I'm Hungry

[brazlebridge]

I just signed up at this site because I am lost. I recently recieved a Celiac diagnosis. I have had hypoglycemia all along but it was not an issue when on non-celiac diet. Now it is a huge issue. I can't tolerate dairy either. I'M STARVING! I am seeing a dietician...she's helped a bunch! but no menu plans...I'm tired of tuna and peanut butter every single day..Any suggestiong for the snacks part of a hypoglycemic/celiac/non-dairy diet....I eat tofu too. Thankful for any reply! Pamela

[Lisa]

I just signed up at this site because I am lost. I recently recieved a Celiac diagnosis. I have had hypoglycemia all along but it was not an issue when on non-celiac diet. Now it is a huge issue. I can't tolerate dairy either. I'M STARVING! I am seeing a dietician...she's helped a bunch! but no menu plans...I'm tired of tuna and peanut butter every single day..Any suggestiong for the snacks part of a hypoglycemic/celiac/non-dairy diet....I eat tofu too. Thankful for any reply! Pamela

Well, I guess you have been found! And no longer lost. How about chicken, beef, pork, seafood, rice, potatoes, fresh veggies, ftuit, peanuts, almonds. In the beginning, thing natural foods, as in non-processed.

To spice up your meals, all Mrs. Dash's are gluten free and most McCormicks Grinders are gluten free. So spice up your life and enjoy food again.

If you have Celiac, don't "just sign up to this site", become a part of it. It will change your life, I can assure it. If you want to know about Celica, the information is here.

Welcome Pamela and hang here and read from some of the posts. You are not alone here.

[larry mac]

bb,

Welcome. Don't forget the search feature. It's at the top of the page and works kind of funny.

Just click on the box and replace the words "tomato sauce" with your search word/words.

best regards, lm

[QTGirl78]

bb,

Welcome. Don't forget the search feature. It's at the top of the page and works kind of funny.

Just click on the box and replace the words "tomato sauce" with your search word/words.

best regards, lm

Pam,

Welcome... Here is a sampling from a website that specializes in gluten-free, as well as other chronic conditions...

Diet. Treatment of celiac disease centers on developing general healthy dietary guidelines, in addition to maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Avoiding dietary gluten can eliminate all the complications of this disease.

Dietary recommendations for celiac disease:

* Because malabsorption is prevalent with celiac disease, daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential. Important supplements for celiac disease include iron, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D.

* Add organic extra virgin coconut oil to your diet to benefit from healthy plant-based saturated fat.

* Add foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet in the form of ground flax meal, wild-caught salmon, minimal-mercury albacore tuna, walnuts, fish oil, and sprouted walnuts.

* Eat plenty of vegetables and vegetable juices (kelp, sprouts, green and black olives, peppers, spinach, chard, celery, zucchini).

* Add nutrient-dense and unprocessed foods such as sprouted nuts and seeds to your diet.

* Drink purified water throughout the day.

Foods and other products to AVOID include:

* All foods that contain gluten in the form of wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

* All processed foods that contain gluten as an ingredient. Read all processed food labels carefully for hidden gluten. Foods that may contain gluten include canned soups, salad dressings, ice cream, candy bars, instant coffee, luncheon meats, ketchup, mustard, processed and canned meats, yogurt, and sausages.

* All supplements that contain gluten. Wheat starch can be used as a binding agent in tablets and capsules.

* Cosmetics. Gluten can be found in cosmetic products such as lipstick.

* All grain alcohols such as beer and malted liquors.

* All dairy products, since those with celiac disease also tend to suffer from lactose intolerance.

* All foods containing refined sugar or artificial sugar-substitutes such as aspartame, Splenda

[NoGluGirl]

I just signed up at this site because I am lost. I recently recieved a Celiac diagnosis. I have had hypoglycemia all along but it was not an issue when on non-celiac diet. Now it is a huge issue. I can't tolerate dairy either. I'M STARVING! I am seeing a dietician...she's helped a bunch! but no menu plans...I'm tired of tuna and peanut butter every single day..Any suggestiong for the snacks part of a hypoglycemic/celiac/non-dairy diet....I eat tofu too. Thankful for any reply! Pamela

Dear Pamela,

I know exactly how you feel! It is so difficult to deal with! I am hypoglycemic as well. Having to cook everything and wait for it is so hard! I have decided I am making a change and simplify a bit. I am going to start cooking only once a week! I am going to get everything prepped the day before, and then cook for several hours in one day. I am going to utilize what few resources I have. By the way, welcome to the forum! I have a gift for you!

I have a list that should really help. This is overwhelming. I went through this with myself six months ago. You spend most of your day cooking and cleaning obsessively. The rest you are on the phone with reps from companies trying to find out what is safe. I decided to save you the trouble!

