sunnybabi1986

I haven't tried many, but Kinnikinick is a huge winner in my house. Like others mentioned, the personal pizza crusts in a 4 pack are amazing!! Just top with Kraft Italian Five Cheese and Hormel pepperoni and 15 minutes later, a little bit of heaven!! The crust has an amazing flavor and now when I bring it to family's houses, they all want a bite because the crust is so yummy!

OH.MY.Goodness.

I LOVE Kix cereal!

If they indeed are made in a separate factory, wouldn't they be safe to eat?

Since Wal-Mart recently put "May contain traces of wheat" on their lentils, I started buying the store brand of lentils at my local grocery stores. I'm not sure what you have in Wisconsin, but we have several stores that carry Best Choice lentils, which are gluten free according to Open Original Shared Link.

If your stores carry another generic brand, just contact the manufacturer.

Good luck!

Hi TabLooney!

I haven't bought flour at the Mama Jeans on Republic Road, just the one on Campbell. I'm not sure yet if it's a problem, but I bought several bags of "Mama Jeans" gluten free flours and made sure to ask if they were packed separately from the whole wheat flour and such. They told me there was no cross contamination, and the flour was MUCH cheaper than Bob's Red Mill flours. I was really excited and made cinnamon rolls the next day with some Mama Jean's millet flour. I got really sick that night and figured it must have been from something else, as they'd told me the flours were fine.

Then my husband made me pumpkin bites a couple days ago with some Mama Jean's teff flour and I got extremely sick. I haven't been so sick since in 6 or more months. I traced back to everything I ate and it could have only been the teff flour. My advice would be to stick with Bob's Red Mill or other packaged flours, but not the flours Mama Jean's packs.

If you can't find the flour, just ask an employee..they're pretty good about helping out with gluten free stuff.

Also, MAMA JEANS SOUTH LOCATION AND AKINS NOW HAVE UDI'S BREAD!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

I'm a little excited. Can you tell? It's in the freezer section.

Oh Yeah, also, if you're looking for some yummy recipes using gluten free flours, go to recipezaar.com, click on the Recipes tab at the top, click "Open recipe sifter tool" then click on "Free of: gluten" underneath the title "diet"

Search by rating and you'll find a ton of recipes from cookies to cakes to cinnamon rolls. Make a list of the flours you need and then go to Mama Jeans or Akins and ask them where the gluten free flours are.

As far as why so many flours and such, it has to do with the flavor each flour has, how it holds up in dishes, and the texture. Our favorite cookbook is Gluten Free Every Day by Robert M. Landolph. We got it off Amazon and it explains all the gluten free flours, how to use them, how to store them, their texture, calories, and whatnot. He has some reallly good recipes in the book that are definitely worth checking out as well!

According to Clan Thompson's Celiac Food SmartList, the following root beer brands are gluten free:

A&W, regular and diet (10/06/2009)

Barq's, caffeine free, regular, and diet (3/23/2009)

Mug Root Beer, regular and diet (12/3/2009)

There are a lot more listed, but these were the brands I saw mentioned on this thread.

I know several people on here have mentioned that it's hard to find chewable vitamins that are labeled gluten free, and I've definitely had the same problem. "Adult" vitamins make me sick to my stomach, and I'd been taking Flintstones vitamins before going gluten free, but stopped over some concern from the manufacturer.

I noticed yesterday at Wal-Mart that their Equate Chewable Children's Vitamins (comparable to Flintstones) are now labeled "Gluten Free" on the back. I'd heard that labeling was going to change, but was SO happy to see it on their chewable vitamins...just wanted to get the word out in case anyone else is still looking for chewables!

Also, at my Wal-Mart, there were still some bottles of vitamins without the labeling...guess they're older stock, not sure if they're safe or not.

Eh, Some people just have lower blood pressure naturally...my bp has always run pretty low, around 85/60, and I've had every test you can think of run, with everything coming back normal. It probably runs in families, because my mom and sister also both have low bp. We're also cold a lot as well! But we've all been tested and we're all normal. I'd definitely get some tests run, like everyone else suggested, but I wouldn't be overly concerned, as long as you're not passing out or anything.

BTW, I wouldn't call 90/60 extremely low, my doctor said it's normal for some people to have lower bp, 90/60 is not really extreme. Good luck!

Yay!!!! Thank you!!

You might want to check with your local grocery store chain and see if they have (or will) publish a gluten-free list.

I don't have a Hyvee close to me, but I do have stores that carry Kroger, Best Choice, and Always Save brands.

Here are the gluten free listing sites:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

The prices are MUCH lower than "name brands" and save us a lot of money in the long run!

For the past couple of years (before going gluten free), I kind of grew to hate food, as it apparently hated me.

