Anyone Else Cried Over This?

[skoki-mom]

I feel like the world's biggest loser because every few days I end up crying because there is just something I want so bad and can't have. Then I tell myself to suck it up, it's only food, it could be worse. I know all the reasons I can't/shouldn't, I haven't cheated, I just miss some things sooooo much, and I get so frustrated when I can't find a good substitute. Some of the things, there is just nothing that will ever take it's place. I'm sure it will get easier, but at other times I feel like I should just eat it because something will kill me sooner or later anyhow, may as well die happy. Ok, that's a bit dramatic, but the finality of it really sucks.

[Carriefaith]

I miss a lot of foods too, especially pizza. However, overall I'm happy with the diet, it's a lot healthier and I feel better Which foods are you trying to find a good subsitute for?

[ravenwoodglass]

I feel like the world's biggest loser because every few days I end up crying because there is just something I want so bad and can't have. Then I tell myself to suck it up, it's only food, it could be worse.  I know all the reasons I can't/shouldn't, I haven't cheated, I just miss some things sooooo much, and I get so frustrated when I can't find a good substitute.  Some of the things, there is just nothing that will ever take it's place.  I'm sure it will get easier, but at other times I feel like I should just eat it because something will kill me sooner or later anyhow, may as well die happy.  Ok, that's a bit dramatic, but the finality of it really sucks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know how you feel I miss my italian bread sooo much. That a beer and some pecorino romano cheese. But I know it is not worth the pain. I didn't even touch gluten-free bread for the first year, I was such a bread-a-holic I knew it wouldn't be the same. Don't loose heart, it does get easier and remember you were most likely addicted to the wheat and may go through withdrawl with all the inherent moodiness. Meanwhile enjoy the things you can have and find ways to make them special. And don't worry if you stand in the store aisle and cry a couple times It can happen to the best of us.

[skoki-mom]

I miss a lot of foods too, especially pizza. However, overall I'm happy with the diet, it's a lot healthier and I feel better Which foods are you trying to find a good subsitute for?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, tonight, it's gingersnaps, my mom's recipe I've been eating for 35 years. I have some for the kids. They are awesome. I tried the Kinnikinnik ones, they are ok, certainly palatable enough, but they are just not the same, kwim?? I have been working the last 4 days (12 h a day), so the pantry is low at is always is when I have been at work, and I had to eat freaking ju-jubes for lunch because there was nothing else I could have around here. I just wanted peanut butter on graham wafers so much...I tried pb on rice cakes and it was just plain wrong! I will get there, it's just a pain.

The pizza, actually, I can live without. The hamburgers are hard, though...

[KaitiUSA]

I cried about it a little at first and definitely was having pitty parties for myself but really I have adjusted and found substitutes for everything I want and like. I don't deny myself any food...I just find a good gluten free substitute...yes there are some bad foods you have to go through to eventually find the good stuff.

Sure, I miss the convenience of that "regular" stuff at times but knowing what it does to me I am very happy to go through the hoops of being gluten free.

Who says you can't be happy without gluten? I sure am and I personally would not have it any other way... I eat much healthier and am much more aware of the foods I eat.

It was quite overwhelming at first but after a while I was able to see how much I could have and it's really not that limiting. There is alot we can have.

[frenchiemama]

I haven't actually cried, but I sure have felt like crying and thrown my share of foot-stomping pouty-lip temper tantrums.

Overall I feel really lucky to be able to eat as much as I do, but there are certain foods that I don't think I will ever get over.

[Claire]

I miss a lot of foods too, especially pizza. However, overall I'm happy with the diet, it's a lot healthier and I feel better Which foods are you trying to find a good subsitute for?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I see your mention of pizza. Did you see the recipe I posted recently?

[hez]

I remember crying because I will never eat my children's wedding cake. Or that when my daughter sells girl scout cookies (I love) that I will not be able to eat them. For me it is the emotional attachment that bugs me more than the food itself. I usually have my pity party and realize that this will soon pass.

Hez

[PicturePerfect]

I don't cry as much anymore.. but sometimes it just gets to you. Most of the time for me was when my family didn't understand what I was going through and that they weren't as careful as I would have wanted them to be. But, I could be crying because of the whole hormone thing for the age that I am, you know?