1. There are a number of things in the regular grocery that are safe. Some things are labeled already. Wal-Mart's Great Value brand has numerous things you can eat.

2. For the love of God use Coupons on items you are allowed to eat. People can get them and print them out online even. Call some of the local stores and ask if they accept online coupons.

3. Check the ads online and in the newspaper. You would be surprised how many people do not do this.

4. Some items like rice flour and rice noodles are safe to buy at the Chinese or oriental market. The merchants are more than happy to help you if you cannot read the label.

Now, here is my list of great things to get you started:

Condiments:

Smart Balance Margerine

Crisco Shortening

Crisco Oil

Pompeiian Olive Oil

Great Value soy sauce

Heinz Ketchup

Lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce (all Lea & Perrins Products are safe)

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Kraft French Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Kraft Thousand Island Fat-Free Salad Dressing

Pace Picante Sauce

Ortega Salsa

All Classico Red and *White sauces

All Jif Peanut Butters including Smooth Sensations

Welch's Grape Jelly

Cool Whip*

Philadelphia Cream Cheese*

Miracle Whip

Daisy Sour Cream (fat-free, low-fat, regular)*

Snack Foods:

Utz Potato Chips (Found at Sam

[missy'smom]

You can melt some Enjoylife choc. chips(they're dairy free but you'd never know, they taste just like reg.) and put it in a blender with drained silken tofu for a Choc. "pudding"/mouse. Top with a little non-dairy whipped topping if you can have it. Yum! Have you checked morinu.com for tofu recipies?

Open Original Shared Link

Here's a recipie for Strawberry or Raspberry Fluff taken from a Morinu cookbook.

Blend

1 10.5 oz. package silken tofu

3 Tb. honey

2 1/4 raspberries or 2 1/2 c. strawberries

If using strawberries, put in 1/2 at a time, allowing some to remain in chunks.

[brazlebridge]

Well, I guess you have been found! And no longer lost. How about chicken, beef, pork, seafood, rice, potatoes, fresh veggies, ftuit, peanuts, almonds. In the beginning, thing natural foods, as in non-processed.

To spice up your meals, all Mrs. Dash's are gluten free and most McCormicks Grinders are gluten free. So spice up your life and enjoy food again.

If you have Celiac, don't "just sign up to this site", become a part of it. It will change your life, I can assure it. If you want to know about Celica, the information is here.

Welcome Pamela and hang here and read from some of the posts. You are not alone here.

Thanks so much for your reply, it is really helpful! Especially the encouragement. It has all happened so fast and I'm still reeling. I am strictly following my diet, but it hasn't all sunk in yet...I need the support of others and I am happy to become a part of this site! Thanks again, Pamela

[brazlebridge]

Pam,

Welcome... Here is a sampling from a website that specializes in gluten-free, as well as other chronic conditions...

Diet. Treatment of celiac disease centers on developing general healthy dietary guidelines, in addition to maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Avoiding dietary gluten can eliminate all the complications of this disease.

Dietary recommendations for celiac disease:............Good luck and as was said, use this site as a resource, itll benefit you in ways you never thought!

Very helpful information...I have a question about supplements and vitamins..Do some of them have gluten? I will of course read all labels but I was curious to know if there are any specific brands that are better? I am following all that was on your reply except that I have been drinking tap water and eating pecans instead of walnuts. I will ask at the health food store about the sprouted walnuts, as well as other sprouted seeds and nuts, next week. I have the foods to be avoided down to a science now...except that didn't know about carrageenan, thanks for that tidbit! I will look out for that one! I can't have MSG because I have a very severe reaction to it. That is what led to the discovery of Celiac disease. Thank you for all of the time you put into your reply. I feel much better and not half as scared...Guess I needed encouragement..which I have recieved..Thank you so much. Pamela

[brazlebridge]

Dear Pamela,

I know exactly how you feel! It is so difficult to deal with! I am hypoglycemic as well. Having to cook everything and wait for it is so hard! I have decided I am making a change and simplify a bit. I am going to start cooking only once a week! I am going to get everything prepped the day before, and then cook for several hours in one day. I am going to utilize what few resources I have. By the way, welcome to the forum! I have a gift for you!..................I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

WOW! I wish I had this list last week before I spent $130.00 on groceries...I have printed it off and I will give it to the other lady in my town that has Celiac. Is couponcabin.com a good source for coupons? The web sites are a great help as well...I live in a small town but even the city nearby has only one health food store and they are not familiar with Celiac...I spent 45 min. trying to find toothpaste ($7.00) and shampoo ($9.00) with two helpers!....I LOVE YOUR LIST! Thanks for your help...I am so greatful that I found this site! Pamela

[brazlebridge]

You can melt some Enjoylife choc. chips(they're dairy free but you'd never know, they taste just like reg.) .....................

