About two years ago I was having a lot of health issues, I was exhausted to the point that I was peeing on sticks to see if I was pregnant and generally felt like crap. I went to see a nurse practitioner who specializes in food allergies and takes a naturopathic approach to medicine. She ran some blood tests and within a few days told me that I had serious vitamin deficiencies. (Ding, ding, ding– red flag.)
She gave me supplements, did some additional testing and told me I should feel better in a few weeks. I was extremely skeptical but after 10 days of supplements I did start to feel better. By the time I went back to see her I felt better than I had in months.
“You cured me!” I told her.
She was glad I felt better but said my latest blood work had shown her what she suspected, I was gluten sensitive which was most likely the cause of my vitamin deficiencies.
I was not impressed. She rattled off a list of typical gluten sensitive symptoms but nothing sounded familiar.
“I just don’t think I have that?” I said.”There’s one way to find out. Cut it out of your diet for a month and see how you feel. Then add it back in.”
So I did.
It was hard.
Gluten= protein found in wheat, rye & barley that binds bread & gives it it’s texture, i.e, what makes it delicious.
I had no idea what I was doing or what I could eat but realized quickly that there was gluten in EVERYTHING. After about a month of starving I was at the beach on vacation and made a calculated decision to commit glutenicide over a cup of gumbo. The flour in the roux contained gluten but I didn’t care. I ate it with abandon.
Within the hour I broke out in a rash on my arms, legs and back. Message received.
The longer I’ve been off gluten, the more strongly I react to it when I commit glutenicide or accidentally “get glutened.” The only way to be tested for celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, involves eating gluten for a week and having a biopsy of your stomach– that seems extreme since I know if I eat it I will get sick. I’m not going to pay someone a couple of grand to tell me what I already know. No gluten for me.
I found out about Udi’s within the first 6 months of being gluten free and it made my life so much easier. I quit trying to measure weird ingredients and make bread or a pizza crust that was barely edible. I stocked my freezer and pantry with Udi’s and made a few simple changes to the way I cook, I learned how to tweak recipes to make them gluten free.
TIPS FOR COOKING GLUTEN FREE:
- Use cornstarch as a thickener for soups and sauces instead of flour.
- Make your own gluten-free bread crumbs for dishes using Udi’s bread or use cornflakes.
- Buy a bag of gluten-free flour to substitute cup for cup when breading, frying or pan frying. (Proportions will not be the same for baking.)
- Keep gluten free tamari (soy sauce) in your pantry for making your own marinades and stir- fries.
- Check the label on chicken/beef stock that you buy. There is often gluten in these products that you may not know about.
- Learn how to make a gluten free *béchamel sauce (if you live in the South think Cream of Chicken Soup.) This sauce can be used as a base for casseroles, pot pies, creamy soups and macaroni and cheese.
Check out Udi’s website for more information on going gluten free and take their Udi’s 14-Day Gluten Free Challenge!
Got any questions about being gluten free? Let me answer them for you!
I was not paid for this post but did receive a box of Udi’s product samples which I inhaled. Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites? Almost as good as cash dollahz.
* Béchamel Sauce or White Sauce:
2 Tbs of butter melted on the stovetop
2 TBS of Gluten free flour, add to butter and whisk
Slowly add 2 cups of liquid: milk, half/half, cream, chicken stock or a combination of these.
Salt and pepper to taste
Add grated cheese for a cheese sauce for gluten free pasta.
I found out I have celiac disease this past January so I feel your pain! It was hard at first but now is very easy to shop and cook! I feel better and better as time goes on and can tell within a few short hours if I have been glutened. Thank you for sharing your favorite brand – Udi’s – which I have grown to love and for sharing recipes!
Brandy, who diagnosed you? Did you have the biopsy? I have some friends in Bham area that need to be tested but don’t know where to go? TRY the brownie bites!
I first had a blood test then the biopsy. All done in Jasper. Not sure of a good GI in bham but will keep my ears open.
BTW my oldest daughter is gluten sensitive. I think it is much harder for a child to be GF than an adult…..
Next trip to whole foods I am buying brownie bites!
Did you use somebody in jasper? I did the blood test but I haven’t done the biopsy. Figure there’s no point. It makes me so sick now to even have a bite.
Dr. Jerry Mosely did the blood work and a doctor here – Dr. Lyerly – did the biopsy. He may have an office in bham too. Might want to tell your friends to check into it. I really feel that as long as you are feeling better that that is a more accurate diagnosis than any test a doctor can give!!
My gastroenterologist is in Homewood (your friends will know where that is) & LOVE him (and some of the others there too). They have an office in Homewood, off 119, & Fultondale. The name of the place in Birmingham Gastroenerologist, my Dr is Chris Shaver here is their website http://www.bgapc.com/
Been there, done that! Diagnosed with Celiac in March 2008 and have been totally gluten free ever since. I would never even think of cheating, the risk and outcome is just not worth it.
Once you get the hang of it, cooking and living without gluten isn’t too bad! Now if I had to give up dairy, THAT would be terrible!
