Gluten Free: Round Two

My name is Shel and I am a wheataholic.

About a year ago, I attempted a gluten free diet. How’s it going now? Well, the battle rages on to this day. I have failed miserably in my mission to cut wheat out. I am a quitter; I’m just not the right kind of quitter. I was unprepared for the last mission, so this time I am trying a new plan of attack.

I am better equipping myself for the battle against wheat dominance by educating myself about wheat alternatives, using the gluten free status to improve my overall nutrition and, last but not least, making myself an appointment with a health care provider for professional advice. Whew. This sure is a lot to, ahem, digest.

After my last attempt at curtailing wheat I realized I had never really armed myself with resources so I could succeed. There are many options I hadn’t even considered before.

Reading labels is certainly the first step for anyone wishing to learn about what they are consuming (or giving to children). It can be a bit tricky, though. Reading food labels is like learning another language. There are many tricky names for companies to use to confuse consumers, but fortunately wheat is not disguised. These days, with the increase in food allergies, stores are doing their best to help customers negotiate the aisles. Your Co-op is no exception.

I have learned to look for the “Gluten Free” signs the Co-op places by products (still, always read the labels!) throughout the store. Next time you are in shopping, look for them next to the products you usually reach for. You may be surprised with the results.

Our Co-op also has a list of the over 500 gluten-free items. This list is available to peruse, download and print, available by clicking on the following: Gluten Free.

I have also discovered Living Without magazine. I have been very impressed with the information and recipes it has. Although there are GF (gluten free) prepackaged flours for sale, you can make your own ‘flour’ blend from their recipes by combining the different varieties the Co-op has in Bulk (careful, people who have Celiac Disease should not consume food from any bulk bin as there is no way to prove is hasn’t contained wheat at some point). The Wellness Department also has books on GF living and cooking.

Networking is another great way to spread tips and recipes about any food awareness. I am fortunate that many of my friends and co-workers are great cooks. I love to hear their substitution ideas because, believe me, they have tried just about every combination already. As a result, a recipe is born that is mindful, educated and delicious. It makes one realize there are many ways to make something tasty.

Focus on what you can have, instead of filling your mind with “cannots.” Use your gluten free status as an opportunity to expand your food horizons.

I have noticed that when I cook fresh food (not from any boxes or cans) I don’t worry as much about using gluten-containing items.

Most substitutions, like tamari instead of soy sauce, are easy enough for me to make on my own. Another surprising bonus is that I am more likely to question random snacking because it may be more difficult to find one on the fly. That is not such a bad thing. It makes me ask myself if that snack is really worth it.

Do not mistake: this has been a difficult, somewhat painful, conversion. And it’s not over yet. There have definitely been some speed bumps along the way. I have cheated, if for no other reason to make sure I was feeling better on the diet change. I was. It makes me continue the effort to live gluten free because as of right now, it makes me feel better physically.

I need to take one day at a time, as cheesy as that sounds. Here is what I do to keep from feeling overwhelmed: I give myself permission to cheat…but later. Most times, I can overcome the initial temptation with simple time. Sometimes I can’t, so it is good to know that Wheat Free Peanut Butter Cookie is waiting for me (it’s Vegan, too!).

Finally, I must admit. I haven’t actually confirmed a wheat, or any other food, allergy. I am going on a hunch. Silly, isn’t it? But I made the first step today. I made an appointment to figure it all out. Wish me luck. My best luck goes right back at ya.