CHOCOLATE! I will ask my dietician if I can have this yet...but I may have to wait until we get my hypoglycemia controlled again...AND Strawberries are my favorite fruit.....you made my day! Thank you so much for the recipes. I am so excited about my day to day now. I wasn't before. This site has given be back my spark. I am going to hang out here more often! Thank You, Pamela

[HannahHannah]

Does anyone else have major sugar/sweet things/chocolate cravings allof the time?!

For the most part I don't give into them, but I just constantly crave sugar! I try to eat fruit and seeds instead, but they don't quite scratch that itch!

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Pamela,

You are so welcome! I have never heard of that coupon site, but I have been to www.couponmom.com where you can get a wide variety of things. Food in general is expensive! It is scary. I always make sure to check the circulars every week. Some stores have some odd catches on how to save money. Take our local Schnucks, for example. If you buy a green bell pepper by itself, it is $1. However, if you buy it with a bunch of scallions and a cucumber, you get them all for $1.

How strange is that? Most customers never notice these catches. It can cost you. Feel free to share the list with anyone you like! If it can help anyone you know, give it to them!

Dear Hannah,

I crave sweets and chocolate all the time as well. I have an overgrowth of yeast. That makes you have hypoglycemia and cravings for sugar. Boy could I use a candybar right now! The yeast wants me to feed it all the time! I have cut down on sugar, but am not completely off of it.

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[missy'smom]

I don't know how it would affect your blood sugar but there is a "granola" that I've found that is gluten-free(of course) and made from sprouted nuts and seeds with no oil or sugar. It's expensive! but I use it in moderation, sprinkled on top of things. It is called Grainless Apple Cereal(other flavors are available) from Lydia's Organics. It is raw and vegan.

[CraigN]

Smart Balance Margerine

I noticed while reading the ingredients for Smart Balance that it contains whey - so I would include this in the "contains dairy" category as well.

[Susanna]

Hey, Brazelbridge--here are my gluten-free newbie tips--now you can eat to treat, and soon feel better. Here are some key coping strategies to get you started.

1. Know that you will grieve your old favorite gluten-filled foods. I actually tear up when I see a brioche sometimes. Grieving is normal, BUT IT IS NOT EASY OR COMFORTABLE. People around you will eat treats you can't have and you will feel sad and isolated. Strategy: stock your car, office, purse, backpack, secret drawer at home with gluten-free treats you can reach for any time you are feeling deprived. This really helped me. I recommend Skittles, Starbursts, Baby Ruth Bars, Snicker Bars, Lara Bars, Dove Dark Chocolate, meringue cookies, macaroon cookies (read labels), Butterfinger, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. You get the idea.

2. Know that it will take time (months, probably) to figure out what to eat (it took me 6 mos.) and during this time, it'll be kind of a daily challenge to plan meals. Every time you go to the store it'll be a challenge to choose groceries. Strategy: plan on an hour--don't bring kids or friends. Go the bathroom before you start grocery shopping. Bring your reading glasses--read every label. The good news is, THIS GETS MUCH BETTER OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS AS YOU GET USED TO THE DIET.

3. It may take a while for your gut to heal, depending on how damaged it was at the time you went gluten free. So, you are going to have to be patient with your body--some people feel better immediately after going gluten-free, but most of us take longer than that. Don't give up if you don't see instant results. Strategy: Maximize your general health by getting enough rest, water, exercise, and limiting stress. Maximize your digestive health by limiting foods that are hard on the gastrointestinal tract until you're feeling better: limit irritants like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and fried foods--these are all hard to digest--go back to them when you feel your gut is recovering.

4. Accept right now that it will be YOUR job to teach those around you about your diet

[NoGluGirl]

Dear CraigN,

Thank you for telling me that about Smart Balance! I correct that right now! I can handle dairy in extremely small amounts. I can tolerate a candy bar with milk chocolate, but not a pudding cup. Small amounts of margarine I handle. I have to watch my fat intake, due to having my gallbladder removed.

Dear Susanna,

There are some things on there I had not thought of! Thanks for posting! I am glad some of the Progresso Soups are safe. I heard some of the Swanson Chicken broths are gluten-free. You would not happen to know which ones, would you?

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[brazlebridge]

1. Know that you will grieve your old favorite gluten-filled foods. I actually tear up when I see a brioche sometimes. Grieving is normal, BUT IT IS NOT EASY OR COMFORTABLE. People around you will eat treats you can't have and you will feel sad and isolated. Strategy: stock your car, office, purse, backpack, secret drawer at home with gluten-free treats you can reach for any time you are feeling deprived...Good luck!