I think YOU were the one who told me about Udi’s so thanks for that!! I haven’t officially been diagnosed as Celiac and when I first started I cheated occasionally because I kept thinking I didn’t really have it. I was wrong. I’m there now, it’s totally not worth it.
My mother was diagnosed with Celiac a few years ago, in her late 50s, which was a tough transition for her after a lifetime of gluten products. I feel for her — it’s a constant struggle — although I’m so glad to see a constant increase in GF products being made available. Great post in raising awareness.
Once you get into the swing of it it’s not so bad but it was EXTREMELY overwhelming when I first got started. I can imagine that it was hard for your mom!
I recently have gone gluten free because I was feeling TERRIBLE for years. My thyroid was blamed. However, after cutting gluten out of my diet, I feel like a new person. I appreciate your article. The thing is, so many people tell me I shouldn’t go gluten free (they think I do it for weight loss), they just can’t seem to “get it” that I FEEL like a new person! Udi’s is the best, I agree!
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You know some thyroid dysfunction is auto-immune related as is Celiac Disease, I’m convinced in my own little pea brain that there is a correlation! I definitely have more energy and feel better gluten free!
Love Udi’s, but I haven’t tried the brownie bites. Will have to rectify this situation immediately! 😉
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They are NOM. My local health food store doesn’t have them yet. I gots to rectify THAT situation!
Gluten-free for 2 months now. Life. Changing. My symptoms were mostly joint-related and I’ve not had to munch on Advil like M&Ms for over a month now. I failed the first attempt because of pure ignorance about what did or did not contain gluten. Hint “natural flavors” usually means gluten on a food label. It is easier this go round because I didn’t try to “replace” everything like I did the first time. I just pick straight up meat, veggies or fruit most of the time. Also, I’ve been SURE to ask for the gluten-free menu whenever I go out to eat. It’s amazing how much stuff ‘seems’ like it should be fine (i.e. — unadorned meat, fruit or veggies) but has actually been doctored with some sort of gluten-tinged flavor enhancer before it leaves the kitchen. More recipes whenever you feel the urge!
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I’m so glad it’s been easier for you this time!! Yes, especially steaks! Lots of steaks are rubbed down with dry rubs that contain flour, you think AT LEAST I can get a steak but NOPE. The Tavern where we ate in December? Has a GREAT GF menu! So does PF Changs!
I went gluten free at the end of January. I was having tons of different symptoms and it was killing me. I had no idea what was going on, and I believe God told me what it was. The idea just popped into my head to quit eating wheat. I ate wheat one more time and was literally up all night with an irregular heartbeat. Message received.
My symptoms were so severe I think it would have killed me had I gone much longer.
I also had to give up dairy or severely restrict it.
Chipotle burrito bowls are gluten free. I’ve basically lived on them
Thanks a million for sharing Robin! I’m so glad. We need to get on the GF train because its said to help with pain associated with neuropathy.
all they had was bread, think ill order those brownie bites and the bagels for dawan if the bread is good (which I’m sure it is).
I read your love for Udi’s a bit ago (turkey samdwhich post) and went to the health food store and grabbed a loaf today.
Be prepared for a million questions boo!
It’s best when it’s toasted!!
We’ve recently shifted to gluten-free as part of treating some of my stepson’s complications from GERD (gastro-esophogeal reflux disease), AND we’ve had to go dairy-free at the same time, so it’s been interesting. It’s too soon to tell how much it’s helping him, but sometimes I think it might be helping me. I love this post and will bookmark it–it’s very practical and helpful. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing, Robin. I keep trying to totally cut gluten out of my diet, but I get tripped up by my love of bread and of cooking. Your list of substitutions will help.
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Fyi – if you are a gluten free Mexican food lover – here is a healthy great recipe that I found at http://www.skinnytaste.com. It is a ton of work, but tastes great! http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/08/chicken-enchilada-stuffed-zucchini-boats.html
(I am in no way affiliated with skinnytaste, just a consumer of her awesome recipes and wanted to share this one. I’m just not sure what I would if I had to give up mexican food forever!)
I LOVE Skinnytaste! Mexican is usually pretty easy to eat GF b/c of corn tortillas but her recipes are always awesome!
Robin, its taken me a few days to get to you on this; but literally the day after you posted this blog I went and received the test results on my 11 yr old Daughter…Celiac disease! I let her enjoy her Halloween and have her candy (which surprisingly some contained gluten). Its been a few days now trying out GF foods and I’ve noticed the color in her face…poor thing isn’t as pale!
I haven’t tried Udi’s yet…but those brownie bites sound like something she would love! And you would be surprised at the amount of national brand food I found that’s GF. Best of luck to you in your GF adventure!
I’ve been gf since 2001, when I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. I used to have GI issues, but now I get terrible headaches when I get accidental gluten. I don’t know why it has changed, but either way, no gluten for this Robin, either.
Boy, i wish they had those brownie bites around here ! : )
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Hi-
Congrats on getting things under control. I have been GF for 6 years and in the last year I have found that I am not as sensitive to cross-contamination as I used to be.
See your in AL, I’m in NC and I belong to two great FB groups. Both introduce me to new products and actually review them before you spend the crazy cost of GF food!
Sarah