Comments on: Gluten is the enemy

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:49:41 +0000

Celiac does require a huge lifestyle change, but you have to look at it this way: it’s an intestinal condition that has a DEFINITE cause. Most (i.e. ulcerative colitis, IBS, Crohn’s, etc), do not — and you just have to live with it or take awful medications that can make you feel worse in other ways. I’m not trying to take away from how difficult it will be to make the transition for you, but it helps me to keep things like this in perspective. Good luck in your gluten free journey! <3

By: Meli

Meli — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:35:58 +0000

You guys are great. Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and advice. <3

By: Megs

Megs — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:21:47 +0000

I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I am sure you will learn to be happy with what you have in time. You are strong and you will get through! <3

I actually work with someone with a gluten intolerance and she always has something yummy to eat for lunch that sometimes I am jealous of!

I also saw gluten free beer at a liquor store the other day (it's called Binny's- not sure if it's a Chicago thing or nationwide).

There is hope! <3

By: Aliza Edery

Aliza Edery — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:17:13 +0000

Oh and I hate cilantro with a passion, so try eating yummy spanish food or anything from asia without it its impossible! I just tell them I’m allergic and everyone accommodates me.

By: Anika

Anika — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:38:55 +0000

Sounds like it’s definitely going to be tough, but I know that you can do it. Any time you have to make a permanent lifestyle change, it’s basically a pain in the butt until it’s become routine, but you’ll get there eventually.

& I don’t think anyone worth hanging out with is going to fault you for asking if things are gluten free. I always have to ask about lard or chicken broth and nobody gives me a hard time. We’re all here for you. <3

By: Rox

Rox — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:52:29 +0000

My friend, Change is not always easy and especially when it comes to food. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rox

By: Agustin Sanchez

Agustin Sanchez — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:14:11 +0000

Things will get better as you get used to knowing what to look for. As you saw last night when we went to Sole, you just have to order the right things and inform people what you’re allergic to.

Most restaurants are very happy to accomodate things.Just remember that while frustrating that there is plenty you still can eat that is delicious! Dont’ worry about our Europe trip too much as Celiac’s is even more widespread over there.

By: Tarah

Tarah — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:51:25 +0000

My little cousin David has severe food allergies (dairy, soy, shellfish, nuts, etc.) and I’ve spent the last 13 years altering recipes for him so that he can eat what everyone else eats. You’d be surprised at the normal, everyday products that you could find in any grocery store that don’t contain allergens or gluten that you could “repurpose” and use to make other foods (Pillsbury pie crust for pizzas, apple sauce in place of eggs, etc).

Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me any recipes you’d like to try out and I’ll see if I can offer you some changes that would make them gluten free.

By: Ally

Ally — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:45:09 +0000

This is a huge transition! I remember very well how it felt to be newly diagnosed with Celiac. 9 years ago they didn’t have as much info or foods and restaurants that had gf menus, it was very frustrating and I hated being “that girl” that was pain anytime I went somewhere I had to ask for the list of ingredients. It does get better, and you get used to it…but it is still hard sometimes. It’s a big chore. I totally understand how you feel. I had reactions at first, even when everything was gluten free. Your body is adjusting and will take time to heal and so even when you eat gluten free you may still get sick. There are lots of gluten free recipes all over the internet, which is really nice and I always look for ones that I don’t have to modify anything. Cooking with the different flours can be a pain sometimes. I don’t think I’m cheering you up! I’m glad there lots of resources now and I love that more restaurants are more accommodating! If you ever have any questions or just want to complain about eating bread that doesn’t taste very good. I’m here.

Allykiss

By: Aliza

Aliza — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:28:57 +0000

I’m so sorry to hear you have celiac disease. I have a friend who has it and I just wanted you to know that there seems to have been a huge spread of this as of late and America is coming around and offering more gluten free options. I don’t think you’ll need to only shop at Whole Foods to find alternatives for your lifestyle. There are many restaurants that offer gluten free menus as well, you just have to look for it and ask. I know it can seem daunting but once you get used to it, it will become second nature. I do the whole kosher thing and believe me it can be tricky finding something in this country that doesn’t have pork, shellfish, or meat and dairy products on it! If you come up my way or to Orlando I know of a couple places with gluten free menus that are not chains. Good luck!