reality

Just did my first GF shop proper, its starting to hit home the huge changes in my life, & i have to say a little upsetting. just me, or have we all had a, ohg its real.

[nettiboo1982]

Hugs too you Its daunting having too make changes like this but one day at a time I'm sure you will start to feel better and it will have all been worth it. I don't have it myself but I have two metabolic disorders so I'm going gf for helping those symptoms I'm starting in the new year. Good luck 🍀 i hope your feeling better soon

[Mike52]

Yes we all get to that point, but you soon learn. Main thing is read all labels if you have not used product since going gf as they can sneak wheat,gluten in all sorts of things. I think my worst bit was having gone through the kitchen cupboards I found myself wondering what I was going to do for dinner as there was so little left that was gf. However you are on the right site for help and advice. Good luck and if unsure on thinks post a question.

Mike

[jointpain]

It may get easier, and I hope it does for you. Myself I am GF for two years this Christmas day, I am also meat free Fish free Dairy free, Nut and most pulses free, and wonder why these foodstuffs 'do me in' in such a devastating way if I have them!

[Penel]

Hi Toeknee

Yes it is a huge change, it takes time to adjust, but the improvement in your health does make it worthwhile.

Be careful not to overdo the ready-made gluten free supermarket foods, they can contain additives that may upset already damaged insides, and are not always a healthy option.

Stick to naturally occurring gluten free foods and cook from scratch whenever possible. There are lots of recipes out there.

There are also more and more restaurants now serving gluten free foods too.

[judburke]

I feel for you - I have just gone through the same process. I was diagnosed Coeliac 6 months ago. My best advice is to join Coeliac UK and ask for a paper copy of their GF foods book. Its a fantastic resource and it is on-line too. I found is very helpful to sit with the Book and a highlighter and go through foods I would normally eat to see what I could have.

If I saw something I used to enjoy I would say to myself "that will make me very ill - its poison to me" - It helped me control my feelings and when you start feeling better physically you know it is worth it. After a few months of GF some it is starting to feel "normal" for me and for my family.

Stay strong with it - It really is worth it to your health

Good luck

[Hidden]

Yes, it's tricky - but it does get easier. I've got a few 'reliables' that I don't need to worry about which means if I can't be bothered to spend a lot of time preparing food, I'm still OK.

My first eye-opener was how long shopping takes - you need to read every label. Nowadays I rarely buy one of anything - if it's OK I may as well buy six and save me time later.

Rather than look for substitutes, look at thing afresh. Don't look for gluten-free versions of what you are used to, just think about what fits in the 'gluten-free' box. That's not to say that there aren't lots of excellent gluten-free alternatives out there, it's just you will be very limited if that's the route you take.

[RodeoJoe]

Any immediate unplanned change to your life is stressful.

However you'll get used to it, it'll become second nature and you'll realise CD is actually pretty easy to deal with, and if you stick to a gluten free diet won't affect your health.

There's a lot worse than CD believe me.

[Jacks]

To be honest it is much easier now than it was when I was diagnosed. I'm also lactose free and I find that more of a challenge - even that is easier now.

It is what you make of it. If you've been sick then it's your prescription and if it makes you well then it's all okay. Other people will try to convince you it is a problem when it isn't.

Best thing is it makes you label read - then you realise what c**p there is in a lot of foodstuffs!

[RodeoJoe in reply to Jacks]

Reading labels just feels normal to me now. Even that kicker when you pick up something you want to try and find its got soy sauce, flour, breadcrumbs or barley malt in it.

[Venetia]

shopping is now second nature ,i have been knowingly gluten free since1990, it was so amazing to feel so well that i just didnt mind telling anyone or shopping or anything,

its now that i am finding difficult, socially, I find myself reluctant to have to say yet again that I need gluten free food, (curiously eating in restaurants easier) its eating out at friends that is hard .

[corsaUMM]

yes it can be a bit of a pain shopping around BUT much better than being in constant pain and bloated like a whale