A quick question for you, dear readers. Sara and I are gearing up for a gluten-free-themed week here at SvelteGourmand (actual date TBA!) and would love to hear from those of you who gave up, or have tried giving up, gluten–especially for health reasons other than celiac disease. Did you improve your health? Lose weight? What was the hardest part?
Post below, or email camille (at) camillenoepagan (dot) com; we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, stay tuned for more on exciting new research about gluten-free diets as well as some amazing recipes.
-Camille
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Camille
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been gluten free for three years now; I had a lot of strange health problems that no one could put a finger on – joint pain, migraines, fluctuating blood work for autoimmune disease. I quit the gluten and my symptoms disappeared. I had hoped to lose weight, but that is a work in progress. Now I focus more on naturally gluten free foods and less on processed and packaged substitutes for gluten favorites. Eating out is still a struggle, but more and more restaurants are offering gluten free menus and I have found restaurants that are very gracious about answering questions about preparation and ingredients. I’ve learned to pack snacks when traveling just in case!
I agree with Melissa on a lot of counts. I think its a great experiment to try – I found out I have celiacs about 6 months ago. I should have known, my mother has celiacs but I never displayed similar symptoms. So it goes to show that food sensitivities affect everyone differently. I was having autoimmune issues, thyroid problems, PCOS, headaches, skin issues, bloating, but never associated it with gluten until now. Its been interesting comparing my new diet with my mom’s – there are so many more substitutes now than when she was diagnosed. I can find bakeries, GF foods in the organic sections and everyday grocery stores – its great. I didn’t experience weightloss either but definitely less bloating, better sleep, more energy. Its not so hard once you learn to be a label hound and learn where gluten hides. Check out glutenfreegirl – such a great resource for me!
I have been dating someone for 3 years who is celiac. We do not allow an ounce of gluten through our front door. I have given up gluten (well 95% of the time) and have never felt better. We have rediscovered how wonderful real, natural food can be! We do not eat fast food and hardly eat anything that is processed. We keep a gorgoeus wealth of fruits and veggies around. After a year of dating, I had lost 15 lbs. and my skin had cleared up considerably. But besides those great side effects, I feel so much healthier.
Amanda, Lauren & Melissa–thanks for these amazing responses! You all are echoing what some people have emailed me to say: that even if it’s not a health necessity, living GF tends to make you feel healthier/more energetic. I appreciate you guys weighing in!!
-Camille
I was diagnosed with Celiac two weeks ago. I’ve been gluten-free since then and I’ve seen an improvement in my skin, but I’m also hoping to have my weight increase cause I’m been so malnurioused. I’ve felt awful mentally though. Has anyone had this? Does it get worse before it gets better?
While I am not specifically gluten free, more like wheat free, I have found many great resources on living a gluten free lifestyle. I love the Babycakes cookbook as well as The Flying Apron. Elena’s Pantry is a great gluten free cooking blog as is Sexy Food Therapy and My New Roots… hope it helps.