jabberwife

I too have these vertical ridges and some bumps in my nails. Have had them for as long as I can remember. I've only been gluten-free for a short while, so we'll see if they get better. My nails and hair have always been brittle...and my hair has been thin and fine. I'm crossing my fingers that it'll be better as my diet improves. Nail question for someone though--I have these little pinky toenails, and they ALWAYS split all the way through the nail bed, all the way down. It's like they grow with the split in them. What sucks is eventually I'll catch the smaller part of the nail on something pull it up, and then I have to cut it back and it's like I cut off a part of my toenail entirely! It's painful. Anyone else have this issue?

Wooohooo! I have one right around the corner from my house!

Ok...anyone know if Pei Wei has gluten-free menu, since Pei Wei is a PF Changs restaurant?

I recently when gluten-free (3 weeks ago) when I last went to my doc. Was talking about an ongoing itch problem. Localized, only on my shins, and it seemed unrelated to any lotions, clothes, detergent, I was using. I had no rash, and the skin would only get red and inflamed if I had to go to scratching it (duh). It has subsided since going Gluten Free. Is this DH, or a milder form, or am I just crazy?

I have not yet received my "official" diagnosis from Enterolab yet, but I too am a chronic C girl. That and gas, bloating, then alternating D. It was a vicious cycle that my body is still going through (I'm about 3 weeks into the gluten-free diet and did a challenge last week--there went the D!!! so I feel I'm definitely intolerant). The only time prior to going gluten-free I would get stressed. That started happening about 1 1/2 years ago--when I took a stressful job--and would be almost immediately after a meal at times...then there would be a week where I wouldn't go at all. Talk about irritating!

Sounds absolutely scrumptious! Hey, some questions for you though, in general for fried chicken....how do you get it so it's not TOO done/dark outside but gets done in the middle? This has been an issue for me in the past with old-fashioned fried chicken, I wonder if it's the same this way. Is there a type of pan that makes it easier? I get the oil the right temp....so confused as to what I'm doing wrong!

I can't wait to try this though.

speaking of beans (yum) anyone know a good replacement for a good ol' bean burrito? I'm thinking refried beans and corn tortillas just won't do the trick, but I might be surprised. I love refried beans (even the fat free kind, which can't REALLY be refried).

Good point, I didn't really think about fat. My body is probably freaking out because since I went gluten-free, I also cut a great deal of fat out of my diet. (less fast food=healthier eating!!!) I do get some fat in my diet, I eat peanuts quite a bit, and do occasionnally splurge for an order of french fries, and eat some dark chocolate and/or ice cream. I also eat both white and dark meat chicken, actually, I LOVE to bake a whole chicken about once a week. (I have it down to an art) I go about 50/50 on white and dark meat, but sinfully, I enjoy the perfectly crispy skin....(ew, I know, to some, but it's soooo good I can't help it!) But regardless, my body may be getting used to not eating out all the time. Previously I was enjoying more hamburgers and fried everything when home with my husband, and it doesn't quite know what to do!

I do definitely drink enough water. You can't NOT drink water and survive here in Texas! (I'm in Dallas and today's high is 102) In fact, I make it a point to take my daily multivitamin because I'm afraid I dilute minerals with how much I drink. (I drink coffee in the mornings, and maybe a diet coke a day as well) I just take meds that make my mouth so dry all the time, that water helps. I would imagine that I drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day, and at least 8 20 oz glasses of water, sometimes more.

Haha...update on that bagel reaction. It all came "flooding in" on Friday night/Saturday morning. I guess the constipation was over, and boy, was I sorry I ate that bagel! About 5am I started my trips to the bathroom, back and forth every half hour, until 10-11 am. Can't sleep that well when every time you doze off you have the need to get up and go! Anyway, I'm still gluten-free since then. Doing better at it...wish I could tell you I feel wonderful, but I can't quite tell for sure because I caught a cold (guess I brought my immune system down with the bagel thing or it's a coincidence) and feel like crud from that!

A separate issue though, if anyone knows about this, I'd like to hear. My sister is about a week behind me on the gluten free diet. She's been lactose intolerant for more than a year, and has bad acid reflux, can't go a day without Prevacid. She has also been told she has IBS. She experiences a lot of anxiety and consistent tiredness, which she is currently seeing a doctor for. (the doc has her on a combo of prescription meds and alternative treatments, and just performed tests on a bunch of her chemical levels (serotonin, etc) and she's ok on anxiety now, but still showing really tired and sluggish.) I talked to her about her possibly being celiac, so she started the diet. Well, 2 weeks in, she decided she didn't feel any different and was mad about how much everything costs (especially cutting dairy and gluten) and ate some Cheerios to test herself out. She had what I would consider a gluten reaction from those, and is back on the diet. Now...Cheerios are a nono, but I would think she would be less likely to react to those as something with a higher gluten content, especially just being only 2 weeks gluten-free, right? I mean, everyone's different....but that surprises me. The gluten in cheerios is only from oats and wheat starch...low in comparison to something like...a bagel.