I have always LOVED food, but when it started making me sick, I started eating just to survive. I enjoyed food a bit, but I always felt worse after I ate, and as a result, I would go without eating for a day sometimes and I would feel SO MUCH BETTER! So I ate a little bit, but just enough to get by, and when I didn't eat for several hours, I always felt better. Bummer I didn't know it was actually gluten making me sick. That's why I felt better after fasting for 24 hours. I hadn't eaten any gluten.

Anyway, I'm learning to love food again and to "live to eat" (like I used to!), as I've discovered so many yummy foods I can now eat without getting sick!

I remember the days of thinking a loaf of bread for $2.99 was expensive--for "the good stuff". I shell out $4.95 a loaf for two *tiny* Udi's loaves a week. Good golly, that's insane.

Wow...that's actually a good deal. I pay $5.73 for one tiny loaf, which is cheaper than buying online...I would happily pay $4.95 for 2 loaves Our local stores really take advantage of people needing to buy gluten free foods and mark them up EXTREMELY high. Quite sad, really.

ETA: Okay, I see you're in Denver, CO, which is where Udi's is located. Maybe they will franchise someday

Thanks for all your replies! You now have me sufficiently afraid of eating gluten. Then I got home last night and my fiance told me that the doctor doesn't want me to change my diet yet so they can do a blood test for the antibodies once the biopsy comes back. (I'd forgotten everything she said, yay sedative!) If I have to poison myself with gluten from doctor's orders, I'm thinking of going to the nicest restaurant around and doing one "last supper" before I'm banned from doing that forever.

Haha! I still remember my "last meal." It wasn't worth it, though, as I was sick for a week afterward. Tasted yummy at the time, but I paid dearly for it. Please let us know how everything goes!

Pulling for you,

Janie

If I go on a gluten-free diet and my appetite comes back, I'll just be completely miserable because of all the foods I can't eat. If I continue on as I am doing, I will continue to lose weight painlessly and not have to deny myself anything.

As far as not being able to eat any of the foods you love, that is a complete myth. When I first went gluten free, it FELT like I couldn't eat anything, but don't always trust your feelings. Going gluten free is very emotional and you may feel overwhelmed and depressed, thinking of all the things you used to eat, but it really is just your emotions.

I have yet to find anything that I used to eat that I can't eat now, with the exception of the Whopper, which I miss dearly. You can duplicate anything you used to eat, you just have to use different ingredients and sometimes different methods. I have had amazing French Toast, Fried Chicken, Biscuits and Gravy, Pizza, Wraps, and Pasta Dishes, ALL of which are gluten free. You have to get a little more creative, but you really can eat anything you want. Just not with wheat, barley, or rye. You don't have to deny yourself anything!

Going gluten free is life changing and very stressful in the beginning. But as time goes on, it becomes second nature and it doesn't bother you like it does in the beginning. I say this to encourage you and to help you change your point of view a bit. Going gluten free is NOT bad. It is NOT impossible, and it WILL improve your health and quality of life. You WILL feel better, after a period of healing time, and eventually, you will wonder how you ever ate wheat, barley, or rye products!

Look at going gluten free as an opportunity to experience new and innovative foods and new ways of cooking and being healthy. For me, I am SO glad I went gluten free, as I've discovered so many great foods I would have NEVER tried before. My diet is much more varied and I am so much healthier than I was before!

Feel free to PM me is you need recipes, food ideas, or anything else!!

Janie

Bummer, I was going to go to the Support Group meeting in February, but had a night class that night and couldn't skip. Roxanne sent me the email letting me know it was coming up, does she email for each meeting?

I was going to ask if anyone knew anything about Bud and Walt's Pizza...I'm kind of worried about cross contamination, have you eaten there or know anybody who has?

Blondie: It took me about 2-3 months until I really started feeling better after going gluten free, how long have you been gluten free? Bbuster is right about the Walmart on Kearny and Glenstone. We live right down the street and get things there sometimes. However, Am@zon has better prices on many of the products if you don't mind buying in bulk. If you need rice flour, cornmeal, or flours, the Kearney Walmart has several flours for much less than Mama Jeans and Akins. They also carry Glutino Pretzels, which are amazing!!

On another note, I just found out last night that Mama Jeans on Republic Road carries Kinnikinnick Pizza crusts and Pita Bread. I had a pizza last night on one, and it was honestly the best pizza I've had in my life!! No kidding.

Dillons also carries a decent supply of gluten free items and occasionally they will mark down items, you just have to drop in and check every once in awhile.

Those of us in Springfield should get together sometime!

I use Idaho Spuds brand, they disclose on the back that they contain milk ingredients only.

We've ordered from them twice, I'm not sure why they ask for the additional info, as other sites don't, but it's supposed to be for verification of your card. We've done it twice with no problems, though! You could email to get some more info. They have a contact form on their site. I was a little unsure about it, too, but we've had no problems with billing!

