Adapting to a GF Lifestyle

I think one of the biggest things that is overlooked when diagnosed with Celiac's is a sense of loss and anxiety. Being told by your doctor to stay gluten free for life and everything will be OK just seems to gloss over the significant change in lifestyle. It is not that your doctor has failed you-it is an overwhelming life change for many who are diagnosed later instead of as young children. My daughter was depressed shortly after her diagnosis. At 13, she was already an avid baker and could even make a variety of meals. She was a confident teen- and then suddenly she was scared of food, crying in the grocery store.

Food is something we often take for granted, though it is necessary for survival. But it is that basic necessity of food that I think rattles the new Celiac. It is also that more planning is required too that can be worrisome- where can I eat at the mall food court?...what can I make for lunch that will still be edible by noon?...how do I eat gf at someone else's house? And on top of all that, many gluten containing ingredient names have all the meaning of latin for most of us, and often requires extended grocery store visits in order to decipher labels. Overwhelming and Exhausting!

So how do you get through this transition?...

1) Go back to basics for a while. Meat, veggies, fruit, and eggs. Staying away from anything processed will give you the peace of mind in the initial days of adjustment. (Dairy is fine too- just be aware that things like ice cream and yogurt may be sources of gluten. So avoid initially if you are feeling anxious about reading labels.)

2) Look for a gluten free isle in your grocery store. Many grocery stores are stocking some gf products in various quantities. (Note: Just make sure to look for a gluten free label! I have seen countless times when organic products are thrown in with gluten free ones- and naturally one assumes since it is in the gf shelf that it must be gf too. So watch out!)

3) Check to see if there is a gluten free bakery in your area. This is fantastic for satisfying that craving for sweets, as well as solving the new issue of bread. I took my daughter immediately after her diagnosis to our local gf bakery that we are lucky to have here- it was a beacon of hope for her that she could live without feeling completely deprived of the foods she loved.

4) Join the Celiac association in your area. They will have information on food products that are safe, restaurant lists that are gf friendly, and many other tips.

5) Reach out to friends or colleagues that are Celiac's. They will be good sources of information, ranging from good tasting products, recipes, restaurants, etc. (Just don't let them convince you that cheating a little is OK!- some Celiac's do believe this, and it is not OK- you are damaging your small intestine by cheating!! More on this later...).

6) Don't be afraid to ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. The dietitian will have lots of information for you, and can help ease you through the initial stages of going gf.

7) Don't beat yourself up. What you are feeling is real, and not silly. Take small steps. You will get the hang of being gf, and it will become second nature. Find a friend to talk to, or post here and I or someone else will be happy to listen. :)