I haven't gotten over the missing of foods, yet. It is extremely hard to not miss pizza and cookies and bread. I don't think that it will ever go away.. we will just have to deal with it, unfortunately

Sorry that I coudn't help.. but, I felt like writing about it.

Lisa

[newo ikkin]

I also cry because I miss some foods. I get upset easily over it because the diet is pretty new and I'm a teenage girl so just about anything could upset me.

It's funny that this topic came up because this whole week-end I was upset and really bummed myself out.

I think I miss pizza the most because usually when I go to the movies or bowling with my friends we go out and get pizza afterwards. And when we go to concerts or shows with local bands playing we go out pizza or to a diner. Sometimes I don't even want to go because some of my friends don't really understand how bad it is and pressure me into cheating. But I do have other friends who support me 100%.

[Guest BERNESES]

Crying is totally normal and healthy- you are grieving the loss of a lifestyle. I cry more about feeling ill then about foods I miss but I don't think anyone should underestimate the emotional toll this disorder takes on you. Several things have broken my heart- like the fact that on my first wedding anniversary, this Oct. 23rd, i will not be able to share the top of our wedding cake with my husband that has been in our freezer for a year. to me, that is really sad. Of course, I'll probably call the cake maker and see if she can make us a gluten free version but it's still not the same. Have a good cry when you need to, and then try to find a positive solution to the problem. Hang in there, Beverly

[nettiebeads]

Hon, you are not a loser because you cry and have moods. I remember being soooo angry over celiac disease. I loved to bake, Christmas and Thanksgiving were my favorite times of the year because I would bake pies, and stuffing and cookies, ohmy! It does get easier, your taste buds can still remember vividly the taste, texture and everything else that goes with the now forbidden foods. The memories of that will fade, it takes time. But on the flip side, you get to explore your creative side to replace what you miss. I can make a great corn bread now to go with my husbands killer chili that even he thinks has regular flour in it. And you have this forum where everyone understands and can certainly empathize with you.

[skoki-mom]

Hon, you are not a loser because you cry and have moods.  I remember being soooo angry over celiac disease.  I loved to bake, Christmas and Thanksgiving were my favorite times of the year because I would bake pies, and stuffing and cookies, ohmy!  It does get easier, your taste buds can still remember vividly the taste, texture and everything else that goes with the now forbidden foods.  The memories of that will fade, it takes time.  But on the flip side, you get to explore your creative side to replace what you miss.  I can make a great corn bread now to go with my husbands killer chili that even he thinks has regular flour in it.  And you have this forum where everyone understands and can certainly empathize with you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd be interested in hearing what you have done for turkey stuffing. Thanksgiving here is in a couple of weeks and I am hosting it at my house. My family (me included) doesn't like actual meat in our stuffing, though I have made broth out of giblets many times. I haven't had a lot of time to research it, but I was hoping to find some sort of rice thing that makes enough to fill a turkey!

[skbird]

Oh yeah, I've cried. And been mad and frustrated and stomped my foot (like Frenchie Mama) and all that stuff. Especially when I have been glutened, I go nuts then. I was bawling on the street corner recently, after smelling some food I couldn't eat.

My solution last year for stuffing for Thanksgiving was to make a wild rice stuffing. I have heard of cornbread stuffing but that never appealed to me, and now I shouldn't eat corn so that's out. But mixed grain, not just wild rice, but maybe quinoa and some other grains would be nice, too. I just took the wild rice stuffing recipe out of either Betty Crocker or Better Homes and Garden cookbooks and modified it for anything I needed.

Last year we didn't stuff the turkey with the rice, but the regular stuffing - I had only been gluten free a month and wasn't that saavy. But maybe this year I'll talk them into using the rice. It will be tough though, in my family, no one messes with the stuffing protocol. I do make the gravy and last year, meaning to use rice flour, I accidentally used tapioca (my husband ran home to get my glass jar - they all look the same but the tag had fallen off, and I was so nervous about making the gravy this time that I didn't notice it wasn't rice flour, either!) and it was just fine, everyone loved it.

