Lynayah

I just wanted to say that I really appreciate all the posts on this thread -- very interesting. I hope even more folks will post here. Thank you for the topic.

Erin: EXCELLENT STUFF! You are wonderful. Thanks, and I'll report back after I work through everything. Wow.

Menstral cycle: Way beyond that one due to my young-at-heart age, but hormones, that's another matter. Again, great point.

If I have a lot of discomfort, an Epsom salt bath feels great, at least temporarily. Also, I have heard from some that taking gluten-free milk thistle helps, although I have no idea if it is true.

How are you feeling?

I was eating at a friends house for dinner. It was brats. They were so good I thought I'd have another. I remember thinking I'd have to ask her what brand she was serving because it was do good. As I went to serve myself another one I noticed the BUN I had in my hand. Oh, yea, a poison bun, no wonder they tasted so good!!!! I was so sick. I'd been gluten free for two years at that point so why in the world I was eating that bun I'll never know. Funny thing is the next year this same friend found out she had celiac disease.

YIPES! What a frightening, but great, story!

Okay, you and Kdnov2's have inspired me; I

I just confused my boyfriend's can of beans with one of my own. I ate a few bites and then I saw that it contained wheat flour. I am scared, what do I do? I took an omega 3, zinc, and L-glutamate, but is there anything else I should do? When will it be out of my system completely? Oh god I hate myself for being so careless. Can anyone please help me?

Isn't it a horrible, sinking feeling when you realize you've eaten something you should not? Oh my gosh, I feel your pain.

It happened to me on vacation in October. A chef pointed to a rack of allergy-friendly foods and told me they were all gluten free. I purchased the chocolate chip cookies only to learn, after eating one or two that I had been glutened. I loved the cookies, so I looked at the calorie count . . . only to glance at the ingredients list, too, and discover that WHEAT FLOUR was the first ingredient!

I didn't read the label first. My fault.

Anyway, I remember my heart sinking, pounding . . . and I remember wanting to beat myself up, big time. I was sooooo mad!

Looking back, it was a blessing. It taught me to be more careful, no matter what.

It sure was heck when it happened, though, especially since I was flying home that day. I am not sure if I spent more time in my seat . . . or in the bathroom in-flight. Augh!

I survived. It took about a week to get back to feeling better.

Anyway, you're not alone. Sending a huge hug to you.

Hang in there, and let us know how you are doing, how long it takes for your symptoms to subside, etc.

Amazing chocolate cookies and only 1/4 cup flour!

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Make single batches.

I love this recipe. While I want to try everything listed here, this might just be the one for next Monday -- my weekend has turned into hectic times ten, and now I'm needing something fast and easy.

Everyone: Keep posting! My daughters and I are so excited. We're making a list of gotta-try-it recipes out of these posts, and we plan to make each cookie over the holiday. They want to learn more about gluten-free cooking. What fun this will be!

Ahorsesoul -- your recipe sounds amazing! It also sounds like a lot of fun to make.

Pumpkin Roll

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Namaste Perfect Flour Blend

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 cup granualted sugar

2/3 cup Pure Pumpkin (1/2 can)

extra granulated sugar for sprinkling

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions for cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 15 x 10 in jelly roll pan Line with parchment paper cut to dimensions of pan. Spray nonstick spray on pan and paper. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixing bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts. Bake for 13 - 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen cake and sprinke top with granulated sugar. Cover cake with thin cotton kitchen towel and place the back side of a larger pan on top of baked cake and invert onto kitchen towel. Carefully peel off parchment paper and roll cake and towel together starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

Filling:

Ingredients:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1-2 cups powdered sugar

6 tablespoons of butter or margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer until smooth (I added powdered sugar until mixture was thick enough to spread). When cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll cake, remove towel., Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinke with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

ENJOY!

Wenmin

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Also remember to keep you water intake up. I remember reading to divide your weight in half to get a good idea of how many ounces you need. Many times when I think I am hungry, I am actually thirsty. Also, I am ravenous for days after I've been accidentally glutened, probably because of the D the glutening caused. I'm actually a thin Celiac (probably from years of misdiagnosis) but carry weight in my tummy area....looking like a bird comes to mind Glad you are getting further tested for thyroid ect....keep up the good work, it will pay off!

Thank you, Kathy! I'm on my way for a glass!

PS to Erin:

I also want to thank you for the 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight tip. That's another good one.

Lyn,

I am so glad that I've been able to help in some small way.

Your smoothie sounds great-just be careful with the pineapple as it can be calorically dense, and be sure to count that and the ample in your daily totals. And honestly, you may find it more satisfying if you chew it rather than drink it. And it will take longer to eat!! You could make an awesome salad with those ingredients...(and make sure to be counting the chia seeds too!)

It's good that your doc is checking your levels.