Anyway, just wondering.

Some great ideas! Bully4you, I can't help but interject that people forget that beer is gluten and use the no-gluten area because it's beer! Somehow people forget lots of things when they drink this stuff.

I already use paper towels for cleanup, which although more expensive and less eco-friendly, are convenient. The little dishwashing sponge with the soap filled handle will have to be modified though. I suppose the easy thing to do is just get another gluten-free one. If I have dishrags around, the kids will wipe down who knows what on the counter and put it back...and I know I'll grab it innocently and will be glutened. So...paper towels it is!

Thanks everyone!

You could be reacting to other foodstuffs that you have intolerances to. But have you checked to make sure you are not getting any hidden gluten in your diet? Check your processed foods, salad dressings, etc. Also check to make sure you are not having cross contamination issues. If there are gluten eaters in your house, then make sure you have separate dishes, butter, toaster, etc for your non gluten items. Make sure that if you go out to eat, to figure out what they are serving you to make sure you're not accidentally glutened. A pain, I know...but these could still cause your symptoms.

You can also have Enterolab test to see if there is still gluten in your system...

Just a start. I'm sure others will have even better advice than I! This is a great resource.

Anyone have good ideas on how to replace the fiber I used to get in all of my whole grain breads and such? I have increased my salad intake...and cook brown rice instead of white...thinking it's better. But, forgive my frankness, need to go back to being "regular" (although at this point, not sure what that should be! I've been on such a roller coaster D and constipation for so long now). Ideas? Here's an idea of what I'm eating on a daily basis right now:

Breakfast:

either a Van's Buckwheat waffle or Bob's Red Mill hot cereal

piece of fruit (banana, plum, etc)

Lunch:

salad with dark leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, usually lite balsamic vinagrette dressing and a little turkey breast deli meat and cheese

fruit (cherries, grapes, plum, etc)

Snacks:

peanuts, or a few Nut Thins crackers

Dinner:

varies. Usually chicken, with rice, and salad or veggies. Sometimes also gluten-free pasta with spaghetti sauce.

Dessert:

reduced fat slow churned Dreyers ice cream

Leah..

I remember going through that when I tried the oh-so-popular Adkins diet back in the day. I figure I'm going through a similar thing...with the candy and such...just in carbohydrates in general. I don't know if it's normal or not or if we're missing something...

You know, that natural flavorings ingredient can be a culprit. I was surprised, positively, the other day, to see that Uncle Bens rice mixes specifically state "wheat" in parenthesis next to natural flavorings on some of their rice mixes. Sad it has wheat in it, but at least they were disclosing everything!

Maybe I'm missing something that's found in the candy and chocolate. Hmm....as much as I'd like to VALIDATE eating it all the time...I suppose I should figure out what that item is I"m missing! Here's my argument...at least I'm eating DARK chocolate...kinda better than milk...supposedly.

Something else I'm craving RIGHT NOW? A Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. Funny thing is, I haven't eaten these on a consistent basis since I was a kid. I need to find some GOOD gluten-free bread. Yum yum yum

I didn't officially click on my vote, because I"m waiting on Enterolab results. Funny thing...I remember back being a skinny skinny kid, skinny teen, with problems fainting and dizziness if I didn't eat RIGHT on schedule (but never had hypoglycemia or diabetes...was checked). Now I'm an adult who has to watch her weight like everyone else. Starting having major D problems about 2 years ago, (combo of stressful home and work conditions) and inquired with my doctors about my problems. Diagnosed with IBS, but none of the meds worked. They did blood tests for everything including celiac, came back ok. Did occult blood stool test, ok there too. Got better (only had gas problems, really, not D like before) after quitting my job, home life settled, less stressful job. But had bad itching with no associated rash. Went to doc again, he said "possible food allergy." Got me thinking...narrowed it down to lactose or gluten. My dad is celiac. So.....went gluten free, on my 3rd week. Did a gluten challenge and 3 days later, unimaginable D. Well...called back my docs office to get dates on when blood tests were taken. Apparently they lied....NEVER did a celiac blood test!!! They tested my thyroid instead.

Anyway, long story short, I suppose I'm dietary response, self diagnosed, until Enterolab comes back. And guess who's face those results will be waved in? Doc, get ready!

The doctors are still learning. Hopefully the next batch that come out of med school will have a better understanding...as gluten intolerance becomes more public. We can hope!