Anyway, there are lots of work arounds. I also make a pie that I can eat and bring it, and that usually makes it a pretty good meal.

Stephanie

[Carriefaith]

I see your mention of pizza. Did you see the recipe I posted recently?

no actually, I'll have to see if I can find it.

I'd be interested in hearing what you have done for turkey stuffing.

I use this recipe for stuffing:

* 2 shallots, minced

* 2 onions, diced

* 2 celery ribs, diced

* 2 carrots, diced

* 6 TB salted butter (I use way less)

* 2 tsp dry sage

* 2 tsp dry thyme

* 2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

* 1 tsp pepper, or to taste

* 1/2 cup white wine

* 6 cup gluten-free bread cubes, toasted (I use Kinnickinick Italian White Bread)

* 4 TB parsley (I use less)

* 1 cup gluten-free chicken stock

Toast the bread cubes carefully in a 300° oven for 20 minutes or until dried, stirring occasionally to promote even browning.

Sauté the vegetables in the butter until they are soft, and the onions begin to carmelize. Add the seasonings and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the white wine, and continue cooking over medium heat until the liquid is reduced by half.

In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables with the bread cubes, chicken stock, and parsley. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 325° F.

Variations:

Add finely diced sausage or bacon bits to the sauté, or toss in diced chestnuts, apples, or raisins. For cornbread stuffing, try adding dried cranberries or toasted pecans.

[beelzebubble]

for me, these days, it's not so much about the foods i can't have (though i do miss me some puff pastry), it's about the way it impacts other people in my life. i feel so absolutely frustrated and mortified when someone wants to go out to dinner with me, or invite me to dinner at their home. i know that either they are going to have to alter what they want to accomodate my food intolerance, or i'm going to have to say no. that just makes me frustrated. when it gets bad, is when i go to a restaurant that i think may be safe (with others) and i find that there's nothing on the menu that i can safely eat. i have to choose then, do i make a stink and ask if they will try somewhere else, or do i sit there and drink my water while i watch them eat. that's when i start to feel upset. why is this so difficult? why can't restaurants just be aware of food intolerances and accomodate them? blah blah blah, pity pity pity.

as a side note, writing this made me think of my husband's best friend and his wife. when we lived near them, they were always having our group of friend's over to eat. they would make concessions to me, like they would buy me rice crackers, and try to have some gluten free things present (though i almost always bring enough food to feed everyone-heh). however, i could never get over the feeling that they were rolling their eyes behind my back. and i've never felt that way with anyone else. it was really annoying and actually hurt my feelings.

anyway, as far as missing certain food items go, i totally understand. it's a huge frustration, and can be really depressing. the way i've gotten around it, is to learn how to make a lot of the things that i miss. i just make them gluten free. i also made a decision to look upon this as a way to try new and interesting foods. there are so many foods that i've discovered since i went gluten-free and they are my new favorites.

i love:

nutthins

soy noodles (nutrition kitchen)

lydia's raw food bars (kinda like a granola bar, but gluten free)

jasmine rice

dates with peanut butter on them (the best all natural candy in the world)

rice noodles (very versatile. i use the really wide ones in place of egg noodles. i just cook them with some broth cubes, and they are great with gravy)

all indian food

all thai food-with wheat free tamari

marinated lamb-yum

there are so many, i can't even list them all. my entire way of looking at food has changed. everything is still delicious, it's just that it's no longer as convenient. i can sacrifice convenience for health. i just refuse to sacrifice taste for it .

check out this blog. she's great. it's all about eating well while gluten free. Open Original Shared Link

hang in there, it gets easier.

[morrigan]

I cry but out of frustration not because of the food. I am new to this and trying my darndest to be gluten free and things that I would never have thought about having gluten in them do and have made me sick. I got glutened from some tea rescently that put me in bed for a few days and I was unable to work and go to school. So I hear what you are saying about missing the food but I am at the point where I say screw the food I want to feel better. And another thing I am tired of everything that is in americans diets having gluten in it. I feel that gluten in everything is not necessary. Thank goodness we are finding out now though because if we would have had this ten or more years ago it would have been a lot harder. So there is a bright side and more gluten-free products available to us.