I found one study so far that simply confirms the presence of leptin receptors in the gut-need to do more digging

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And I am the same way, I need to eat small meals every 2.5-3 hours or I am running for food. Everyone is different in that regard, but do what helps! So always pre-plan and have a healthy option with you so you don't inhale a metric to of almonds

Keep me posted!

Thanks so much.

I intentionally juice in Vita-Mix for better GI absorption -- there some excellent info on this in a book entitled Eat for Life by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Interesting stuff in there! When I follow the instruction on making a smoothie with a lot of greens, I really does wonders in getting enough green protein in and helping me get through the day. Pineapple juice (1/4 cup only) and a small apple gives it enough sweetness to make it palatable. Otherwise, as advanced as my whole-foods taste may be, yuck.

Then later, or throughout the day, I

Hi. I was wondering how long after people started eating gluten free until they started to feel health improvements?

I am on day 7 of a gluten free diet. I have had digestive issues such as terrible reflux, gas, stomach pains, and irregular bowel movements for the past ten years or so. I also have awful body pain. For the most part i just suck it up and live with it as i have tried pt, chiro, massage, painkillers, etc etc with no positive effect, but now that i have a new hope of figuring things out i am very aware of it all. i am planning on trying the diet for 3 months regardless of how i feel, but i am trying to figure out when i should expect to feel changes.

thanks!

It is different for everyone. Seven days is a very small stretch of time, and for many of us, it takes even more time to eliminate possible "hidden" sources of gluten. For me, it was things such as toothpaste, putting my hands in my mouth after using hand lotion that had wheat germ in it, etc.

Take a look at my symptoms (in my signature line). I was dying, I was in so much pain. Things are incredibly better now, and I have only been gluten-free (or almost gluten-free -- I've made a few mistakes) since September.

You're on your way to being better!

I have high Gliadin, but everything else negative (Gliadin in the 80's), which gave me the diagnosis of non-celiac gluten-intolerant. I am very, very sensitive to gluten (see symptoms in my signature).

There is good reading about this in a book entitled HEALTHIER WITHOUT WHEAT. You may want to read it -- it helped me understand a little better.

Good post!

From what I understand, "Naturally gluten-free" means that there "may" be no gluten in the ingredients. It does not mean that the product is manufactured in a facility that is free of gluten.

Wal-Mart clearly states "gluten-free" on products that do not contain gluten. I would be careful with anything that says "naturally gluten-free."

Have you called Wal-Mart to ask?

Another PS to Erin: Protein level -- I have my Gliadin level, if that helps. It is 88.

PS: I am also learning that I need to be VERY STRICT in eating whole foods at about three hour intervals.

When I bottomed out yesterday, I did not eat continually throughout the day. Today, I ate every three hours, and I was much better with my hunger level. How nice it is not to want to kill for food!

Anyway, for me, it is best not to allow myself to get too hungry. As I always say, "deprivation isn't cool."

Thanks again.

Magpie-those are all great points

Lyn-I do think the Gliadin issue is making it tough for you. The gut does affect hormone levels, as do fat stores. The hormone leptin, which is what helps you feel satisfied, can be an issue in some people. I am trying to find some research that I can access (for free-most of them you have to pay for the full text.) to help explain the relationship between Gliadin, gut permeability and leptin levels and/or leptin resistance. This would help explain why you're feeling the way you are, but unfortunately would not change it.

I have no doubt that you feel ravenous. I don't know your current protein levels, but you may want to consider eating 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. Protein intake has been shown to help improve satiety. Load up on those salad greens! And try to distract yourself as much as possible if hunger hits and it's not time to have a meal. Chew peppermint gum, have some tea, work on a project, go for a walk.

You can do this! You have the knowledge and mindset and that's half the battle.

Erin, I love you! You totally get it, and I cannot thank you enough for your very wise comments.

I am anxiously awaiting any info you tap into. I am in the process of searching as well -- I believe that everything happens for a reason, and maybe what I will learn might someday help others.

I agree with you about salad greens. For a while now, I have even been making a Vita-Mix "green smoothie" with things like bok choy, pineapple, apple, carrots, chia seed, baby greens or cabbage -- whatever I have on hand that is very high in nutrients. Oh my gosh, it looks HORRIFIC when I blend it -- baby poop soup! <LOL!> But it tastes okay if I close my eyes!

I know the above paragraph might sound yucky to some, but I am used to whole foods and combinations such as these taste good to me right now. My body needs as much high-nutrition as it can get.

Anyway, you are right: greens are very satisfying -- maybe not very much fun (ONION RINGS ARE FUN, PIZZA IS FUN), but greens, as boring as they may be, are surprisingly satisfying. My body feels so good after eating a good portion of them. Protein is important too (thankfully there is quite a bit of it in the greens), and I try to have some every time I eat. Legumes in particular are a best friend.

Here is an update: My doctor has ordered a CBC, kidney function check and thyroid check -- all in blood work -- I will go in tomorrow for the draw.

Again, thank you for understanding, REALLY UNDERSTANDING. You are an angel on my shoulder. Much appreciated.