I understand your frustration 100%. We all felt the same way in the beginning, but you really do adapt and find new foods that you can make her. What an awesome sister you are!! Wow.

Pulling for you! Your sister is so fortunate to have you!

Janie

After I went gluten free, my husband and son have as well. Not that they necessarily need to, but it sure makes it a lot easier cooking and cleaning. Not a trace of gluten in the house keep us from being anxious about me getting sick. My husband has lost some weight since we've switched over and we'd never turn back.

Kudos to you!

Janie

Hi kbug! Welcome to the group!

We use Pamela's Baking and Pancake mix for baking most things...you can order it off amazon for less than half the cost at natural food stores. If you use subscribe and save to have it delivered every few months or so you get it even cheaper! We've made delicious muffins, pumpkin bread, banana bread, waffles, and pancakes, and they've all turned out great! The recipes are all on the back of the package.

Eventually, as you get more comfortable with gluten free cooking you may want to find some individual flours, like rice, tapioca, and sorghum flours, and try to make your own concoctions, but if you're looking for a good baking mix/flour mix, Pamela's has a been a godsend to us!

Good luck, hope this helps!

Janie

Hi and welcome!!

Check out Open Original Shared Link

I found out about them from another forum, ordered a box, and my whole family is hooked.

They're made from 10 gluten free grains and are super healthy.

Each box you order has 3 flavors of wraps: spinach garlic, agave grain(my favorite!) and chimayo chile

On Mondays you can order 1 box and get 1 free. 72 wraps total for $25 including shipping...did I mention I'm addicted?

Anyway, they're super good and we make enchiladas, burritos, mini pizzas, and quesadillas with them...you may want to order some and give them a shot! Good luck!!

Janie

I just learned how to make flourless chocolate cakes and they are amazing! Much richer than a brownie, but they're homemade and super yummy! I made them in cupcake tins to make "mini cakes," they could easily be substituted for brownies!!

Open Original Shared Link

My favorite boxed brownie mix is Gluten Free Pantry, I ordered them off amazon and got a discounted rate for subscribe and save, they're super good because they have little chocolate chips in them. Mmmmm...now you're making me want chocolate!

Here is a super good recipe for gluten free cookies using "normal" inexpensive ingredients...you could send some with her to share with her class.

Peanut Butter cookies:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (we use JIF or Skippy)

1 egg

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well, roll into a ball and flatten with a fork

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes

I tried Bob's Red Mill, Gluten Free Pantry, and Pamela's Bread, not really loving any of them. Pamela's is really good right out of the oven, but I didn't like it as much once it cooled.

None of my health stores here carry Udi's Bread, so I checked out their website and nearly fell out of my seat at the shipping costs. However, after a month of no bread, I about lost my mind and ordered 8 loaves, since the shipping is the same as one loaf...what?!

Anyway, it cost me a bit, $53.00 actually, but I got 8 loaves, so 6.60/loaf. Wow, I nearly fell out of my seat again when I tried it. Well, warmed up a bit in the microwave. It's a bit dry otherwise. But I really can hardly tell it's gluten free. It smells like wheat bread, looks like wheat bread, and tastes 95% like wheat bread. I don't know how they do it, but I need to figure out so I'm not paying 6.60/loaf. Yikes.

Each loaf comes with 12 pieces of bread, so I try to just eat 1 piece a day with butter and honey so it lasts me almost 2 weeks. That's about $13/month for bread, but it's so good it's totally worth it. The biggest cost is trying to pay for 8 loaves upfront. Try to see if you can pull $53 together to splurge, you'll not regret it! This is one gluten free food I can HONESTLY say doesn't taste "gluten free".

I would have to ask what you mean by "benefits." Are you talking about vitamins treating nutrient deficiency as a benefit? Or are you talking about vitamins making you feel "good"? Vitamins may make you feel "healthier" at first, but even when that feeling wears off, they should still be doing their job, which is to supplement your diet and make sure that you're getting the nutrients you need each day. Feeling "good" from taking vitamins is nice, but it certainly doesn't last forever, and it's not the reason we usually take vitamins. You may not always feel the benefits of vitamins, but they are doing their job in your body.

Good luck!

I got glutened at Outback the first time I ate there Now I'm scared to go back. I'm afraid my restaurant options are ZERO at this point.

I've been glutened 4 times by Mi Del Arrowroot cookies, sadly, I kept thinking each time, "Can't be, they say gluten free, and they're so good!" Now, after 2 weeks of being sick nearly every day, we're over. That relationship was not working. So sad, since they're so good and are labeled gluten free, but they are made in a shared facility, so I guess I took my chances.

It breaks my heart to get excited about products labeled gluten free, but unfortunately, even some of them aren't safe. Gluten free doesn't mean gluten free, it just means it contains less than ??? ppm of gluten. I'm becoming something of a cynic nowadays.