[Guest BERNESES]

I have to second what Morrigan said. I cannot imagine having had this ten years ago. There was so much less awareness (which is really frightening!) and I would assume probably nothing was labeled gluten-free. Also, did this board, which is the source of SO MUCH support and information, exist? Thank God it does now!

What REALLY ticks me off more so than the food and unclear labeling or hidden ingredients is that nonbody knows what the frick goes in medication. Why, in God's name (jeez- I sound religious today, but I think God would agree as he seems like a decent soul ) would you put a known allergen in prescription in medications. It's like "Yeah- and every bottle of our pills comes with a free bee sting. Our apologies to thos of you who are allergic and may die as a result!" Ahhhhhhh!!!!

[fisharefriendsnotfood]

I have to second what Morrigan said. I cannot imagine having had this ten years ago. There was so much less awareness (which is really frightening!) and I would assume probably nothing was labeled gluten-free. Also, did this board, which is the source of SO MUCH support and information, exist? Thank God it does now!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was diagnosed twelve years ago, when I was two years old. There was hardly anything gluten-free; no bagels, only one or two types of cookies, one type of bread, etc. And we had to go to weird out-of-the-way health food stores to get them. I am so lucky that I live in Toronto and we have the Hospital for Sick Children that is very involved in Celiac Disease. And this board certainly did not exist; commercial internet was just starting up then!

And there was basically no awareness.

Yup!

-Jackie

[Hennessey]

I feel your pain.. try being allergic to wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, egg whites, beef, pears, bananas, apples..probably more that I don't even know of yet....it does really stink, frustration/tears are acceptable.... but hey, there are worse things.

[Canadian Karen]

Funny, just tonight when I was at the supermarket getting lunch stuff for the girls, I was walking past the frozen section and I noticed the frozen cakes and desserts (apple blossoms, etc), and I got this very strong urge to kick and punch the freezer door out of frustration of not being able to treat myself........ Not often do I get those urges, very rarely actually......

Karen

[key]

I have to agree that the social aspect is the worst. I feel sort of isolated! If I go to socials that have food and I don't eat, because there isn't anything to eat without getting sick. Then I am thinking that everyone thinks I am crazy or anorexic! I am skinny and I know that is what they think. THat isn't true. Also I know that most of them don't understand what celiac disease really involves and they even say, wow that must be hard, I don't know how you do it! I do it, because I don't like being nauseous, sick and in pain! I know they don't get it, so I really miss being able to just go out. Also, you definitely have to plan ahead when traveling. We went camping this weekend and I didn't plan for lunch on the way home, so I just didn't eat until I got home.

I miss food too and whine about it. I do like that it is a healthier diet for the most part and it forces me to make good food choices.

I also hate getting sick from gluten when I am trying SO hard not to. I have been cooking it for the rest of my family and cooking seperately for my celiac son and I. It is a pain! Still working on that area!

Just thought I would whine a little with ya!

Monica

[Claire]

I feel your pain.. try being allergic to wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, egg whites, beef, pears, bananas, apples..probably more that I don't even know of yet....it does really stink, frustration/tears are acceptable.... but hey, there are worse things.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Been there - done that! Type II, Delayed Food Reactions - all grains except rice and oats, corn. dairy,, eggs, Crab, shrimp, pork, lobster, most tropical fruits, bananas. all types of beans.

The worst thing is that when I find a food I can eat and eat it for awhile - then I can't eat it anymore. When I first went on restrictions I ate lots of bananas. Then - no more bananas. It is good I am not young or I would outrun the food supply before I ran out of time.

You are not alone but for each of us with these problems it sure seems that way. Claire

[Zoeysfat]

Hi all, this my first post, but I have been reading everyone elses posts for months. Thank you all for the great information that you share. I have a question about something I just read from one of you regarding be addicted to the wheat and going thru withdrawls. I was diagnosed with celiac disease in March of this year and have been very faithful to my diet since. For the first few weeks I felt great, better than I had for years! But then I slowly started to feel less energetic, spacerier (spell) and more depressed than I had ever felt. Does anyone know if this might be from withdrawls? I was a carb-aholic before celiac disease. I am just trying to figure out what is wrong with me, I just hate being this way. Any thoughts would be appreciated

Denice