten free by choice!

jdhobson
jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hello, I'm sure there are many other folks who have decided to eliminate gluten from their diet. Before I began my diet, I was diagnosed with IBS and was constantly having to deal with stomach aches all the time. Recently, they have went away.. specifically when I avoided gluten.Now, I am full on "gluten-free" and I have been for two weeks.

My first week was kind of tough and I had symptoms of withdraws (headache, couldn't sleep, cramps, ect.) but now I feel wonderful. However, I am still new to this concept. I was wondering if anyone could offer some healthy ideas for gluten replacements - suggestions on breads, snacks, brands, dos and dont;s. Anything would be greatly appreciated! I would just like see if other people have done this, what they have done, and how they accomplished the same goal that I have.

Thanks!
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Replies

  • ecw3780
    ecw3780 Posts: 608 Member
    don't. just don't. don't get sucked into the gluten free snack black whole of doom. I have been gluten free for 10 years (I have celiac- which sometimes goes along with IBS so you might want to get tested). Bread wise, the Udi's bread is the best. Ancient Harvest and Tinkyada have the best pasta. Glutino has the best crackers. However, it is really important to note that if you don't have to be gluten free, these foods are just as bad as eating white carbs. They aren't nutritionally better for you (except they don't contain gluten) unless you have a gluten intolerance. A lot of people mistake them as healthy or low carb. They are frequently higher in calories too. I like the Udi's Flax and Fiber bread for breakfast, but that is really the only gluten free substitute I make. Otherwise, I just avoid it. You may also need to check your medications for starches and your bath products for wheat, rye and barley. Lastly, remember going gluten free isn't like going low carb or paleo, it is done for health reasons not weight loss.
  • dorothytd
    dorothytd Posts: 1,138 Member
    I avoid it as much as I can and have gotten great results with digestion and joint aches. I've been a little lax this summer, and my body knows it! I just wanted to chime in with cereal. There are a lot of wheat-free cereals out there that can do well in a pinch when you don't have a meal planned. Cheese and fruit are a nice snack. Kind bars, and nuts in general are good snacks. LOTS of GF chocolate out there if you must eat it, like me!

    As for bread, I just don't at much of it - just about any sandwich can become a salad.

    Good luck!
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    don't. just don't. don't get sucked into the gluten free snack black whole of doom. I have been gluten free for 10 years (I have celiac- which sometimes goes along with IBS so you might want to get tested). Bread wise, the Udi's bread is the best. Ancient Harvest and Tinkyada have the best pasta. Glutino has the best crackers. However, it is really important to note that if you don't have to be gluten free, these foods are just as bad as eating white carbs. They aren't nutritionally better for you (except they don't contain gluten) unless you have a gluten intolerance. A lot of people mistake them as healthy or low carb. They are frequently higher in calories too. I like the Udi's Flax and Fiber bread for breakfast, but that is really the only gluten free substitute I make. Otherwise, I just avoid it. You may also need to check your medications for starches and your bath products for wheat, rye and barley. Lastly, remember going gluten free isn't like going low carb or paleo, it is done for health reasons not weight loss.

    Thank you for the response. I am at the "end" of my losing weight phase and am now looking for the right diet to maintain. I feel like I have felt the best when I have avoided gluten so I am going to try it for some time. Thank you for the information, I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks where I will mention about getting tested.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Completely asinine and misguided...
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Completely asinine and misguided...

    Pretty vague statement to make, but thanks for the input.

    If you'd like to elaborate, I'd like to hear what you have to say.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice
  • TigerBite
    TigerBite Posts: 611 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    This is true ... I was confused by the original post because if you avoid gluten because it's causing digestive upset (intolerant here as well) then it's not really a "choice" as much as a "necessity" if you want to feel/function normal/normally.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I have not been diagnosed, so I am choosing this route. The point of this was to talk to others in similar situations where they were trying something new because it seemed logical, but had no official diagnosis.

    If you are here to "help" and give advice, you should work on your delivery. It's not effective.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I have not been diagnosed, so I am choosing this route. The point of this was to talk to others in similar situations where they were trying something new because it seemed logical, but had no official diagnosis.

    If you are here to "help" and give advice, you should work on your delivery. It's not effective.

    Sorry if you don't like my delivery, but this just seems like a problem with a simple fix: talk to your doctor, get tested for gluten intolerance, then you know and don't have to experiment/do guesswork. I see a lot of people who decide to eliminate gluten because they think it will help them lose weight, and that is completely ridiculous. My original comments were geared more toward those people. Obviously if you 100% know that it is the gluten that is upsetting your stomach, then eliminate it, otherwise, get tested
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    This is true ... I was confused by the original post because if you avoid gluten because it's causing digestive upset (intolerant here as well) then it's not really a "choice" as much as a "necessity" if you want to feel/function normal/normally.