You're not the only one with this problem...I can totally relate. I'm new to the diet, but have had these issues twice in the past 2 weeks....twice I have been glutened. For me it lasts for like 5-6 hours at a time before something actually "happens" and I see relief. I was kept awake Saturday morning from this...every time I'd doze off, there it was, the feeling like I needed to run to the bathroom. I go in there, and gas, but that's it. An embarrassing enough problem if it happens during the day (at work)!!! I'd suggest really really looking at everything closely to keep from glutening yourself, but perhaps someone else that has been dealing with this has a solution to relieve it? I'm sure you and I would BOTH appreciate quicker relief!

Am I missing something in my diet? Since going gluten-free, I have been craving candy and chocolate, and never used to have a sweet tooth. I imagine my body is freaking about about the reduction in refined carbs in general, but oddly enough, I'm not craving bread, but gum drops and jelly beans and the like! This definitely doesn't do much for the waistline when I indulge! Ideas? I am not the BEST at maintaining a healthy diet, but what I might be missing in food intake I make up for with a daily multivitamin.

WOW! I feel that my additions will be inadequate compared to some of the wonderful cooking ideas here! I usually stock up for a few days on salad in a bag (easier than chopping) and cook several days worth of chicken at a time, and throw together salads for lunch quite a bit. That gets me the fiber I need (I'm having trouble replacing all the whole grain breads I used to eat!) and it's FAST.

That's all that I can add...but I am going to have to write some of these great ideas down for myself!

I haven't had issues with them, but my dad has had some issues with the Flax and Buckwheat ones. Of course, I'm so new to the diet yet that I haven't figured out what's bothering me and what is still remnants of my gluteny days.

Amen CarlaB! That's how I grew up, and what I try to enforce in my household, but I TOTALLY understand about the picky eater kid thing. I have 3 stepchildren that don't live with us, so as much as I try to enforce this rule, it's impossible because they come from their mom's with a different "I want this, I don't like that" every month. Now I'm new to the gluten free diet and am fearing not being able to even make them the few things they will eat. The idea of trying to introduce gluten free alternatives to their diets when they're over makes me wary--they will complain at times that they don't like "this" macaroni or that my eggs don't taste like mom's--and I'm sure they'll taste the difference between gluten-free macaroni and cheese and Kraft. I may be ending up having my husband cook all their meals, but I hate to hand it ALL to him. Ideas on this one?

I am new to the diet (3 weeks in) and am learning rapidly on where CC can lie and hidden gluten issues. Although I am still awaiting my diagnosis from Enterolab, I am already pretty sure that I am going to need to remain on a gluten-free diet, so I'm trying to plan ahead. I have a few questions for those of you with some experience.

My husband will probably be eating less gluten-products at the house in the future, but I don't think I can quite convince him to eat the gluten-replacement products (the gluten free pastas, breads, etc). So I will need to avoid CC.

The toaster--I will get a new one, but has anyone tried to get the four-slice toaster and dedicate "sides" of the toaster to gluten and non-gluten? I'm afraid this will still invite CC but it would save space if I could pull it off.

The kids--they don't live with us (they are my step-kids, so it's less likely they'd even be gluten sensitive unless it was just "luck.") And they are painfully picky about what they will eat in the first place, so I'm afraid trying to make their meals gluten-free as well will be a nightmare. (unfortunately they're so picky as to not eat something if I make it differently than "mom" does--of course, then they don't get to eat at all!!!) I figure I will try to get more convenience foods for them when they are over, and then if I'm too sensitive, make my husband prepare their meals.

Anyone have difficulty with CC on the butter, jelly, etc even with labeling? I am thinking I'll label everything and have 2 of everything for the kids, husband, etc. The kids are what I'm worried about getting into the wrong item.

I'm rambling....but any suggestions to make this easier would be most welcome. Thank you, all of my friends!

I'm new to the diet, but will contribute! Thanks to everyone else for your responses, because there are a few things on here I am happy to go try out!

*Best Crackers = Nut Thins (Almond)

*Best Cereal = Bob's Gluten-free hot cereal

*Best Waffles = Van's Wheat Free Gluten Free Waffles (regular or blueberry)

*Best Chocolate = Hershey's Special Dark

*Best Candy = Jelly Belly Jelly Beans <--so glad someone posted this, cause I love these and saw "modified food starch" and wasn't sure it was ok! YAY!!!

*Best Gum = Orbit

*Best Ice Cream = Dreyer's reduced fat Slow Churned--Coffee

*Best Chips = Tostitos' Naturals Blue Corn Chips

Anyone know a wonderful breading mix available to coat chicken Shake-n-Bake style? I bought some Kinnikinick and it was terrible! Any ideas?

You know, I'm at work so early that I'm always making breakfast on the go. I seem to do well with one of the Vann's wheat-free waffles (only takes a second in the toaster before I"m out the door) with either honey, jam, or peanut butter on it, and a banana or other fruit. You could even make 2 waffles and make a "sandwich" so that it's less messy to eat in the car! I am not much for maple syrup anyway, so peanut butter is the best choice anyway!

This rocks! Thanks for the info!