So what's it like being Gluten Free?

Well, the first thought that comes to mind is that it sucks. A lot. All the food I buy is mega expensive. It is hard to find something tasty on a menu when I go out. I watch people eat tasty things all the time and can't even try a bite. Sometimes I go places and literally cannot eat, I've been on trips where I've been a tad hungry for days. I have eaten entirely too many salads (and I like salads!)

I think the worst part is being "that girl." That girl who always has to ask lots of questions about anything she eats outside her home. That girl who has to send food back every once in awhile because she didn't catch every single ingredient the first go-round. I don't like being thought of as difficult, it's not like I chose this! Sometimes I tell people that I am gluten free and I can in their eyes that they are judging me. They assume that I want to be hip or want to lose weight. The worst was when I went on birth control and was informing my doctor (not the other way around) that not all birth controls are gluten free. She responds with "But, you won't die, right? You'll just have a little tummy ache?" No, you meanie head I will be exhausted for days and have an upset stomach for weeks.

However, it's not all bad. I have to admit that I am probably considerably healthier than most of my friends because I literally cannot eat dessert or that Snickers that looks so tasty in the check-out line. Also, if you believe that gluten is bad for you regardless of whether you are in intolerant or not, then I am ahead of the game. I am incredibly aware of what I put in my body and how my body reacts to what I put in it, which I also see as a benefit. Eating gluten free is a challenge at every single meal, especially if i'm not in my own home.

I think that makes me a stronger person.

A Little Extra Help

So I am still kind of struggling to figure out exactly what my body wants to be completely happy. I still often have an upset stomach even if I haven't eaten gluten or dairy. To help with this I take probiotics and cod liver oil every day

Probiotics can help with lots things.

-gastrointestinal (Crohn's, IBS, constipation, diarrhea) problems 

-help prevent vaginal and urinary infections in women

-reduces many negative side effects of antibiotics

-I find it to be pretty helpful when my tummy starts a-grumblin' because it increases the ability to digest food.

Cod liver oil is pretty cool too. 

-if taken during pregnancy, it helps with the coordination of the child!

-can help with acne

-beneficial for eyesight

-and way  more! there are long lists of all the benefits of this nifty fella.

-I use it because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps my intestines to calm down as I probably have

  Leaky Gut Syndrome. (When your intestines are inflamed so toxins leak out into your body, it's not fun)

I find that these two supplements drastically increase my tummy's happiness!

Tasty GF Pizza

Step 1: Sautee up a bunch of veggies. This time I used peppers, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and broccoli (sometimes I add shrimp if I have it.)

Step 2: Throw some BBQ sauce on some GF pizza crust (I use Udi's and it's actually pretty delicious.) Remember to leave about an inch around the edges with no sauce for the crust.

Step 3: Add veggie concoction to saucy crust and bake at 375 for about 7 minutes (a little more if you want it crispier)

Step 4: Enjoy your delicious gluten and dairy free pizza!

-I leave off cheese all together because my stomach doesn't particularly like soy cheese either, but that's up to you!

Eating Seasonably

It is also better for your belly!

Good Old H20

Whenever I feel not quite 100% my first step is always to drink a glass of water. Many people don't realize that lots of common ailments (headaches, back pain, low energy, poor concentration, zits, joint pain, wrinkly skin, poor immune system, etc.) can often be products of dehydration. So next time instead of immediately popping an Aspirin drink a glass of water first and wait a hot minute. Also, don't chug the water as your body absorbs way more of it when you sip it slowly.

Remember, eight glasses a day!

Yummy Snacks

Lately I have rediscovered how delicious yogurt, fruit, and granola is. I use coconut yogurt because coconut is good for settling your tummy, is tasty, and it is dairy free. Just make sure you buy gluten free granola and you've got yourself a healthy and highly yummy snack. 

Organic? Maybe not.

This is an interesting report about Whole Foods and their "organic" products.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=JQ31Ljd9T_Y

How Do I Know If I'm Gluten Free?

There are a lot of reasons people go gluten free. Some are allergic, some intolerant, some have celiac, and some do it simply for the health benefits. It can be hard to pinpoint a gluten allergy because it comes with a wide variety of symptoms. 


For instance:

• upper repository tract problems (sustains, glue ear)
• fatigue
• mouth ulcers
• anaemia
• iron-deficiency anaemia
• osteoporosis
• weight loss
• short stature in children
• diarrhea
• constipation
• abdominal bloating
• crohn's disease
• diverticulitis
• depression
• attention and behavioral problems (in children and adults)
• autism
• skin problems
• keratosis pilaris
• asthma
• irritability
• wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxes

For me, my stomach was constantly uncomfortable, upset, and very sensitive to the touch. I was always bloated, gassy, and often had diarrhea and headaches. I was becoming increasingly apathetic and had no desire to go socialize with my friends. In short, life sucked for a few months there. I started writing down everything that I ate as well as all of my symptoms. My mom is gluten free so I had it on my radar and eventually could see a clear correlation between eating gluten and a lot of my pain.

It can be hard to figure out, but I would advise writing down what you eat and all of your symptoms. Even if you don't end up being gluten free, it could still help you to figure things out!

All About Gluten

What is it?

Okay, so most people have seen catchy little stickers on food boxes that say "Gluten Free," but what is it? Well, gluten is a protein present in most wheats and grains that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough.

What has gluten in it?

When people think gluten they automatically think bread, but don't worry gluten is in a lot more.

Basic foods to avoid:

• barley (malt, malt flavoring, and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
• rye
• triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
• wheat

But don't worry, gluten call be called many different things so you should also avoid:

• bulgur
• durum flour
• farina
• graham flour
• kamut
• semolina
• spelt

Ok, But what does that really mean? Well:

• beer
• breads
• cakes and pies
• candies
• cereals
• cookies and crackers
• croutons
• french fries (yes, they are made from potatoes, but they are often friend in the same grease as floured floods)
• gravies
• imitation meat or seafood
• matzo
• pastas
• processed lunch meats
• salad dressings
• sauces, including soy sauce
• seasoned rice mixes
• seasoned snack foods (such as potato and tortilla chips)
• self-basting poultry
• soups and soup bases
• vegetables in sauces.

Quite the daunting list, huh? I thought so too. It seems as if there's nothing left to eat, but don't worry with a bit of experience eating gluten free really isn't that hard.

Hello!

I am a student at the University of North Carolina at Asheville...and I am intolerant of both gluten and dairy. Fun, huh. This blog will be all about living gluten free in college and not having to eat only cardboard flavored food! I will give general information about how to make living gluten free easier, tasty recipes, helpful hints, news about gluten in the world, and maybe a few tips on simple holistic home remedies.

Hope you enjoy!