    My apologies. I was just trying to emphasize that I had not been diagnosed.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I have not been diagnosed, so I am choosing this route. The point of this was to talk to others in similar situations where they were trying something new because it seemed logical, but had no official diagnosis.

    If you are here to "help" and give advice, you should work on your delivery. It's not effective.

    Sorry if you don't like my delivery, but this just seems like a problem with a simple fix: talk to your doctor, get tested for gluten intolerance, then you know and don't have to experiment/do guesswork. I see a lot of people who decide to eliminate gluten because they think it will help them lose weight, and that is completely ridiculous. My original comments were geared more toward those people. Obviously if you 100% know that it is the gluten that is upsetting your stomach, then eliminate it, otherwise, get tested

    I've lost my 120 pounds that I needed to drop. I am no longer looking to drop weight. I am looking to feel better. I feel much better than I did 120 pounds ago, but I still have difficulty with my stomach. I plan to get tested when I go to the doctor next. In the meantime, I was going to try this out. Thanks for the input.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I have not been diagnosed, so I am choosing this route. The point of this was to talk to others in similar situations where they were trying something new because it seemed logical, but had no official diagnosis.

    If you are here to "help" and give advice, you should work on your delivery. It's not effective.

    Sorry if you don't like my delivery, but this just seems like a problem with a simple fix: talk to your doctor, get tested for gluten intolerance, then you know and don't have to experiment/do guesswork. I see a lot of people who decide to eliminate gluten because they think it will help them lose weight, and that is completely ridiculous. My original comments were geared more toward those people. Obviously if you 100% know that it is the gluten that is upsetting your stomach, then eliminate it, otherwise, get tested

    I've lost my 120 pounds that I needed to drop. I am no longer looking to drop weight. I am looking to feel better. I feel much better than I did 120 pounds ago, but I still have difficulty with my stomach. I plan to get tested when I go to the doctor next. In the meantime, I was going to try this out. Thanks for the input.

    Congrats on the weight loss, that's awesome. When it comes to diet, most important thing is to eat things that make you feel good and avoid things that don't. Good luck
  • eylia
    eylia Posts: 200 Member
    Just a heads up, if you do intend on getting tested, you need to be eating gluten at the time-or the results won't be a true indication.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Just a heads up, if you do intend on getting tested, you need to be eating gluten at the time-or the results won't be a true indication.

    Guess I'll have to adjust then. Thanks
  • ecw3780
    ecw3780 Posts: 608 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I'm not going to lie, this is usually my gut reaction when someone tells me they are going gluten free or says something like "you're gluten free - I love being paleo!". It makes me want to punch them. I do not choose gluten free. It's more "Gluten Free or Die" However, since it sounds like you are doing it for digestive reasons, I am hoping you aren't thinking it is an awesome diet. Because honestly, if you really gluten free (and I don't mean people who cheat occasionally because thats like playing russian roulette with your health) it is a lot of work. When you go to your doctor, I would take in a very detailed food journal noting when you have problems. Also, my mother, my cousin and I were diagnosed with IBS for years before we were finally diagnosed with Celiac. They can go together, but they are not the same thing. IBS is more constipation, Celiac is not. Lastly, I should have mention that a lot of chex mix cereal is gluten free, and it is pretty good. Another great brand for oats and other baking mixes/flour is Bob's red mill or Pamela's.
  • ecw3780
    ecw3780 Posts: 608 Member
    Just a heads up, if you do intend on getting tested, you need to be eating gluten at the time-or the results won't be a true indication.

    Guess I'll have to adjust then. Thanks

    Yes! I should have mentioned this. Honestly, gorge yourself on all those delicious gluten food for 3 days before. My mom ate Oreos and fettucini Alfredo. If it comes back positive, you wont have another chance.
  • katmix
    katmix Posts: 296 Member
    Consider being tested for Crohn's if you are negative for Celiac's... My son's IBS turned out to be that, unfortunately.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Only reason to avoid gluten is if you have an intolerance to it, or you are allergic to it. If that is the case, then you are not avoiding it by choice, you are avoiding it because you should. Anybody who does not have an intolerance to gluten or isn't allergic to it, and avoids gluten by choice because they think it is healthier or better for them is completely misguided and believes more in nutrition gurus and broscience than they do about proven scientific nutrition fact. Sounds to me like you are avoiding gluten because you have an intolerance to it, so don't say that you're avoiding by choice