Speaking of Spam.

richard

Loving this! It still makes me laugh out loud!

That's the link I posted in my message above yours. The Spam skit. "I'll have the spam, spam, spam, spam, spam, eggs, and spam." Spamitty spam.

Oh my gosh, I have to go see it. I haven't seen it in years! That and the Lumberjack Song are my two favorites. Thank you!

Thank you very much.

Do you, or does anyone know if there is a correlation between elevated gliadin and weight issues / hunger? I am having a heck of a time losing weight, and I wonder if it will take my gliadin going down to help my metabolism return to a more normal state.

Thanks. I would like to learn more. Might you have a resource or two (or more) to share? I am confused about how eating very small amounts can keep my gliadin level as has as it was previously. I really appreciate your help!

You have a great outlook!

Weighing is a great tool and I prefer it over measuring completely-just more accurate. And it does give you a good sense of portion, so when the day comes that you are at a weight you would like to maintain, it will be easier to "eyeball" if you like. But while you are actively losing, weighing and a food journal is the way to go!

Oh-I almost forgot the original question was tips for "easy" weight loss-unfortunately I think the honest answer is that losing fat is never easy. Being hungry is a part of it-you are intentionally feeding your body less than it requires to stay the same. I think recognizing hunger is OK-and realizing that if you stick to your plan and lose the fat, that someday the dieting will be over, you will have met your goal, and then you can eat at maintenance and you won't be hungry any more. But I think you already realize that

Thank you for your excellent post.

Here's the thing: Right now, the hunger for me is higher than I have known in many, many years.

Here is an interesting note: I just had my Gliadin re-tested, and I am higher now than when I finished the gluten challenge, despite my being gluten-free. I have a post about it here and would welcome comments from those who have been there: https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=64449

I cannot help but wonder if the continued high Gliadin is part of my problem. My body continues to manufacture Gliadin because it does not yet understand that is it safe from gluten. In the meantime, the gluten reaction is causing me to crave food because my body does not yet read that I'm on the other side of things, and it thinks I need more food (nutrients) than I really do.

I had my blood sugar tested a few months back, and it is fine.

I am absorbing nutrients now, too, thank goodness. I had good bloodwork results that showed everything is well. Hence my thinking that the high Glidadin may be the issue.

Today was particularly challenging. I've been eating whole foods only, and around noon today, I became so incredibly hungry that I wanted to kill for anything and everything I could get my hands on. This after having had a high-nutrition breakfast (400 calories with a good balance of protein, vegetables and fruit) and a high-nutrition mid-morning snack (an apple and almond milk), yet I bottomed-out with no willpower whatsoever. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!

Has anyone out there ever been on steroids? Do you know what the uncontrollable hunger feels like when on steroids? It is very challenging.

Well, this is like steroids times ten. It is very, very, VERY hard to keep from eating like crazy, even for someone like me who understands nutrition and understands how to take weight off and keep it off.

I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING. I KNOW MY BODY. Sadly, common sense and doing the right thing is working against me right now. Crazy things are happening with my body, and I am having a very tough time wrapping my head around it.

Still, I'm sticking to eating right and working out. I'm NOT GIVING UP, despite my wanting to eat my house.

Damn, this is so hard.

Don't forget about those bisquick, sausage and cheese hors d' oeuvres -----In Louisiana they are called "Coon Balls"

Someone needs to come up with a gluten-free version of those

Ingredients:

We can laugh all we want.

But, if you put Velveeta Dips (keep them hot) out a party, especially a football party, It is always the first to go. Highbrow Types always ask "what is your recipe"?

Yes!

AND if you tell them that your "secret recipe" is made from some incredibly expensive, exclusive cheese, then they start to salivate . . . and if, after that, you just keep your mouth shut just long enough, they throw money at you for the recipe.

Catch it and run for the goal line!

As I've always said, if peanut butter cost $100 an ounce, everyone would know it is the greatest food in the world.

What is funny is that the same folks that turn their nose up at SPAM, eat canned soups, chili, tuna, prepared frozen and box meals, all full of chemicals, preservatives and mystery ingredients. Not to mention Fast Food....

I say always keep a Can o' Spam in the cabinet for emergency's along with a big block of Velveeta Cheese (America's favorite processed cheese "food"). The Pair makes a helluva Party Platter for those impromptu guests during the holidays. Always keep those little toothpicks with the curly plastic cellophane to decorate it up!

FYI Spam is available in a low sodium version....

"Canned soups, chili, tuna" . . . well said!

"little toothpicks with the curly plastic cellophane" . . . of course, dahlink! What else would even come close to making the perfect snack statement?

Oh my gosh, in addition to Spam, Velveeta is gluten free, too? ALL VARIATIES? (Oh please tell me yes!) Talk about processed-food-heaven!

Hold onto my hips, here I come. Whooo-hooo!

The next time I need a guilty pleasure, I sure know where I'm going.

PS: May I please have some fries with that?