How did you start your dietary plan for living?

[Dawn Mular]

My husband and I just finished a month of the allergy elimination/detox diet and came out feeling great after a month without gluten, refined sugar, etc. Somehow that whole process of rediscovery/reconfirmation was necessary to see if I really am better off without (I am), but human nature causes me to want to do what I know is damaging.. Anyone else been there? how did you break through?

[Nancy]

Congrats on staying with it for a month!! That could not have been easy! You are better off without gluten as it is too hard on our bodies. After a while you won't even realize the difference. I have been gluten free for 7 years and it is just a way of life for me now. The more people that are educated the easier it becomes. More restauranats, more options. Do not be afraid to ask when you go out to dinner. My Mother has had celiac disease since 1980 and I grew up with what she had to deal with. Oh how things have changed!!!! How did you find our network? Was it through our website, lifewithoutgluten.com or through Ning?

Thanks for your post!

Nancy

[Dawn Mular]

Thanks Nancy! I will check out the website. I actually found you through Ning-- I call it shiny object syndrome--- I get a hankering to learn something more, and I go searching for a network that has it-- this most certainly does! :D

Dawn

[Beth V.]

The smell of pizza and newly baked treats still get to me. I have always had celiac, but found out 25 years ago after the birth of my daughter. Of course I am married to an Italian who likes his spagetti. But the thing that prevents me from eating the gluten is the thought of being sick in the bathroom . Is It worth the treats? No., I really hate to be sick. It is bad enough when you accidently eat gluten.

[Dawniey]

It is hard, and even after 4 years I don't think I really broke through yet. I guess part of it is denial. You think, "no, this can't be. if i eat this bread/cookie/donut nothing will happen." Until you are on all fours in front of the toilet!!! It is hard, you are right there!!! Good luck

[Leo M.]

Good for you Dawn. I had a similar success in the elimination of Gluten, 2 years ago. However, I chose to cut off gluten in a very abrupt manner. Thankfully, I have no difficulties to assimilate such change in my eating habits. That is right: eating is nothing but a habit! In the 1st year I had to police my fiancee, whom today not only sticks to the principle but became a staunch defender of this health cause.
I feel very glad that nowadays there are so many options to go gluten-free. I must say that I do not miss or even care to go back to the gluten based products and diet. I soon realized that most gluten-free products can be more tasteful and wholesome (ex., cornmeal, almond/nut flours, quinoa, etc.) than the norm. I also agree with Nancy that information and education is essential to succeed on your own challenges and to get others on board. We must help to spread the word out there. Save a life from the suffering and maladies of ignorance.

[Mary Viox]

I went gluten-free cold turkey 2 1/2 years ago after getting a biopsy diagnosis of Celiac. It was really hard at first, but now I'm used to reading every label and questioning restaurant people. I love to sniff a piece of regular cake or bread in restaurants. But I'm never tempted to just take a little. I know what it will do to me, and I'm afraid of the possible consequences. The only time I "cheat" is when I have Chinese food. I try to stick to the white gravies, and never have an egg roll or wontons, but I'm a sucker for fried rice. Fortunately, I do this very seldom. The rest of the time I find it pretty easy to eat natural foods, which can be spiced up very nicely. I can truly say I don't miss the gluten.

It's true, education and information is vital to encourage the rest of the population to recognize what a widespread problem this is. I am very pleased to see so many articles about Celiac.

[Tricia]

Wow, Dawn - there are some great posts below.

I too hate being sick and have spent a long time trying to get to a diagnosis, and working through to a solid, healthy diet. It's been about 2 1/2 years since my diagnosis of Celiac and I have to say THE hardest part is traveling. I do a fair amount with my work and I just love to do it. Preparing for trips is sometimes overwhelming, but eventually when I'm at my destination (most of them) I'm ok.

Not sure if I've broken through, but resources like this really help, I also have a couple of friends who have been with Celiac for about 10 years and they are a huge! resource. If you can find a Celiac Assoc. chapter, they will often have groups / cooking classes / nutritional classes and so on that were an enormous benefit to me. I was connect with a dietitian through my local chapter, who was incredibly well versed with gluten/wheat/celiac issues - and she really help me get on a good path.

Good luck!