Susanna

[Susanna]

Brazlebride--you are most welcome. Yes, all Parkay products are gluten-free--their website says so--here's the link: Open Original Shared Link.

Yes, it is sad when those around you eat stuff you can't have. I'm a nurse, and one day a patient's family brought in a huge basket of fresh bagels and spreads for the nurses. I looked at them and thought--that's OK, that gluten hurt me for a long time, and I'm NEVER going to let it hurt me again. My resolve disappeared when they started TOASTING the bagels, and they smelled SO good--I actually got choked up--had to leave the unit and go walk for a while, and go to my stash for a Baby Ruth Bar. That was just like a month after I got diagnosed (a year ago). It's LOTS easier now--sometimes now I make up a gluten-free cake mix in my silicone bundt pan (you can buy these anywhere) and bake it in 12 minutes in the microwave (couldn't be easier!) and take it in to work the next day and wow them all with how yummy gluten-free can be. My secret to a moist gluten-free cake (they tend to be dry): cool the cake on a PLATE on top of the cooling rack, and with the bundt pan upside down covering the cake--this keeps the cake super moist and yummy. I like the Pam's chocolate cake mix, and the Namaste choc cake mix.

Noglugirl--I would think most broths in general should be gluten-free--I couldn't find the info on Swanson's website, but I bet if you call them, or read the label next time you shop, I betcha you'll find multiple broths that are gluten-free. (Hey, pretty glam pic of you on your posts--rowr!!)

Susanna

[loco-ladi]

Well, you have all just made my day.....not only with the chocolate listing but by golly I get to pack my dinty more beef stew once more...... I am an engineer for a railroad and I used to pack alot of their beef stew as it held up well as my "emergency food kit because they decided i cant go home for a few more days because without me the railroad would fall to pieces(yeah right)"

I have also forwarded this to my cousin in hopes if she isn't already a member she will soon be joining our ranks...

Now for my part of adding to the delectable joy of eating yummy things.....

Cause your special chocolate chip cookies........ this is also know in my house as "heaven in a mix" The trick, since you all know there usually is one.... after cooking, eating all you can before they cool off cause you know you love em best warm from the oven and cooling, keep them in the fridge and eat em cold......

Their brownies even fooled my hubby and came out so soft and chocolatey it makes my mouth water even now.....hmmmmm 1130pm wonder if I can whip up a batch before heading off to bed, lol

The chocolate cakes was to die for with the addition of a bit of peanut butter frosting...

speaking of which, got their yellow cake also, what frosting goes with yellow cake, I forget its been so long since I had any, lol

p.s. I got mine direct from their website found them in a health food store in Cheyenne WY but there is no way I am driving 3 hours one way to get them there all the time when gas is almost $3 a gallon! causeyourspecial.com um, can we post links in here, dang better go check the rules topic soon before I make a foooooopah

[NoGluGirl]

Dear Susanna,

Thank you for the reply. I called the company on the one we have now. They said it is safe. There are a lot of things you need broth for! I was so glad! I know what you mean about tearing up about food. My dad brings home Chinese I cannot eat anymore, and it is my favorite! I am going to make my own soon! LOL! That pic is from my Glamour Shot at 13! Everyone loves this pic!

Dear loco_ladi,

I am so glad you get to have some old favorites! It is a major adjustment. This diet can make you feel so hopeless in the beginning. However, once you discover all the stuff we can it, sometimes it is difficult to restrain yourself! LOL! That is especially with the chocolate! I tell myself I am on a restricted diet, so it is okay to eat chocolate! LOL!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

[CraigN]

Dear CraigN,

Thank you for telling me that about Smart Balance! I correct that right now! I can handle dairy in extremely small amounts. I can tolerate a candy bar with milk chocolate, but not a pudding cup. Small amounts of margarine I handle. I have to watch my fat intake, due to having my gallbladder removed.

You're welcome. I checked the label for Smart Balance Light and it looks like it's both dairy and gluten free. I was starting to get bummed 'cause I love da butter!

[loco-ladi]

Just arrived home from the local safeway..... and I am proud to announce one of my personal favorites is Gluten Free ! Hormel pepperoni (personally I enjoy the pre-sliced pouches) state it right on the back, I checked a couple of their other products but it didnt have it there, but if you look right under the ingredients listing, there it is pretty as a picture! Now all I need is gluten free crackers and cheese and my life will once more be complete.....will settle for the crackers for now, am going easy on the dairy until I get a "bit more settled" then will try it and see what happens.

I checked a few other of my "dont think I can handle going withouts" and no luck, but the pepperoni will keep me happy for a bit while I look around