Living Gluten-Free: Finding Out What It’s Really Like

Here is my first post one week into living the gluten-free lifestyle. I must say it really has been a good experience so far. Of course I have had eight years of experience trying to make gluten-free food as “normal” as possible for my daughter — and for anyone else who might try it. I really don’t feel like I am missing anything.

My Typical Day Going Gluten-Free

I am a cereal hound and in the winter hot cereal is my thing. I’ve switched from Cream of Wheat to Cream of Rice. While there is a difference it really doesn’t matter to me, I like all hot cereals. I’ve been trying to do smaller and healthier snacks throughout my day as well.

Around 10:30 a.m. I have a mixture of gluten-free protein chips, sunflower and sesame seeds. The seem to really control my hunger so I have a later and smaller lunch. A half a turkey sandwich has been my thing for a late lunch. Then my “treat time” is around 4 p.m. I may have one gluten free brownie or a piece of fudge . Then a good dinner.

Dinner really isn’t an issue at all since each evening it is either 100% gluten free or nearly there. For example, when I make spaghetti and meatballs (I use Ragu Traditional and I make homemade meatballs), the toppings are gluten-free, then I cook up gluten-free and regular noodles.

Learning from the Gluten-Free Diet

Here’s what I’ve found: so far my body is feeling good with the diet. I don’t have any “gluten cravings”. One interesting thing I shared with a friend today is that I don’t feel as heavy and full after I eat completely gluten free. Why is that? I had chicken and rice and two pieces of gluten free bread tonight and felt full and not stuffed or swollen or something. I’m not sure how to describe it. Does anyone out there know what I’m talking about?

It is still too early to tell anything about whether gluten-consumption was giving me headaches. I would think giving it another 2 weeks and we’ll know for sure.

Also, we’re going through gluten-free bread now like crazy! Three loaves just this week! Some of it has to do with the fact that the kids seem to be eating more of it. I don’t eat a ton, but clearly it is all adding up.

Gluten-Free Birthday Meal

I am going out for my birthday tonight and I have already arranged for gluten-free accommodations at my favorite restaurant. They said they will bring a chef to the table when I arrive and see how they can make a gluten-free meal happen for me. Also, instead of making my own cake, I bought one from Bittersweet Bakery which is a gluten-free bakery in the southern part of the Twin Cities. I suppose I could have made one, but when I was at the store I made an executive decision — that I wasn’t going to make my own cake.

In terms of picking January (my birthday month) for the experiment maybe it’s bad timing, but I think it will all go just fine. I will have dinner with a glass of wine. I won’t cheat. I don’t feel tempted. I know this is different than many others who are diagnosed with celiac disease, but eventually when you find some good recipes that you can rely on for a good meal, you may start feeling differently.

Think I’ll be as supportive of the diet in my next post on this topic? You’ll have to find out next week!

Tags: diet, gluten-free, menu, test