    I'm not going to lie, this is usually my gut reaction when someone tells me they are going gluten free or says something like "you're gluten free - I love being paleo!". It makes me want to punch them. I do not choose gluten free. It's more "Gluten Free or Die" However, since it sounds like you are doing it for digestive reasons, I am hoping you aren't thinking it is an awesome diet. Because honestly, if you really gluten free (and I don't mean people who cheat occasionally because thats like playing russian roulette with your health) it is a lot of work. When you go to your doctor, I would take in a very detailed food journal noting when you have problems. Also, my mother, my cousin and I were diagnosed with IBS for years before we were finally diagnosed with Celiac. They can go together, but they are not the same thing. IBS is more constipation, Celiac is not. Lastly, I should have mention that a lot of chex mix cereal is gluten free, and it is pretty good. Another great brand for oats and other baking mixes/flour is Bob's red mill or Pamela's.

    Just trying to be positive about it - that is all! I feel like if I look at eliminating gluten as a "bad" thing then that sets the pace for me and this new lifestyle. If I look at it as a "good" thing, as a possible way to feel better.. then it is much easier to begin and maintain. Thanks for the information!
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Consider being tested for Crohn's if you are negative for Celiac's... My son's IBS turned out to be that, unfortunately.

    I was tested for Crohn's last year. The doctor informed me that I more than likely had it.. then retracted his statement after going through the testing. Then, it was a thyroid problem.. then it wasn't. It was very frustrating because I never got an exact answer other than he told me to start taking care of myself. (I did have fatty liver) So, since I left that day, I've taken care of myself. My appointment is scheduled at the first of August for my yearly check up with the gastro. We will see then what he says and I will bring up everything again then.
  • rachie25half
    rachie25half Posts: 16 Member
    It is difficult to eat a healthy diet while avoiding all gluten. I agree that it would be best for you to be tested. Best gluten-free snacks: fruits and vegetables.
  • katmix
    katmix Posts: 296 Member
    Consider being tested for Crohn's if you are negative for Celiac's... My son's IBS turned out to be that, unfortunately.

    I was tested for Crohn's last year. The doctor informed me that I more than likely had it.. then retracted his statement after going through the testing. Then, it was a thyroid problem.. then it wasn't. It was very frustrating because I never got an exact answer other than he told me to start taking care of myself. (I did have fatty liver) So, since I left that day, I've taken care of myself. My appointment is scheduled at the first of August for my yearly check up with the gastro. We will see then what he says and I will bring up everything again then.

    To know for sure, you'll want to go to a gastroenterologist, and have a colonoscopy (in which they will do a biopsy). My son's specialist told us at same appointment that it was Crohn's (based on her knowledge), biopsy confirmed. Have good insurance...
  • rlbs
    rlbs Posts: 14
    I, too, was diagnosed with IBS by multiple gastroenterologists, but nothing helped. I went through bouts of being able to keep nothing down, not even water. I kept a food diary and discovered that my symptoms were triggered by gluten. I then found a new doctor, who tested me for celiac. I have the gene for celiac, but was unable to have the "gold standard" confirming test of an intestinal biopsy because I had been off gluten for three weeks, and was unwilling to start eating it again just for the test (I had a new job and couldn't afford to be throwing up for a week). So, I am officially gluten-sensitive, possible celiac, and gluten-free for over three years. All digestive issues are gone, and other stuff is better, too--including pollen allergies, vertigo, and hives. A good article about gluten sensitivity is at:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704893604576200393522456636.html?KEYWORDS=gluten+free

    There are lots of online resources with recipes for gluten-free foods. I like www.glutenfreeonashoestring.com. But folks are right, don't fill up your diet with junky gluten-free food like cookies, they are no healthier than the gluten-filled version. Good luck!
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Consider being tested for Crohn's if you are negative for Celiac's... My son's IBS turned out to be that, unfortunately.

    I was tested for Crohn's last year. The doctor informed me that I more than likely had it.. then retracted his statement after going through the testing. Then, it was a thyroid problem.. then it wasn't. It was very frustrating because I never got an exact answer other than he told me to start taking care of myself. (I did have fatty liver) So, since I left that day, I've taken care of myself. My appointment is scheduled at the first of August for my yearly check up with the gastro. We will see then what he says and I will bring up everything again then.

    To know for sure, you'll want to go to a gastroenterologist, and have a colonoscopy (in which they will do a biopsy). My son's specialist told us at same appointment that it was Crohn's (based on her knowledge), biopsy confirmed. Have good insurance...

    I had the biopsy done last year. It came back negative.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    I, too, was diagnosed with IBS by multiple gastroenterologists, but nothing helped. I went through bouts of being able to keep nothing down, not even water. I kept a food diary and discovered that my symptoms were triggered by gluten. I then found a new doctor, who tested me for celiac. I have the gene for celiac, but was unable to have the "gold standard" confirming test of an intestinal biopsy because I had been off gluten for three weeks, and was unwilling to start eating it again just for the test (I had a new job and couldn't afford to be throwing up for a week). So, I am officially gluten-sensitive, possible celiac, and gluten-free for over three years. All digestive issues are gone, and other stuff is better, too--including pollen allergies, vertigo, and hives. A good article about gluten sensitivity is at:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704893604576200393522456636.html?KEYWORDS=gluten+free

    There are lots of online resources with recipes for gluten-free foods. I like www.glutenfreeonashoestring.com. But folks are right, don't fill up your diet with junky gluten-free food like cookies, they are no healthier than the gluten-filled version. Good luck!

    Thanks for the websites. I will definitely look into them. I am glad you figured out what was bothering you. I hope I can say the same soon!
  • Bernadette60614
    Bernadette60614 Posts: 707 Member
    Don't replaced processed gluten products with processed other grain products and you'll not only continue to feel better, you'll lose bloat as well.

    I went gluten free a month ago, and I have done the whole popcorrn, cornbread thing and still felt good. My next goal is to replace those foods with veggies, ideally, and then fruits.
  • sweetchildomine
    sweetchildomine Posts: 872 Member
    I have problems digesting gluten. (Could be celiacs but maybe not, I haven't been tested). These days, you really don't even have to think of any substitutions because any sprouts, trader joes, or Whole Foods has any possible gluten free item you can think of. Bread, pasta, crackers, flour etc. In fact, it's getting to be kind of a trend so I've even found some items in Vons. I don't get why people choose to go gluten free though. If I COULD eat it, I would. lol I agree with a previous poster though that said the brand Udi's is best. Their stuff is the closest to normal tasting.
  • peniculala
    peniculala Posts: 81 Member
    I didn't read all of the posts because I got turned off by some of the early ones. However I want to say that Enjoy Life is a great brand. They have almost anything you could want and are free of many allergens. I agree that processed foods are often a source of problems. I haven't been diagnosed by a doctor, but I found that when I stopped eating gluten life was a lot better. Gluten can be a source of many digestive problems. I try to stick to whole foods, but when that is difficult, I look to Enjoy Life and Rudi's breads. I'm also sensitive to diary and am allergic to soy, so things are difficult when it comes to processed foods. Message me if you want to talk more about this.
  • Missjulesdid
    Missjulesdid Posts: 1,444 Member
    I am wheat free since December.. with a few slip ups. I had major inflammation throughout my body. My joints were so bad I could barely stand my whole shift at work and FORGET exercise after work. I could no longer crochet due to the stiffness and pain in my fingers.

    There have been a few occasions where I just said "screw it" and ate a piece of delicious bread resulting in lethargy, stomach cramping.

    Since giving up the wheat my joint pain has disappeared almost completely. I still have some slight aches in my knees but I'm able to work a full shift at work and then walk to the Y and do an hour zumba class! Also I no longer require medication for my thyroid. Previously I was on synthroid for hypothyroid but now the condition is completely resolved which I'm told is a VERY rare occurrence. Apparently inflammation can interfere with your thyroid function and as long as your actual thyroid hadn't been damaged reversal is possible.

    I still miss many of my favorite foods and I refuse to do gluten free substitutes that are made with highly refined potato and tapioca flours so I'm just trying to make due with other things.

    I used to be skeptical of people of people crying "inflammation" or "wheat sensitivity" and I felt that only celiacs had to give up wheat due to gluten and everyone else was just following a trend. It took giving up wheat to make a true believer out of me!
  • Mom2Lizzy
    Mom2Lizzy Posts: 23
    My husband and I are doing the same, by choice. It has forced us to eat healthier. Less processed crap. My diary is open. You can check it out for ideas. I'm on vacation now - so it will be off. As you can see, I enjoy a large variety of foods. Neither of us really miss the gluten. We both feel better since we've given it up. I was doing it for hypothyroidism symptoms. Fortunately, we have a friend who has been GF for years and I became accustomed to cooking for him.
  • jdhobson
    jdhobson Posts: 42 Member
    Don't replaced processed gluten products with processed other grain products and you'll not only continue to feel better, you'll lose bloat as well.

    I went gluten free a month ago, and I have done the whole popcorrn, cornbread thing and still felt good. My next goal is to replace those foods with veggies, ideally, and then fruits.

    So far, the only thing on my diet that I really had to adjust was sandwhich bread. My diet consists of mainly just fruits/veggies/some diary/meat. Pretty simple thing going on, however I do have a desire for a cracker every now and then. I just bought a thing of rice crackers to begin. I hope to one day not have to find "substitutes".

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